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Apple releases iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4, watch OS 3.2, tvOS 10.2

Apple has released iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4, watch OS 3.2 and tvOS 10.2 after weeks of public and developer beta testing.  iOS 10.3 updates the file structure on an iOS device to the Apple File System (APFS). 

AFPS is optimized for Flash/SSD storage and features “strong encryption, copy-on-write metadata, space sharing, cloning for files and directories, snapshots, fast directory sizing, atomic safe-save primitives, and improved file system fundamentals.”

The upgrade also includes a new “Find My AirPods” ability, additions to Siri, CarPlay improvements, and some changes to Maps. Also, developers will be able to respond to customer reviews on the Apple App Store.

The iOS 10.3 update can be performed “over the air” through the software update feature on compatible iOS devices. Or you can download it via iTunes, then install it on a connected device.

macOS 10.12.4 brings iOS’s Night Shift mode to the Mac, allowing users to cut down on blue light exposure. It also includes Shanghainese dictation support, cricket scores for Siri, and PDFKit improvements. The update can be downloaded using the Software Update function in the Mac App Store.

watchOS 3.2 adds Theater Mode and SiriKit. The former lets Apple Watch owners disable the “rise to wake” function on the watch, but still notify them with haptic feedback of notifications without illuminating the watch display. 

SiriKit enables apps to work with Siri, Apple’s “personal digital assistant,” so users can get things done with content and services using just their voice. In addition to extending Siri’s support for messaging, photo search and phone calls to more apps, SiriKit also adds support for new services, including ride booking and personal payments.

You can upgrade to watchOS 3.2 via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

tvOS 10.2 provides an accelerated scrolling feature to the Siri remote so you can scroll through lists of content faster. The OS update also adds the TV app, which is designed to offer a unified experience for discovering and accessing TV shows and movies from multiple apps on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.  It provides one place to access TV shows and movies, as well as a place to discover new content to watch.

To upgrade your Apple TV (and you’ll need the fourth-generation of the set-top box), go to the Settings menu, selecting System, Software Updates, then Update Software.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.