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  • Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two fresh Mac threats have been spotted recently, and one of them is getting a patch this week. The second one is still out there with no fix yet, but honestly, you’d have to be pretty unaware to get tricked by it.

    A Parallels Weakness Targeted

    According to Macworld, the first threat was uncovered by a security expert named Mickey Jin. He’d been pushing Parallels, a tool that lets Macs run Windows, Linux, or older macOS versions, to fix this issue for seven months. The problem affects Intel-based Macs using Parallels. It lets someone take full control of your Mac by sneaking through flaws in how Parallels sets up virtual machines.

    The good news? It’s not a huge worry since the attacker would need to physically get to your Mac. Parallels has now promised to roll out a solution this week. They’ve shared details in a support article, saying updates for Parallels Desktop 20.2.2 and 19.4.2 will tackle this flaw soon.

    FrigidStealer Sneaks In

    The second threat, called FrigidStealer, is sneakier and can strike from afar—it’s after your passwords. But it’s not hard to avoid if you’re cautious. You’d have to click a sketchy link and then follow steps to dodge macOS’s safety net, Gatekeeper.

    Here’s how it works: You get an email with a link. Click it, and a webpage pops up, warning that your browser needs an update. Hit the “Update” button, and a file downloads. The trick is that you’re told to open it by right-clicking and choosing “Open” from the menu. Doing this skips Gatekeeper, the Mac’s guard against shady apps, letting the malware slip in.

    Stay Safe Out There

    Stick to the basics to keep your Mac safe. Don’t click links in unexpected emails. For important websites, use bookmarks you’ve saved yourself. Only grab software from the Mac App Store or trusted developers’ sites. A little care goes a long way!

  • A cool secret in the iPhone 16 wallpapers

    A cool secret in the iPhone 16 wallpapers

    Every new iPhone comes with its own special wallpaper, and the iPhone 16 has a neat little surprise baked into its design. At first glance, it’s not super clear when you look at just one phone. But when you check out three of them together on Apple’s comparison tool online, the secret pops right out.

    Here’s the fun part: the wallpaper actually shows off how many camera lenses each iPhone 16 model has. John Gruber, a tech writer, pointed this out. He said Apple cleverly uses the default wallpapers to hint at the number of lenses on each phone. It’s a playful detail the company loves to sneak in every now and then. They’ve done similar things before, often called “easter eggs”—little surprises that show up in special moments. Think of stuff like typing “let it snow” in the Apple Store app for a snowy treat or Siri playing a silly true-or-false game on April Fools’ Day.

    This time, though, the secret isn’t buried too deep—it’s right there if you know where to look. Speaking of cameras, Gruber also checked the thickness of the three iPhone 16 models. The iPhone 16e stands out because it doesn’t have a raised camera bump (what he calls a “mesa,” like a flat-topped hill). Not only is there no bump, but the whole camera area—from the lens to the screen—is thinner than the other models, even at their thickest spots.

    This gives the iPhone 16e a clean, simple look on the back, which feels fresh. So, it’s a bit surprising that rumors suggest Apple won’t keep this style for the iPhone 17 Air. Instead, we might see a raised bar across the back. For now, though, the iPhone 16 wallpapers are a fun way to celebrate the cameras—and a cool nod to Apple’s love for little surprises.

  • New iPhone 17e might arrive next year in a yearly pattern

    New iPhone 17e might arrive next year in a yearly pattern

    Apple could roll out an iPhone 17e next year, possibly in February, according to a fresh consumer report. This lines up with a tip from a trusted leaker who says hints of this phone are already popping up in China’s supply chain.

    iPhone 16e Kicks Off a New Trend

    A report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) suggests the iPhone 16e is the start of a yearly lineup of budget-friendly “e” models in Apple’s main series. After launching the regular iPhone 17 in September, Apple might unveil the iPhone 17e in February 2026. The report explains:

    It looks like “e” phones could stick around. After the big iPhone 17 debut in September, we think Apple will bring out an iPhone 17e around this time next year. This is similar to how Google releases its “a” models a few months after its spring flagship launches.

    Meanwhile, a leaker on WeChat, Fixed Focus Digital, shared news of a “new project codename” spotted in Apple’s supply chain. They believe it’s likely tied to the iPhone 17e. This leaker was also the first to call the iPhone 16e by name last December, while others thought it’d just be another iPhone SE.

