| Cult of Mac

Apple hasn’t given up on macOS Big Sur

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macOS 11.1 beta 1 was seeded to developers on November 17.
Macs with Big Sur should upgrade to macOS 11.6.7.
Photo: Cult of Mac

If your Mac is still running macOS 11, there’s a software update you need. Apple released macOS Big Sur 11.6.7 to fix an email bug that prevents email applications from opening attachments.

The new version is available to download now.

Safari 15.1 reverses controversial design changes for macOS Big Sur and Catalina

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Safari 15.1 design
Safari is back to its best.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

After Apple finally decided to reverse its controversial Safari design changes in the latest macOS Monterey beta (when you use the “Separate” tabs option), it has made the same move for those running macOS Big Sur and Catalina.

The Safari 15.1 update released Wednesday for earlier versions of macOS brings back Safari’s old tab design. However, if you prefer the new “Compact” interface — introduced at WWDC 2021 back in June — you still have the option to use it.

Safari 15 frustrates macOS users with a plethora of bugs

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Safari 15 on macOS
Frequent crashes have become the norm for some users.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you haven’t yet upgraded to Safari 15 for macOS, you’re one of the lucky ones. The latest version of Apple’s web browser is frustrating users with a plethora of bugs that cause repeated crashes. However, there are fixes you can try.

Safari 15 comes bundled with macOS Monterey, which is still in beta testing ahead of its public debut later this fall. It’s also available as a standalone upgrade for those running macOS Big Sur and Catalina.

Install these critical security patches for Mac, iPhone,iPad and Apple Watch today [Updated]

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Mac malware is real. Watch out.
macOS Big Sur 11.5.1, iOS 14.7.1 and iPadOS 14.7.1 each take care of the same dangerous bug.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Three of Apple’s biggest products received security patches Monday — and another got its version on Thursday. You should probably install them as soon as possible.

The company started with macOS Big Sur 11.5.1, iOS 14.7.1, and iPadOS 14.7.1 to fix a security hole reportedly used by at least one hacker already. That’s why they are “recommended for all users,” according to Apple.

Apple followed up Thursday by releasing watchOS 7.6.1 to patch the same bug on Apple Watch. It’s also recommended.

Unique handheld Hackintosh is no bigger than paperback

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Unique handheld Hackintosh is no bigger than paperback
This crazy hackintosh has a palm-size keyboard and screen but still runs macOS Big Sur.
Photo: iketsj

Maybe you’ve been thinking that MacBooks are just too practical. What you want is a handheld Mac with a screen you can barely see and an uncomfortable keyboard. Well, T. Sanglay, Jr. has just the project for you. He created miniature hackintosh that runs macOS Big Sur.

And he filmed a video to show the computer coming together. Watch it if you have a hard time believing someone could assemble a Mac about the size of paperback novel.

New iOS and macOS versions add Apple Card Family, podcast subscriptions

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MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV
If you have multiple Apple devices, you’re in for a busy day. iOS 14.6, macOS 11.4, iPadOS 14.6, watchOS 7.5 and tvOS 14.6 are all ready to be installed.
Photo: Apple

Apple just released software updates with new features for iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple TV. Most notably, macOS Big Sur 11.4 includes support for Apple Podcasts subscriptions, while iOS 14.6 adds support Apple Card Family. Plus, iPadOS 14.6, watchOS 7.5 and tvOS 14.6 debuted Monday.

All these features were pre-announced.

Apple forges ahead with testing iOS 14.7 and macOS 11.5

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Apple moves ahead with testing iOS 14.7 and macOS 11.5
Testing is on for iOS 14.7 beta 1, along with upcoming versions of macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple hasn’t yet given regular users access to the most recent iPhone and Mac updates but is already testing their replacements. The first betas of iOS 14.7 and macOS 11.5 were seeded to developers on Wednesday.

The same goes for iPadOS 14.7, watchOS 7.6 and tvOS 14.7.

Apple hastily adds security patches in macOS Big Sur 11.3.1, watchOS 7.4.1

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Apple Security Jacket
There are critical security patches for Mac and Apple Watch.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Mac users can now download macOS Big Sur 11.3.1, a security-themed update to the version released a week ago. It closes security holes that Apple knows were exploited by hackers.

Monday was a busy day for updates. Apple also released watchOS 7.4.1 with one of the same security fixes. And it introduced iOS 14.5.1 and iPadOS 14.5.1 to take care of an App Tracking Transparency bug, and fix security bugs.