Today, Apple is rolling out a plethora of software updates for just about anyone with an Apple device: iOS 16.1, tvOS 16.1, watchOS 9.1, tvOS 16.1.
The updates to iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and the HomePod software are bug fixes for the original x.0 versions released in September, although they all add at least one or two features that users notice. iOS 16.1 is the first version to support iCloud Shared Photo Libraries, the Apple TV update includes a new Siri interface, the HomePod update adds support for the Matter smart home standard, and the Apple Watch update could significantly reduce battery life on newer models by reducing the number of times your watch checks heart rate and GPS readings.
But today’s iPadOS and macOS updates are the most significant, as the earlier versions weren’t released alongside iOS 16 in September. Both feature the new Stage Manager multitasking interface, as well as a host of lesser-known features – we’ll cover the Mac version of these features in our full macOS Ventura review.
iPadOS update requires iPad 5th generation or later, iPad mini 5th generation or later, iPad Air 3rd generation or later, or any iPad Pro model. Ventura will run on any Mac released in 2017 or later. The tvOS update will work on any Apple TV with tvOS, and the watchOS update requires Series 4 or later. iOS 16 requires iPhone 8/8 Plus/X or later.