Apple OS Updates

There are several Apple OS updates coming along, and the following article discusses whether your Apple device will be eligible for the update. My MacBook Air will accept the new OS, but my iPhone X won't! Take a look and see if your Mac, iPad, iPhone or Apple watch will be eligible for the coming updates. This info comes from the Small Dog Electronics newsletter (https://smalldog.com/)

Jim Hamm

The Hardware You’ll Need to Run Apple’s 2023 Operating Systems

At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June, the company unveiled the upcoming versions of its operating systems: macOS 14 Sonoma, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. They won’t be available until September or October of 2023, and, even once they ship, we recommend waiting a few weeks before upgrading your smaller Apple devices and holding off on macOS upgrades for a couple of months.

Regardless, it’s worth considering how these operating systems might impact your plans to buy new hardware in the next six months. Any Apple device you purchase now—or have bought in the last five years—can run the new operating systems. But some devices that can run the current macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16 won’t be upgradable to their replacements later this year. More importantly, some older devices that can be upgraded won’t support all the new features.

Here’s what you’ll need and compatibility gotchas to keep in mind.

macOS 14 Sonoma

For macOS 14 Sonoma, Apple has dropped support for Mac models released before 2018. That works out to five models across the iMac, MacBook Pro, and MacBook product lines. If you rely on one of those Macs and want to run Sonoma, think about when it would make sense to buy a new Mac, perhaps in early 2024. By then, all new Macs will likely ship with Sonoma. These Macs can run Sonoma:

  • iMac: 2018 and later

  • iMac Pro: 2017

  • MacBook: None

  • MacBook Air: 2018 and later

  • MacBook Pro: 2018 and later

  • Mac mini: 2018 and later

  • Mac Pro: 2019 and later

  • Mac Studio: 2022 and later

The specific 2017 Mac models that are stuck at Ventura are:

  • iMac: 21.5-inch and 27-inch

  • MacBook Pro: 13-inch and 15-inch

  • MacBook: 12-inch

Unsurprisingly, some new features in Sonoma require sufficient processing power that they work only on Macs with Apple silicon—one of the M1 or M2 chips.

  • Game Mode: This special mode automatically gives games top priority on the CPU and GPU, lowering usage for background tasks. It also reduces latency for wireless accessories, like game controllers and AirPods, for improved responsiveness.

  • Just “Siri”: Although dropping “Hey” from the “Hey Siri” trigger phrase works on all iPhones with iOS 17 and iPads with iPadOS 17, it requires a Mac with Apple silicon or when using the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

  • Made for iPhone hearing aids: Apple-compatible hearing aids can now be paired directly with Macs, but only those with an M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, or M2. That works out to the MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021), MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021), Mac Studio (2022), and all Macs with the M2.

  • Presenter Overlay: You can keep your image visible while sharing your screen on a video call, either in front of the shared screen or in a small movable bubble.

  • React with your hands: During video calls, 3D augmented-reality reaction effects like hearts, confetti, and fireworks can be triggered with hand gestures, but only on Macs with Apple silicon or when using Continuity Camera with an iPhone 12 or later.

  • Screen Sharing performance improvements: Apple has radically improved the performance of the Screen Sharing app over high-bandwidth connections, but it requires the advanced media engine in Apple silicon.

If you’re unsure which Mac you have, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu.

iOS 17

With iOS 17, Apple has maintained the same cutoff date as Sonoma, supporting all iPhone models released in 2018 and later. That means you’ll be able to run iOS 17 on these iPhones:

  • iPhone 14/Plus/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone 13/mini/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone 12/mini/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone 11/Pro/Pro Max

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

  • iPhone XR/XS/XS Max

Practically speaking, these iOS 16-compatible devices won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 17:

  • iPhone X

  • iPhone 8/8 Plus

Several new iOS 17 features have more restrictive system requirements.

  • Enhanced autocorrect: iOS 17 enhances autocorrect so it works better (and yes, it will let you use curse words), and it temporarily underlines autocorrected words so you can see which ones were changed. It requires an iPhone 12 or later.

  • Inline predictions: Similarly, inline predictions of what you’re going to type—so you can just accept the suggestion rather than tapping out all those letters—require an iPhone 12 or later.

  • Point and Speak: Those with vision disabilities might appreciate the Point and Speak feature that makes it easier to interact with physical objects that have text labels, but it works only on the Pro models of the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14.

  • React with your hands: The hand-triggered video call reactions require an iPhone 12 or later.

If you can’t remember which iPhone model you have, go to Settings > General > About and look next to Model Name. This works for the iPad, too.

iPadOS 17

It’s more involved to determine whether your iPad can upgrade to iPadOS 17 because there are four different iPad model types with varying capabilities. These models can run iPadOS 17:

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd–6th generation)

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–3rd generation)

  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch

  • iPad Air (3rd–5th generation)

  • iPad (6th–10th generation)

  • iPad mini (5th & 6th generation)

While that list encompasses a lot of iPads, a simpler way to look at it is that only three iPad models that can run iOS 16 won’t be able to upgrade to iOS 17:

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)

  • iPad Pro 9.7-inch

  • iPad (5th generation)

Because Apple extended overall iPadOS 17 compatibility somewhat further back than it did with iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, quite a few iPadOS 17 features work only on select models:

  • Back-to-back Siri requests: Although all iPhones will let you issue multiple requests to Siri without reactivating it, on the iPad, the feature works only on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), or iPad (8th generation and later).

