Apple Releases macOS Ventura 13.1, watchOS 9.2, tvOS 16.2, and HomePod software version 16.2

Apple has today released macOS Ventura 13.1, watchOS 9.2, tvOS 16.2, and HomePod software version 16.2 to the public.

The macOS Ventura 13.1 release notes say that it “introduces Freeform, a new app that offers a great place to brainstorm and bring your ideas to life. This release also includes Advanced Data Protection for iCloud and other features and bug fixes for your Mac.”

Freeform

• Freeform is a new app for working creatively with friends or colleagues on Mac, iPad and iPhone
• A flexible canvas lets you add files, images, stickies, and more

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

• New option expands the total number of iCloud data categories protected using end-to-end encryption to 23 — including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos — protecting your information even in the case of a data breach in the cloud

This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:

• Improved search in Messages allows you to find photos based on their content, like a dog, car, person, or text
• Participant Cursors in Notes allow you to see live indicators as others make updates in a shared note
• Play sound in Find My app can now help you pinpoint the location of nearby AirTags, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) case, and Find My network accessories
• Fixes an issue that causes some notes not to sync with iCloud after updates are made
• Fixes an issue where you may lose keyboard and mouse input in some apps and games

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices. For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Our experience is that the following accessibility bugs have been resolved or significantly addressed in macOS Ventura 13.1:

• It is no longer necessary to restart VoiceOver after starting macOS.
• Email addresses and URLs no longer appear in the "Misspelled" menu in Text Checker.
• The undo send button in Mail is now properly labeled.

At the time of writing, we are aware of the following new bugs:

• When placing VoiceOver focus on a file on a Freeform canvas, pressing VO-Space does not work to open the file.
• The arrow keys do not work to edit sticky notes in Freeform, even when VoiceOver focus is placed on the text field for that note.

The release notes for watchOS 9.2 state that it includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:

• Outdoor Run workout now automatically detects when you arrive at a running track and provides track specific metrics
• Race Route lets you compete against your previous performance in Outdoor Run, Outdoor Cycle, and Outdoor Wheelchair Workouts
• New custom Kickboxing algorithm in the Workout app for more accurate metrics
• Noise app displays when environmental sound levels are reduced while wearing AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods Max with active noise cancellation
• Apple Card users with a Savings account can now check their balance in Wallet
• Family Setup users can be invited to the Home app to control HomePod speakers and smart home accessories, and unlock doors with home keys in Wallet
• Accessibility support to visualize when Siren is in use on Apple Watch Ultra
• Improved response time and accuracy of hand gesture controls for AssistiveTouch and Quick Actions
• Crash Detection optimizations on Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
• Fix for bug that causes display of incorrect watch time immediately after dismissing an alarm in Sleep Focus
• Fix for bug causing interruptions to mindfulness sessions

Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas, for more information visit: https://www.apple.com/watchos/feature-availability/

The tvOS 16.2 release notes say that it “introduces a more personalized Siri experience and makes singing along with Apple Music even more fun.”

Siri

• Get personalized recommendations, play your favorite music, and more at any time with Recognize My Voice support for up to six different family members. Try "What should I watch?" "Play my music," or "Switch to my profile."
• Set your Siri language to be different from the one your Apple TV displays. Go to Settings > General > Siri Language.
• Now includes language support for Danish in Denmark, French and German in Luxembourg, and English in Singapore to help you find shows, music, and more using just your voice.

Apple Music

• Sing along to your favorites with beat-by-beat, real-time lyrics.
• Control the vocal volume on millions of songs with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).

Siri availability and functionality vary by country or region.

According to Apple's release notes, HomePod software version 16.2 adds performance and stability improvements, with no additional information.

At the time of posting we are unaware of any additional changes, improvements or regressions for blind and low vision users in today's updates.

If you discover any fixes, enhancements, or regressions during your use of these software releases, please let us know by posting a comment below.

How to Update

To install macOS Ventura 13.1, choose System Settings from the Apple menu, select General in the table, click Software Update in the scroll area, and click the Update Now button to begin the update process. If other updates are available, you can click "More info" to see details about them and select specific updates to install.

watchOS 9.2 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General> Software Update. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.

To install tvOS 16.2 on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to the Settings channel, then look for the System section near the bottom. From here, look for Software Updates under Maintenance, then select Update Software and Download and Install. Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Don't disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.

By default, HomePod and HomePod mini automatically install new software updates, but you can manually check for updates in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.