Apple has released iOS 14.6 and iPadOS 14.6. The updates offer lossless Apple Music support, paid podcast subscriptions, and Apple Card Family. To access the updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and iPad.
Apple has also released tvOS 14.6 and watchOS 7.5. can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.
The former also adds support for podcast subscriptions and Apple Card Family. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50% battery, needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.
tvOS 14.6 provides bug fixes and performance tweaks. It can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the Apple TV set-top box by going to System > Software Update. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates enabled will be upgraded to tvOS 14.5 automatically.
On Apple 17, Apple announced that Apple Music is bringing “industry-leading sound quality” to subscribers with the addition of Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos.
Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio will be available to Apple Music subscribers at no additional cost. The company says Spatial Audio gives artists the opportunity to create immersive audio experiences for their fans with true multidimensional sound and clarity.
Apple Music subscribers will also be able to listen to more than 75 million songs in Lossless Audio — the way the artists created them in the studio. These new features will be available for Apple Music subscribers starting next month at no additional cost.
Dolby Atmos is an immersive audio experience that enables artists to mix music so the sound comes from all around and from above. By default, Apple Music will automatically play Dolby Atmos tracks on all AirPods and Beats headphones with an H1 or W1 chip, as well as the built-in speakers in the latest versions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple says Apple Music will be adding new Dolby Atmos tracks constantly and will be curating a special set of Dolby Atmos playlists to help listeners find the music they love. In addition, albums that are available in Dolby Atmos will have a badge on the detail page for easy discovery.
On May 21, Apple announced an affiliate program for its Podcasts Subscriptions, which the company announced on April 20. The company describes it as “a global marketplace for listeners to discover premium subscriptions offered by their favorite creators alongside millions of free shows on Apple Podcasts.”
Listeners in more than 170 countries and regions can sign up for premium subscriptions that include a variety of benefits curated by creators, such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series.
And on May 20, Apple announced Apple Card Family, a new way for people to share their Apple Card, track purchases, manage spending, and build credit together with their Family Sharing group. Available in the U.S., Apple Card Family allows two people to co-own an Apple Card, and share and merge their credit lines while building credit together equally. Apple Card Family also enables parents to share Apple Card with their children, while offering optional spending limits and controls to help teach smart and safe financial habits, according to Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay.
