Apple issues iOS, macOS updates

Apple today released the first significant updates for both iOS and macOS.

iOS 10.1 includes a host of enhancements and bug fixes, but the signature addition is Portrait Camera, a feature previously touted by Apple for the iPhone 7 Plus only.

Using the dual cameras of the iPhone 7 Plus, Portrait Camera creates a depth-of-field effect that presents the foreground in sharp focus but the background in a slight blur. iOS 10.1 introduces the feature as a beta, a move Apple has used in the past, most notably with its Maps, to excuse the initial results, collect data from users, then slowly improve the underlying software.

Apple also patched 13 security vulnerabilities with iOS 10.1.

Apple debuted iOS 10 on Sept. 13. The operating system will run on iPhone 5 and later, iPad Pro, iPad Air and later, iPad Mini 2 and later, and the fifth-generation iPod Touch.

macOS Sierra 10.12.1, meanwhile, patches 16 vulnerabilities and addresses several non-security flaws. Among the latter are a compatibility improvement with Microsoft Office, and a fix to a Mail updating issue.

Sierra, which runs on most Macs sold in 2009-2010 and later, hit the Mac App Store on Sept. 20.