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Bug fixes and security: watchOS 8.7, tvOS 15.6 and HomePod OS 15.6 available

In addition to updates for Mac, iPhone and iPad, Apple is also providing new operating system versions for Apple Watch, Apple TV and HomePod.

Big round of updates in hot weather: In addition to new operating systems for Mac, iPhone and iPad, Apple also provided the rest of its device park with updates on Wednesday evening. They come a good two months after the last updates.

In addition to iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6 and macOS 12.5, watchOS 8.7 is now available. The new Apple Watch operating system does not come with any new features – at least Apple does not name them. Instead, the manufacturer says there are bug fixes, performance improvements, and more security. It was initially unclear whether a long-standing error in connection with the control center and notifications was fixed. However, several dozen patched vulnerabilities in watchOS have been published, including in WebKit, the software update function, the APFS file system, the Neural Engine and various other areas. In some cases, the bugs can also be used to execute malicious code with kernel privileges – a quick update is therefore useful.

Apple TV owners will get tvOS 15.6 for download for the HD model and 4K variants. Here, Apple is usually silent when it comes to communicating innovations – that’s the case this time too. Here too, however, extensive security patches have been made, some of which include serious gaps that the group has addressed. Download and installation were carried out via the settings menu under “System”.

Furthermore, Apple has updated the operating system of HomePod and HomePod mini – which can now even be tested. Version 15.6 also reaches the devices here, the import is carried out via the home app. Apple doesn’t give any details about innovations and unfortunately also omits descriptions of possible security fixes that are very likely to be in the new firmware.

Meanwhile, Mac owners who aren’t yet running macOS Monterey should also take a look at Software Updates in Preferences. Apple has also provided security updates for macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina. Details on the closed gaps can be found here (macOS Big Sur 11.6.8) and here (Security Update 2022-005 Catalina). Here, too, it should be noted that some serious errors are eliminated and prompt import is recommended.


(bsc)

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