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Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for 33 years
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Category: iPhone, iPad, & iOS

Adam Engst 12 comments

Solve Myopia in a Pinch with an iPhone

Faced with the need to find his glasses in a dark house, the nearsighted Adam Engst discovers that holding the iPhone in front of his face with the flash-enabled Camera app running lets him see perfectly. 

Adam Engst 23 comments

The Real System Requirements for Apple’s 2023 Operating Systems

Apple’s upcoming operating systems have broad hardware support, but devils dance in the details. Macs and iPhones from 2017 fall by the wayside this year, though a few 2017-era iPads soldier on. Older devices that are generally compatible won’t be able to take advantage of all the new features. Read on to find out what your devices will support.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 15 comments

Another Dozen Compelling Features Coming to Apple’s Operating Systems in 2023

Apple has pulled back the curtains on the new features it is adding to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14 Sonoma, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. Adam Engst recently wrote about his top features; here are 12 more that caught Julio Ojeda-Zapata’s eye. 

Adam Engst 65 comments

12 Compelling Features Coming to Apple’s Operating Systems in 2023

Apple has pulled back the curtains on the new features it’s adding to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 15, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. Here are the 12 that Adam Engst finds the most immediately interesting.

Adam Engst 27 comments

Apple to Shut Down My Photo Stream on 26 July 2023

Apple has announced that My Photo Stream will shut down in 2 months. If you find its syncing capabilities useful, consider switching to iCloud Photos, which may require paying Apple for iCloud+ storage.

Adam Engst 9 comments

Sports and Bugs in tvOS 16.5, macOS 13.4 Ventura, iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5, watchOS 9.5, and HomePod Software 16.5

The latest updates to Apple’s operating systems increase the visibility of sports in Apple News and bring four-up multiview sports games to the Apple TV 4K. Otherwise, there are just a few bug fixes and a new Pride Celebration wallpaper and watch face. Most important are the security updates, which explain the Rapid Security Responses and address another zero-day exploit.

Adam Engst No comments

iOS 15.7.6 and iPadOS 15.7.6 Incorporate Rapid Security Response Fixes

Apple has now released iOS 15.7.6 and iPadOS 15.7.6 to address a bunch of security vulnerabilities, three of which are actively being exploited in the wild and two of which were fixed in the new operating systems' Rapid Security Responses. Update immediately.

Adam Engst 20 comments

iPhone COVID-19 Exposure Notifications Shut Down

The little-used COVID-19 exposure notification system built into iOS is being shut down. It's a shame that it wasn't adopted broadly enough to make a more significant difference in the infection numbers and death toll to date.

Adam Engst 15 comments

What Are Rapid Security Responses and Why Are They Important?

Apple has released the first Rapid Security Responses to iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1. Adam Engst explains what a Rapid Security Response is and why they should see significantly faster adoption than traditional updates.

Adam Engst 75 comments

How a Passcode Thief Can Lock You Out of Your iCloud Account, Possibly Permanently

A follow-up to the Wall Street Journal’s investigation into Apple’s problematic iPhone security design reveals that victims are being locked out of their iCloud accounts.

Adam Engst No comments

iOS 15.7.5 and iPadOS 15.7.5 Address Serious Security Vulnerabilities

Playing catchup with last week's urgent updates, Apple has now released iOS 15.7.5 and iPadOS 15.7.5 to address two concerning security vulnerabilities that are actively being exploited in the wild.

Adam Engst 13 comments

iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1 Address Serious Security Vulnerabilities, Fix Bugs

We recommend updating iPhones, iPads, and Macs to protect against two security vulnerabilities that are actively being exploited in the wild. iOS and iPadOS also address issues with Siri, and macOS fixes problems with Auto Unlock with an Apple Watch.

Kirk McElhearn 94 comments

Apple Music Classical (Mostly) Plays the Right Chords

People unfamiliar with classical music who want to discover new music will find the Apple Music Classical app more than sufficient. Classical music fans familiar with the genre and looking for uncommon recordings will find it somewhat frustrating.

Adam Engst 4 comments

iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4 Provide Security Fixes

Alongside its current operating systems, Apple has released iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4 to address a slew of security vulnerabilities, one of which is actively being exploited in the wild.

Adam Engst 58 comments

Apple Releases iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, macOS 13.3 Ventura, watchOS 9.4, tvOS 16.4, and HomePod Software 16.4

It’s update day at Apple again, with updates to all the company’s operating systems. A few changes may be particularly welcome, including Voice Isolation for cellular calls, duplicate handling in an iCloud Shared Photo Library, and Web app notifications.