If you're using a Mac and iPad to get things done, the fact that Apple hasn't introduced Universal Control yet (now promised for Spring) could prevent you from installing the latest updates from Apple: iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, and macOS 12.1.
But there are very good reasons to do so.
The update that fixed the Internet
Last week, news came of a nasty vulnerability in Apache's Log4j software library that could easily be used to steal web services data and credentials and install software on servers running Log4j.
What made this hack so serious is that it is ubiquitous and used by millions of online applications and services, including AWS, Steam, and iCloud.
Apple now appears to have secured iCloud against the attack, Eclecticlight claims.
Apparently, the vulnerability could be exploited in iCloud online from December 9-10, but it was fixed on December 11. This is a server-side glitch and you will find that it is being fixed on millions of sites and services. for the next few weeks.
The latest updates also fix several other vulnerabilities, including:
- A bug that allows Macs running Monterey to be tracked by Bluetooth MAC address.
- A vulnerability in iPhones, iPads, Macs, and WatchOS that allowed a maliciously crafted image or audio file to execute arbitrary code.
- A maliciously crafted audio file that runs on all Apple platforms and can lead to the disclosure of user information.
These and other bad guys are already fixed. It's also worth noting that the software update follows Apple's recent decision to take NSO Group to court.
This privacy thing
Another big improvement in this update is the App Privacy Report, which will highlight apps that violate your privacy settings.
Enabled in Settings> Privacy> turn on app privacy reporting, this shows you which apps are using which resources on your device, including microphone and camera. It also shows network activity, which can help you detect which apps are sending data when you don't want it.
This allows all iPhone users to get an overview of what their apps do. It also means that apps that continue to abuse customer trust by trying to evade their privacy settings are becoming a bit more obvious. It seems likely that many users will be surprised by what they find out, which hopefully means that apps that violate the spirit of app privacy on iOS devices will be quickly discovered and their apps removed or replaced by more privacy-friendly apps. . service provision.
It's a start.
Next year, I expect Apple to confidently start rejecting developers who don't respect the privacy of apps on the App Store.
For corporate users, this visibility into application behavior can make the difference between approving or not approving some popular communication and collaboration services for use on corporate hardware. Businesses may also want to use the Hide My Email tool, which is available in this version for iCloud + subscribers.
The update also includes the first part of Apple's controversial CSAM protection tools. These appear to have been slightly less prone to abuse, and what is offered here includes slightly less controversial settings that parents can use to trigger warnings for children when they receive or send photos containing nudity. Siri, Spotlight, and Safari Search also offer enhanced security warnings.
Holidays are for sharing
For Apple, the big problem in the latest version of the software is SharePlay, which is now compatible with Mac. It allows you to watch TV shows, music, movies and other content with other people from a FaceTime call. Although this shared generosity does not extend to all services, it does work with TV + content. This means that it could bring a sense of connection to families who, once again, cannot be together in this second Christmas season of pests.
If you have a business, you can also use SharePlay to collaborate on documents in supporting apps, which currently stands for Keynote and Pages, although the developers are introducing support for that.
Digital inheritance
Perhaps less focused on the holidays, the version also features the Digital Legacy tools promised by Apple. This is a must-have solution that helps you ensure that your emails, photos, and other personal data are available to those who need it in the event of your death.
Sadly, the one thing you can't bequeath without good reason is your digital movie or music collection, unless you've scammed or stolen them online. The copyright holder appears to want to usher in a year zero on content, given that he cannot pass his iTunes collection on to his heirs.
Good for business? Can be. But it's bad for music and movie fans who want to pass on their love for the interesting and the dark to the next generation.
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