This issue’s biggest news comes in our shortest article. Last week, Apple updated nearly all recent versions of its operating systems to block serious security vulnerabilities that are actively being exploited by malware. Update everything soon. Prompted by reader requests, Adam Engst explains how to identify and eliminate abusive Web notifications that attempt to phish personal information from affected users. Adam also shares a neat trick for those who are nearsighted—did you know that your iPhone can stand in for your glasses in a pinch? Finally, Apple expanded its Self Service Repair program, but how many people are using it? Notable Mac app releases this week include Safari 16.5.1, CleanMyMac X 4.13.6, Mimestream 1.0.3, GraphicConverter 12.0.3, Pixelmator Pro 3.3.7, and Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher 2.1.1.
Updates to new and old versions of macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS address kernel and WebKit security vulnerabilities actively exploited in the wild. Install them as soon as you reasonably can.
Apple has expanded its Self Service Repair program to include the iPhone 14 lineup, M1-based Mac desktops, and the M2 models of the 13-inch MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. But is anyone actually using Self Service Repair?
Faced with the need to find his glasses in a dark house, the nearsighted Adam Engst discovers that holding the iPhone in front of his face with the flash-enabled Camera app running lets him see perfectly.
There’s nothing new about notification adware, system-level alerts from malicious websites that try to lure you into sharing login credentials, credit card info, or other personal information. A recent uptick in reports caused Adam Engst to explore the topic more deeply to help readers learn to identify and eliminate abusive notifications.
Watchlist
Patches a serious WebKit security vulnerability in Monterey. (Free, various sizes, macOS 12+)
Brings improvements and bug fixes to the Mac maintenance utility. ($89.95 new, free update, 109 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Maintenance update for the Gmail-specific email app, which recently graduated to 1.0 status. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 12 MB, macOS 12+)
Adds direct access to saved Smart Folders and Smart Searches and improves QR code creation. ($39.95 new, free update, 230 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Photo editor introduces new Frequency Separation and Low Pass effects. ($49.99 new, free update, 574 MB, macOS 11+)
Maintenance releases focused on bug fixes for the three Affinity graphic design apps. ($69.99 new for each, free updates, various sizes, macOS 10.15+)
