Apple
Apple has launched the ultimate variations of macOS 13.1, iOS 16.2, and iPadOS 16.2 to the general public after just a few weeks of beta testing. In addition to the usual bug fixes and safety patches, these updates embody the collaborative Freeform app that was introduced on the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, elevated use of end-to-end encryption for iCloud information, and (for iPhones) the vocal-reducing, karaoke-friendly Apple Music Sing characteristic.
Freeform makes use of your AppleID and iCloud to sync adjustments on a big, bulletin board-esque canvas between a number of customers in actual time. Input can embody typed textual content, photos, recordsdata and paperwork, shapes, and handwritten textual content or photos achieved with an Apple Pencil, creating one thing that’s related in kind to a shared be aware or doc however with extra enter flexibility. Users can have a number of boards shared with totally different teams of individuals, speaking in actual time through Messages or FaceTime.
The iCloud encryption additions are grouped collectively beneath the “Advanced Data Protection” banner, and so they increase the service’s use of end-to-end encryption. Device backups for iPhones and iPads could be absolutely encrypted, as can Safari bookmarks and information from the Photos, Notes, Voice Memos, Reminders, Shortcuts, and Wallet apps. Calendar and Mail information stay unencrypted “due to the necessity to interoperate with the worldwide electronic mail, contacts, and calendar methods.”
Advanced Data Protection additionally contains assist for bodily two-factor authentication keys, in addition to key verification for iMessage contacts so that individuals having non-public conversations could be certain they’re speaking to the particular person they suppose they’re speaking to.
Like the Lockdown Mode characteristic launched in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Advanced Data Protection options are off by default and should be turned on after updating. When enabling it, you may also designate an emergency contact and generate a restoration key in case you are locked out of your account, since Apple will not have your encryption key and will not have the option that will help you get your information again in any other case.
For homeowners of older units, Apple has supplied safety updates for macOS Monterey and Big Sur (12.6.2 and 11.7.2, respectively) in addition to a separate replace to Safari 16.2. Older units that may’t replace to iOS 16 can set up iOS 15.7.2, which incorporates most of the security-only updates included in iOS 16.2.
Apple has additionally launched software program updates for many of its different merchandise: watchOS 9.2 provides some new exercises and “optimizes” the Crash Detection characteristic on the {hardware} that helps it; tvOS 16.2 contains Apple Music Sing assist for the most recent Apple TV 4K and video previews for Apple TV+ exhibits; and HomePod Software Update 16.2 provides “efficiency and stability enhancements” and helps “a brand new underlying structure” for the Home app.