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Archive of March 14th to 18th, 2022 News     Go to Current News Page

Mac Upgrades/Mods | Storage | Video | Audio/Home Theater | Tips/OS Updates/WiFi
= Recent Updates/Articles =

Safari 15.4 for macOS Big Sur & Catalina
Released via software update for Big Sur & Catalina. (Included in Monterey 12.3.)
Security fixes in Safari 15.4 for CVE-2022-22654, -22610, -22624, -22628, -22629, -22637.
Here's an article on new WebKit Features in Safari 15.4.
(Over 70 additions to WebKit in Safari 15.4.)
 
Logic Pro X 10.7.3 and MainStage 3.6 Updates
Mac GarageBand version 10.4.6 update
GarageBand version 10.4.6 for macOS 11.5 or later.
The App store page only lists "stability improvements and bug fixes".
The release notes has a long list of new features/enhancements.
The security content of GarageBand 10.4.6 lists 2 MIDI fixes.
 
macOS Monterey 12.3 Update
Released via software update. See What's new in the updates for macOS Monterey 12.3
(Universal Control (beta), Spatial Audio, Emoji, "enhancements", & Bug Fixes.)
And security fixes in macOS Monterey 12.3 (a very long list).
Check for feedback in Apple's macOS Monterey discussion forum
- Many reports on problems with External Displays after the Monterey 12.3 update.
(Posts not just in the Monterey forum, but also others like the Mac Mini forum.)

(VPN or 3rd party Security software may cause problems with OS or security updates.
See Apple's article on VPN and 3rd party software issues & the usual advice on updates.
Even though I don't use 3rd party addons, I install macOS updates from a Safe Mode boot.)

macOS Big Sur 11.6.5 (Security Update)
Released via software update. What's new in Big Sur 11.6.5 says
"This update is recommended for all users and improves the security of macOS".
There's a long list of security fixes in macOS Big Sur 11.6.5. (21 CVE's are fixed.)
To get 11.6.5 instead of macOS 12.x, check "Other Updates" in Software Update panel.
You can check feedback in Apple's macOS Big Sur discussion forum

Big Sur 11.6.5 M1 Mac Mini Firmware Update
A M1 Mac mini updated (Safe Mode boot) to macOS 11.6.5 (from 11.6.4) OK.
- Software Update listed 11.6.5 update as 2.55 GB, & Safari 15.4 as 124.4 MB
but total download was shown as 3.44 GB.
- macOS 11.6.5 updated the M1 mini firmware to 7459.101.2.
(The OS loader version is still 6723.140.2.)
 
macOS Catalina Security Update 2022-003 (w/Download)
Released via software update or download page below. (D/L page dated March 16.)
- About the security content of Security Update 2022-003 Catalina (long list).
- Download Security Update 2022-003 (Catalina) (1.45 GB)
(After installing this update the Catalina build number is 19H1824.)
You can check feedback in Apple's macOS Catalina discussion forum
 
Xcode 13.3 Update (with security fixes)
App store page for Xcode 13.3 (macOS Monterey 12.0 or later)
- About the security content of Xcode 13.3
- Swift Package Manager enables extensible build tools & custom command plugins.
- Xcode Account integration adds Ed25519 encryption support for SSH keys.
- includes SDKs for iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, tvOS 15.4, watchOS 8.5, and macOS Monterey 12.3, along with other features and bug fixes.
 
iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, tvOS 15.4, watchOS 8.5 (Security updates)
HomePod Software Update 15.4
From the article About HomePod Software updates for the 15.4 update:
"Software version 15.4 enables connecting HomePod to Wi-Fi networks that require additional sign-in steps, for example those provided by hotels or dorms, and adds Siri voice recognition support for Dutch (Belgium, Netherlands), and French (Belgium). This update also includes performance and stability improvements."
Here's Apple's article on how to update HomePod.
You can check for feedback in Apple's HomePod forum.
(Our Tips page has a HomePod Apple Guides section.)
 
Apple/Products related News, Updates, Tips, PR (later added first)
  • What's new in Shortcuts in iOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3 (apple)
    - Long list of changes and improvements.

  • Pixelmator Pro version 2.3.6 (app store link, macOS 10.15 or later)
    "Adds support for calculations in text fields, improves compatibility with third-party cloud storage providers, adds optimizations to reduce the sizes of PXD files, and more."
    - See linked page for more details.

  • Firefox version 98.1 for iOS/iPadOS 13 or later
    - "Bug fixes and technical improvements".

  • Firefox Focus: Privacy browser version 98.1 for iOS/iPadOS 13 or later
    - "Bug fixes and technical improvements".

  • Microsoft Office for Mac (365/2019) version 16.59 (build 22031300)
    - See March 15, 2022 release notes for changes/new features.
    - Includes security update for Word (CVE-2022-24511).

  • Apple download page for Unitor Family Driver v3 (319 KB)
    The Unitor driver is required for the following MIDI interfaces:
    - Unitor8, AMT8, and MT4.
    Requirements:
    - macOS 10.15.7 or higher, Mac with Intel or Apple Silicon processor.
    - Unitor Family Driver 2.5

  • Reality Converter Beta 4 (developer news)
    - download link at bottom of page)
Firefox 98.0.1 Update
The March 14, 2022 Firefox 98.0.1 release notes says:
"Yandex and Mail.ru have been removed as optional search providers in the drop-down search menu in Firefox.

If you previously installed a customized version of Firefox with Yandex or Mail.ru, offered through partner distribution channels, this release removes those customizations, including add-ons and default bookmarks. Where applicable, your browser will revert back to default settings, as offered by Mozilla. All other releases of Firefox remain unaffected by the change."

(Download links are on release notes page.)
This week's Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates
Topic based page of Guides, Tips & Troubleshooting for Mac & iPhone/iPad/watchOS Users.
 
Other News, Tips, Software & Firmware Updates
Recent Updates, Tips, DIY Upgrades and Repairs:
List of Updates, Tips, DIY Upgrades, Repair Articles, and more you may have missed. (Topics range from OS/software/driver updates & troubleshooting, to hardware upgrades and repairs.)
Previous News Archive Summary:
    March 7th to 11th, 2022 News Archive
  • Apple "Peek Performance" Event Video.
  • Apple unveils M1 Ultra, world's most powerful chip for a personal computer.
  • Apple unveils all-new Mac Studio and Studio Display.
  • Apple introduces new iPad Air with M1 chip.
  • New iPhone SE: a powerful smartphone in an iconic design.
  • Apple and MLB to offer "Friday Night Baseball".
  • Windows Migration Assistant v2.4.0.2 (macOS Monterey) Download.
  • Chrome version 99.0.4844.59 for iOS/iPadOS 14.0 or later.
  • Firefox 98.0, Firefox ESR 91.7, & iOS Firefox 98.0 Updates.
  • About the security content of iTunes 12.12.3 for Windows.
  • Microsoft March 2022 Patch Tuesday.

For links to older news pages, see the Archives.
  

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