Last week, Apple released watchOS 7.3, iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, and tvOS 14.4. The updates address numerous security vulnerabilities, including two serious exploits, and the watchOS update adds a new face to celebrate Black History Month. Apple completed the update cycle this week with macOS 11.2 Big Sur, which also fixes a handful of bugs and many security vulnerabilities, including those nasty exploits. Despite the world’s broader economic problems, Apple posted a massive Q1 2021, shattering sales records and seeing double-digit growth in all of its product categories. Finally, if you’re pining for Apple’s now-canceled AirPower charging mat, Julio Ojeda-Zapata reviews the Nomad Base Station Pro, a wireless charging mat that lets you put up to three devices down anywhere. Notable Mac app releases this week include SoundSource 5.3, Quicken 6.1, and Security Update 2021-001 (Catalina and Mojave).
Apple has updated watchOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS to fix a troubling security vulnerability that may have been actively exploited in the wild and deal with a few nagging bugs. Plus, watchOS 7.3 adds a new African-themed face for Black History Month. The HomePod mini also gets U1-enhanced handoffs from recent iPhones.
Apple has released macOS 11.2 Big Sur to stamp out a handful of miscellaneous bugs and close numerous security holes.
Posting record results for the last quarter, Apple enjoyed double-digit sales growth for all its product categories and tallied increased revenues in every geographic sector.
Apple’s AirPower never shipped, but the notion of a multi-device wireless charger with flexible positioning lives on. Julio Ojeda-Zapata tried Nomad’s Base Station Pro, a charging pad for up to three arbitrarily placed devices. It mostly works as advertised, but its high cost and technical shortcomings mean it isn’t for everyone.
Watchlist
Big update for the audio control utility that brings faster device switching with in-app keyboard shortcuts. ($39 new, free update, 24.2 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Introduces new reconcile functionality and more consistent behavior for saving reports. ($35.99/51.99/77.99 annual subscription, free update for subscribers, 85.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Patches security vulnerabilities in Catalina and Mojave. (Free, various sizes, macOS 10.15.7 and 10.14.6)
