What You Need to Know: Apple and Windows Updates
I always recommend updating the operating systems on all of our devices to get the latest security patches and performance enhancements. While the security fixes speak for themselves, here are some of the changes we now see in our devices from Apple and Microsoft Windows:
Apple: iOS 18 for iPhone, iPadOS 18, and MacOS Sequoia for Macs
Apple’s great password management system, iCloud Keychain, has been transformed into an app called Passwords. Thankfully, it’s so much easier to find and use. No more digging into System Settings or Safari Settings (although, you still can if you like). Instead, all of your passwords now reside in the app, located on the dock of your Mac and on the Home Screen of your iPhone and iPad. Inside the app, you can easily see your passwords, security recommendations, and passkeys. (Note: for more info on why you should use passkeys when given the chance, read my accompanying blog post here.)
Another big change is the Apple ID. Apple ID is now Apple Account. This is something I put in the category of “change for change sake.” Fortunately, we don’t have to do anything except remember that it’s no longer called Apple ID.
Microsoft Windows 11 (2024 Update)
The new code that came built in to the Windows 11 update makes the operating system run faster than ever and less prone to memory-related bugs. (This all runs in the background.)
Energy Saver Mode (located in System > Battery) allows us to reduce overall energy consumption from background tasks that the computer is running. You can even set it to kick in when your battery level reaches a certain percentage.
Copilot gets a small facelift. It now comes as an app on your Taskbar. If you haven’t tried Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, I highly recommend it. Copilot on a Windows 11 PC is your intelligent assistant designed to enhance productivity and streamline tasks. It can help you with a wide range of activities: from answering questions and providing information, to assisting with creative projects and offering support. Copilot integrates seamlessly with your system. It can even compose letters and messages for you. In fact, it wrote this paragraph!
I know it seems like, every time there’s a software update to our devices, the designers like to change names and move things around to justify their own jobs. However, every once in a while, there are actual, real improvements that we all can use and find helpful. I encourage you to keep updated and try these new features.