Apple’s next operating systems are in the starting blocks. Interested parties can now test the RC versions.
Apple presented the release of candidate versions for its new operating systems on Tuesday evening. Participants in the beta program – initially only developers, “normal” users should follow quickly – can download the RC versions of iPadOS 16.1, iOS 16.1, macOS 13 Ventura, tvOS 16.1, and watchOS 9.1. The final variants are expected to be released next Monday (October 24).
Submit functions
iPadOS 16.1 and macOS 13 Ventura are the first new major versions of the operating systems for iPad and Mac. iPadOS 16 had been postponed by Apple to October, in particular, to work on the Stage Manager window function. Ventura delivers many small innovations, including Stage Manager, improved mail and iMessage apps, a revised Safari browser with tab groups, new system settings, and Continuity Camera, with which you can use an iPhone as a webcam for the Mac.
Among other things, iOS 16.1 comes with Live Activities, brings the previously missing shared iCloud photo library, Fitness+ without Apple Watch, support for Matter in the Home app, and innovations in Wallet initially only intended for individual markets, including sharing vehicle keys and an Apple Card Savings Account.
tvOS 16 gets new Siri
The release candidate version 16.1 of tvOS provides a new interface for Siri speech recognition – it is more compact and therefore clearer. If you wear AirPods, you can also use them on the Apple TV to summon the voice assistant. With tvOS 16.2, additional functions such as distinguishing between up to six family members and recommendations by language are to be added later. Siri will also be available on tvOS in Luxembourg, Denmark, and Singapore.
watchOS 9.1 comes with relatively small improvements. The battery consumption for certain sports (walking, running, and hiking outdoors) should be reduced if this is set manually. On Series 8, SE 2, and Ultra you can reduce the frequency of heart rate and GPS acquisition. Music can now be downloaded to the Apple Watch even when it is not on the charging puck. In addition, Matter is now also supported in the watch’s Home app.
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