Welcome to the snazzy new TidBITS issue, which is part of our complete Internet infrastructure overhaul! Adam Engst explains what has changed, but otherwise, the rest of this issue is chock full of Apple news. The company released iOS 11.3, macOS 10.13.4, watchOS 4.3, tvOS 11.3, and even updated the new HomePod to version 11.3 of its software. And at an education-focused event in Chicago, Apple introduced a new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support, updated iWork on the iPad to match, and made some education-specific announcements. Notable software releases this week include iTunes 12.7.4, Security Update 2018-002 (Sierra and El Capitan), Airfoil 5.7.1 and Piezo 1.5.8, KeyCue 8.7, Bookends 13.0.7, and Moneydance 2017.7.
Worried about your iPhone battery? iOS 11.3 tells you if you need a replacement. The latest version of iOS also introduces the beta of Business Chat, shows videos in Apple Music, and features improvements to Safari.
macOS 10.13.4 doesn't add any major features for most users, but it includes some welcome new features and fixes for professional users.
watchOS 4.3 lets you control your HomePod from your Apple Watch, allows the Apple Watch’s Nightstand mode work in any orientation, and shows more information on the Siri watch face. tvOS 11.3 merely lets fourth-generation Apple TV owners play videos in their original frame rate, and HomePod 11.3 fixes bugs.
In a welcome move, Apple has updated the entry-level 9.7-inch iPad with a faster chip, support for the Apple Pencil, and a few enhanced camera features. The price remains the same, starting at $329 for 32 GB.
The iPad versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote gain Apple Pencil support for drawing and writing, along with Smart Annotations. Also, Pages has new ebook creation features.
Apple is a bit of an underdog in the education market, where Google increasingly dominates with inexpensive, easily managed Chromebook laptops. On Tuesday, Apple staged an education-specific press event at a Chicago magnet school to trot out a host of education initiatives meant to make Apple more competitive in the classroom.
We’re extremely pleased to pull back the curtains on our new Web site, which is the main face of a completely revamped Internet infrastructure. Adam Engst explains what we’re trying to achieve and how to make the most of the site.
Watchlist
Adds new music video features to the Apple Music subscription service. (Free, 272 MB)
Patches a number of vulnerabilities in Apple’s last two operating systems. (Free, various sizes)
Adds support for yKey and fixes a few bugs in the keyboard cheat sheet utility. (€19.99 new, free update, 3.9 MB)
Fixes bugs in the document organization and archiving app. ($40 new, free update, 20.0 MB)
Resolves bugs in the personal finance manager. ($49.99 new, free update, 103 MB)
Both apps replace the Instant On component with Rogue Ameoba's new Audio Capture Engine, and Piezo gets improved VoIP support. ($29/$19 new, free updates, 13.6/8.0 MB)
Adds a Recently Viewed group feature to the reference management tool, along with other improvements. ($59.99 new, free update, 46.9 MB)