  • Enhanced autocorrect: This improvement to typing requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).

  • External display cameras: If you want to take advantage of an external display’s camera while it’s attached to the iPad, you’ll need an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).

  • FaceTime with Apple TV: Using an iPad’s mic and camera for FaceTime on an Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad (8th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), or iPad mini (5th generation and later).

  • Inline predictions: Getting suggestions about what to type next on the iPad requires an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), or iPad mini (6th generation).

  • PDF AutoFill: iPadOS 17 will use machine learning to analyze PDFs, and if it detects a form, you can fill it out automatically using your contact information. But only if you’re using an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), or iPad (8th generation and later).

  • React with your hands: As with the iPhone and Mac, only some models let you trigger reactions with gestures: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th generation and later), and iPad mini (6th generation).

  • Screen Distance: This health-related feature is supposed to encourage kids to hold the iPad farther away to reduce the likelihood of developing myopia. But how many kids read on an iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) or iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and later)?

watchOS 10

The Apple Watch has a simple upgrade story: every model compatible with watchOS 9 can also run watchOS 10. That means everything from the Apple Watch Series 4 up through the Apple Watch Ultra, including the Apple Watch SE. (Look in the Watch app on your iPhone if you can’t remember which model you have.)

Two of the new features promised for watchOS 10 work only on specific models:

  • The NameDrop feature that lets you transfer contact information wirelessly with just proximity works with all iOS 17-compatible iPhones, but it can communicate only with an Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra.

  • The Time in Daylight feature that helps parents track whether their kids are spending the recommended 80–120 minutes per day outside requires an Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra.

tvOS 17

As with the Apple Watch, the Apple TV upgrade situation is easy to understand: tvOS 17 will run on the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (1st and 2nd generation), just as with tvOS 16.

However, note that the promised option to let you use the mic and camera from an iPhone or iPad for FaceTime calls on the Apple TV works only if you have an Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). That might be the first real reason to upgrade from an older Apple TV.

iOS17

Soon a new OS -- iOS 17 -- will be coming to your iPhone, if you have one. In this article, the author laments the fact that most iPhone users haven't really grasped all the features in iOS 16, the current version. After reading the article, I've concluded I'm in that group. It would be nice if Apple made available for download a summary of new features, and how to use them, in every release of a new OS.

Having said that, some years ago the author and a friend started a new website -- https://sixcolors.com/ -- which features articles about Apple's various OSes. This might be of interest.

Jim Hamm

iPhone Tip

If you use Safari often on your iPhone you may have tabs open in the background, perhaps slowing down your phone. Following is a tip that might be helpful. Also, it's quite helpful to close apps that might be running in the background, and consuming memory. Put a finger on the app, it will turn small, and you can just 'flip' it up and away to close it.

Jim Hamm

Do this now to speed up your phone

Maybe you keep your computer browser nice and tidy (good for you!), but I bet your phone’s browser is a complete mess. Those tabs running in the background eat up valuable memory. There’s an easier fix than closing tabs one at a time.

On iPhone:

Open Safari. Tap and hold the icon that looks like two overlapping squares. From the pop-up, choose Close All Tabs. Done!

Vision Pro

I just tried Apple's first spatial computer, and here's what I think - 9to5Mac.

Should you have an interest in reading it, the following article discusses one person’s impressions after wearing Apple’s new VisionPro, which was introduced yesterday. It will be interesting  to see how this sells at a price point of $3500.

Jim Hamm



https://flip.it/xzKTCm

Understanding AI

Would you like to understand more about AI (artificial intelligence)? Well, for starters, take a look at the following link wherein NPR has a series of podcasts on AI. To start with, I just finished listening to the last podcast first, wherein the "godfather" of AI gives his thoughts on AI now and in the future. About 10 minutes in length, and quite interesting. I'll eventually listen to all of them..

Jim Hamm


https://www.npr.org/2023/05/25/1177700852/ai-future-dangers-benefits

AI Coming to Windows 11

According to the following article from the Post, an AI chatbot (Copilot) is coming to Windows 11 next month. The intent is to help you get help with understanding and using your PC. But, on further reflection, I'm a bit dubious of having an AI program running around in my computer. While MS says the program won't go proactively searching around your files, I don't hold a lot of faith in that statement.

While this step is for Windows, I can't help but wonder when Apple will come out with something similar for the Mac? This is yet another example of how diverse the use of AI is becoming. Read the following article and see what you think.

Jim Hamm

Once upon a time, a tiny paper clip with eyes would ask whether you needed help writing letters in Microsoft Word. Decades later, in an age when innovations such as Apple’s Siri became a big deal, Microsoft built a software assistant called Cortana for its ill-fated Windows phones, and then for Windows 10.

