Wait to update to iOS 14 (and other Apple Event thoughts)

UPDATE: We’re all clear to update now

Before you update ASAP, consider waiting a few days. This hasn't been a terrible beta season for iOS 14, but it still has some rough edges. More importantly, they haven't given developers (or content creators) enough notice of its release to expect them to be ready. Some of the coolest new features in iOS 14 may not be ready to play with from your favorite developers. And no one was able to beta test against the final release version before submitting to the App Store. The new widget feature, for example, requires a different type of code from the old "widgets" in your Today view. Patience will let you take it all in at once. Besides, it's way easier to hit bugs when you update at the same time as everyone else. Give it a week and let things settle out. UPDATE: Most reports are pretty positive about the stability of the public release of iOS 14, though I haven’t personally updated yet. Mostly because I want to really spend time with it and my practice has been incredibly busy as of late. ## New Apple Watches: Some slick new stuff! I'm still gathering my thoughts on the practical upshot of the pulse oximeter and other things, so I'll hold off on commenting now. ### A couple of warnings: **Family Setup does require cellular service** for each watch. It's a super cool way to connect family without iPhones together! But do keep in mind the likely minimum of $120/year your cell provider might charge for these additional lines. Make sure that's in your budget before diving in. **Series 3 is kinda old.** Apple is still selling Series 3 new, and at a much more attractive entry price, but it won't contain a lot of the health sensors on newer watches. And it will stop getting software updates long before the SE and Series 6. ## iPad and iPad Air updates: The iPad update is good. Not thrilling, but it's the entry level one and good for a lot of purposes. The iPad Air is stunning. If you've been thinking about something in this price rage *get it*. It supports the newest magic keyboard, if you want to use it more like a laptop or stationary computer. Except you can pick it up and take it with you in a small bag. The processor is **the newest processor you can get in any Apple device**. The iPhone will almost certainly get that same processor when it comes out. If you've thought about an Apple Pencil, this is the time. It supports the Apple Pencil 2 (yet not #2 Pencil 😜). This means you're less likely to lose it because it magnetically sticks to your iPad. Also, it's always charged and ready to use because it charges magnetically, too. Those were the features my ADHD brain waited to upgrade to an iPad Pro for. And I LOVE IT. I'm not an artist, but I think by taking hand notes -- including in client meetings. It's an invaluable tool to someone like me, who's more likely than not to lose my papers if I'm using those to take written notes. ## For more from a bunch of us nerds, see the MacVoices episode: