Apple
Apple has released the final versions of macOS 13.1, iOS 16.2, and iPadOS 16.2 to the public after a few weeks of beta testing. In addition to standard bug fixes and security patches, these updates include the Freeform collaboration app announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, increased use of end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, and (for iPhones) the vocal-reducing, karaoke -friendly Apple Music Sing function.
Freeform uses your AppleID and iCloud to sync changes on a large bulletin board-like canvas between multiple users in real time. Inputs can include typed text, images, files and documents, shapes, and handwritten text or images created with an Apple Pencil, creating something similar in shape to a shared note or document, but with more input flexibility. Users can share multiple boards with different groups of people, communicate in real time via Messages or FaceTime.
The iCloud encryption additions are grouped under the “Advanced Data Protection” banner, and they expand on the service’s use of end-to-end encryption. Device backups for iPhones and iPads can be fully encrypted, as can Safari bookmarks and data from the Photos, Notes, Voice Memos, Reminders, Shortcuts, and Wallet apps. Calendar and email data remains unencrypted “because of the need to interoperate with the global email, contacts and calendar systems”.
Advanced data protection also includes support for two-factor physical authentication keys, as well as key verification for iMessage contacts, so people having private conversations can be sure they’re talking to the person they think they’re talking to.
Like the Lockdown Mode feature introduced in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, advanced data protection features are disabled by default and must be enabled after updating. Enabling this also allows you to designate an emergency contact and generate a recovery key if you lose access to your account, since Apple doesn’t have your encryption key and otherwise can’t help you get your data back.
For owners of older devices, Apple has provided security updates to macOS Monterey and Big Sur (12.6.2 and 11.7.2, respectively), as well as a separate update to Safari 16.2. Older devices that can’t update to iOS 16 can install iOS 15.7.2, which includes many of the security updates included in iOS 16.2.
Apple has also released software updates for most of its other products: watchOS 9.2 adds some new workouts and “optimizes” the Crash Detection feature on the hardware that supports it; tvOS 16.2 includes Apple Music Sing support for the latest Apple TV 4K and video previews for Apple TV+ shows; and HomePod Software Update 16.2 adds “performance and stability improvements” and supports “a new underlying architecture” for the Home app.
