Apple rolled out updates for OS X, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS on Monday. The updates are all free and fairly easy to install, and they haven’t caused any problems on The Mac Observer’s test devices so far. Read on to learn about the updates and how you can get them installed.
Jeff Gamet
Jeff Gamet is the Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X” from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also hosts TMO’s Daily Observations podcast, co-hosts The iOS Show podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other shows, too. Jeff dreams in HD.
Articles by Jeff Gamet
Apple Snubs Samsung for iPhone 7 and 8 Processors
Apple reportedly gave an exclusive manufacturing deal to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for the A10 processor used in the upcoming iPhone 7. The deal means Samsung won’t get to cash in on the next iPhone model, and sources say TSMC already scored an exclusive deal for the A11 processor in 2017’s iPhone lineup.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-18: SoftBank's ARM Purchase, Apple TV's Cord Cutter Miss
SoftBank is buying chip designer ARM, which may—or may not—have implications for Apple. Bryan Chaffin and Dave Hamilton join Jeff Gamet to look at the SoftBand and ARM deal, plus they share their thoughts on why Apple TV still isn’t an all-in-one solution for TV cord cutters.
SoftBank to Buy Apple Chip Designer ARM
Apple chip designer ARM Holdings is about to get bought by Japan’s SoftBank in a £24.3 billion (about US$32.16 billion) deal. SoftBank plans to keep ARM in the UK while using the deal to make itself the preeminent mobile chip designer and cash in on the growing “internet of things” product market.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-15: Apple's Fall Launches, Apollo's Open Source Code
We know Apple is releasing macOS Sierra, iOS 10, watchOS 3, tvOS 10, and new iPhones this fall, but there could be more in store, too. John Martellaro joins Jeff Gamet to discuss what announcements Apple may be planning, and how the announcements will be managed. They also talk about NASA releasing the Apollo 11 source code and how important Margaret Hamilton was to the space program.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-14: Eddy Cue on Apple TV, Samsung goes to the Supreme Court
Apple’s Eddy Cue recently shared some insight into the company’s plans for original TV content. Bryan Chaffin joins Jeff Gamet to look at what he had to say and how Apple fits into the entertainment market, plus they have some thoughts on the scheduled Supreme Court hearing in the Apple and Samsung patent infringement fight.
Supreme Court to Hear Samsung's iPhone Patent Appeal Oct 11
Samsung’s appeal in its ongoing patent infringement fight with Apple over smartphone designs goes before the U.S. Supreme Court on October 11th. This doesn’t, however, signal the end of a battle that started in 2011 and is only the latest round in a dispute that’s drug on for years.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-13: Mac Sales Decline, Tesla's Latest Crash
Mac sales are showing a decline and that has some pundits saying Apple has a big problem on its hands. John Martellaro joins Jeff Gamet to look at the state of Mac sales, the long gap between product refreshes, and the reaction we can expect when new models ship. They also look at the ramifications of the latest Tesla autopilot crash.
Apple's 'Planet of the Apps' Opens Casting Call for Developers
Apple’s original TV series Planet of the Apps is on the hunt for developers willing to share their app design process on the small screen. There’s an open casting call on the show’s website and they’re looking for coders in Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York to participate. Only 100 slots are available, and you’ll need a beta of your app ready by October 21, so get coding. You can apply for the show at the Planet of the Apps website.
How to Limit Pokémon GO's Access to Your Google Account
Nintendo and Niantic’s wildly popular Pokémon GO came under fire only days after it launched when users found out the game had permission to access everything in their Google accounts. Niantic said the game checked only basic account information and wasn’t supposed to get unfettered access to everything. There’s an patch out that fixes the permissions issue, but you’ll need to do more than simply install the update. Read on to learn how to limit Pokémon GO’s access to your Google account.
Leaked iPhone 7 Plus Pics Show Mute Switch is Gone
Yesterday we saw a leaked photo of what looks to be the 4.7-inch iPhone 7, and today brings us the iPhone 7 Plus. The new photos look pretty much like what we’re expecting, but with a glaring omission: the physical mute switch is gone.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-12: Goodbye iPhone Mute Switch, Hello Pokémon GO
The latest round of leaked iPhone 7 pics show a smartphone without the familiar mute switch. Bryan Chaffin joins Jeff Gamet to talk about why this has them concerned, and why it may not be such a big a deal. Jeff also explains why he’s enjoying Pokémon GO even though he’s not big into gaming.
