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Apple releases OS X 10.9.3 software update w/ improved 4K display support, contacts/calendar USB syncing, more

After several beta releases, Apple today released the 10.9.3 software update to OS X Mavericks. The update is recommended for all users running OS X Mavericks, and brings a list of improvements including improved support for 4K displays. The update also restores contacts and calendar syncing from Macs to iOS devices over USB which was previously removed in favor of OTA syncing. Mac users running the public beta version of OS X 10.9.3 introduced last month can update to the public version via the Mac App Store. 

The update also includes the latest version of the Safari web browser with the release of 7.0.3 as well as VPN connection improvements. iTunes 11.2 was also released with improvements to podcast features including managing unplayed episodes, saved episodes, and deleted episodes. As per the release notes, Apple recommends using Podcasts for iOS 2.1 or later with the syncing improvements, but the current App Store version is 2.0.2 so a new version should arrive soon. (Thanks Richard!)

OS X 10.9.3 was first released in beta earlier this year in March, with several new builds being released since. As we reported then, OS X 10.9.3 allows users to natively set super hi-resolution 4K monitors to display OS X at pixel-doubled resolution creating a “Retina” experience.

From our report with the release:

Apple building in improved 4K display settings and support for driving 4K screens at 60Hz could indicate that the Cupertino company is nearing the launch of a high-resolution external monitor. Sources say that Apple has been developing 4K, high-resolution large standalone displays and iMacs.

OS X 10.9.3, Safari 7.0.3, and iTunes 11.2 are available as software updates in the Mac App Store.

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Comments

  1. Avenged110 - 10 years ago

    I find it rather hilarious that my outdated version of iTunes, 11.1, performs better on Mavericks than the “Mavericks-optimized” 11.1.2. Apple needs to get their iTunes together.

    • Tallest Skil - 10 years ago

      In what way have you quantified that?

      • Avenged110 - 10 years ago

        In no way is it scientific, but using it it much smoother on 11.1 and maintains a much more consistent frame-rate when scrolling. Also, the app has much less stuttering and lagging when clicking various buttons as well as about 2/3 the startup time. It’s noticeable in use.

  2. vkd108 - 10 years ago

    Hey, I’m an update junkie. 13D65 up n runnin already

  3. Mr. Grey (@mister_grey) - 10 years ago

    Shamefully, it doesn’t fix the glitch they introduced in Mail with 10.9.2 wherein if you click through a notification, you get a standalone message window instead of being put back to the Mail app proper.

    I realise they have priorities, but to not fix a glitch they themselves introduced with the very last update …

    • Dafty Punk - 10 years ago

      Pretty sure that was a feature, not a bug. I prefer the single message vs launching all of Mail.app!

  4. sardonick - 10 years ago

    I’m updating, but I’m not nearly as excited to do so as I was pre-Mavericks. If safari gets any worse, I’ll have to use firefox, which I probably should anyway.

    • drtyrell969 - 10 years ago

      Updates are designed to slow your computer down and force you to buy new computers.

      • joshalfie - 10 years ago

        Conspiracy theorist much?

      • sardonick - 10 years ago

        Yea. It sure seems that way. I think Apple’s updates are designed to piss off existing customers and send them elsewhere so they can hook new customers who are still cherry enough to spend their mortgage on their products. heheh

      • Mary S. Black - 10 years ago

        I agree. I just installed 10.9.3 and my computer stalls all the time now. Very,very slow where it used to be lightning fast. Is there anyway to fix this?

  5. Gregory Wright - 10 years ago

    Anyone with a 4K monitor let us know the impact of the update.

  6. domadoma - 10 years ago

    Has anyone tried the 4k support with an iMac or 13″ Macbook Pro? Thanks!

    • I don’t have a 4k but I do run a professional Asus 27″ PS279Q on my MBP 15″ Retina and this update has made it go from crystal clear to blurry and none of the support fixes work…

  7. kjl3000 - 10 years ago

    “The update also restores contacts and calendar syncing from Macs to iOS devices over USB which was previously removed in favor of OTA syncing.”

    … there was no syncing over the air, i think the whole sync services framework was removed with OSX 10.9. So local sync was neither possible via USB or OTA. The only option to sync adress book and calendar was via iCloud. So, if you had any privacy concerns about putting your contacts and calendars into the cloud just to keep them in sync across all your devices, the alternative was… well, not syncing them at all. Even worse: all iOS devices without iCloud support (like the original iPhone) were rendered unsyncable (thats for adress book and calendar).

    I was very angry about Apple pulling local sync in OSX Mevericks so quietly and felt forced into the cloud, and i guess i wasn´t the only one… I complained myself at apple tech support about this “feature” (ok, more an “issue”) and after 10.9.2 i was pretty shure that local syncing adress book and calendar was history…

    Well, seems i was wrong. Thanks Apple for listening! :)

  8. Eyal Yeruham - 10 years ago

    Since I updated, the App Store is displaying an update but ever time I open it I can’t click any of the menu’s (Top Charts, Updates, etc..). When I click them they turn blue and nothing happens, I am still at the home page. Anyone experiencing this issue?

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.