Update week at Apple: In addition to macOS 12.0.1 as well as iOS and iPadOS 15.1, Apple has also updated the operating systems for other of its devices. They contain bug fixes as well as new functions, some of which the manufacturer announced months ago. They affect Apple Watch, Apple TV, and the HomePod (mini).
Fitness with 32 people
watchOS 8.1 comes around a month after watchOS 8 and runs from Apple Watch Series 3. It provides support for the SharePlay function, which is used on the watch as part of the Apple sports service Fitness +. Subscribers can also invite up to 32 other people to join in for sports on a FaceTime call. This is also possible via iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.
In certain regions of the world, the Apple Wallet can now display Covid-19 vaccination cards – useful if you don’t want to keep opening the app in question. It was initially unclear whether this would also be supported in Europe. Furthermore, Apple promises an improved detection of accidents during workouts through an optimized algorithm; it is now also possible to only activate the detection during sport. After all, the time display in always-on mode (from Series 5) should be more accurate, it sometimes did not switch quickly enough.
Spatial audio does not work on HomePod mini
tvOS 15.1 should mainly revolve around the knowledge of the SharePlay service mentioned; So far, Apple has not given any details on further bug fixes and additions. HomePod OS 15.1 is available for HomePod and HomePod mini. Apple is now adding support for Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos including Spatial Audio. Lossless should run on both large and small HomePod, but Spatial Audio not on the mini. It remains unclear whether this will be submitted later.
Apple has not yet given any information on whether the new updates contain security fixes – Unfortunately, this also applies to iOS and iPadOS 15.1 as well as macOS 12.0.1. So far, the company only writes that it will be informed “soon”. This approach of slowly informing the public has recently attracted a lot of criticism.
(bsc)