Apple has recently introduced a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental web browser first launched by Apple in March 2016. The primary function of Safari Technology Preview is to assess potential new features that could be implemented in future versions of Safari.
The most recent update, Safari Technology Preview 193, brings enhancements and fixes to Accessibility, CSS, Forms, JavaScript, Rendering, Web API, and Web Inspector. This release is applicable to machines operating macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma, the two most recent versions of macOS released by Apple in September 2023.
Should you wish to explore the update, you can access it through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings. The complete release notes for the update can be found on the Safari Technology Preview website.
Safari Technology Preview has been specifically designed by Apple to gather input from developers and users regarding its browser development process. Notably, it can operate alongside the existing Safari browser and, while it is primarily aimed at developers, a developer account is not necessary to download it.
In other news, Apple has announced a special event scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time). The event, entitled “Let Loose”, will be live-streamed on Apple.com and YouTube, with speculations pointing towards a focus on new iPads.
Furthermore, Apple has made a significant revision to its Vision Pro shipment numbers for 2024. Instead of the originally anticipated 700 to 800k units, the company now plans to ship only 400k to 450k units. This decrease in figures clearly indicates a significant drop in demand for the Vision Pro, prompting Apple to scale back its orders.
In terms of software updates, the forthcoming iOS 17.5 release includes only a few new user-facing features, but some hidden code changes suggest additional possibilities. Additionally, eligible developers can now distribute their iOS apps to iPhone users located in the EU with the second beta of iOS 17.5.
Looking ahead, it appears that Apple is finally set to introduce a Calculator app for the iPad, over 14 years after the device’s initial launch. This new app is expected to be included in iPadOS 18, which will be unveiled during the opening keynote of Apple’s annual developers’ conference WWDC on June 10th.
On the accessories front, Apple has reportedly ceased production of FineWoven accessories due to their poor durability. Therefore, the company may choose a different non-leather material for its premium accessories in the future.
Finally, there are indications that customer interest in the Apple Vision Pro is declining at some retail stores. The $3,500 spatial computing device, which initially generated significant excitement upon its debut, is now experiencing diminished sustained interest and usage, following a pattern often seen in the AR/VR headset industry.
It is evident that Apple is continuously working to refine and improve its products and services, and these recent developments have certainly sparked discussion.