OS X 10.9.1 Update Released with Mail Improvements, Safari 7.0.1, & Bug Fixes

Apple has released the version major system update to OS X Mavericks, versioned as OS X 10.9.1. The update appears focused on several prominent complaints focused around Mail app in Mavericks, resolving several issues with Gmail support, improved search functionality, a fix for group contacts, and improvements to Smart Mailboxes. OS X 10.9.1 also resolves an issue with text-to-speech not properly speaking Emoji characters, resolves a keychain issue, and causes the Shared Links tab to be automatically updated if it’s open in the Safari browser. Additionally, Safari has been updated to 7.0.1 and includes several fixes.

Note the Mail app fixes included in 10.9.1 are separate and new from those included in the prior release of “Mail Update for Mavericks“.

Download OS X 10.9.1 from the Mac App Store

The easiest way to download OS X 10.9.1 is through the App Store:

• Pull down the  Apple menu, and select “Software Update”

If the update does not populate automatically within the Mac App Store, you can refresh the contents by hitting Command+R, and it should appear as an available update.

It is always recommended to back up your Mac before installing system updates.

OS X 10.9.1 Combo Update Direct Links

Optionally, users can download combo installers, which is typically best reserved for individuals who are installing software update on multiple machines, or onto air gapped Macs. For users going the combo updater route, be sure to pick either the general OS X 10.9.1 update or the specific MacBook Pro with Retina Display (2013 model) version – the two files are different.

The combo updater can be downloaded directly from Apple’s servers using the following links below:

• Download General OS X 10.9.1 Combo Update here (DMG direct link)
• Download Special OS X 10.9.1 Update for MacBook Pro with Retina Display (Late 2013) here (DMG direct link)

The MacBook Pro Retina version includes the same general improvements and fixes as the standard 10.9.1 update, but also includes bug fixes specific to the MacBook Pro Retina 2013 release.

OS X 10.9.1 Release Notes

The release notes accompanying the release as included from the Mac App Store are as follows:

The OS X Mavericks v10.9.1 Update is recommended for all OS X Mavericks users. It improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

This update includes:
▪ Improved support for Gmail in OS X Mail, and fixes for users with custom Gmail settings Improves the reliability of Smart Mailboxes and search in Mail
▪ Fixes an issue that prevented contact groups from working properly in Mail
▪ Resolves an issue that prevented VoiceOver from speaking sentences that contain emoji
▪ Fixes an issue that prevented iLife and iWork apps from updating on non-English systems
▪ Addresses an issue that may cause multiple prompts to unlock “Local items” keychain
▪ Improves the overall awesomeness of being a reader of OSXDaily.com
▪ Addresses an issue that may cause Japanese keyboards to retain a previously used language
▪ Resolves issue that prevents a Contact group name from populating the address field
▪ Includes Safari 7.0.1
◦ Fixes an issue that could cause Safari to become unresponsive when filling out forms on fedex.com, stubhub.com, and other websites Improves Credit Card Autofill compatibility with websites
◦ Improves VoiceOver compatibility with facebook.com 
◦ Updates Shared Links periodically when open in the Safari Sidebar

Full release notes should appear shortly on Apple’s website, with a comprehensive overview of the various bugs, improvements, fixes, resolutions, and changes made to OS X Mavericks with the 10.9.1 update.