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Adam Engst 43 comments

Apple Releases macOS 14.4, watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4, HomePod Software 17.4, and visionOS 1.1

After the release of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 earlier in the week, there was little question that Apple would soon push out updates to the rest of its operating systems. That has now happened, and we recommend updating quickly to protect against several zero-day vulnerabilities.

Adam Engst 21 comments

iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 Add Podcast Transcripts, Fix Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Apple has released updates to the last three versions of iOS and iPadOS, adding features and fixing security vulnerabilities in iOS/iPadOS 17, addressing vulnerabilities in iOS/iPadOS 16, and fixing bugs in iOS/iPadOS 15.

Adam Engst 45 comments

New M3 MacBook Air Models Can Drive Two Displays

Apple has introduced M3 versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, increasing performance, enabling them to drive two external displays, and updating them to more modern wireless networking standards.

Adam Engst 3 comments

Apple Hit with $2 Billion EU Fine for App Store Restrictions

The European Commission has fined Apple about $2 billion for preventing app developers from telling iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription options outside their apps. Apple is appealing.

Adam Engst 6 comments

Do You Use It? How TidBITS Readers Install macOS Updates

The results of our poll asking how TidBITS readers engage with macOS updates reveal that most people stick with Apple’s default settings and follow our advice about how quickly to install. That’s good!

Adam Engst 51 comments

Apple Reportedly Cancels Electric Car Project

So much for Project Titan and our fantasy of driving an Apple Car, but many of the affected employees will move to Apple’s artificial intelligence division to work on generative AI.

Adam Engst 74 comments

Do You Use It? Software Update on the Mac

This week's Do You Use It? poll asks several questions about how when and how you install macOS updates.

Adam Engst 18 comments

toketaWare Shuts Down, Orphaning iThoughtsX Mind-Mapping Software

Although iThoughts will no longer receive updates, the Mac, iOS, and Windows apps should continue to run, and downloads, license codes, and documentation remain available.

Adam Engst 7 comments

New iMessage PQ3 Encryption Protocol Protects Against Post-Quantum Attacks

In the upcoming iOS 17, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4 Sonoma, and watchOS 10.4, Apple will start rolling out the PQ3 encryption protocol for iMessage conversations to protect them against attacks made possible by future quantum computers.

Marc Zeedar 26 comments

Apple’s Vision Pro Is Compelling… In the Future

Self-professed “sucker for gadgets” Marc Zeedar shares his experiences with the Vision Pro, which are largely positive despite some awkward interactions due to needing to wear hard contacts.

Adam Engst 38 comments

Apple Launches iPhone Sports App

Apple has released a free Apple Sports app for the iPhone with schedules, scores, and standings for a handful of professional and college sports. It's only available the in US, UK, and Canada, and shows betting odds by default.

Adam Engst 13 comments

How to Choose a Fast External SSD for Your Mac

Howard Oakley explains what you need to know to pick an external SSD with the necessary specs to provide the maximum possible performance.

Adam Engst No comments

Beware Forged Phishing Messages from TidBITS Talk

Several TidBITS readers have alerted us to phishing messages that purport to be from TidBITS Talk. They’re not, of course, and should be marked as spam, but they serve as a warning for why it’s essential pay attention to email.

Adam Engst 7 comments

Apple in 2023: The Six Colors Report Card

Jason Snell of Six Colors has released his ninth annual Apple report card, featuring ratings and quotes from a select group of Apple commentators, including many from TidBITS.

Adam Engst 16 comments

Arc Gains Instant Links, Tab Grouping, and Arc Search iPhone App

The Browser Company has been busy with its Arc Web browser, adding features to speed up searching, organize tab clutter, and more. Also new is an Arc Search app for the iPhone.