Apple today seeded the third public beta of an upcoming macOS Sonoma 14.2 update, allowing non-developers to test out the software ahead of its release. The third public beta comes two weeks after the second public beta.
Beta testers can opt-in through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. Under Beta updates, simply toggle on the Sonoma Public Beta. Note that you must sign up to participate on Apple's beta testing website.
macOS Sonoma 14.2 adds Messages sticker reactions, which make it quicker to add a sticker or an emoji to an iMessage. It also includes support for collaborative Apple Music playlists, allowing multiple people to add songs to a single playlist.
There's a new Favorites Apple Music playlist as well, better support for Messages in iCloud syncing, and iMessage Contact Key Verification for people who face extraordinary digital threats.
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026.
"I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld.
The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by Juli Clover
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do.
The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up.
Upgraded Architecture
The next-generation...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie.
"Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
Beta testers can opt in... I wish the regular users could opt out.. the state of Apple software quality in recent times.
I know some of these features certain people will like.. but for the most part, for most people.. they just want a solid stable OS that runs well and is dependable. Despite starting really well on Sonoma, Ive had my Mac mini (intel) wobble a few times lately.
Beta testers can opt in... I wish the regular users could opt out.. the state of Apple software quality in recent times.
I know some of these features certain people will like.. but for the most part, for most people.. they just want a solid stable OS that runs well and is dependable. Despite starting really well on Sonoma, Ive had my Mac mini (intel) wobble a few times lately.
If are using an INTEL Mac you shouldn't update to the last OS until x.5 or x.6 If you do this you will always have a very stable OS. I am running the latest version of Ventura and is great.
macOS 14.1.1 has been rock solid on my Studio Max M1. Only one minor glitch solved by 14.1.1.
Yeah, I was tempted to wait.. but went for it as compared to my MacBook Air M2, it doesnt run on battery and I have light usage.. so any issue would likely be a non issue.. Having said that, Im sure it's fine on my M2... but Im waiting just a little longer. Ventura is solid at this point. Likewise for iOS 16
The Apple Discussion forums would dispute the solidity of both Ventura and iOS 16. The problem is what’s good for the goose may not be good for the gander. All you hear about on social media is the stuff that goes wrong. And often the cause is user error, misconfigurations, misbehaving third party software, and not actual bugs. Sure there are multiple bugs but very few actual showstoppers.
