Last week, Apple released iOS 14.8.1 and iPadOS 14.8.1 to address serious security vulnerabilities and HomePod Software 15.1.1 to fix podcast problems. For those thinking about upgrading to the generally well-received macOS 12 Monterey, Adam Engst looks at some of the issues users are experiencing and maintains his recommendation to wait a bit longer. The recently released iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 introduced FaceTime screen sharing and SharePlay, so Josh Centers and Adam spent hours on FaceTime last week to bring you a guide to these new features. Finally, Adam has another installment of his LittleBITS column that focuses on temporary iCloud space when upgrading devices, a puzzling Screen Time quirk, the recent TidBITS server swap, and an update to the TidBITS News app. Notable Mac app releases this week include OmniOutliner Essentials and Pro 5.9.1, TripMode 3.1, 1Password 7.9.1, OmniFocus 3.12.2, and BusyCal 2021.4.2 and BusyContacts 1.6.2.
Apple has released important security updates for iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 for a variety of vulnerabilities.
Getting an error when you try to play podcasts on your HomePod running HomePod Software 15.1? It’s not you, it’s a bug, and Apple has just released HomePod Software 15.1.1 to resolve it.
While our general advice to hold off on upgrading to macOS 12 Monterey remains in place, Adam Engst shares some thoughts on why Monterey may merit an earlier upgrade than previous versions of macOS. But he also points to some upgrade problems that suggest that we’re not quite there yet.
In the ongoing saga of things rattling around in Adam Engst’s head that don’t merit their own articles, Adam shares the fact of Apple’s new temporary iCloud Backup storage, passes on a story about Screen Time settings inexplicably changing, talks about moving TidBITS to a new virtual private server, and notes an upgrade to the TidBITS News app.
With iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1, you can share your screen over FaceTime and even share synchronized music and movies with others during a FaceTime call. Josh Centers explains how to take advantage of FaceTime screen sharing and SharePlay.
Watchlist
Adds support for macOS 12 Monterey and fixes a couple of bugs. ($9.99/59.99 new, free update, 36.8 MB, macOS 11+)
Data usage control utility adds support for macOS 12 Monterey. ($15 new, free update, 15.7 MB, macOS 11+)
Adds support for hardware security keys as a second factor on your 1Password account when using macOS 12 Monterey. ($35.88 annual subscription, free update, 78.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Fixes a regression introduced in version 3.12.1 related to restoring the selection when changing perspectives. ($39.99 new, free update, 68.5 MB, macOS 11+)
Both apps provide a critical fix for recently changed iCloud app-specific password requirements. ($49.99 new for each, free updates, 48.4/21.2 MB, macOS 10.12+)
