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Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for 33 years
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Category: Mac & macOS

Adam Engst 4 comments

Howard Oakley Lists Apple System Updates

Trying to remember when macOS 13.2 came out? Turn to Howard Oakley's new System Updates page, which lists all macOS updates by version, sorted chronologically and with links to his coverage.

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 63 comments

The 46 Mac Apps I Actually Use and Why

What third-party apps would you install on a clean Mac to restore your preferred working environment? Adam Engst recently had the opportunity to learn just what apps he really uses—here’s the list.

Adam Engst 46 comments

Level 2 Clean Install of Ventura Solves Deep-Rooted Problems

Faced with recurrent kernel panics and an inexplicable problem on the first boot after installing a minor macOS update, Adam Engst opts for a Level 2 clean install when upgrading to macOS 13 Ventura. What’s a Level 2 clean install? And did it work?

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.

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.

Adam Engst 82 comments

Apple’s File Provider Forces Mac Cloud Storage Changes

As cloud storage services like Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive move from deprecated kernel extensions to Apple’s File Provider extension, Mac users face interface and workflow changes.

Adam Engst 20 comments

iOS 16.3.1, iPadOS 16.3.1, macOS 13.2.1 Ventura, watchOS 9.3.1, tvOS 16.3.2, and HomePod Software 16.3.2 Fix Bugs and Security Vulnerabilities

Responding to a nasty WebKit vulnerability that is being actively exploited in the wild, Apple has released updates to all its current operating systems. We recommend updating soon.

Adam Engst 31 comments

Apple Releases iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, and macOS 13.2 Ventura with Hardware Security Key Support

The latest versions of Apple’s main operating systems add Security Keys for Apple ID, celebrate Black History Month with a new Unity Lock Screen wallpaper and Unity Mosaic Apple Watch face, and fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.

Adam Engst 22 comments

New Mac mini and MacBook Pro Models Powered by M2 Pro and M2 Max

Apple has unveiled its latest Apple silicon chips, the M2 Pro and M2 Max, and announced new M2 and M2 Pro models of the Mac mini, plus M2 Pro and M2 Max models of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Adam Engst 43 comments

Apple Releases iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1 Ventura, watchOS 9.2, and tvOS 16.2

Apple has updated all of its operating systems, adding the Freeform digital whiteboard app, support for Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, Apple Music Sing, Stage Manager on external displays, and various smaller improvements. A fix for a serious security vulnerability encourages updating soon.

Adam Engst 6 comments

Ensure Sufficient Free Space before Upgrading to Ventura

After hearing about Ventura upgrade problems from a reader, Adam Engst did some research to determine that you should try to have at least 37 GB free before upgrading to Ventura. And how you determine that 37 GB might matter.

Adam Engst 31 comments

Visiting an Apple Store: The Value of In-Person Impressions

Adam Engst made his first visit to an Apple Store since before the start of the pandemic and came away with some changed opinions after getting a chance to lay his hands on some recent (and not-so-recent) products. Online ordering is great, but can’t provide the full picture.

Josh Centers 31 comments

iOS 16.1.1, iPadOS 16.1.1, and macOS 13.0.1 Ventura Plug Two Security Holes

iOS 16.1.1, iPadOS 16.1.1, and macOS 13.0.1 Ventura close a couple of concerning security vulnerabilities related to libxml2. Update soon to protect yourself.

Adam Engst 52 comments

OneWorld 65 Combines International Adapter with 65W USB-C Charger

Thanks to gallium nitride technology, OneAdaptr was able to create a svelte 65W USB-C charger that can plug into any international power outlet and lets you charge up to six devices at once.