Apple Updates Software for Most Apple Hardware
21 JULY 2022 - Updates for the Apple software that’s already out there on Wednesday, and like a trip to the vet, everything was getting fixed. Not a lot of hot newness, though. That’ll be saved for the “16” software, watchOS 9, and macOS Ventura - all of which are due out later this fall. Seriously very few new features this time around, though security fixes are the gifts that keep on giving. And everything Apple makes got ‘em. Let’s have a look-see.
Apple Releases iOS and iPadOS 15.6
iOS and iPadOS 15.6 bring a new feature that you’ve gotta figure is available for every new operating system except for watchOS. According to Apple’s release notes (by way of 9 to 5 Mac), the “TV app adds the option to restart a live sports game already in progress and pause, rewind, or fast-forward.” And you see why I say that’s got to be available for everything except for watchOS 8.7. That’s the only operating system Apple makes that does not have a TV app.
Otherwise it’s just a few fixes for the tablet and smartphone.
Apple Releases macOS Monterey 12.5
A piece from Apple Insider indicates that there’s even less new with macOS Monterey 12.5 than there was with the iOS and iPadOS updates, though they wrote their piece before Apple’s release notes came out. A report a few hours later from MacRumors confirmed the new controls for live sports in the TV app for Mac. Otherwise, Apple Insider was right - the update was mostly about fixing or squishing bugs.
Apple did bring security fixes for the latest version of macOS, as well as the previous two. Apple on Wednesday released macOS Big Sur 11.6.8 and Security Update 2022-005 Catalina. If your Mac lives in any of these California locales, updates await.
watchOS 8.7 Hits the Wrist
Headed now to the end of your arm, Apple’s release notes for watchOS 8.7 were sparse, saying the update “includes improvements, bug fixes, and important security updates.”
Apple issues tvOS 15.6
To the parlor, we go, where we find Apple hitting Apple TV HDs and Apple TV 4Ks with tvOS 15.6. No notes on Apple’s site and no notes when you update the device. No obvious notes, anyway. I know. I paused in the middle of writing this to update. Apple Insider says the 15.6 update “features under-the-hood bug fixes and improvements.” Nothing new for the eye to see, it seems, though you’ve gotta figure the controls for live sports were added. Unless they were already there and I just didn’t realize. Not a big sports fan, me.
HomePod Speaks New Languages with 15.6 Update
One more update to let you in on - I don’t know about you, but I can never get a handle on whether HomePod software is its own thing or an offshoot or subset of iOS. Whatever the case, what Apple calls HomePod Software 15.6 did get released on Wednesday. According to its release notes, according to 9 to 5 Mac:
…the smart speaker is adding “Siri voice recognition support in Mandarin Chinese (China mainland, Taiwan), Cantonese (China Mainland, Hong Kong), and Japanese (Japan). In addition, this update also includes performance and stability improvements.
