Search results for: “software update”

  • New update for Apple TV: tvOS 18.3 now available

    New update for Apple TV: tvOS 18.3 now available

    Apple has just rolled out tvOS 18.3, the latest update for the tvOS 18 series which was first launched in September. This update comes about a month after the release of tvOS 18.2 and is compatible with both Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.

    To install tvOS 18.3, go to the Settings app on your Apple TV. Navigate to System, then Software Update, and follow the prompts to download and install the update. If you have automatic updates turned on, your Apple TV will update to tvOS 18.3 without any extra steps from you.

    During the beta phase of tvOS 18.3, there weren’t any big new features added, but this update does include a new alert regarding the purchase of digital movies and TV shows.

    For detailed release notes, check out Apple’s support document for tvOS, which gets updated with each new version release.

    Additionally, Apple has released HomePod Software 18.3 for both the HomePod and HomePod mini. Since HomePod software shares its roots with tvOS, this update aligns with the tvOS update in terms of version numbering and some underlying system improvements.

  • Apple unveils new update for Apple Watch: watchOS 11.3

    Apple unveils new update for Apple Watch: watchOS 11.3

    Apple has just launched watchOS 11.3, a big update for the Apple Watch. This new version works with the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, all Apple Watch Ultra watches, and the Apple Watch SE 2.

    To get watchOS 11.3 on your watch, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 18.3. Just open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, and then Software Update. Remember, your watch should have at least 50% battery and be on its charger before you start the update.

    A cool new feature in watchOS 11.3 is the Black Unity watch face. This face goes perfectly with a new band that Apple also released today. The idea behind both the watch face and the band is to celebrate diversity and unity, with designs made by Black artists and their friends at Apple.

    For more details on what else watchOS 11 brings to the table, check out our summary on watchOS 11.

  • Apple updates VisionOS to Version 2.3

    Apple updates VisionOS to Version 2.3

    Apple has just launched visionOS 2.3, marking the third update to the visionOS 2 software which was first introduced in September. This new version comes a little over a month after visionOS 2.2 and nearly a year since the Vision Pro headset was released.

    To update to visionOS 2.3, owners of the Vision Pro can go into the Settings menu on their device, click on General, and then select Software Update. When updating, you’ll need to take off your Vision Pro. There’s a handy progress bar on the front EyeSight display, so you can see how the update is going.

    Apple states that visionOS 2.3 brings important bug fixes and security enhancements. They recommend that everyone updates to this version for the best experience. For more details about the Vision Pro and the visionOS 2 updates, check out our detailed guide.

  • Apple updates macOS to version 15.3 with fun emoji features

    Apple updates macOS to version 15.3 with fun emoji features

    Apple has just rolled out macOS 15.3, the latest big update for its macOS Sequoia system which came out back in September. This new update follows macOS 15.2, which was released about six weeks ago.

    You can get this update by going to the Software Update part of your Mac’s System Settings. It’s free for anyone whose Mac can handle macOS 15. Apple has also pushed out updates macOS 14.7.3 and macOS 13.7.3, which focus on making older Macs safer with security fixes.

    The highlight of macOS 15.3 is the addition of Genmoji, a cool feature where you can make your emojis right in the Messages app, but only if your Mac supports Apple Intelligence.

    Here’s what’s new in this update:

    • You can now create your own emojis in Messages and other apps.
    • If you use the Calculator app, you can repeat the last calculation by hitting the equals sign again.
    • Managing how you get notification summaries from the Lock Screen is now easier (only for Macs with Apple silicon).
    • The look of summarized notifications has been tweaked to make them stand out more, using italics and special symbols (again, for Macs with Apple silicon).
    • For now, notification summaries from news and entertainment apps are paused, but they’ll be back once Apple sorts them out (for Macs with Apple silicon).

    Keep in mind, that some of these features might not be available everywhere or on every Apple device.

    For details on how this update keeps your Mac secure, check out Apple’s support page at: Apple Support.

  • Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple retail stores are preparing for “merchandise and marketing updates” next week, as reported by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. While Gurman hasn’t directly tied these updates to a specific product launch, he pointed out that this timing aligns with Apple’s yearly release of its Black Unity watch band for the Apple Watch.

    Apple has introduced a Black Unity campaign in late January for the past four years. This campaign typically includes a new Apple Watch band, a special watch face, and an iPhone wallpaper inspired by the Pan-African flag’s colors. Recent findings in the tvOS 18.3 update code, referencing “UNITY25,” suggest the Black Unity campaign will likely return in 2025. If this is the case, Apple may announce it next week.

    Apart from the Black Unity watch band, there’s no confirmation about other product releases next week. However, Apple is anticipated to unveil new MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip in early 2025, as well as the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. Gurman’s update, however, didn’t hint at these products being part of next week’s announcements.

