Shiny Object Alert: New Apple iPods Are Here
Today, for the first time since 2012, Apple released updated versions of the iPod line of products. This includes updates to the Touch, Shuffle, and Nano, all of which now come in more colors than before.
Apple
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Apple has today released software version 15 for both HomePod and HomePod mini.
In addition to some unspecified bug fixes and stability improvements, according to the release notes via 9to5Mac, this update brings some notable new features and enhancements:
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Apple has today released version 26.3 of the macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod Software platforms.
In our usage and testing of macOS Tahoe 26.3 and watchOS 26.3, we did not identify any changes in these releases that specifically affect the experience for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users. We were unable to test tvOS 26.3 or HomePod Software 26.3. If you notice any changes in your own use of any of these releases, please do let us know by posting a comment.
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Apple today released version 26.4 of the macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod Software platforms.
Our experience is that the following VoiceOver bug has been resolved in macOS Tahoe 26.4:
If you notice any further changes, improvements, or regressions in your use of these releases, please post a comment below with your findings.
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Apple has today released watchOS 2.0.1.
For blind and low vision users, Apple has addressed a bug where the on/off status of alarms was not spoken by VoiceOver; changing the text input language when replying is also now accessible.
Unlike iOS 9.1 and OS X 10.11.1, there were no pre-release betas of watchOS 2.0.1 issued to developers. Thus, if additional accessibility changes are identified, we will update this post accordingly.
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Apple has today released watchOS 2.1 for the Apple Watch. This update brings bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements, as well as language support for Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Malay, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.
According to AppleInsider, this release includes:
Apple Releases watchOS 2.2, Bringing Support for Pairing Multiple Apple Watches with a Single iPhone
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Apple has today released watchOS 2.2 for the Apple Watch, bringing with it new features and bug fixes.
In terms of new features, watchOS 2.2 introduces support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone; this feature requires both watchOS 2.2 and iOS 9.3 on the iPhone. Additionally, the native Maps app has gained support for the Nearby feature first introduced with iOS 9, and also now offers quicker access to directions to home and work.
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Apple has today released watchOS 3, proudly claiming that this release will let you “do more in an instant”:
With the latest watchOS, apps launch instantly and are easier to access. You can choose from a range of watch faces and share your daily activity with friends. The Breathe app helps you stay healthy by taking a moment for yourself every day. And messages are more expressive and delightful. It’s the world’s most loved smartwatch — now with even more to love.
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Apple has today Released watchOS 4.2, bringing support for Apple Pay Cash, Apple's new peer-to-peer payment service that allows users to send money to one another via the Messages app.
According to MacRumors watchOS 4.2 also “adds support for HomeKit sprinklers and faucets, plus it introduces a new workout type that allows third-party apps to track distance, average speed, number of runs, and elevation descended for downhill snow sports with Apple Watch Series 3.”
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Along with the release of iOS 11.3, today has also seen the releases of watchOS 4.3, tvOS 11.3 and the first software update for HomePod.
According to MacRumors, the watchOS 4.3 release:
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Alongside the release of iOS 11.4 and updated HomePod software, Apple has today released software updates for the Apple TV and Apple Watch.
According to MacRumors, tvOS 11.4 includes the following changes:
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Apple has today released watchOS 4, describing it as:
A smarter coach and workout partner. Better in tune with your taste in music. And an even more proactive all-day assistant. With watchOS 4, Apple Watch is dialed in to you like never before.
Below are some of the highlights of what watchOS 4 will bring to your wrist.
The New Features That We Think You Will Like
Siri Gets its Own Watch Face
watchOS 4 brings a new watch face with Siri built-in.
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Apple has today released watchOS 5.1.2, bringing a new ECG app and irregular heart rate notifications for users of specific Apple Watch models in the United States.
Announcing the release of watchOS 5.1.2, apple said “the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notification feature will help users identify signs of AFib, the most common form of irregular rhythm.”
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Apple has today released watchOS 5, [saying that it will enable you to do “even more with your Apple Watch”:
Activity competitions with your friends. Brand-new workouts. Innovations to help you take your running further. And more intelligent, fun ways to keep you connected to the people and information you care about. With watchOS 5, you can do even more with your Apple Watch from your morning workout to lights out.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.3 and tvOS 14.4 to the public.
For low vision users, watchOs 7.3 brings a fix for an issue where Control Center and Notification Center may be unresponsive when Zoom is enabled.
At the time of posting, we are unaware of any additional fixes or changes for blind and low vision users in these releases. Likewise, we are unaware of any new bugs. If you discover any fixes, changes or regressions in your own use of the software, please let us know by adding a comment below.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.3.1 for Apple Watch Series 5 and SE, reportedly to fix an issue that prevented the watch from charging when in Power Reserve mode.
As watchOS 7.3.1 is only available to select models to address a specific issue, our expectation is that it does not contain any accessibility changes for blind and low vision users; however, if you notice any changes, improvements or regressions in your own use of this release, please post a comment with your findings.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.6 and tvOS 14.7. These appear to be relatively minor updates for single dot releases, focusing primarily on security fixes and under-the-hood performance improvements.
At the time of posting, we are unaware of any fixes, enhancements or regressions for blind and low vision users in these releases.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.6.1, bringing a fix for a security issue that, according to Apple's security support document may have been actively exploited.
Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
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Apple has today released watchOS 8.1.1. This appears to be an extremely minor update to fix a single issue with charging on the Series 7 Apple Watch.
Apple's release notes for watchOS 8.1.1 simply say:
watchOS 8.1.1 fixes an issue where Apple Watch Series 7 may not charge as expected for some users.
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Apple has today released watchOS 8.4.1 for Apple Watch Series 4 and later. We don't yet know what's included in the update, with Apple's release notes simply stating that it "includes bug fixes for Apple Watch Series 4 and later."
As this update is only available to select Apple Watch models, our expectation is that it does not contain any accessibility changes for blind and low vision users; however, if you notice any changes, improvements or regressions in your own use of this release, please post a comment with your findings.