Apple recently released system updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you have automatic updates turned on (as I recommended here), then your devices will automatically install these updates over the next few days. Here’s a quick overview.
News & Magazines
The biggest new feature in iOS 12.2 and macOS 10.14.4 is the new Apple News+ service. This service is integrated into the News app that comes with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The Apple News+ service offers a large catalog of magazines and some leading newspapers for $9.99 per month, and provides access for 6 family members.
The service includes current and back issues of magazines like National Geographic, Time, Popular Science, Wired, Bon Appétit, and hundreds more. It also includes The Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times, as well as other popular news sources.
I really like the existing Apple News as it gives me a place to read articles from many different sources, and as it gets to know what I like to read, it offers articles from new and interesting publications. I’m looking forward to giving the new Apple News+ service a try to see if I think it’s worth the price.
If you’re interested in Apple News+, once your device is updated just start the News app and you’ll see a notice about the new service and how to give it a try. If you don’t want to use it, but still want to use the existing (and free) Apple News, that’s fine too, just don’t sign up for the new service. The News app will continue working just as it has.
For more information, tap or click here for the Apple News web site.
Other Changes
As with most updates, these contain a number of security fixes, bug fixes, as well as some minor user interface tweaks. For example, on iPhone and iPad, some items in the General pane of Settings have been re-ordered, some icons have been tweaked, and the Wallet app has some updates for Apple Pay users.
Stay Up To Date!
Staying up-to-date is important, even if you’re not going to use the new features. If you don’t have automatic updates turned on, then to install this update on iOS, go to the Settings app, tap General, then tap Software Update. On the Mac, go to System Preferences and then choose Software Update. From there you can install the update.
Rob’s Tech Talk 
Good to know!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will be looking for the WSJ to see how it compares in price to their app. Thanks!
LikeLike
I’ll be interested in what you find. From what I can tell, the $9.99/mo includes all WSJ content, though only 3 days of back articles. And you must read the articles in the News app, though there is a dedicated WSJ area with articles separated into sections. Let me know what you find as to how it compares to the full app & subscription.
LikeLike