22 January 2024 Show full articles

#1691: OS updates with Stolen Device Protection, unwanted Sonoma upgrades, external payments in apps, adjusting touch duration, Blood Oxygen disabled

Apple has released a slew of operating system updates, including iOS 17.3 with Stolen Device Protection and support for AirPlay to select hotel TVs, collaborative playlists in Apple Music, and more AppleCare and warranty info. Otherwise, the updates mainly provide unspecified improvements and security fixes. We’re hoping Apple fixes a bug that has caused Ventura and Monterey users to be upgraded to Sonoma without their explicit permission—Adam explains the problem and how to prevent it. He also passes on a little-known option for adjusting long press duration on the iPhone and iPad and looks at the practical upshot of the Apple vs. Epic antitrust case. Finally, Apple has disabled the Blood Oxygen app in new models of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 while its appeal of an import ban works its way through the US federal appeals court. Notable Mac app releases this week include Bookends 14.2.8.

You can adjust the length of time necessary for a touch-and-hold action to activate. That might be a welcome customization for many people.

The Epic vs. Apple antitrust lawsuit is finally over. Although Apple won on most counts, the judge ruled it had to allow developers to link to external payment systems rather than using in-app purchases. That may start happening soon.

Apple has released a large set of operating system updates, including iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS 14.3 Sonoma, watchOS 10.3, tvOS 17.3, HomePod Software 17.3, macOS 13.6.4 Ventura, macOS 12.7.3 Monterey, iOS 16.7.5 and iPadOS 16.7.5, and iOS 15.8.1 and iPadOS 15.8.1. New features include Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3 and Apple Music collaborative playlists.

Some macOS 13 Ventura and macOS 12 Monterey users are being upgraded to macOS 14 Sonoma after dismissing notifications that encourage an upgrade. It’s a nasty bug, but the TidBITS Talk community has some advice on how to avoid the forced upgrade.

Watchlist

Reference management tool adds support for those with an ORCID identifier. ($59.99 new, free update, 111.8 MB, macOS 10.13+)

ExtraBITS

While Apple’s appeal of the International Trade Commission import ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is being decided, the company has disabled the blood oxygen feature so it can continue sales of those models in the US.

#1691: OS updates with Stolen Device Protection, unwanted Sonoma upgrades, external payments in apps, adjusting touch duration, Blood Oxygen disabled

Adjust Touch Duration for Haptic Touch on the iPhone and iPad

App Store Apps May Start Including Payment Links to External Websites

iOS 17.3 Stands Out from Other OS Updates with Stolen Device Protection

Ventura and Monterey Users: Beware Unwanted Sonoma Upgrades

Watchlist

Bookends 14.2.8

ExtraBITS

Apple Disables Blood Oxygen App in New Apple Watches