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WWDC 2022 WatchOS 9: Focuses on Health

In the updated Workout app, advanced metrics, views, and training experiences inspired by high-performing athletes help users take their workouts to the next level. watchOS 9 brings sleep stages to the Sleep app, and a new FDA-cleared AFib History feature provides deeper insights into a user’s condition. The new Medications app makes it easy for users to conveniently and discreetly manage, understand, and track medications.

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Apple Introduces the Apple Account Card

Available to users of iOS 15.5 and later, the Apple Account Card is now available in the Apple Wallet App. The Apple Account Card can be used to purchase apps, games, music and more. If there is a balance on an Apple ID account, it will be available to use in the Account Card.

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Checking the firmware version on AirPods 2, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

Apple has released firmware version 4E71 for AirPods 2, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. To check the firmware on these devices, follow these steps:

  • Connect your ‌‌AirPods‌‌ or ‌‌‌‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌‌‌‌ to your iOS device.
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap About.
  • Tap ‌‌‌‌‌AirPods‌‌‌‌‌.
  • Look at the number next to “Firmware Version.”

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FIDO and the future of passwordless logins

Recently Apple, Microsoft and Google have all committed support to further the cause of creating a passwordless sign-in ecosystem on the internet. The organization spearheading this initiative is the FIDO Alliance. The Alliance promotes Fast Identity Online, which is moving forward with replacing traditional password based logins with more secure end-to-end passwordless options. The more secure approach to logins would include already established technologies such as TouchID, Face ID, and device based PINs.

More from Apple’s statement regarding FIDO

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Using a Recovery Key with iCloud

With two-factor authentication enabled and access to an Apple device already logged into an Apple ID account, it is possible to generate a recovery key.

Having a recovery key is a safeguard for data stored in iCloud. If a recovery key exists, there is no way to reset an Apple Password without access to the recovery key and an already trusted Apple device.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

  1. Go to Settings > [your name] > Password & Security. You might need to enter your Apple ID password.
  2. Tap Recovery Key.
  3. Slide to turn on Recovery Key.
  4. Tap Use Recovery Key and enter your device passcode.
  5. Write down your recovery key and keep it in a safe place.
  6. Confirm your recovery key by entering it on the next screen.

On your Mac

  1. Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > Account Details. You might need to enter your Apple ID password.
  2. Click Security.
  3. In the Recovery Key section, click Turn On.
  4. Click Use Recovery Key.
  5. Write down your recovery key and keep it in a safe place.
  6. Click Continue.
  7. Confirm your recovery key by entering it on the next screen.
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macOS networkQuality utility

macOS Monterrey introduced the networkQuality command line utility to test internet connectivity from the Terminal App. To run the utility, open the Terminal App and type in 

networkQuality

The tool by default runs upload and download speed tests in parallel rather than sequentially. This may give a more accurate indication of the true quality of the connection.

The tool grades the connection on what is referred to as ‘Responsiveness’.

Responsiveness measures the quality of your network by the number of roundtrips completed per minute (RPM) under working conditions.

Responsiveness is classified into three categories:

  • Low: If any device on the same network is, for example, downloading a movie or backing up photos to iCloud, the connection in some apps or services might be unreliable, like during FaceTime video calls or gaming.
  • Medium: When multiple devices or apps are sharing the network, you might see momentary pauses or freezes, like during FaceTime audio or video calls.
  • High: Regardless of the number of devices and apps sharing the network, apps and services should maintain good connection.