This post revolves around the top questions and answers about the latest Apple updates.
What happened?
Apple released a slew of software updates on Tuesday evening (December 13). This not only introduces new features, but also closes dangerous security gaps in the system software.
This includes fixing a new zero-day vulnerability in Apple’s web browser technology that could lead to malicious code execution – and it doesn’t just affect the internal Safari browser.
To perform the updates as quickly as possible, you should open the system settings on the respective device and select «Software update».
What updates are there?
The new system software at a glance:
- iOS 16.2 (newer devices only)
- iPadOS 16.2 (newer devices only)
- iOS 15.7.2 (older devices, back to iPhone 6S)
- iPadOS 15.7.2 (older devices, including iPod Touch 7th generation)
- macOS Ventura 13.1
- macOS Monterey 12.6.2
- macOS BigSur 11.7.2
- tvOS 16.2
- watch OS 9.2
Mac users who have Big Sur or Monterey installed will also need a separate update to get the latest version of Apple’s browser, Safari 16.2, to fix a variety of browser and web rendering bugs.
What does the new “Freeform” app bring?
Freeform is a so-called whiteboard app for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. The application is designed for collaborative editing of documents and allows adding various elements to one workspace, including files and photos. iPad users can also sketch and take notes with the Apple Pencil digital pen, iPhone users with their finger or a stylus.
Apple suggests several uses:
- Sign together during a FaceTime call for the visual exchange of ideas.
- School: A teacher «provides suggestions for discussion or questions. Teams of students can split up to work on their topic and then share the results on the same board.”
- «Get inspiration for Scrapbooking, wedding planning and other creative projects.»
- house renovation: “For collecting inspirational images, color swatches and links to upcoming purchases to share with family or get everyone’s opinion.”
- Joint planning of upcoming trips: budget, maps, links to restaurants and attractions, photos, playlists, etc.
What other new features are there?
The IT news portal heise.de summarizes:
- Other innovations include Sing Apple Music“a karaoke mode with more accurate lyrics display and the ability to turn down vocals for many songs or hide them completely”.
- Also new is support for SharePlay in GameCenteradvanced settings for the always-on display of the iPhone 14 Pro, extra Lock screen widgets for sleep and medicine as well as the ability to search for text and content in iMessage images.
- Apple’s anonymization service iCloud Private Relay can now be temporarily deactivated for individual websites if browsing problems occur.
- Apple also promises more Improvements in auto accident detection of the iPhone 14 series.
- iPads with M1 and M2 chip with iPadOS 16.2 get support for controlling external screens with the Stage Manager window manager.
Also for the Apple Watch there should be some detailed improvements, including one-handed control with quick actions and the Apple “Noise” app, which should now also take into account the active noise cancellation (ANC) of AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.
How is the Airdrop feature restricted?
The curtailment of the Airdrop feature in China had already generated negative headlines, but Apple is now rolling out the controversial change via an update worldwide.
A full release of AirDrop to receive files from other Apple devices is no longer possible with iOS 16.2 and Co. After a maximum of 10 minutes, the data transfer service will automatically be limited to receiving files from contacts only.
What about iCloud encryption?
With iOS 16.2 and Co. Apple introduces “extensive data protection” for the user data stored in its own online storage service iCloud: for the first time there is the possibility of your own iCloud backup, message backup (iMessage) and iCloud photos, notes, reminders and content with end-to-end encryption. This means that Apple no longer has a second key. However, emails, calendars and contacts are excluded.
The hook: For now, only users in the US can activate the feature and only if all of their own Apple devices are running the very latest version of the operating system. In early 2023, iCloud’s full encryption will be introduced globally.
Sources
- nakedsecurity.sophos.com: Apple patches everything, finally reveals the mystery of iOS 16.1.2
- heise.de: iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1: Many new features in the Apple updates
- apple.com: Apple Releases Freeform: A Powerful New App for Creative Brainstorming and Collaboration (press release)
(dsc)
Source: Watson
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
