Top Stories: iOS 17.1.2 Released, NameDrop Misinformation, and More

Apple employees are back to work following a Thanksgiving break, and that means this week saw a number of new operating system updates for both public release and beta testing.

top stories 2dec2023
This week also saw some misinformation about Apple's new NameDrop feature making the rounds, while Apple and Goldman Sachs appear to be on the verge of a break-up in their Apple Card and savings account partnership, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!

Apple Releases iOS 17.1.2 for iPhone With Security Fixes

Apple this week released iOS 17.1.2 for the iPhone XS and newer. The minor software update "provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users," according to Apple's release notes.

iOS 17
Apple also released a minor macOS 14.1.2 update for Macs with "important bug fixes and security updates."

There aren't any updates for the Apple Watch, Apple TV, or HomePod.

Everything New in iOS 17.2 Beta 4

Following iOS 17.1.2, Apple is expected to release a bigger iOS 17.2 update, which has been in beta testing for over a month now.

iOS 17
iOS 17.2 includes many new features and changes, including Apple's Journal app, support for spatial video recording on iPhone 15 Pro models, and more. There are even more changes in the latest beta, as outlined in our list of everything new in iOS 17.2 beta 4.

Misinformation Spreading About iOS 17's NameDrop Feature

Apple with iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 introduced a new NameDrop feature that is designed to allow users to hold their iPhones or Apple Watches together to quickly exchange contact information.

ios 17 namedrop pink
While contact information is only shared with explicit user permission, some news outlets and police departments in the U.S. have been spreading fear and misinformation about how NameDrop works over the past few weeks.

Apple Reportedly Ending Apple Card Partnership With Goldman Sachs

Apple has allegedly informed Goldman Sachs that it wants to exit its contract with the investment banking firm in the next 12 to 15 months, according to a report this week from The Wall Street Journal.

Apple Card Balance
Goldman Sachs is the financial partner behind the Apple Card credit card and companion savings account, which can both be managed in the Wallet app on the iPhone. Apple's future plans for these products remains unclear.

Apple Music Replay 2023 Experience Now Live

The full Apple Music Replay experience is now available for 2023, allowing subscribers to view their top artists, songs, albums, genres, playlists, and stations of the year. Similar to Spotify Wrapped, Apple Music Replay info can be shared on social media.

Apple Music Replay 23 Feature
Apple Music Replay is mainly a web-based experience, accessible at replay.music.apple.com. There is also a playlist with your favorite songs of the year.

What to Expect From All-New CarPlay, Still Listed as Coming 'Late 2023'

Apple's website still says the first vehicles with support for next-generation CarPlay experience will be announced in "late 2023," but it has not shared any additional details heading into the final month of the year.

All New CarPlay Five New Features Article 2
The next-generation CarPlay experience will include deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, increased personalization, and more.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

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Top Rated Comments

CapitalIdea Avatar
16 weeks ago

With the NameDrop misinformation just goes to show how outlets don’t verify, but instead “play telephone” with news items.
To be fair, the police were very foolish to say nonsense like it in the first place. And the fact that it came from multiple precincts says a lot about how ignorant they are on things they are willing to make declarations about.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I7guy Avatar
16 weeks ago
With the NameDrop misinformation just goes to show how outlets don’t verify, but instead “play telephone” with news items.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChrisA Avatar
16 weeks ago

To be fair, the police were very foolish to say nonsense like it in the first place.
Here in LA, to become a cop, all you need is a high school diploma (or pass the GED) and then six weeks of training mostly on how to shoot a gun. Do you expect them to be IT experts?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
beanbaguk Avatar
16 weeks ago
I love CarPlay and believe it’s the defining standard for car infotainment, but it does crash, and often goes wrong, so I would never want to trust it against my regular car systems.

Imagine your car dash crashing and you can’t check your speed, or fuel, not being able to set your climate controls!!

No thanks. Apple, stick to nav and infotainment.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarAnalogy Avatar
16 weeks ago

ipadOS 17.1.2 on a 12.9 gen 3.
Bug in the music app.
List of artists in the left hand column. Artist titles at the top of the right hand column.
If an artist with several albums is selcted, the album name will be pulled upwards as one scrolls downwards through the album list.
The name of the album will then superimpose itself over the 'Artist' title at the top of the right hand column.
I’m not really sure what is going on with Apple’s first party software anymore. They are getting more like Google in terms of shipping minimum viable product.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Fan 2008 Avatar
16 weeks ago

With the NameDrop misinformation just goes to show how outlets don’t verify, but instead “play telephone” with news items.
They do that with every single darn topic.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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