Apple releases iOS 16.2 and other platforms

Following recent RC Apple now releases iOS/iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1 Ventura, watchOS 9.2 and tvOS 16.2. Xcode 14.2 is also released.

HomePodOS received corresponding update (which is required for Home updates and Matter support).

Apple also releases security bug fixes for previous OS releases - iOS 15 and macOS 11 Big Sur and macOS 12 Monterey.

This update brings several important updates:

Apple Newsroom: Apple launches Freeform: a powerful new app designed for creative collaboration

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Apple publishes RC for iOS 16.2 and other platforms

Following the announcement of new security features, Apple publishes RC for its platforms supporting the Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

Notably, new Xcode RC is also published.

Other notable feature in this RC is recently announced Apple Music Sing – karaoke-like mode where users could sign along with Apple Music songs.

AirDrop will now limit access setting "Everyone" to 10 minutes for all users, and not just China as it was in previous beta.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes:

Apple Newsroom: Apple introduces Apple Music Sing

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Apple’s own subscriptions see price increase

Apple announces price increases for Apple Music and Apple TV+ subscriptions. This will affect Apple One costs.

Apple Music gets $1 price increase for individual and $2 for family plans (per month price).

Apple TV+ gets $2 price increase for monthly plan.

Apple One prices are increased $2 for individual, and $3 for family and premier plans.

Notably, iCloud storage prices remain the same.

Reference: Apple Increasing Pricing of Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple One

Apple releases first macOS 12.2 Monterey beta

Just after release of macOS 12.1 Monterey Apple publishes first beta of macOS 12.2.

Notable change in new beta is rewrite of Apple Music app. It is now uses native controls instead of web-like experience.

Some reports are attributing this to internal Apple framework called JET which should allow porting of web apps to use native controls on macOS.

Also Apple Silicon Mac users report smoother scrolling in Safari.

Beta download: Beta Software Download

Release notes: macOS Monterey 12.2 Beta Release Notes (release notes do not show any changes for this beta)

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