Apple has pushed out yet another set of security-focused updates to its operating systems to block a full exploit chain—install them soon! If you’re getting a new iPhone 15, note that you need to update it to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data from your old iPhone. Firmware updates for most AirPods provide new capabilities and improved Automatic Switching, but the second-generation AirPods Pro benefit the most. Slack has pushed a significant interface redesign on its users; if you’re unhappy about losing the workspace sidebar, Adam Engst explains how to get it back. We also look briefly at the Orion app, which turns a USB-C iPad into an external HDMI monitor, the NewClimate Institute’s response to Apple’s claims of carbon neutral Apple Watches, and a pair of bits from iFixit dropping the iPhone 14 repairability score and putting the FineWoven fabric under a microscope. Notable Mac app releases this week include Safari 16.6.1, 1Password 8.10.16, Fantastical 3.8 and Cardhop 2.2.12, Photos Workbench 1.2, Timing 2023.5.1, Final Cut Pro 10.6.9, Compressor 4.6.6, and Motion 5.6.6, GraphicConverter 12.0.5, Pages 13.2, Numbers 13.2, and Keynote 13.2, Affinity Designer, Photo, and Publisher 2.2, Default Folder X 6.0, Agenda 18.1.1, SpamSieve 3.0, Zoom 5.16.1, and Unite 5.0.1.
Updates for macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 12 Monterey, iOS 17 and 16, iPadOS 17 and 16, and watchOS 10 and 9 fix a trio of security vulnerabilities likely being used to install the NSO Group's Pegasus spyware. Install the updates soon.
A bug in iOS 17 can cause a hang while transferring data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone 15. Update to iOS 17.0.2 first!
New AirPods firmware updates promise to improve the Automatic Switching experience for all AirPods, add a new press-to-mute feature for most models, and bring new Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume features to the second-generation AirPods Pro.
Has your Slack interface changed recently, dropping the workspace sidebar in favor of another one that replicates capabilities available in the channel sidebar? Read on for the trick necessary to bring back a permanent sidebar of your workspaces.
Watchlist
Patches a WebKit security vulnerability in Monterey and Big Sur. (Free, various sizes, macOS 11+)
Brings improvements and bug fixes to the password manager. ($35.88 annual subscription, free update, 4.88 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Introduces new interactive Event List + Calendar widgets that require macOS 14 Sonoma. ($56.99 annual subscription, free update, 70 MB, macOS 11+)
Organization and management companion utility for Apple’s Photos adds compatibility with macOS 14 Sonoma. ($29 new, free update, 5.9 MB, macOS 12+)
Introduces a vertical timeline to the time and productivity tracking app. ($96 annual subscription, free update, 25.4 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Adds support for log-encoded video shot on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. ($299.99/$49.99/$49.99 new, free updates, various sizes, macOS 12.6+)
Brings numerous new features, improvements, and bug fixes to the Swiss Army knife of graphics programs. ($39.95 new, free update, 243.1 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Adds support for 3D objects to the three iWork apps. (Free, various sizes, macOS 12.3+)
Brings support for macOS 14 Sonoma and various improvements to the three Affinity graphic design apps. ($69.99 new for each, free updates, various sizes, macOS 10.15+)
Major upgrade for the Open/Save dialog utility that brings support for macOS 14 Sonoma and introduces a new Quick Search window. ($39.95 new, upgrades available, 17.2 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Adds support for widget changes in macOS 14 Sonoma. (Free with a $34.99 Premium subscription or $119.99 one-time Premium purchase, free update for subscribers, 72.9 MB, macOS 10.14+)
Major upgrade for the spam-filtering utility adds compatibility with macOS 14 Sonoma. ($39.99 new, $19.99 upgrade, 46.4 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Updates the video conferencing app with numerous improvements and bug fixes. (Free, 112 MB, macOS 10.10+)
Major upgrade for site-specific Web browser app that turns Web sites into customizable, native Mac app. ($29.99 new, $19.99 upgrade, 15.6 MB, macOS 12+)
