Apple has today released macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, bringing new features and bug fixes.
Our testing of macOS 10.13.4 suggests that there is at least one fix for VoiceOver users in this release:
- VoiceOver once again speaks characters as you type in the Safari address bar.
We are currently unaware of any other accessibility-related changes, regressions or improvements in macOS 10.13.4. However, as we always stress, it is impossible for us to test all applications and use cases. Therefore, it is entirely possible that we have overlooked or are unaware of something. With this in mind, we would greatly appreciate your help in ensuring that the information on this page is as complete and accurate as possible. If you spot any accessibility-related changes, regressions or improvements in this release, please do let us know by adding a comment.
General Changes in macOS 10.13.4
According to Apple's release notes via Mac Rumors, today's macOS release includes the following changes:
The macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 update improves the stability, performance, and security of your Mac, and it is recommended for all users. This update:
- Adds support for Business Chat conversations in Messages in the US
- Adds support for external graphics processors (eGPUs)
- Fixes graphics corruption issues affecting certain apps on iMac Pro
- Allows jumping to the right-most open tab using Command+9 in Safari
- Enables sorting Safari bookmarks by name or URL by right clicking and choosing "Sort by..."
- Fixes an issue that may prevent web link previews from appearing in Messages
- Helps protect privacy by only AutoFilling usernames and passwords after selecting them in a web form field in Safari
- Displays warnings in the Safari Smart Search Field when interacting with password or credit card forms on non-encrypted web pages
- Displays privacy icons and links to explain how your data will be used and protected when Apple features ask to use your personal information
macOS 10.13.4 is available via the updates tab in the Mac App Store.
Comments
Allrighty, seeing as no one
Allrighty, seeing as no one has posted in like 6 hours or whatever, I thought I'd put my two sense in on this MacOS 10.13.4. In previous versions of high sierra, when you would exit an application, such as safari, and go into text edit or so on and go back to safari, your focus is lost and you'll have to find where you left off. In Mac OS 10.13.4, this issue is fixed from what I can tell so far. Also, in switching back to a text app, you'd have to interact with the text again. It seems like this interaction is fixed and no more interacting! So far, I'm loving this new update.
Noticed problems.
Noticed problems.
1. I do not have volume control sounds.
2. Using the shortcut (VO + Space) or trackpad I can not enter catalogs and disks on the desktop.
sound output
I know it's in system prefferences, maybe look to see if the volume sounds have been disabled for some reason? also remember they are quite a bit softer then the old pop ones. Personally if you could choose which type you wanted, that'd be good, as i find the IOS sounds now which mirror the Mac, aren't as noticible. Anyway hope that helps. Sorry I'm not much more.
Disappointing
The subject says it all. This update was tested for nearly two months and Apple only fixed one VoiceOver issue? All the problems I have reported to them numerous times over the years still exist. Meanwhile, they're making sure the version of VoiceOver on iOS is as polished as it can be. Do they simply not have enough people to work on both operating systems?
These updates are supposed to address ongoing problems. Accessibility isn't something you tweak annually and ignore the rest of the time. I understand that VoiceOver on Mac is very good, but there are still issues that need addressing. Maybe these alleged bug fix releases coming later this year will help? Maybe they won't? I'm extremely frustrated! Apple is wasting their potential!
pdf Issues
the Priew issues didn't fixed. I do not understand, they fixed almost all Ä°OS bugs in one update, but they are not working on the Mac side. I, Realy, can not understand this od strategy.
Inverted Color issue
It looks like they've made some "enhancements" to the invert color accessibility display option. I think they're trying to integrate more of the Smart Invert feature from IOS, but it causes some experience degradation.
In Safari, all images now appear to not be color inverted. This is fine for things like photos, but it can be an issue if there is text in an image. You can no longer use inverted colors to get a high contrast (white on black) version of an image. When you invert colors, it inverts the image and then immediately switches it back to the normal colors.
An example would be this link: https://imgur.com/a/dFuxT
It is an image of somebody using Messages on their phone. If I turn on inverted colors, the image remains black on white.
RE: No Volume Control Sounds
I also had no volume control sounds after upgrading my 2013 MBA from 10.13.3 to 10.13.4.
Clearing and ticking the following checkbox seems to have resolved the issue.
System Preferences > Sound > Sound Effects > Play feedback when volume is changed.
Thank you Brian
I was to lazy, you did the work for me. Thanks ;)
Thanks, it works now.
Thanks,
it works now.
Is Apple going to fix the PDF
Is Apple going to fix the PDF issues with VoiceOver? Seems like they don't care much about the issues these days.