The newest version of Shelly Brisbin’s excellent book about the accessibility features of iOS and iPadOS is out now. I learn something new every year.
Year: 2023
Kbase Article of the Week: If an Error Occurred While Updating your Apple Studio Display ⇢
Sometimes I forget there’s a whole dang computer in the Studio Display, then I come across a link like this one:
If a warning symbol appears on your Studio Display, your display is in recovery mode and needs to be updated.
If an error occurs while updating your Studio Display, a warning symbol and support.apple.com/display/restore appear on your screen. Use the built-in display on your Mac or another display connected to your Mac to update your Studio Display.
Sponsor: TextExpander ⇢
TextExpander’s customizable and shareable snippets of text allow your team to fly through repetitive tasks quickly by expanding the things you type regularly — all you have to do is type a short abbreviation and TextExpander does the rest of the work for you.
Here’s How It Works:
- Create It: Collect your most commonly used emails, phrases, messaging, URLs, and more to create snippets and templates in TextExpander that are always accessible with a quick search or abbreviation.
- Share It: Give your team or different departments across your company access to the content they need to use every day.
- Use It: Expand the content you need with just a few keystrokes on any device, across any app you use — no APIs or integrations needed.
- Optimize It: Add customizations like fill-ins and optional sections to keep that human touch. Anytime you make changes to snippets they update everywhere so your team is always on the same page.
It’s that easy!
Check out TextExpander and say goodbye to repetitive typing.
Facades 2 ⇢
Today I’m launching a major update to Facades, the field guide to Apple Retail Stores. I’ve added detailed timelines filled with store history, new ways to track and share your store visits, custom lists, and much more. This update is the product of feedback from readers like you, and I hope you’ll enjoy what I’ve made.
I’ve been using the updated version for a while via TestFlight, and it is delightful. The title design touches are fabulous.
Good Morning; It’s Only 9:16 AM on Monday
What a day so far:
- Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales will soon halt unless someone blinks.
- Adobe isn’t buying Figma after all, and owes the smaller company a $1 billion break-up fee.
- TestFlight servers leaked a bunch of data between 2012 and 2015.
Mac Power Users #723: State of the Platforms (December 2023) ⇢
2023 proved to be very busy for Apple, with updated hardware and software shipping, as well as a look at an entirely new platform coming early next year in the form of visionOS. This week, David and Stephen take a survey of the company’s year.
Basic Apple Guy’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Wallpapers ⇢
Well, the dogcow images are perfect.
Connected #480: Bichael Gurley ⇢
OTJ joins Federico and Stephen to talk about Threads joining the fediverse, recent and future software updates, how to use nets correctly and the winners of this year’s MacStories Selects awards.
On Connected Pro: being the main character on Twitter, and that time the Rock was in a Siri commercial. Get 20% off your first year of the ad-free, longer version of the show between now and Friday, December 15.
All About Apple Notes ⇢
I recently gave a presentation about Apple Notes to a Mac User Group in Texas, and recorded my talk. I hope you enjoy!
AirPods Pro USB-C Case Now For Sale ⇢
If getting Lightning out of your life is worth $99, I have good news for you.
Apple Expands Self Service Repair Program ⇢
Self Service Repair is now available for the iPhone 15 lineup and Mac models powered by the M2 lineup, including the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 15-inch MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. Self Service Repair is also now available for Apple users in 24 additional European countries, including Croatia, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland. With this latest expansion, Self Service Repair now supports 35 Apple products in 33 countries and 24 languages.
Additionally, Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair is available today in the U.S., with availability in Europe to come next year. Intended for users with the knowledge and expertise to repair Apple devices, Apple Diagnostics troubleshooting sessions will give customers the same ability as Apple Authorized Service Providers and Independent Repair Providers to test devices for optimal part functionality and performance, as well as identify which parts may need repair.
Stolen Device Protection Coming with iOS 17.3 ⇢
Earlier this year, Joanna Stern and Nicole Nguyen did some excellent reporting about how easy it is for someone to own your Apple ID if they steal your iPhone.
Apple has responded with a new feature that has popped up in today’s beta of iOS 17.3. Michael Potuck has details at 9to5Mac:
Apple has thoughtfully created a two-tier system of how Stolen Device Protection works that offers a balance of user-friendliness while enhancing security.
For example, with the feature turned on, actions like using passwords or passkeys, applying for an Apple Card, turning off Lost Mode, erasing an iPhone, and using payment methods saved with an iPhone will require biometric authentication – no passcode fallback when away from familiar locations.
Stern and Nguyen have a list that provides more detail in their article about the new feature.
Biometrics are required to:
- Access iCloud Keychain passwords
- Apply for a new Apple Card
- Erase all content and settings
- Turn off Lost Mode
- Send Apple Cash to a bank account
- Use your iPhone to set up a new device
- Use payment methods saved in Safari
Biometrics + an hour wait are required to:
- Change your Apple ID password
- Enable recovery key
- Change trusted phone number or contact
- Add Face ID or Touch ID
- Remove Face ID or Touch ID
- Disable Find My
- Turn off Stolen Device Protection
This holiday season, make sure your loved ones have Touch ID or Face ID enabled on their devices.