Apple has released the initial versions of its 2024 operating systems—macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, tvOS 18, and HomePod Software 18. You might want to upgrade immediately, but Adam Engst recommends that most people wait at least a bit. Or even longer, for macOS.

Macworld

Apple released iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and all its other big fall operating systems today. It’s a big day full of new features and capabilities!

But if you can’t update to the latest today, or you don’t want to make the move yet, you don’t want to miss out on all the security fixes that come along with it. That’s why Apple released iOS 17.7 and iPadOS 17.7 today as well.

The updates come with 16 security updates, some of which...

Macworld

We’ve heard several reports that a new Mac mini is a few weeks away, and a new finding brings the possibility a little bit closer. According to MacRumors contributor Aaron, a string of code written by Apple includes a reference to an “Apple silicon Mac mini (5 Port),” which seems to indicate such a Mac is in the company’s plans.

MacRumors does not note where the code reference was found. Apple officially released iOS 18, iPadOS 18,...

Macworld

iPadOS 18 and it’s now here, arriving alongside iOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia on Monday, September 16.

As always, many of the new features are also part of iOS 18, including Apple Intelligence, which will launch in beta and gradually add features throughout 2025. But there are also some exciting new things just for iPad users, including, at long last, a new Calculator app.

In this article, you can find all the things you need to know about iPadOS 18. This includes which iPads are compatible with iPadOS 18 and the new features you can expect. We will also note any developments in the beta...

Macworld

macOS 14, a.k.a. Sonoma (named after the Californian wine region), was released in September 2023. It brought new features to Macs including changes to widgets, a new Game Mode, the ability to easily turn web pages into web apps, and fun additions to video conferencing apps.

Sonoma has now been replaced by macOS Sequoia which arrived on September 16, 2024, but the development of macOS 14 Sonoma will continue with security updates issued when necessary.

In this article you can find the information about the latest version of Sonoma, and why you should install the updates Apple issues to Sonoma if you can’t upgrade to Sequoia.

For information about Sequoia see:

• macOS Sequoia superguide: Latest version and new features
• ...

Thoughts and Observations in the Wake of Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ Keynote

Back in July 2007, I contributed this photo to a Flickr group called, self-describingly, “The Items We Carry”:

17 years later, I’ve consolidated. 2007 was so long ago that Field Notes hadn’t yet been created; my back-pocket notebooks are much slimmer now than that hardcover Moleskine.1 Instead of the Leatherman and a ring of four keys, I’m down to just two keys and a Halifax key-sized tool from The James Brand. The keys and Halifax lay flat and fit comfortably in the change pocket of a pair of jeans....

Adds support for macOS 15 Sequoia to both apps, plus brings context menu improvements in BusyContacts. ($49.99 new for each, free update, various sizes, macOS 10.15+)

Apple has released visionOS 2, the first major upgrade to the operating system powering the Apple Vision Pro.


Apple Vision Pro
Months after its introduction at WWDC in June and after multiple beta tests, the Apple Vision Pro is finally getting an update to visionOS. The 2.0 version of the operating system is now downloadable by owners of the headset.

The updates cover a wide number of areas, including photographic and video content, new gestures, improvements to the Mac Virtual Display, and Persona enhancements.


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The results of our poll asking owners of the iPhone 15 Pro if they use the Action button, and if so, for what, show that most people have it toggle Silent mode, just like the Ring/Silent switch it replaces, open the Camera app, or don’t use it at all.

Macworld

Apple has released iOS 18, and it’s full of big new features like new Home Screen customization options, an all-new Control Center, RCS support and other Messages features, and a brand new Photos app.

...

Apple's new tvOS 18 has exited beta, and arrived for all users. Here are many of the new features contained within.


2022 Apple TV 4K hardware
While it's typically true that tvOS doesn't get the same robust yearly updates as iOS or macOS, Apple has brought big changes to its set-top box for the second year in a row.


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After being unveiled at WWDC 2024 and then working its way through rounds of beta versions, macOS Sequoia has now been officially released. It is the new current version and all Macs sold from today onwards will have it preinstalled.


Apple has released macOS Sequoia
That's the same as happens every year, but macOS Sequoia has a difference — and it's called Apple Intelligence. When historians look back at significant macOS releases, this is going to be one of them because of Apple Intelligence.

But it isn't here yet.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider |...

