iOS 16 will automatically install security fixes

When iOS 16 arrives, iPhone owners won’t have to deal with full software installs for the latest security patches. Apple is launching a new feature with the mobile OS called Rapid Security Response, which enables the company to automatically apply security fixes to users’ devices in between its standard software updates. It’s one of the security features the tech giant has announced at WWDC this year, along with Safety Check that gives users a quick way to see which contacts have access to their location and calendar info. Safety Check will also show them the permissions used by every app on their device. 

As MacRumors notes, iOS 16 will add a new section under Automatic Updates in Settings called “Install System and Data Files.” When toggled on, users can get software fixes that aren’t tied with full updates, installed automatically and without them having to restart their phones or lift a finger altogether. It’s switched on by default upon upgrading to the new OS, so those who don’t want automatic installs will have to remember to toggle it off.

Apple’s iOS 16 brings a bunch of other new features to iPhones, including a more customizable lock screen, the ability to edit texts and the ability to use Face ID even when the device is in landscape mode. The public beta of the mobile platform will come out in July, though it’ll no longer support the iPhone 6S, 7 and the first-gen SE.

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iOS 16 allows Face ID on iPhones to work in landscape orientation

With a revamped lock screen, redesigned notifications and an enhanced Focus mode, iOS 16 promises to bring a lot of useful new features to Apple’s iPhone later this year. But as is always the case with keynotes like WWDC, there’s not enough time to cover every enhancement. And one such feature Apple didn’t mention is that iOS will allow you to use Face ID even when your iPhone is oriented horizontally.  

The quality of life improvement was spotted by Vox Media product manager Parker Ortolani on Apple’s iOS 16 preview webpage. As The Verge points out, Apple has allowed iPad owners to use Face ID in this way for a while now, so it’s not exactly a new feature. Still, it’s one of those changes iPhone users, particularly those who use devices like the Razer Kishi and Backbone One, will appreciate. On its preview page, Apple says the feature will work with supported models without specifying the exact ones included in that list. We’ve reached out to the company for more information.      

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iOS 16 drops support for iPhone 6S, 7 and the first-gen SE

As is tradition, Apple will leave some of its older devices in the dust when it starts rolling out its latest operating systems. When iOS 16 arrives this fall, it will be available for iPhone 8 and later — in other words, all the phones Apple has released since 2017. That means iPhone 6S, iPhone 7 and iPhone SE (first-generation) users won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 16.

When it comes to iPadOS 16, Apple will drop support for a couple devices, the iPad Mini 4 and iPad Air 2. Given that the Mini 4 debuted in 2015 and the Air 2 is from all the way back in 2014, it’s safe to say those are showing their age. If anything, it’s a testament to their staying power that Apple supported them all the way up to iPadOS 15.

You’ll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later to use watchOS 9. Apple Watch Series 3 users were able to install watchOS 7 and watchOS 8, but some features weren’t available.

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to macOS Ventura. The following devices will be supported:

  • iMac, 2017 and later

  • Mac Pro, 2019 and later

  • iMac Pro, 2017

  • Mac mini, 2018 and later

  • MacBook Air, 2018 and later

  • MacBook, 2017 and later

  • MacBook Pro, 2017 and later

By way of comparison, macOS Monterey is compatible with late 2015 or later iMac, 2017 or later iMac Pro, early 2015 or later MacBook Air, early 2015 or later MacBook Pro, 2013 or later Mac Pro, late 2014 or later Mac mini and early 2016 or later MacBook.

It’s always sad to see Apple bid older devices adieu, even though all of the models it will no longer support were all released at least five years ago — the iPad Air 2 and 2013 Mac Pro in particular had a good innings. While folks will still be able to use older models, Apple will surely be hoping that those clinging onto them will upgrade in the near future.

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Here’s everything Apple announced at WWDC 2022

Apple packed a lot into its annual developer’s conference keynote. On the WWDC stage, company execs touted the latest improvements coming to iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 in the fall, plus forthcoming enhancements to macOS, watchOS and others. Apple also announ…

iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura and watchOS 9 public betas arrive in July

You won’t have to wait ages to try Apple’s major software updates this year. Apple has confirmed that public betas of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura and watchOS 9 will be available in July through the company’s testing website. Developers already have access, but this is welcome news if you’re eager to try new features on a personal device.

Each update has at least one clear draw. iOS 16 offers a much-improved lock screen with widgets and a customizable look. You can also expect major improvements to Messages, Wallet, Home and CarPlay. iPadOS 16, meanwhile, finally adds overlapping windows and proper external monitor support. Use macOS Ventura and you’ll find improvements to multitasking, Spotlight searches and core apps, while watchOS 9 delivers big updates to fitness tracking, faces and notifications.

Like any beta, you’ll want to be cautious about installing the public test releases. You’ll likely encounter bugs and incompatible apps. These are for risk-aware early adopters, or at least those enthusiasts who can afford to install a beta on a secondary device. You’ll want to wait for the polished versions if you absolutely need stable software.

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MetalFX is Apple’s take on upscaling tech for games

Apple is getting more serious about gaming on Mac and iPad with the help of its M2 chips. At WWDC, the company showed off upscaling tech along the lines of NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Super Sampling and AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution.Metal 3 will include…

Apple’s passkeys offer even better protection for your passwords

As part of the company’s ongoing efforts to improve user security, at WWDC 2022 Apple announced new digital passkeys that add an extra layer of security to your passwords.

Available on both iOS and macOS, Apple’s passkeys are designed to replace standard passwords by providing unique digital keys that are stashed locally on your device. Apple says that by not storing passkeys in the cloud, they are much less susceptible to being stolen in the case of a data breach or phishing attempt. 

Passkeys will feature integration with biometric security including Touch ID and Face ID, and can be synced to other Apple devices via your iCloud Keychain. They will also work with apps and on the web, allowing users to sign into their accounts using their iPhone instead of their password. 

The arrival of passkeys comes after Apple, alongside Google and Microsoft, announced a partnership with the FIDO Alliance and the WWDC earlier this spring. Apple’s passkeys look to be the company’s attempt to simplify and streamline the use of passwordless sign-on methods and will feature end-to-end encryption and compatibility with a wide range of Apple devices including the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV when it arrives sometime later this year. 

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macOS Ventura offers new tools for efficient multitasking

Ventura, the next version of Apple’s Mac operating system, will make it easier for you to keep track of all your disparate apps and windows. New to macOS 13 is Stage Manager, a feature that will group windows to the side of your desktop, organizing the…

Apple’s Fitness app no longer requires an Apple Watch

You won’t need an Apple Watch to access the company’s Fitness app anymore. With iOS 16, Apple is bringing the software to iPhone, the company announced during WWDC 2022. Like its watchOS counterpart, the app will allow you to set daily activity goals, with a “Move ring” there to motivate you to stay active throughout the day. Your iPhone will use its sensors to track your steps and workouts and then convert that information into an estimation of the calories you’ve burned. At any time, you can share your Move ring with friends and family to push them to achieve their activity goals too.  

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Apple’s M2 chip will make Macs even more efficient

Almost two years since the launch of Apple’s M1 chip — the first ARM-based “Apple Silicon” hardware — we finally have a successor: M2. While the M1 chip was notable for showing what Apple could accomplish with a more efficient mobile design (a dramatic…