Microsoft has long had a soft spot for “assistants,” seemingly approachable bits of software meant to help you get more out of your Windows devices. And now that the company is leaning into its position as a major AI player, it’s gearing up to bring a new kind of assistant, called Copilot, to Windows 11 PCs later this year.

It’s not cute like Clippy, and it can’t speak back to you the way Cortana could. But it could make working on a Windows computer — and figuring out how to take full advantage of Windows tools and settings — a little easier.

Microsoft unveiled the feature at its Build developer conference this week, where much of the conversation around Copilot centered around helping professionals and software creators be more productive. Maybe more important, though, is how Copilot might be able to help demystify Windows for regular people.

“It would be a way to command your device to do what it should have always done,” said Shilpa Ranganathan, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of Windows. In other words, the days of wading through a sea of endless (and sometimes arcane) PC settings may soon be over.

If you’re feeling up to it, Microsoft is opening access to a preview version of Copilot for Windows 11 in June. You’ll be able to try it out for yourself free if you’re a member of the company’s Windows Insider program, but here’s what you should know about Copilot before you take the plunge.

A tech support agent that doesn’t judge you. You can ask Copilot the usual AI chatbot things — it'll unpack complex topics and try to handle factual questions when prompted. And with the help of plug-ins some companies have designed, Copilot can also do things like fire up Spotify playlists.

Unlike the last time Microsoft talked up an AI integration for Windows, though, Copilot hooks more deeply into your computer. That means — among other things — it can more easily interact with some of your files. If you dragged and dropped an audio file into the sidebar Copilot lives in, it’ll offer to transcribe the contents. Trying the same with, say, a document yields an option to summarize it.

Unless you’re a power user, there’s also a pretty good chance Copilot knows the ins and outs of Windows better than you do. Through written messages, for example, you can prompt it to set a focus timer — an oft-overlooked Windows feature I rely on — or switch your PC's visual theme to dark mode. Ask it to organize the many open windows on your desktop, and it'll offer to walk you through using virtual desktops, or Windows 11's Snap Windows feature.

That's right: If there's something you need your Windows PC to do and you don't know how to make that happen, you can ask Copilot. And while Ranganathan concedes Copilot may not always get the answer right, this still feels like a step toward computing clarity that some users could really benefit from.

“Let’s face it, traditional help functionality in Windows has been deficient,” said J.P. Gownder, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester. “Windows Copilot appears to smooth out the connections, linking users to troubleshooting and Windows functionality faster.”

If Copilot is capable of even more, Microsoft isn’t talking about it yet. Part of that may be because the company itself doesn’t know exactly what users will try to do with the feature. During a Build keynote address Microsoft held Wednesday, chief product officer Panos Panay urged people in the audience to test Copilot for themselves so they and the company could “learn together.”

“I say that from a true point of humility,” he added. “We don’t understand everything yet.”

Ambitious but unproven. Because Windows Copilot hasn’t been released to the public — and because all Microsoft has officially shown off is a short sizzle reel — the finer points of how it works aren’t fully clear. But Ranganathan did clarify a few things that could make using Copilot a bit more palatable to some.

By default, ChatGPT — created and operated by OpenAI, Microsoft’s partner in AI — saves what you say to it to further train the large language models that make the chatbot so eloquent. Ranganathan says Microsoft has “not gone down that path” so far, and that it hasn’t been planning to specifically save your interactions with Copilot. That could change, though, and if it does, Ranganathan says “you deserve to know.”

Copilot won’t proactively go snooping around in your files, either. While some of its features — like the ability to transcribe the contents of audio recordings — require Copilot to interact with files on your computer, Ranganathan says any situation like that would require a user’s explicit consent.

“We’re going to actively look for permission and consent,” she said. “I’m not a big believer in doing things with people’s data without their knowledge.”

For now, though, there’s not much more to do beyond take Microsoft’s word for it — it’ll be a few weeks at least before we get the chance to test Windows 11′s new Copilot for ourselves. Still, despite Microsoft’s somewhat rocky history with software “assistants,” some industry observers feel cautiously optimistic.

“We have to be careful about making sweeping claims right now about any of this stuff,” said Forrester’s Gownder. “Based on the limited demos I saw, I think Windows Copilot has a lot of promise.”

Delete These Apps

Tech blogger Kim Komando suggests that people delete the following apps off any phone, computer, or electronic tablet now, as they may be spying for the Chinese Government. Of these, the only one I have is the Opera Browser, which I haven't used in a long time, but will delete it  off my computer.

Jim Hamm

 Delete these apps now. Here’s a (certainly not exhaustive) list of apps with ties to the Chinese government, along with their parent companies:

    TikTok — Bytedance
    Lemon8 — Bytedance
    CapCut — Bytedance
    Pinduoduo — PDD Holdings
    Temu — PDD Holdings
    CamScanner — Intsig Information
    Shein — Roadget Business
    TurboVPN — Innovative Connecting
    WeChat — Tencent
    UC Browser — Alibaba Group
    SHAREit — SHAREit Technologies

Opera Browser -- Golden Brick Capital Private Equity Fund I Limited Partnership