Pokémon GO isn't Stealing all Your Data
Pokémon GO is the game to play, and it’s so popular that Nintendo’s servers can’t keep up with demand. That led to loads of people signing up with their Google ID, promptly followed by loads of people freaking out thinking the game is accessing all of their email, contacts, and documents. The game isn’t really stealing all your data, and the developers said they’re fixing the error that granted Pokémon GO full access to your Google account.
Photo Shows iPhone 7 with Bigger Camera Lens
A new photo of what appears to be the next iPhone hit the internet on Monday showing what we’ve already heard from rumors, like a new camera and redesigned antenna lines. In fact, the biggest surprise in this shot is how clear the photo is.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-11: The (Potential) Demise of the Mac Pro and Mac mini
With the Mac Pro and Mac mini languishing as years-old machines without refreshes, the future of Apple’s desktop lineup is in question. John Martellaro and Bryan Chaffin join Jeff Gamet to share their thoughts on what Apple may‚or may not—have in store for its desktop computers.
Apple Settles Coverflow Patent Fight for $25M
A patent infringement fight against Apple over Coverflow technology that started in 2008 has finally come to an end with a US$25 million settlement. Apple agreed to pay the sum to Network-1 Technologies, far less than the $625 million originally awarded.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-08: Apple Sabotage, Installing Apple's Public Betas
Apple is being accused of intentionally ruining performance on older devices to push sales. Bryan Chaffin joins Jeff Gamet to talk about a petition calling out Apple for planned obsolescence, plus they talk about how to install the iOS 10 and macOS Sierra public betas.
Apple Sued for Using Carousel Effect on Website
Apple has yet another patent infringement lawsuit to deal with, this time for the sliding carousel effect on the Apple.com home page. The case was filed by Samuel Lit who holds a 2008 patent describing the carousel effect—an effect that’s easy to find on scores of websites.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-07: iOS 10 and Sierra Public Betas
The iOS 10 and macOS Sierra public betas are here! John Martellaro joins Jeff Gamet to look at the public beta releases, talk about what they like, and remind everyone that betas shouldn’t go on our primary devices. They also have something to say about gun-shaped iPhone cases.
This is Why Gun-shaped iPhone Cases are a Bad Idea
A gun-shaped iPhone case is a bad idea in general, and doubly so when you take one to the airport. That’s the important life lesson one man learned when police stopped him in London Stansted Airport with what appeared to be a gun that turned out to be his smartphone.
Apple Launches iOS 10 and macOS Sierra Public Betas
Apple delivered on its promise of public betas for iOS 10 and macOS Sierra on Thursday. The betas were previously available only to developers, but now everyone can get in on the pre-release action.
Backdoor.MAC.Elanor Malware Access Mac Webcams, Steals Data, More
There’s a new Mac malware threat in the wild dubbed Backdoor.MAC.Elanor that’s particularly nasty because it lets attackers take control of your Mac’s camera, download data from your computer, and remotely run code. Mac users can fall victim to the threat by downloading what otherwise appears to be a legit app and has even shown up on some mainstream Mac software repositories.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-07-06: AI Agents and Privacy, Backdoor.MAC.Elanore Mac Malware
AI agents are great for helping us, but the come with a cost that not everyone is comfortable with. John Martellaro joins Jeff Gamet to talk about the personal data we give up to make AI agents more useful, and how we can limit what we share. They also take a look at the Backdoor.MAC.Elanor malware that’s threatening Macs.
3 Great iPhone Apps for Learning about Juno and Jupiter
NASA’s Juno probe spent five years traveling to Jupiter, and on July 4th it safely arrived and slid into orbit. That means we’ll have loads of new information about the gas giant soon, and thanks to our iPhones and iPads, we can stay on top of the latest discoveries. The Mac Observer put together a few apps for your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch so you can find out more about the mission, get the latest Juno news, and learn about Jupiter and the Juno probe, too.