Apple publishes iOS, iPadOS 16.4.1, macOS 13.3.1 with emoji and Siri fixes

Apple publishes bug fix release addressing skin tone customizations for hand emoji and Siri responses. macOS addresses issue with Mac unlock with Apple Watch.

Update also incorporates security updates.

No developer-facing features are reported in this update.

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Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 16.3, watchOS 9.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2

Apple publishes updates to some of its operating systems. iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and macOS 13.2 get updates. tvOS and HomePod software are not yet updated. Also, no new Xcode is released.

This update also brings iCloud Advanced Data Protection to all users worldwide.

iOS 16.3

This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

  • New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month
  • Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process on new devices
  • Support for HomePod (2nd generation)
  • Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing in order to prevent inadvertent emergency calls
  • Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards
  • Addresses an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the Lock Screen
  • Fixes an issue where horizontal lines may temporarily appear while waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • Fixes an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget does not accurately display Home app status
  • Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly to music requests
  • Resolves issues where Siri requests in CarPlay may not be understood correctly

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

iPadOS 16.3

This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

  • Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process on new devices
  • Support for HomePod (2nd generation)
  • Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards
  • Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly to music requests

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

watchOS 9.3

watchOS 9.3 includes new features, improvements and bug fixes, including new Unity Mosaic watch face to honor Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

macOS Ventura 13.2

This update introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, and includes other enhancements and bug fixes for your Mac.

  • Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key to sign in
  • Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards
  • Fixes an issue where VoiceOver may stop offering audio feedback while you are typing

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices. For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Updates to previous platforms

Apple also updates OS releases for devices which could be be updated to latest software. These updates were releases with security fixes:

  • iOS 12.5.7
  • iOS 15.7.3
  • iPadOS 15.7.3
  • macOS Big Sur 11.7.3
  • macOS Monterey 12.6.3

References:

Apple releases iOS, iPadOS 16.1.1 and macOS 13.0.1

Apple today releases bug fix and security updates to its mobile and desktop operating systems.

Some of the issues fixed by this update include spontaneous WiFi disconnects reported by some iPhone users.

Also, Apple now limits AirDrop 'Everyone' access to 10 minutes in China addressing AirDrop spam that could be delivered, if user forgets to put more restrictive access mode for AirDrop.

This change though could be also a result of China regulators trying to limit spread of anti-government materials. This change seems to be affecting only devices bought in China and is not affected by regional settings in the operating system.

References:

Apple releases iOS 16, watchOS 9, also updates previous major releases and Safari for macOS

Monday morning brings new releases for Apple hardware.

These are updates available today:

  • iOS 16, watchOS 9 and tvOS 16 as new major releases
  • Xcode 14
  • HomePod software 16
  • iOS/iPadOS 15.7, macOS 12.6 Monterey with security fixes
  • Safari 16 for macOS 12 Monterey

Apple continues practice of offering both updates to current major release and brand new release.

Also, some features like Live Activities are not yet live in iOS 16 and expected later this year.

Apple Support:

Apple Newsroom:

References:

Safari 15.6.1 for macOS Catalina and Big Sur is released

Following recent OS updates Apple publishes new Safari for older macOS releases.

Recommended update

Vulnerabilities fixed by this update are currently already used, so this update is strongly recommended.

Vulnerabilities fixed by this update are currently already used, so this update is strongly recommended.

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Apple reports that iCloud bug causing sync issues is fixed

Apple seems to be responding to developers' reports regarding issues with iCloud.

https://twitter.com/bhansmeyer/status/1486396104002392069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1486396104002392069%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=file%3A%2F%2F%2FApplications%2FNetNewsWire.app%2FContents%2FResources%2F

However, it is still important to monitor system status for current outstanding iCloud issues.

Apple Support: System Status

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