Everyone will have to wait a little longer for Apple Intelligence on iPad, but for now, iPadOS 18 has launched with the long-awaited calculator app and new Smart Script handwriting feature.


iPadOS 18 is here with Smart Script and Calculator
Apple didn't have much to say about iPadOS 18 during WWDC because a significant portion of new features were either inherited from iOS 18 or Apple Intelligence. Even then, Apple's AI features won't be available on iPad until iPadOS 18.1 is released to the public.

So, if you focus on what's...

Apple has finally released iOS 18 to the public, introducing many changes to the interface, but not Apple Intelligence.


You can now install iOS 18 to your iPhone
Following its June WWDC introduction and months of beta testing, iPhone owners can finally update their devices to iOS 18. Installable via the usual software update process, the new operating system can be downloaded to devices around the world.

However, while users will expect to try out the headline feature of Apple Intelligence, it won't be available at first. Beta testers have been trying out some of the functions, which the public should be able to...

Apple's current 16-inch MacBook Pro with a bump up to 1TB of storage has been marked down to $2,299, a record low price that's available exclusively to AppleInsider readers.


Save $400 on Apple's 1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro.
This MacBook Pro 16-inch offers both an abundance of screen real estate and storage, the latter thanks to its 1TB SSD. Originally retailing for $2,699, the laptop is marked down to $2,299 when you shop through this activation link from a laptop or desktop computer (activation instructions can be found further down this page).

Buy for $2,299


...

Apple's latest update to the Sports app adds scores as a Live Activity, letting sports fans see results at a glance on their iPhone's display.


Sports for iOS
Apple Sports lets users see live scores and updates from games played by their favorite teams and sports, all from their iPhone. With the latest update, users can see sports updates without needing to open the app.

The update to version 2.0 on Monday makes a few changes to the app, with the biggest being support for Live Activities. When enabled, users can see live scores and play updates on the Lock Screen of their iPhone, or on the Apple Watch.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider...

Ming-Chi Kuo, a high-profile and reliable Apple analyst, says the demand for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max has been "lower than expected" since the devices became available to pre-order in the U.S. and dozens of other countries on Friday. From a report: Kuo said his data is based on a "supply chain survey" and shipping estimates listed on Apple's online store. Kuo estimated that sales of all four iPhone 16 models reached about 37 million units in the first weekend after Apple began accepting pre-orders, which is down nearly 13% compared to first-weekend sales of the iPhone 15 series last year. The analyst said a key factor for the decline is the lower demand for the Pro models, with first-weekend sales of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max estimated to be down 27% and 16%, respectively, compared to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max sales during the equivalent period last year.

...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the sleep apnea feature of the Apple Watch, just in time for the release of the Apple Watch Series 10.


Apple Watch sleep apnea notifications
During the September 9 "Glowtime" event, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, as well as the new feature, sleep apnea detection. While the feature was announced, Apple couldn't bring it to the Apple Watch until the FDA approved it.

A 510(k) Premarket Notification in a medical device database updated on Monday reveals the FDA approved an "Over-the-counter device to assess risk of sleep apnea." The listing doesn't specify the...

Apple TV+ thriller "Slow Horses" won its creator and executive producer Will Smith an Emmy in an otherwise weak year for the streamer.


Gary Oldman in "Slow Horses" (Source: Apple)
"Slow Horses" has been honored for its writing before, but this was its first nomination at the 76th Emmys. Showrunner Will Smith won for the drama's third season, based on Mick Herron's book "Real Tigers," which streamed on Apple TV+ in November and December 2023.

"The Morning Show" also took home an Emmy, this time a second win for star Billy Crudup in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.


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Repair Assistant is coming in iOS 18 to handle the proper configuration of new or used Apple parts — but potentially plaguing some users of already-repaired iPhones.


An Apple Authorized Service Provider repairing an iPhone.
Scenarios such as replacing a broken screen or replacing a battery with an official new or salvaged part can be configured directly using Repair Assistant, without the need to contact Apple. The procedure, often referred to as "parts pairing," can significantly improve the performance of the part.

For example, if a user replaces the screen on their iPhone but doesn't configure the part, some important features may not function. Using Repair...

Apple is bringing a major change to iPad users in the European Union. Beginning September 16, iPadOS 18 apps will be available on alternative app stores in addition to Apple’s own App Store. This shift creates new opportunities for both consumers and developers, giving them more choices for app distribution. Third-Party App Stores for iPad […]

Apple has officially opened preorders for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, following the much-anticipated announcement at their “Glowtime” event. The preorders come after a brief downtime of the Apple Store, which went offline to prepare for the high demand. Early buyers can expect their orders to ship by September 20, 2024. What to […]

Adds the ability to use the keyboard to work with the ribbon in all Office apps. ($149.99 new for one-time purchase, $99.99/$69.99 annual subscription options, free update, macOS 12+)

Not that you were planning on seeking it out, but Apple recommends that you keep your iPhone and Apple Watch away from high concentrations of helium.

