This week, we have several small bits of news about Apple’s operating systems. First and most importantly, the company pulled and then re-released the Rapid Security Response updates for iOS 16.5.1, iPadOS 16.5.1, and macOS 13.4.1 to address a website loading problem for sites that stumbled on Safari’s 16.5.2 (a) version number. Apple also released public betas for its forthcoming operating systems, but we don’t recommend installing them unless you have dedicated test hardware and know what you’re doing. Finally, although Apple didn’t see fit to tell us in any release notes, a recent update to macOS Ventura fixed a screen saver bug introduced in version 13.3. For something completely different, Adam Engst reviews Cory Doctorow’s tech thriller Red Team Blues. Notable Mac app releases this week include Safari 16.5.2, Fantastical 3.7.16, Bookends 14.2.2, and Thunderbird 115.
Apple has re-released the recent Rapid Security Responses for its flagship operating systems to plug a WebKit vulnerability that’s being exploited without causing website loading issues. Install the updates as soon as feasible.
Annoyed by the bug in macOS 13.3 Ventura that prevented screen savers from working on multiple displays? Apple quietly fixed it at some point, so as of macOS 13.4.1, you can again enjoy your eye candy on all attached displays.
Apple has opened the public beta program for its forthcoming 2023 operating systems, but remember that these aren’t for everyday use. Only install on devices that you can dedicate to testing!
Adam Engst recommends Cory Doctorow’s latest thriller. It’s an exciting read set in the tech world of today but populated by characters whose history dates back to the 1990s. It’s all fiction, but broad swaths ring surprisingly true.
Watchlist
Patches a serious WebKit security vulnerability in Monterey. (Free, various sizes, macOS 12+)
Calendar app adds support for scheduling Skype Calls. ($56.99 annual subscription, free update, 70 MB, macOS 11+)
Maintenance update with enhancements and bug fixes for the reference management tool. ($59.99 new, free update, 109.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Open-source email client gains a plethora of visual and technical modernizations. (Free, 133.3 MB, macOS 10.12+)
