Today, Apple began rolling out new versions of its iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS operating systems for iPhones and iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs, respectively.

The updates are largely focused on the video services that Apple announced at its March 25 event—namely, a revamped Apple TV app, Apple TV Channels, and an expansion of AirPlay 2 to devices produced by Apple's partners. A handful of bug fixes, performance optimizations, and other small tweaks are also included in the updates.

iOS 12.3

Now let's get into the update of iOS 12.3. It adds the new TV app and Channels feature just described, plus AirPlay 2 support for targeting those Samsung smart TVs that now support it (and the TVs from other brands that will support it later). See the description above or the notes below for all the details on the TV features.

In terms of smaller features, Apple's notes for this update say that you can now follow a magazine from the Apple News+ catalog browsing view, and Apple Music will offer more frequent personalized recommendations. Apple also talked up the editorial curation of the kids' section in the Apple TV app, so once again we're seeing evidence of Apple's big spree of hiring an army of editorial people to carefully monitor, filter, and select all the content that appears across News, TV, Books, Music, and the App Store.

Apple is investing a lot more in that approach and placing a much greater emphasis on it than any of its competitors. As we've seen at recent events, Apple sees itself not just as a tech company, but as a guidepost for culture.

Bug fixes include a fix for non-responsive Apple TV remotes, a solution for some Wi-Fi call drops, and a fix for an issue "where song information from a connected iPhone may not appear in a car's display."

These are Apple's release notes:

iOS 12.3 includes support for AirPlay 2-enabled TVs and features a redesigned Apple TV app. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.

AirPlay 2

• AirPlay 2 now supports sharing videos, photos, music and more from your iPhone and iPad directly to your AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV

• One-tap playback automatically plays your chosen TV show or movie on the last screen you used based on time and location

• Intelligent suggestions are all done on-device so your personal information stays private

Apple TV app

• The Apple TV app features an all-new design that highlights expertly curated collections and personalized recommendations

• Apple TV channels offer subscriptions to HBO, Showtime, Starz, and more, available to watch directly in the Apple TV app, online or off

• Subscriptions to Apple TV channels can be shared with up to six family members, with no new apps, accounts, or passwords needed

• New-release movies are available to buy or rent in the Apple TV app, including the full catalog of over 100,000 movies and the largest selection of 4K HDR titles

• A new dedicated kids section helps you discover editorially handpicked shows and movies safe for kids of all ages

• The Apple TV app can now intelligently suggest playing to the most likely Apple TVs or AirPlay 2-enabled TVs nearby

The update also includes bug fixes and improvements. This update:

• Adds the ability to follow a magazine from the Apple News+ catalog browsing view

• Apple Music's For You tab now updates multiple times a day suggesting music based on themes like genres, artists, and moods you love

• Fixes an issue that could prevent Apple TV Remote from pausing a video, controlling video, or changing the volume on supported receivers

• Addresses an issue that could cause calls made using Wi-Fi calling to drop

• Fixes an issue where song information from a connected iPhone may not appear in a car's display

Source: arstechnica