In previous versions of macOS, just wearing an unlocked Apple Watch is enough to enter your Mac's password; in Catalina, the Apple Watch can also enter your password when prompted by apps. First, your Apple Watch needs a passcode (in Watch Passcode), is on your wrist, and is unlocked. I'm having exactly the same issue on 10.14.6. 'Unlocking with Apple Watch' appears for a split second then disappears. I've tried everything I can think of, everything suggested on this thread. It was working before the 10.14 upgrade. According to Apple's release notes, via Mac Rumors the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update improves the security of macOS and is recommended for all users. How to Update watchOS 7.1 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings General Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General Software. Apple has released macOS 10.15.7 Catalina, which resolves a problem that prevented Macs from automatically connecting to Wi-Fi and another that stopped files from syncing through iCloud Drive. A third bug fix addresses a graphic issue on the recently released 2020 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display with the Radeon Pro 5700 XT.
If you've resisted requiring a password on your Mac after it wakes up or comes out of the screen saver because it's too much work to enter repeatedly, an Apple Watch can make authentication much easier. In previous versions of macOS, just wearing an unlocked Apple Watch is enough to enter your Mac's password; in Catalina, the Apple Watch can also enter your password when prompted by apps. First, make sure your Apple Watch has a passcode (in Watch > Passcode), is on your wrist, and is unlocked. Then, in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General, select 'Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac.' From then on, most of the time your Mac or an app wants your password, your Apple Watch will provide it automatically. (This feature requires that the Mac dates from mid-2013 or later, that all devices use the same iCloud account, and that the Apple ID uses two-factor authentication instead of two-step verification.)
(Featured image based on an original by Christin Hume on Unsplash)
Alongside the release of iOS 14.2 and iPadOS 14.2, Apple has today released watchOS 7.1, tvOS 14.2, macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update, and new 14.2 software for HomePod to the public.
In watchOS 7.1, our testing indicates that Apple has resolved an issue which saw the 2-finger 'Magic Tap' gesture not work to answer a phone call. Now, to answer an incoming phone call, VoiceOver users can tap the screen and then perform the two-finger double-tap gesture to answer the call.
Aside from the aforementioned improvement, we are not aware of any other changes for blind and low vision users in these updates; however, as we always stress in these posts, we are a small team and it is impossible for us to test all configurations, apps, and use cases. Thus, if you find any accessibility-related regressions or improvements in your own use of these releases, please do let us know in the comments.
Release Notes
watchOS 7.1
The release notes for watchOS 7.1 are as follows:
watchOS 7.1 contains new features, improvements, and bug fixes.
- Adds the ability to be notified when your headphone audio level could impact your hearing
- Adds support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in the Republic of Korea and Russia
- Adds support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in the Republic of Korea and Russia
- Resolves an issue that prevented some users from unlocking Mac with Apple Watch
- Fixes an issue where the screen may be dark on wrist raise for some Apple Watch Series 6 users
14.2 Software for HomePod
The release notes for Software Version 14.2 for HomePod, shared by Mac Rumors are as follows:
Software version 14.2 includes support for new Siri, Intercom, and Home Theater features. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.
- Ask Siri 'What's my update?' to hear a personal snapshot of your day that includes the news, weather, traffic, reminders, and calendar appointments.
- Intercom using iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay.
- Connect HomePod to Apple TV 4K and enjoy stereo, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio. Add a second HomePod for a more immersive soundstage.
Apple Watch Catalina 2
tvOS 14.2
Apple does not routinely make available release notes for tvOS releases.
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 supplemental update
According to Apple's release notes, via Mac Rumors the macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental Update improves the security of macOS and is recommended for all users.
Apple Watch Catalina Deals
How to Update
watchOS 7.1 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General> Software Update. Forgot apple computer password. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.
More information on how to update the software on your Apple Watch is available on this Apple Support page.
Apple Ios Catalina
To install tvOS 14.2 on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to the Settings channel, then look for the System section near the bottom. From here, look for Software Updates under Maintenance, then select Update Software and Download and Install.
More information on how to update the software on your Apple TV is available on this Apple Support page.
macOS Catalina 10.15.7 Supplemental update can be downloaded by going to System Preferences > Software Update.
