Apple has released software updates for its iPhones and iPads, smart watches, HomePods, tvOS, and laptops. IPhones have iOS 14.2 and previous models have received iOS 12.4.9. Apple Watch models have watchOS 7.1, HomePod, and tvOS get software version 14.2, and macOS gets the Catalina 10.15.7 companion update. There are many improvements and big fixes in the iOS updates, while watchOS 7.1 takes ECG functionality to additional regions, along with other features. The HomePod update brings improved home theater compatibility along with various bug fixes.
IOS and iPadOS updates are available for iPhone 6s and later, iPod touch 7th generation, iPad Air 2 and later, and iPad mini 4 and later. iOS 14.2 brings more than 100 new emoji, eight new wallpapers in light and dark versions, notifications for the audio level of the headphones that show alerts when the volume could affect the hearing. Plus, there are new AirPlay controls, intercom support with HomePod and HomePod mini, and users can now connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K for stereo, Dolby Atmos audio, and surround sound.
iOS 12.4.9 brings important security updates for older iPhone models. This is for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and 3, and iPod touch (6th generation)
The magnifying glass on the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (4th generation) and 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) can now detect nearby people and the LiDAR sensor can display their distance. Support for iPhone 12 leather case with MagSafe has also been added.
Additionally, iPadOS 14.2 brings Auto FPS and Scene Detection in the Camera app for better video and photo quality. There are also various bug fixes, including a bug in the camera viewfinder that made it appear black when launched, missing lock screen keyboard taps, photo widget issues, and many more.
The watchOS 7.1 update adds ECG support on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in the Republic of Korea and Russia. These regions are also supported for irregular heart rate notifications. Fixes an issue with Apple Watch unable to unlock Mac. WatchOS 7.1 also brings notification when audio level may be too loud.
With HomePod and tvOS software update 14.2, users can now pair two HomePods on one Apple TV for stereo and surround sound with Dolby Atmos. There are also various bug fixes.
Lastly, the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 companion update was released. It brings a host of security updates including a memory corruption issue (CVE-2020-27930), a type confusion issue (CVE-2020-27932), and a memory initialization issue (CVE-2020-27950 ).
Are the iPhone 12 mini and HomePod mini the perfect Apple devices for India? We talked about this on Orbital, our weekly tech podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.
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