Tag: Protection

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 watchOS 9.3 With New Watch Face, Bug Fixes
• Apple releases macOS 13.2 with support for Security Keys, 20 security fixes, and more
• Apple gives some older iPhones OS updates, going back to iPhone 5s
• iOS 16.3 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.3

One of the updates coming to upcoming release is availability of iCloud Advanced Data Protection for all users worldwide.

Reference: iOS 16.3 brings iCloud Advanced Data Protection feature to all users worldwide

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:

• iCloud Advanced Data Protection;
• Support for Rapid Security Responses;
• Freeform application;
• Apple Music Sing;
• New Apple Watch workout modes;
• Apple Home reliability improvements;
• iPadOS external display support.

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

References:

• iOS 16.2 rolling out today with Apple Music Sing, Freeform app, much more
• Apple Releases New HomePod 16.2 Software
• Apple Releases iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 With Freeform, Apple Music Sing, Advanced Data Protection and More
• Apple Releases watchOS 9.2 With Outdoor Workout Improvements, Crash Detection Optimizations, Noise App Tweaks and More
• Apple Releases tvOS 16.2 with Apple Music Sing, TV App Tweaks and More
• iPadOS 16.2 and Stage Manager for External Displays: Work in Progress, But Worth the Wait
• Apple Releases macOS Ventura 13.1 With Freeform, Advanced Data Protection, Find My Improvements and More
• Freeform Leverages the Freedom and Flexibility of a Blank Canvas
• Apple's Advanced Data Protection feature is here - what you need to know
• iPadOS 16.2 brings these improvements for Stage Manager, plus AirTag tracking alerts
• Hands on with Apple's Freeform collaborative brainstorming app
• watchOS 9.2 now available for Apple Watch; here’s everything new
• iOS 16.2 patches over a dozen security vulnerabilities, iOS 15.7.2 also available with fixes
• Apple Music launches collection of playlists with songs perfect for ‘Sing’ karaoke feature
• iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2
• macOS 13.1
• iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 Fix Over 30 Security Vulnerabilities
• Xcode 14.2 released with support for iOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1
• Xcode 14.2 Release
• Apple Watch Ultra gains battery improvement with watchOS 9.2 and Multisport workouts
• New Apple Music Sing Playlists Now Available in iOS 16.2
• 9to5Mac Daily: December 13, 2022 – Everything new in iOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, and more
• iOS 16.2 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.2

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:

• iOS & iPadOS 16.2 Release Notes
• macOS Ventura 13.1 Release Notes
• watchOS 9.2 Release Notes
• tvOS 16.2 Release Notes
• Xcode 14.2 RC Release Notes

Apple Newsroom: Apple introduces Apple Music Sing

References:

• Apple Music Adding a Karaoke Experience With Apple Music Sing
• Apple Seeds Release Candidate Versions of iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2
• Apple Music Sing Now Available in iOS 16.2 Release Candidate
• Apple Expanding 10-Minute 'Everyone' AirDrop Limit to All Users With iOS 16.2

Apple announces new security features coming this and next year. These include iMessage public key notifications, Apple ID hardware security keys and end-to-end encryption for more iCloud data.

iMessage Contact Key Verification

iMessage will now notify when your contact's public key is changed (which could be a result of unwanted new device being added to the account). With this feature it will be easier to catch the moment when somebody is eavesdropping on the conversation.

This feature to become generally available in 2023 worldwide.

Security Keys for Apple ID

Apple will provide support for hardware security keys for Apple ID authentication. This might provide extra security measure for those who need better protection for their data.

This feature will be available in early 2023 worldwide.

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

Apple adds end-to-end encryption to more iCloud data types, including Notes and iCloud Backups. Major data types not yet covered by end-to-end encryption are Mail, Contacts and Calendars.

Notable, data protection for iCloud is opt-on feature, so users have to enable it themselves.

This feature is available in the US today in beta, and should be available for general users in US later in 2022. Worldwide rollout is expected in early 2023. 

Apple Newsroom: Apple advances user security with powerful new data protections

Apple updated anti-malware protection tools to macOS. Now macOS scans for malware proactively.

Until XProtect Remediator arrived in macOS 12.3 last March, system tools for tackling malware were essentially limited to XProtect and MRT. XProtect was mainly used to check apps and other code which had a quarantine flag set, against a list of signatures of known malware, and can only detect. While Apple has broadened its scope to check more frequently, and continues to update those signatures every couple of weeks, they have their limits. MRT ran scans to both detect and remove (‘remediate’) known malware, most noticeably shortly after startup, but infrequently.

The Electric Light Company

References:

• macOS now scans for malware whenever it gets a chance
• Apple Has Made Major Updates to macOS Malware Protection in 2022
• Apple reportedly introduced major under-the-hood security updates to macOS this year

Apple introduces several new tools that provide protection for children in iOS 15. These tools include: communication safety in Messages, on-device CSAM detection, Siri and Search guidance.