Apple’s as soon as once more making an attempt to optimize the iPhone’s Crash Detection characteristic
Apple has launched iOS 16.3.1, which incorporates “optimizations” for the iPhone 14 and 14 Professional’s Crash Detection characteristic that’s been criticized by some search and rescue personnel for setting off false alarms throughout winter actions like snowboarding and snowboarding. The replace additionally contains fixes for iCloud settings and Siri requests for Discover My, and Apple has launched new software program for tvOS, HomePods, and the Mac as nicely.
The Crash Detection characteristic on new iPhones and Apple Watches is supposed to alert emergency providers should you’re unresponsive after a “extreme automobile crash” and is on by default. However as folks have been hitting the slopes, some officers have mentioned that the characteristic’s resulted in a number of false stories that tie up first responders’ time and sources. In January, an unnamed Apple spokesperson advised the New York Publish that the corporate was getting suggestions from 911 name facilities however wouldn’t reply questions on whether or not the corporate deliberate to replace the system.
It’s not the primary time Apple’s optimized Crash Detection. After stories of it triggering false alerts when iPhone house owners have been driving rollercoasters, Apple launched iOS 16.1.2 in November, which additionally included modifications to the system. Apple didn’t explicitly say that the replace was meant to unravel false positives — nor has it mentioned that the newest replace is supposed to deal with the problems with snow sports activities — although because it got here out, there haven’t been too many tales of rollercoasters triggering crash alerts. (Nevertheless, it’s value noting that a good variety of theme parks shut through the winter.)
Whereas Siri points are much less critical than false emergency alerts, Apple can also be making an attempt to repair these as nicely. iOS 16.3.1’s launch notes say it’s meant to repair a problem the place Siri Discover My requests weren’t working, and a 16.3.2 replace for HomePods and Apple TVs is supposed to handle an issue the place “asking Siri for good residence requests could fail.” Nevertheless, one Verge staffer requested his HomePod to seek out his iPhone after updating each gadgets and nonetheless obtained a message saying he must use the app to seek out somebody’s location, so the jury’s nonetheless out on whether or not the whole lot is working because it ought to.
Whilst you’re updating your telephone, HomePods, and Apple TV, it’s most likely value updating your Mac as nicely. macOS Ventura 13.2.1 features a few essential safety updates and patches a gap that Apple says could have actively been exploited.
