It’s that time of year again: Apple released updates! You may have seen Apple’s current marketing campaigns and announcements regarding their new phone. Additionally, Apple wanted to improve its iOS and MacOS software as well. We support a lot of iPhone and Mac users at BOAC, so here’s what you need to know.
Let’s start with the MacOS update named Ventura. This hasn’t been released yet (slated for late October) and therefore the details aren’t completely available, but I did find a couple of cool features to look forward to. Usually, it’s a new coat of paint on top of the old MacOS, but this update seems to provide more value to the operating system. Let’s go through a couple:
- Continuity Camera: This is what excites me the most. Macs can utilize your iPhone as a camera, which includes handing off a FaceTime call from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac. It also allows you to link several cameras (iPhone and Mac) to Desk View, which gives the person you’re contacting two views: your face and your desk.
- Stage Manager: This is basically Snap Layouts that Windows 11 incorporated. It allows users to manage their open windows easier and toggle between open tasks. I’m well aware that Mac users LOVE keeping windows open, and this feature should allow for less clutter on their screens.
So now, let’s look at the iPhone and iOS 16. It seems pretty fresh from the outside, but wait! Although this update is available, you should hold off on installing it as they are working out the bugs, like battery problems and crashes. But once Apple irons out the issues, there are some nice updates:
- Messages: You can recall or edit sent messages! Within 15 mins of sending, Apple will allow users to recall and edit sent texts. Can you imagine the trouble this would have saved people in the past!? I think this has been a long time coming, and I’m excited that it’s finally here.
- Facetime: As we discussed earlier, you can hand off calls to your Mac. Take the call on your phone, move the call to your Mac, and continue using either device for your camera.
- Mail: This is completely revamped and uses AI to streamline workflow. You’ll get an alert if the device thinks you forgot an important part of the email (like an attachment) and gives users a follow-up notice. The search function has improved. The newest feature is scheduling emails to send at a later time. It also provides a 10-sec buffer to recall the email after it’s sent.
I hope you find these highlighted features relevant and exciting! Though these updates deliver improvements, most of them are a new coat of paint, as I mentioned earlier. Most importantly, security stability is the most valuable feature. Apple has seen flaws exposed recently, and they took this opportunity to update the security on the backend of the iPhone/iOS. So, update your Apple products and enjoy the new and improved software!