Today Apple released what may very well be the final update across the current OSes before they turn their attention toward this fall’s iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur updates.
These updates are about as stable as they are going to get, so I strongly urge you to consider upgrading if you haven’t already. If you are a late adopter and you’re still running iOS 12, once iOS 14 is released in a couple of months you may no longer have the option to go to iOS 13. If you have to upgrade for some reason (you need one of the new features, an app you depend on requires a software update) updating to iOS 14 might be your only option.
There are few new features since the last updates, so most of the changes are bug and security fixes focused on getting everything just about perfect.
There are a few small features, however:
- Apple News+ subscribers now have access to audio content as well as locally curated news in particular markets including the Bay Area.
- There is a new toggle on iOS and iPadOS to prevent updates from downloading and consuming space until you ask for them. Late adopters will love this!
- The Health app on iOS now has a section to log symptoms, so that you can easily keep a record of for your own reference or to share with your doctor.
- Car Key allows you to use your iPhone or Apple Watch in lieu of a key fob with supported cars, starting with some current models of BMW.
To update
- macOS: Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update (wait for a few seconds or press Command-R if it doesn’t show)
- iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch): Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
- watchOS: First update your iPhone, then on your iPhone tap the Watch app > General > Software Update.
- tvOS: Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update.
- HomePod: HomePod will update itself automatically, but you can push it along manually. Go to the Home app, tap the house icon in the upper left corner, and choose “Software Update” in the “Speakers & TV” section.