Archive for October 28, 2024

Monday, October 28, 2024

macOS 15.1

Juli Clover (release notes, security, enterprise, developer, full installer, IPSW):

macOS Sequoia 15.1 introduces the first Apple Intelligence features for Macs that are equipped with an M-series chip. Not all Apple Intelligence features are available, but the update includes support for Writing Tools, a new Siri design, AI-powered Focus modes, smart replies, and summaries.

[…]

Siri has been updated with a new design that includes a subtle glow around the display, and Type to Siri means you don’t have to speak to Siri to get answers. Siri can follow along if you stumble over your words, and can maintain context between requests. Safari can summarize articles, and there’s a new Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode that intelligently highlights only important notifications.

Smart replies are available in Messages and Mail, plus the Mail app surfaces priority time sensitive messages and puts them at the top of your inbox. Photos has a Memory Movie feature for creating slideshows based on text descriptions, and there is a Clean Up tool for unwanted objects in your photos.

See also: Mr. Macintosh and Howard Oakley.

Rich Trouton:

While not all of these Apple Intelligence features may be available as of macOS 15.1 in all areas of the world, use of these new features may not be acceptable for security reasons in all Mac environments. Having these management options available now allows Mac admins to get management of these features in place before Apple makes them available.

Marcin Krzyzanowski:

new SwiftUI [toolbar items] crash just shipped

workaround:

a) DispatchQueue.main.async { }
b) apply random modifiers to random places hoping it help

Apple reports this as a known issue in 15.1, but it was apparently introduced in 15.0.

Previously:

Update (2024-10-29): Patrick Wardle:

macOS 15.1 appears to have (finally!) fully resolved the slew of networking issues that plagued the initial macOS 15 release! 🩹🍎

Previously:

Update (2024-10-30): Paul Kafasis:

MacOS 15.1 includes important audio-related bug fixes.

I just updated, and my first impression is that it feels faster than macOS 14. The same old bugs are still present.

macOS 14.7.1 and macOS 13.7.1

Apple (release notes, full installer):

This document describes the security content of macOS Sonoma 14.7.1.

Apple (release notes, full installer):

This document describes the security content of macOS Ventura 13.7.1.

See also: Howard Oakley.

Previously:

iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1

Juli Clover (iOS/iPadOS release notes, security, enterprise, developer):

Apple Intelligence is the main draw in iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, and some of the first Apple Intelligence features are available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPhone 16 model, or any iPad with an M-series or A17 Pro chip. Note that Apple Intelligence is launching in a beta capacity, and there will be a short waitlist initially.

Previously:

Update (2024-11-13): Scott:

Wow, iPadOS 18.1 is not great on the iPad mini 6th gen. Frequent slow downs, parts of apps not responding to touches, bugs from iPadOS 17 still around. 17.7 wasn’t anywhere near this bad. Often feels like when I was using my original iPad past year 2 (caused by insufficient RAM)!

watchOS 11.1

Juli Clover (release notes, security, developer):

According to Apple’s release notes, watchOS 11.1 adds improvements and bug fixes, including a fix for an issue with writing breathing disturbances data to HealthKit for some users.

Previously:

tvOS 18.1

Juli Clover (no release notes, security, developer):

tvOS updates are often minor in scale, and tvOS 18.1 doesn’t seem to be an exception.

Apple still hasn’t added the 21:9 aspect ratio for projectors or the new Snoopy screensavers that it promised at WWDC, but those features were not in tvOS 18.1 during the beta testing process, and we don’t know what’s new.

Previously:

visionOS 2.1

Juli Clover (release notes, developer, security, no enterprise):

According to Apple’s release notes, visionOS 2.1 includes bug fixes and security updates, and the software is recommended for all users.

Previously:

audioOS 18.1

My HomePod is reporting this update as available with the following amazing release notes:

This update includes performance and stability improvements.

It’s not yet listed on Apple’s page, and I haven’t seen any press coverage yet.

Here’s a Reddit thread about the 18.1 release candidate.

Previously: