Highlights
- Collaborative playlists and emoji reactions in Apple Music introduced.
- Sticker reactions and customizable playlists from macOS 14.2 enhanced.
- Over 10 security fixes, including critical exploits in Neural Engine and Mail Search.
- Update recommendations for macOS Sonoma 14.3 and older iOS versions.
Apple has officially released macOS Sonoma 14.3, a significant update that brings new features and essential security enhancements to Mac users.
While its predecessor, macOS 14.2, introduced a suite of new functionalities, macOS 14.3 focuses primarily on refining user experience and bolstering security measures.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what this update entails.
New Features in macOS Sonoma 14.3
macOS Sonoma 14.3 introduces an exciting feature for music enthusiasts – the ability to collaborate on playlists in Apple Music.
This new functionality allows you to invite friends to contribute to your playlist, giving everyone the freedom to add, reorder, and remove songs.
It’s a fun way to discover new music and share your favorite tunes with friends.
In addition to collaborative playlists, macOS Sonoma 14.3 also adds the option to use emoji reactions for any track within a collaborative playlist.
This feature adds a new layer of interaction, making the music experience more engaging and personalized.
Enhancements from macOS 14.2
Building on the theme of personal expression, macOS 14.2 introduced sticker reactions.
This feature allows users to react to messages with a wide range of stickers, including Live Stickers, Memoji, or Animoji, either through the Sticker drawer or directly from the Tapback menu.
The update also brought in the capability to customize playlists with unique covers and descriptions, a feature first seen in iOS 17.1.
This enhancement allows for a more tailored and personal music library.
Security Updates and Fixes
With over 10 security fixes, macOS Sonoma 14.3, alongside iOS 17.3, provides substantial security updates.
According to Apple’s security releases webpage, these updates include 15 security patches for iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, and 16 for macOS Sonoma 14.3.
Addressing Critical Exploits
Among the key security concerns addressed in this update is an exploit in Apple’s Neural Engine, which could potentially allow arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.
Another significant fix involves the Mail Search function, where a vulnerability could have allowed third-party apps to access sensitive user data.
The update also resolves an issue in shortcuts that could misuse sensitive data without user prompt, and a Time Zone management exploit that previously allowed apps to access the user’s phone number from system logs.
Furthermore, multiple vulnerabilities in Safari, WebKit, and the Kernel have been addressed to protect against malicious attacks.
Update Recommendations
For enhanced security and improved user experience, it’s crucial for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to update their devices to the latest operating systems.
iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3 can be installed from Settings > General > Software Update, while macOS Sonoma 14.3 is available under System Settings > General > Software Update.
Additionally, Apple has released iOS 16.7.5 and iOS 15.8.1 with similar security patches for older devices.
FAQs
What are the key features of the macOS Sonoma 14.3 update?
macOS Sonoma 14.3 brings collaborative playlists in Apple Music, emoji reactions to tracks, and continues the sticker reactions and playlist customization features from macOS 14.2.
How does macOS Sonoma 14.3 improve device security?
The update includes more than 10 security fixes, addressing vulnerabilities in the Neural Engine, Mail Search, and other areas, significantly reducing the risk of malicious attacks.
Can I customize my playlists in Apple Music with macOS Sonoma 14.3?
Yes, the update retains the playlist customization feature from macOS 14.2, allowing users to add custom covers and descriptions to their Apple Music playlists.
Are older iOS devices covered in the latest security patches?
Apple has also released iOS 16.7.5 and iOS 15.8.1 with similar security patches for devices that no longer receive major system updates.
How do I update my Mac to macOS Sonoma 14.3?
Mac users can update to macOS Sonoma 14.3 by navigating to System Settings > General > Software Update on their devices.
iOS 17.3 and macOS Sonoma 14.3 Patch WebKit Vulnerability That May Have Been Exploited. Details?
Apple today released iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, tvOS 17.3, and macOS Sonoma 14.3, and it’s a good idea to update as soon as possible to the new operating systems because the software patches an actively exploited vulnerability.
The updates fix a bug in WebKit that could allow maliciously crafted content to lead to arbitrary code execution.
Apple says on its security support page that it is aware of a report that the issue may have been exploited.
Apple’s software releases also address several other security vulnerabilities that were not known to have been used in the wild. iOS 17.3, for example, fixes bugs with the Neural Engine, kernel, Mail, Safari, Shortcuts, and more.
Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.3 With Collaborative Apple Music Playlists. Details?
Apple today released macOS Sonoma 14.3, the third major update to the macOS Sonoma operating system that came out last September. macOS Sonoma 14.3 comes over a month after the release of macOS Sonoma 14.2.
The macOS Sonoma 14.3 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings.
There’s also a macOS 13.6.4 release for those who are still running macOS Ventura and a macOS 12.7.3 release for those who have macOS Monterey installed.
macOS Sonoma 14.3 brings collaborative playlists in Apple Music, so that Apple Music subscribers can create playlists with friends and family members.
The software also has an updated AppleCare & Warranty section in Settings that shows coverage for all devices signed in with an Apple ID.
Apple’s full release notes for macOS Sonoma 14.3 are below:
macOS Sonoma 14.3 introduces enhancements to Apple Music, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.
Collaborate on playlists in Apple Music allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and everyone can add, reorder, and remove songs Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist in Apple Music.
AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID
macOS Sonoma 14.3: How to install ?
Developer betas are available to anyone who has enrolled in Apple’s Developer Program. Apple usually issues a public beta a day or two after the developer beta has been released.
We have a complete guide to downloading and installing the Sonoma betas if you are interested.
To access the pubic beta, go to System Settings > General > Software Update, then in the Beta Updates section, click the Info button (the “I” icon), click the pop-up menu for Beta Updates, and select macOS Sonoma Public Beta. You may need to restart the Mac.
While betas give early access to fixes and features to the operating system, they are issued with the idea that users will test the software and check for bugs. This means that the betas have some instability to them and may cause issues with your Mac.
If you can’t afford to take the risk of a possible crash or a disruption of usability, you should not run the beta and wait for the release to the general public.
Also Read: Apple Unveils iOS 17.2 and macOS Sonoma 14.2 Release Candidates with Exciting New Features
Also Read: Apple Releases iOS 17.1.2 Update with Enhanced Security for iPhone and macOS Sonoma 14.1.2