"This update introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, and includes other enhancements and bug fixes for your Mac.

- Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key to sign in.

- Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards.

- Fixes an issue where VoiceOver may stop offering audio feedback while you are typing

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices."

(VPN or 3rd party Security software may cause problems with OS or security updates.
Apple's article on VPN and 3rd party software issues & the usual advice on updates.)

Safari Favorites/Bookmark Icons removed after Safari 16.3 Update
(Update: After Feb. 16 Safari 16.3.1 (2nd update) & macOS 11.7.4, Icons are back.)
Many threads and posts in the macOS Big Sur forum about all website icons are lost, and saved bookmarks only appear in grey after updating to Safari 16.3 (and macOS 11.7.3). Dozens say they reported this using Apple's feedback page. (Was this done to prevent downloading an image with malware?)

" HomePod software version 16.3 includes support for new features for your HomePod. This update also includes bug fixes and stability improvements.

- Temperature and humidity sensing measures your indoor climate with HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini.

- Remastered ambient sounds are more immersive and can now be added to scenes, automations, and alarms in the Home app.

- Find My on HomePod now enables you to ask Siri for the location of friends and family, if they have shared it with you.

- Recurring Home automations can be set up using just your voice.

- Siri confirmation tone will now play to indicate when smart home requests are completed for accessories that may not visibly show a change or are located in a different room.

- Audio tuning optimizes spoken content such as podcasts for even greater clarity on HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod (1st generation).

- Updated volume controls on HomePod (1st generation) give you more granular adjustments at lower volumes."

• About the security content of iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 lists 13 CVEs fixed.
  
  
• About iOS 16.3 says:
  "This update introduces a new Unity wallpaper to honor Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month, Security Keys for Apple ID, and includes other enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone."
  - Apple's iPhone discussion forum.
  
  
• About iPadOS 16.3 says:
  "This update introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, and includes other enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPad."
  - Apple's iPad discussion forum.
  
  
• About watchOS 9.3 Update lists new features, improvements, and bug fixes.
  - About the security content of watchOS 9.3 lists 12 CVEs fixed.
  - Apple's Watch discussion forum.

• About the security content of iOS 15.7.3 and iPadOS 15.7.3
  Lists fixes for 5 CVEs (CVE-2023-23500, CVE-2023-23504, CVE-2023-23498, CVE-2023-23503, CVE-2023-23505).
  
  
• About iOS 15.7.3 says:
  "This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users."
  - Apple's iPhone discussion forum.
  
  
• About iPadOS 15.7.3 says:
  "This update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users."
  - Apple's iPad discussion forum.

"WebKit (CVE-2022-42856)
Available for: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPod touch (6th generation)

Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1."

• Learn how to set up and use your Studio Display with your Mac or iPad
  
  
• How to use an external graphics processor with your Mac
  
  
• Identify the ports on your Mac
  
  
• What's new in Shortcuts (Apple)
  - Learn about the new features in Shortcuts for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.
  
  
• How to Fix inaccurate Flex Pitch analysis in Logic Pro
  - first update to Logic Pro 10.7.7.
  
  
• If you can't download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad
  
  
• How many displays can be connected to Mac mini
  - includes info on 2023 Mac mini M2 and mini M2 Pro.
  
  
• How to connect a display to your Mac
  
  
• How to use an 8K display with your Mac
  
  
• How to Connect to HDMI from your Mac
  
  
• If your external display is dark or low resolution
  
  
• How to identify Mac mini models
  - Added info on new 2023 M2 models.
  - with links to tech specs and User Guide.
  
  
• How to identify MacBook Pro models
  - Added info on new 2023 M2 models.
  - with links to 14" tech specs, 16" tech specs and User Guide.
  
  
• Mac computers with Apple silicon
  
  
• Find out which macOS your Mac is using
  - Added macOS Ventura 13.2, macOS Monterey 12.6.3 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.3.
  
  
• iCloud security overview
  - added info on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

January 16th to 20th, 2023 News Archive
• New M2 Max/M2 Pro MacBook Pro and Mac mini M2/M2 Pro.
• New HomePod (2nd Generation).
• Firefox 109.0 and Firefox ESR 102.7 (w/security fixes).
• Firefox version 109 for iOS/iPadOS 13 or later.
• Firefox Focus: Privacy browser version 109.0 for iOS/iPadOS 14 or later.
• Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates.
• Freeware VM VirtualBox version 7.0.6..
• LG C2 & G2 OLED TVs Firmware Update 03.30.16.
• SVS Subwoofer Control iOS App version 1.3.65 (for iOS 11 or later).

For links to older news pages, see the Archives.