    In addition, Apple is expected to roll out iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and other software updates after a month of beta testing. While the upcoming merchandise updates could hint at exciting news, keeping expectations in check is wise. There’s always the chance these updates are more routine than groundbreaking.

    Source

  • New test software for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 released by Apple

    New test software for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 released by Apple

    Apple has just introduced new test versions of software updates for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, including both types with Lightning and USB-C charging cases. This update, tagged with the number 7E5067b, is currently available only for developers.

    AirPods Pro Test Software

    It’s not yet known what new features or changes this test software brings, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we learn more. For now, if you’re not a developer, your AirPods Pro 2 will stay on the current software version 7B21, and your AirPods 4 on version 7B20, until this test version goes public.

    How Updates Work

    You can’t manually start these software updates on your AirPods; they happen automatically. When your AirPods are in their charging case and connected to an iPhone or Mac, the update can install itself wirelessly.

  • Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple has launched a fresh update for its test browser, known as Safari Technology Preview, which was introduced back in 2016. This browser lets people try out new features before they’re added to the regular Safari browser.

    Image of Safari Technology Preview Update

    The latest update, version 212, brings several improvements and fixes to various parts of the browser including:

    • User Verification
    • Drawing and Graphics
    • Styling with CSS
    • Web Forms
    • JavaScript
    • Page Loading
    • Network Connections
    • PDF Viewing
    • Visual Display
    • SVG Graphics
    • Text Handling
    • Web APIs
    • Developer Tools

    This version of the test browser works on computers with macOS Sonoma or the latest macOS version, macOS Sequoia.

    You can get this update through the Software Update feature in your System Preferences or System Settings if you’ve already installed the browser from Apple’s site. For all the details on what’s changed, check out the update notes on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview page.

    The purpose of Safari Technology Preview is to get input from both users and developers on how to make the browser better. You can use this test browser alongside your regular Safari without needing a special developer account. It’s a great way for anyone to help shape the future of web browsing.

  • When will the next iOS update come out?

    When will the next iOS update come out?

    Apple is almost done with the testing phase for iOS 18.3, which means the first beta version of iOS 18.4 might be coming very soon. Here’s when you can expect it:

    iOS 18.4 Beta 1 Should Come Out Soon After iOS 18.3’s Release

    Apple usually follows a pretty regular schedule for its software rollouts, with only small changes here and there.

    Looking back at how things have gone before:

    • In 2024, iOS 17.3 was released on a Monday, followed by iOS 17.4 beta 1 just three days later on Thursday.
    • Back in 2023, iOS 16.3 came out on a Monday, with iOS 16.4 beta 1 appearing three weeks later on a Thursday.
    • In 2022, iOS 15.3 was launched on a Wednesday, with iOS 15.4 beta 1 the very next day on Thursday.

    So, if iOS 18.3 goes public around Monday, January 27, we could see iOS 18.4 beta 1 as early as Tuesday, January 28, or later that week.

    Could There Be More Waiting for iOS 18.4?

    While it’s likely we’ll see the beta soon, there’s a chance it could be delayed. Apple has mentioned that iOS 18.4 will be available to everyone in April. Starting a beta in late January might seem a bit rushed.

    However, for major updates involving AI, like the new features for Siri in iOS 18.4, Apple often likes to have lots of testing time. So, even with the possibility of a delay, I think we’ll still see the beta sooner rather than later. The more feedback Apple gets on the new Siri, the better they can make it before the final release.

  • Apple tests new updates for Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro

    Apple tests new updates for Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro

    Apple has just released test versions of new software updates for the Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. These updates, known as release candidates (RC), are available for developers to try out. They were released a week after the third test version.

    These new updates include watchOS 11.3 for Apple Watch, tvOS 18.3 for Apple TV, and visionOS 2.3 for Vision Pro. Developers can download these updates from the settings on their devices.

    While there aren’t many new features in these updates, there’s some code that hints Apple might soon add support for robot vacuums in their Home app. This would allow these devices to work with Apple’s home automation system on all these platforms.

    Also, tvOS 18.3 will include a new message about buying movies and TV shows digitally.

    We expect these updates to be available to everyone around late January, along with updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

  • Apple releases test version of macOS update 15.3 for developers

    Apple releases test version of macOS update 15.3 for developers

    Apple has just released a test version, known as the Release Candidate, for the upcoming macOS update 15.3. This update follows closely after the third test version was released last week.

    Night Mode in macOS Sequoia
    Developers can access this test update by going to the Software Update in the System Settings app. To download it, you’ll need an Apple ID linked to a Developer account.

    The new macOS 15.3 update introduces Genmoji to Macs, a feature that was only available on iPhones and iPads before. Now, Mac users can make their own characters just by typing what they want, much like using Image Playground.

    Genmoji works like regular emojis on newer devices with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS 15.1 and later. On older devices or Android phones, these Genmoji show up as pictures instead. You can add Genmoji from the emoji menu, and they are created right on your device.