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Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for 36 years
and the TidBITS Content Network for Apple professionals

Category: Mac & macOS

Adam Engst 18 comments

The Real System Requirements for OS 26

For the most part, Apple has only dropped a few older models from its compatibility lists. However, that includes several Intel-based Macs, and the company has also clarified how much longer the remaining supported models will receive updates.

Adam Engst 71 comments

Major Changes Coming in OS 26

Apple has once again overwhelmed us with a torrent of announcements during its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote. Adam Engst highlights those he believes will have the most significant impact on our Apple experience when they launch later this year.

Adam Engst 57 comments

Apple Operating Systems Jump to 26?

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple will switch its operating system version numbering scheme from the current mess to identifying them by years. It’s about time.

Adam Engst 34 comments

AppBITS: Jettison Solves macOS Disk Ejection Annoyances

Are you constantly fighting with macOS over your external disks, either forgetting to eject them before unplugging their cables or being unable to eject them due to some unidentified open file? St. Clair Software’s Jettison may be the solution.

Adam Engst 27 comments

Apple Releases iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, and Other x.5 OS Updates

Apple’s latest operating system updates deliver security fixes, Screen Time notifications for parents, and a few minor improvements and bug fixes.

Adam Engst 19 comments

Apple’s x.4.1 OS Updates Patch Exploited Security Vulnerabilities

Apple has released updates for its primary operating systems to address two actively exploited security vulnerabilities. iOS users also gain fixes for wireless CarPlay, while macOS enterprise users see improved update reliability.

Adam Engst 56 comments

Apple Releases iOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, and Other x.4 OS Updates

Apple’s latest operating system updates bring Apple Intelligence to more languages and regions, improve Photos organization, expand Mail categorization to the Mac and iPad, and address what must be a record number of security vulnerabilities.

Adam Engst 15 comments

Apple Updates Keep Malicious Web Content in the Sandbox

Apple has released operating system updates to address a serious WebKit vulnerability that surfaced 14 months ago. The latest version of this vulnerability also affects Google Chrome.

Adam Engst 38 comments

Apple Delays “More Personalized” Siri

In a rare move, Apple said it is delaying enhanced Siri features that would have offered awareness of personal context and the capability to perform complex actions across apps. Adam Engst argues that Apple should instead prioritize ensuring Siri works more reliably and consistently across devices.

Adam Engst 27 comments

Apple Updates Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra Chips

Apple has updated the Mac Studio for the first time since 2023, replacing the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra. The new models offer significant performance gains, increase maximum memory from 192 GB to 512 GB, boost storage limits from 8 TB to 16 TB, and add Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.

Adam Engst 23 comments

M4 MacBook Air Cuts Price, Boosts Performance, Camera, and Display Support

Apple has unveiled the M4 MacBook Air, featuring a more powerful M4 chip, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera, true dual-display support, and a lower price. Adam Engst explains how it sets a new standard for Apple’s lightweight laptop.

Adam Engst 33 comments

Security Updates for macOS 15.3.1, watchOS 11.3.1, and visionOS 2.3.1

Apple’s latest updates for macOS, watchOS, and visionOS focus on resolving undisclosed vulnerabilities. Install them sooner rather than later.

Adam Engst 42 comments

Apple’s January 2025 OS Updates Enhance Apple Intelligence, Fix Bugs

Apple has released its third major operating system update, including macOS 15.3 Sequoia, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3. These updates improve the Apple Intelligence notification summaries, enhance Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16 users, bring Genmoji to the Mac, and add repeated operations to the Calculator app. They also fix a zero-day security vulnerability.

Adam Engst 31 comments

Apple Intelligence to Be Enabled on All Compatible Devices

Apple’s upcoming operating system updates will make Apple Intelligence the default, sparking widespread reactions. Adam Engst delves into why Apple is making this decision and offers guidance on the implications of embracing or deactivating the broad feature set.

Adam Engst 153 comments

It’s Time to Move On from Bootable Backups

Adam Engst investigates how macOS 15.2 Sequoia introduced a bug in Apple Software Restore that breaks bootable backups of M-series Macs. He provides guidance for adapting your backup strategy to accommodate a world without bootable backups.