When it comes to operating system updates, here at Macworld we encourage users to install them as soon as possible. Updates sometimes have nice new features, but the most important are the bug fixes and security updates.
But many believe there’s a good case for waiting, and with iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and macOS 13.3, Apple has proven that point. These updates introduced a number of bugs that have caused problems, none of which are minor. They all have bugs that can seriously affect your ability to use your devices.
Apple is apparently aware of the issues and MacRumors reports that iOS 16.4.1 is in development to fix the iPhone bugs. A review of a macOS Ventura 13.3.1 update has not been done, but we assume it’s in the works as well. In the meantime, these are some of the commonly reported bugs found in iOS 16.4 and macOS Ventura 13.3 that will hopefully be fixed by a point release – and if you haven’t updated, you should probably wait.
Known issues with iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4 Weather app: The Weather app that many of us rely on to set the tone for the day is having issues displaying the forecast. Earlier this week, the Weather app had a complete data outage, and while service is restored (according to Apple’s System Status website), the app is still acting shaky when an update is released. But the number of anecdotal accounts, like those in Apple’s support community, seems to be more common with iOS 16.4. YouTuber iAppleBytes has a video demonstration of a Geekbench battery test using iOS 16.4, supporting the claim of reduced battery life. Home App: The Home app, used to control smart home devices, received an update to its architecture, but Apple stumbled during the rollout. It was originally offered in iOS 16.2, but it was withdrawn and then released with iOS 16.4. Now there are a number of complaints about the revamped app, reports iMore. macOS Ventura 13.3 Known Issues Universal Control and Handoff: These features, which rely on iCloud connectivity, no longer work for some users after installing 13.3. The workaround is to sign out of iCloud and then sign back in, but that can cause a whole bunch of headaches, especially if you use iCloud to sync your photo library. Home Directory: macOS 13.3 introduces an issue with user home directories stored on external drives. A workaround for this problem is to disable System Integrity Protection, but that’s not ideal. An email from Macworld reader Andy in the UK suggests there are more issues with iCloud and SIP than meets the eye, and I tend to agree. Quick Look: While I haven’t had this issue, many users in Apple’s support community can. Quick Look does not work in macOS 13.3. As someone who uses Quick Look all the time, this error would drive me nuts.
