In what may be the final feature release of its 2022 family of operating systems, Apple rolled out iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5, macOS 13.4 Ventura, watchOS 9.5, tvOS 16.5, and HomePod Software 16.5 with sports-related improvements and bug fixes. tvOS now offers a multiview option for watching up to four games simultaneously, and Apple News provides a Sports section that focuses on game scores, recaps, and more. The updates also bring essential security fixes, some of which migrate down to older versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Drobo has switched to a self-service support model and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, suggesting that Drobo owners should start researching alternative storage solutions. After relating all these facts, publisher Adam Engst explains why TidBITS doesn’t cover rumors to avoid participating in the corrosive spiral they engender in the industry. Notable Mac app releases this week include Safari 16.5, macOS Monterey 12.6.6 and Big Sur 11.7.7, Fantastical 3.7.13, Default Folder X 5.7.7, PopChar X 9.5, BusyCal 2023.2.2, Parallels Desktop 18.3, Microsoft Office for Mac 16.73, Pixelmator Pro 3.3.3, and Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher 2.1.
Apple has now released iOS 15.7.6 and iPadOS 15.7.6 to address a bunch of security vulnerabilities, three of which are actively being exploited in the wild and two of which were fixed in the new operating systems' Rapid Security Responses. Update immediately.
StorCentric and subsidiary Drobo have recently converted their mid-2022 Chapter 11 bankruptcies to Chapter 7, implying that it's unlikely they'll recover. If you use a Drobo storage device, it's time to look for replacements.
An online poster who leaked accurate Apple corporate secrets says they received them from a family member but have now been found out by Apple. Both face possible legal repercussions, and Apple reportedly fired the family member. Adam Engst explores the enticing but corrosive nature of both providing and consuming rumors.
The latest updates to Apple’s operating systems increase the visibility of sports in Apple News and bring four-up multiview sports games to the Apple TV 4K. Otherwise, there are just a few bug fixes and a new Pride Celebration wallpaper and watch face. Most important are the security updates, which explain the Rapid Security Responses and address another zero-day exploit.
Watchlist
Patches five WebKit security vulnerabilities in Monterey and Big Sur. (Free, various sizes, macOS 11+)
Security patches for Monterey and Big Sur. (Free, various sizes, macOS 12 and 11)
Adds support for finding events and tasks in Shortcuts. ($56.99 annual subscription, free update, 69.1 MB, macOS 11+)
Maintenance release with improvements and bug fixes for the Open/Save dialog utility. ($34.95 new, free update, 13.7 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Adds full support for macOS 13 Ventura. ($29.99 new, free update, 5.2 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Brings improvements for push sync to Exchange and Office 365 accounts. ($49.99 new, free update, 54.6 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Brings improvements and stability updates to the virtualization software. ($99.99 Standard Edition, free update, macOS 10.14.6+)
Outlook-focused update for the office suite. ($149.99 new for one-time purchase, $99.99/$69.99 annual subscription options, free update, macOS 10.15+)
Adds support for the just-released Photomator for Mac. ($49.99 new, free update, 572 MB, macOS 11+)
Brings hundreds of improvements and bug fixes to the three Affinity graphic design apps. ($69.99 new for each, free updates, various sizes, macOS 10.15+)