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"Flappy Bird" was slated to relaunch in 2024 after more than ten years of absence from the App Store — but there are signs that it's just a crypto Ponzi scheme.


Image generated with Bing Image Creator
On Thursday, a group of alleged "Flappy Bird fans" announced that they would revive the decade-dead global hit. While many were excited, an equal amount seemed skeptical.

And, as it turns out, there was a good reason for the skepticism. The relaunch appears designed to hock crypto.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss...

A security researcher has detailed an old hack in macOS that gave hackers full access to a user's iCloud, needing only a calendar invite to succeed.


Even Apple's Calendar app can be vulnerable
In 2022, security researcher Mikko Kenttala discovered a zero-click vulnerability within macOS Calendar that could allow attackers to add or delete files in the Calendar sandbox environment. The vulnerability allowed attackers to execute malicious code and access sensitive data stored on the victim's device, including iCloud Photos.

The exploit starts with the attacker sending a calendar invite containing a malicious file attachment. The filename isn't properly sanitized, which allows the attacker to perform a "directory traversal" attack, meaning...

Apple's iPhone 16 "Glowtime" event may be over, but there's still time left in the year for more product launches. Here's what Apple is expected to reveal before the end of 2024.


Apple's remaining potential launches for 2024
As usual for Apple's September special event, the company launched the iPhone 16 and a bunch of other products. However, it didn't manage to go through the entire product catalog during its 90-minute presentation.

The event showed off new iPhones, as well as updates to the AirPods and Apple Watch lines and heavy promotion of Apple Intelligence.


...

Apple asked a court Friday to dismiss its three-year-old hacking lawsuit against spyware pioneer NSO Group, arguing that it might never be able to get the most critical files about NSO's Pegasus surveillance tool and that its own disclosures could aid NSO and its increasing number of rivals. From a report: A redacted version of the filing in San Francisco federal court cited a July article in the Guardian, which reported that Israeli officials had taken files from NSO's headquarters. The newspaper said the officials asked an Israeli court to keep the action secret even from those involved in an earlier, still pending hacking suit against NSO filed by Meta's WhatsApp. Israeli ministry of justice communications that were hacked showed that officials were concerned about sensitive information reaching Americans, the newspaper said.

"While Apple takes no position on the truth or falsity of the Guardian Story described above, its existence presents cause for concern about the...

Apple's new silicone cases for iPhone 16 come in eight colors and feature a unique covering for the new camera control button. Here's what they look like, and how they work.


Apple's new iPhone 16 case lineup
Apple's usual case strategy has been to release three tiers of cases. Prior to FineWoven, every year, Apple released a clear case, a more affordable silicone case, and a luxury leather option.

With the iPhone 15 series, Apple flipped the script. It instead opted to discontinue leather in pursuit of its environmental goals. In its stead was a new premium material it called FineWoven.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider |...

Apple had its annual iPhone event this week and released a lot of new products. Dave and I talk about the new iPhone 16, Apple Intelligence, Airpods, and the new Apple Watch. Perhaps some of the greatest features of the event were in the health category. Using the Apple Watch, Apple unveiled the ability to detect Sleep Apnea, in addition to other features.

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Show Notes:

• Apple introduces iPhone 16...

Wireless carriers are competing for your business with incentives offering up to $1,000 off when you preorder the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.


Save up to $1,000 on Apple's iPhone 16 range.
Preorders opened early Friday morning for the iPhone 16 lineup and wireless carriers are already offering up to $1,000 off via incentives across the 2024 iPhone range in an effort to garner your business.




Continue Reading on AppleInsider

The FDA on Thursday approved the first hearing aid software for Apple's latest AirPods Pro earbuds. According to Apple, the feature will be pushed to eligible devices through a software update in the coming weeks. The Washington Post reports: The move, which comes two years after the FDA first approved over-the-counter hearing aids, could help more Americans with hearing loss start getting help, the FDA said in a statement. The feature works by amplifying some sounds, such as voices, while minimizing others, such as ambient noise. Users can take a hearing test in the Apple Health app, and their AirPods will adjust sound level automatically based on the results. The feature is only available on the AirPods Pro 2, which cost $249.

The FDA says it tested Apple's hearing aid feature in a clinical study with 118 subjects who believed they had mild or moderate hearing loss. The study found that people who set up their AirPods using Apple's hearing test noticed similar benefits as...

