Categories
Apple HomePod iOS iPad iPad Air iPad mini iPad Pro iPhone iPhone iPod Touch Mac macOS music News Siri Software TvOS watchOS

Apple staggers operating system release dates for devices throughout the fall

While Apple typically hurls its entire fall operating systems at its user base at the same time, complete with the iOS, tvOS, and watchOS updates arriving on roughly the same day, it’s a bit different this year.

This year is proving different, which Apple having begun public tests of iOS 13.1 weeks before the release of iOS 13. The company has also split the iPad off, and given it its own release date and operating system via iPadOS. The new macOS release date has yet to be publicly announced, and Apple is apparently adhering to the following schedule for operating system releases:

September 19th:

  • iOS 13 release day
  • Apple Arcade launch day, complete with the service being offered for $4.99 per month
  • watchOS 6 launch day

September 24th:

  • iOS 13.1 release day (iOS 13.1 being expected to introduce new features that were pushed back from the initial iOS 13 release, such as Shortcuts automations, the ability to share ETA in Maps, and audio sharing with AirPods or PowerBeats Pro)
  • iPadOS 13 release day
  • The HomePod’s operating system, which is a customized version of iOS, is expected to be updated this day as well. The most major change anticipated from this is the ability to tune in to live radio stations through Siri.
  • tvOS 13 release day. Expected new features include support for multiple users, lyrics in Apple Music, support for Apple Arcade and Apple TV+, the ability to use Xbox and Playstation 4 controllers, and a new home screen with live background video. 

October:

  • Apple has announced that macOS 10.15 Catalina is expected sometime in October, but has yet to offer a specific date for this.

“Later this fall:”

  • A HomePod update to enable multiple user voices and accounts, ambient sounds, and easy music handoff from iOS devices.
  • A photo feature for the new iPhones called “Deep Fusion.”
  • watchOS 6 updates for Apple Watch Series 1 and 2.

November 1st:

  • The Apple TV+ streaming service is expected to launch. The service will retail for $4.99 per month with Family Sharing, but be available free for a year when you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.

Any way you slice it, it’s going to be a busy fall on the Apple operating system front.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via Macworld