Walk, don’t run, to download Apple’s latest operating system updates, which correct a Podcasts annoyance, fix a few bugs, and plug security vulnerabilities—the updates are welcome but not essential to install immediately. Last week, Apple also announced that the iPod touch will remain available only as long as supplies last, marking the end of the iPod line. For those who use both an iPhone and Linux on the desktop, a bit of good news: the KDEConnect app is now available for the iPhone and iPad, bringing some integration between the platforms. In his latest Bad Apple column, Adam Engst chastises Apple for how file deletion by participants in shared iCloud Drive folders could easily lead to accidental data loss. Notable Mac app releases this week include BBEdit 14.1.2, Audio Hijack 4.0.3, Mimestream 0.35.2, BusyCal 2022.2.2, Bookends 14.0.8, Ulysses 26, macOS Big Sur 11.6.6, and Security Update 2022-004 Catalina.
In what may be the final release of the iOS 15/macOS 12 cycle to include more than bug fixes and security updates, Apple has updated all its operating systems with some improvements to Podcasts and Wallet, plus bug fixes and security updates.
After 20 years, Apple has announced the end of the iPod line with the discontinuation of the iPod touch. If you want one, you can still buy an iPod touch while supplies last.
KDE Connect has long enabled tight integration between Linux desktops and Android phones. Now it’s officially available for the iPhone and iPad.
iCloud Drive folder sharing has been around since macOS 10.15 Catalina, which makes it all the less acceptable that someone with whom the folder is shared can delete a file permanently and with only one possible—and unmentioned by Apple—option for recovery.
Watchlist
Maintenance release with bug fixes and refinements to existing features. ($49.99 new, free update, 22.4 MB, macOS 10.14.2+)
Wide-ranging maintenance update with a plethora of improvements and bug fixes for the audio-recording workflow app. ($64 new, free update, 29.1 MB, macOS 10.14.4+)
Brings a number of new features to the native macOS client for Gmail. (Free, 9.9 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Adds a multitude of new Notification Center widgets for macOS 11 Big Sur and later. ($49.99 new, free update, 55.8 MB, macOS 10.12+)
Makes changes in how data is imported from the JSTOR database. ($59.99 new, free update, 101 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Adds a few new features to the macOS edition of the writing app. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 33.1 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Security patches for Big Sur and Catalina. (Free, various sizes, macOS 11 and 10.15)