The new AirPods 4 introduce an updated industrial design that Apple says will fit more ears and include a more expensive model with Active Noise Cancellation. However, the more exciting news may be the addition of hearing tests and a Hearing Aid mode for the current AirPods Pro 2.

Apple announced today that it's adding sleep apnea detection to the Apple Watch, including the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Verge reports: Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing as you sleep. Sleep apnea is a feature that wearables makers have been working on for some time, with Samsung getting cleared by the FDA for sleep apnea tracking with the Galaxy Watch earlier this year. Apple says it's using the accelerometer on its watches to monitor a new metric that it calls "breathing disturbances." You'll be able to see your nightly breathing disturbance values in the Health app.

The company expects to get FDA clearance for its sleep apnea detection feature soon, and it plans to launch the feature in more than 150 countries and regions. The company says its sleep detection was validated in a study that was "unprecedented" in size for sleep apnea technology.

...

Apple says AirPods Pro 2 will receive a software feature "soon" that will turn the wireless earbuds into "clinical-grade" hearing aids. "This includes a hearing protection mode being enabled by default, offering passive noise cancellation in loud environments," adds 9to5Mac. From the report: Firstly, users can take a clinically-validated hearing test. The hearing test uses your AirPods and iPhone, and can be conducted by a user in under five times. The result of your hearing test can be viewed securely in the Health app. If hearing loss is detected, the hearing aid mode is then available to use. The AirPods will make it easier to hear sounds from the world around you. A custom hearing profile is automatically applied when listening to audio, like music or podcasts.

The hearing aid feature is currently making its way through the FDA and other regulatory bodies. Apple said the functionality will be available in more than 100 countries. The feature will be enabled through a...

Apple has revealed that the initial versions of its 2024 operating systems—macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, tvOS 18, and HomePod Software 18—will ship on 16 September 2024.

Apple announced the iPhone 16 Pro lineup at Monday's product event. The company's new flagship smartphones have slightly bigger screens across both models: 6.3 inches on the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches on the iPhone 16 Pro Max (up from 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively, on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max). The Verge: The bodies of the phones are once again made from titanium. It comes in four colors: black, white, natural, and a new "desert titanium." Apple also claims that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has "the best iPhone battery life ever." The iPhone 16 Pro lineup comes with the A18 Pro chip, with a 16-core Neural Engine that it says will offer "amazing performance" for Apple Intelligence features, including 15 percent faster performance than the iPhone 15 Pro. It also has improved graphics performance thanks to a 6-core GPU that's 20 percent faster than the iPhone 15 Pro's A17 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199.

...

• These are the new colors and finishes for the iPhone 16 Pro.

As expected, Apple announced the new iPhone Pro models today during a livestream: the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, and the Max has a 6.9-inch display. That's primarily thanks to thinner borders around the displays.

Like the iPhone 15 Pro, the 16 Pro is made of titanium but with a new texture. Apple claims the phone has improved heat management with its new chassis, which could address some of our complaints about the iPhone 15 Pro—that means up to 20 percent faster sustained performance, too.

Larger batteries and efficiency improvements have led to a promise of battery life improvements, though Apple didn't say exactly how much longer they'll last during the livestream.

...

• The AirPods 4. [credit:
  Apple ]

Apple announced the fourth-generation AirPods today during its It's Glowtime event. As you can tell from the gallery above, the AirPods 4 look different from their predecessor. They also have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) if you're willing to pay extra.

Apple said that it mapped and analyzed "thousands" of ear shapes with 3D photogrammetry, laser topography, and other modeling tools to design the AirPods 4's new form. Apple claims the new shape will make for a better fit. The new earbuds appear to have shorter stems. They look more similar to the AirPods Pro now but without the silicone tips. The stems also...

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Maintenance update with several bug fixes and crash resolvers. (Various prices new, free update, various sizes, macOS 10.15+)

At the end of August, Apple announced several more DMA compliance changes. They are worth examining in detail.

Changes to the Mandatory Browser Choice Screen

Developers of browsers offered in the browser choice screen in the
EU will have additional information about their browser shown to
users who view the choice screen, and will get access to more data
about the performance of the choice screen. The updated choice
screen will be shown to all EU users who have Safari set as their
default browser. For details about the changes coming to the
browser choice screen, view About the Browser Choice Screen in the EU.

Some of the choice details of the new changes:

• All users with Safari as their default browser, including users
  who have already seen the choice screen prior to the...