Apple has doled out release candidate developer beta versions for tvOS 16.5 and watchOS 9.5, as well as for HomePod.New watchOS beta for developersThese updates are available for developers via the Apple Developer Center or by updating their hardware if already running beta operating systems. Public beta versions are expected to follow soon after the developer updates through the Apple Beta Software Program. Read more...

Apple has doled out release candidate developer beta versions for tvOS 16.5 and watchOS 9.5.New watchOS beta for developersThese updates are available for developers via the Apple Developer Center or by updating their hardware if already running beta operating systems. Public beta versions are expected to follow soon after the developer updates through the Apple Beta Software Program. Read more...

General Motors (GM) has hired Mike Abbott, a former Apple executive responsible for the company's cloud services division, to lead a new software unit, just over a month after the automaker announced the controversial move to phase out Apple CarPlay on new vehicles (via CNBC). After working at tech companies such as Twitter, Microsoft, and Palm, Apple hired Abbott in February 2018. He oversaw Apple's cloud infrastructure for services like iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime before leaving the company in March. Abbott's role at GM will encompass several key functions, including information and digital technology, software-defined vehicle and operating systems, and the company's digital business. He will report directly to GM CEO Mary Barra. In a statement, Barra said "Mike's experience…

Macworld After GM’s announcement that its electric fleet would not support CarPlay, the company has some real CurrentC energy. You’ll forget all about the system you prefer! “GM thinks it can wean you off Apple CarPlay and Android Auto” Car shoppers told the Detroit Free Press that the move was “a dealbreaker” and a “huge blunder.” Auto analysts were left scratching their heads, noting that demand for CarPlay and Android Auto was “massive” and that GM was taking a huge risk by cutting off access. It’s baffling! Short-sighted! Pure hubris! But let’s allow a guy with a title that absolutely screams “fantastic user experience” get in a word. But Scott Miller, vice president of software defined vehicle and operating systems…

Macworld Each year Apple releases a major update for iOS, the operating system on your iPhone. The current version, released last year, is iOS 16, and it doesn’t take a genius to predict that 2023 will see the launch of iOS 17. This free software update will bring a raft of interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new features. It’s like getting a new iPhone without paying a penny. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about iOS 17. We cover its release schedule and when you can expect the beta and final versions to come out; how to get it when it does; the models of iPhone that are likely to be able to run iOS; and…

Macworld Each year Apple releases a major update for iOS, the operating system on your iPhone. The current version, released last year, is iOS 16, and it doesn’t take a genius to predict that 2023 will see the launch of iOS 17. This free software update will bring a raft of interface tweaks, bug fixes, and new features. It’s like getting a new iPhone without paying a penny. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about iOS 17. We cover its release schedule and when you can expect the beta and final versions to come out; how to get it when it does; the models of iPhone that are likely to be able to run iOS; and…