    Why This Matters

    Before these rumors, we guessed last week that an iPhone 17e might drop in early 2026, around February. A cheaper “e” model mid-year could shake up Apple’s lineup and spark more excitement than rereleasing the same phone in a new color, something Apple has done before. It’d also give buyers a clearer idea of when to expect a new budget option, unlike the unpredictable timing of past iPhone SE releases.

    That said, this depends on the iPhone 16e doing well. If sales flop, the “e” line might fade away like the iPhone “mini” or the “Plus” model, which we don’t expect to see in the iPhone 17 family. The iPhone 16e’s sales numbers will likely clue us in on its future.

    iPhone 16e Hits Stores Soon

    The iPhone 16e comes with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, an A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, a USB-C port, an Action button, and a 48-megapixel camera with 2x zoom. It also has Apple’s new 5G “C1” modem. It’ll be available starting February 28 in stores and for pre-order deliveries.

  • iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    Early tests of the iPhone 16e’s cell signal strength reveal some exciting news. A Chinese tech site, Geekerwan, ran several 5G checks on the iPhone 16e using a fake cell tower set up in their lab. Overall, the iPhone 16e worked just as well as the iPhone 16 for staying connected, with similar speeds and dependability. Plus, Apple’s promise of better power use seems spot on. Geekerwan found that the new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e used much less energy than the Qualcomm modem in the iPhone 16.

    The best part? The iPhone 16e didn’t show any big surprises—it matched the iPhone 16’s performance nicely (though it doesn’t have mmWave support). They also tested both phones on a subway ride. Speeds went up and down, but all iPhone 16 models had about the same number of signal drops and connection quality.

    Looking at power use, the difference was clear. Apple says the C1 modem saves up to 25% more energy, and the numbers back that up. In strong signal areas, the iPhone 16 used 0.88 watts on 5G, while the 16e only needed 0.67 watts—that’s about 24% less. In weak signal spots, the 16 averaged 0.81 watts, and the 16e stayed at 0.67 watts, a 17% drop.

    For real-life battery tests, the iPhone 16e lasted 7 hours and 53 minutes streaming video on 5G. The iPhone 16 managed 7 hours, and the 16 Pro hit 6 hours and 54 minutes. So, the 16e outlasted them by nearly an hour. The bigger Plus and Pro Max models, with larger batteries, reached about 8.5 hours.

    Still, it’s tricky to know if the longer battery life comes from the C1 modem alone or the 16e’s bigger 3961mAH battery, which is 12% larger than the 16 Pro’s. It looks like Apple boosted the iPhone 16e’s staying power with both a smarter modem and a roomier battery.

  • iPhone 17 Pro might get 12GB of memory for better AI features

    iPhone 17 Pro might get 12GB of memory for better AI features

    Apple’s smart system, called Apple Intelligence, needs a lot of memory to work well—at least 8GB. Since Apple wants to make this system even smarter, people are saying the iPhone 17 Pro models could come with 12GB of memory.

    iPhone 17 Pro Set for a Memory Boost

    Talk about the iPhone 17 Pro having 12GB of memory isn’t new. Last August, expert Ming-Chi Kuo said this might happen after Apple showed off Apple Intelligence at its big 2024 event. Now, it’s looking more likely that these new iPhones will get a memory upgrade this year.

    Jeff Pu, another expert from GFHK Tech Research, told investors (in a note shared with 9to5Mac) that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will jump to 12GB of memory from the 8GB in today’s models. He says the growing need for AI tricks is pushing phone and computer makers to add more memory. “The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will switch to 12GB of fast LPDDR5 memory, which could bump up smartphone memory use by 3.5% across about 100 million new iPhones,” Pu explained.

    Last year, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max had 8GB of memory, while the regular models got 6GB. In 2024, Apple gave 8GB to the basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus too. That’s why Apple Intelligence only works on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer phones. The just-released iPhone 16e also has 8GB and runs Apple Intelligence.

    More memory in the iPhone 17 Pro will help it stay ready for the future. It also suggests Apple might add new AI features that need extra power—features only these models could handle. For example, Apple recently upgraded all its Macs, even the older M2 MacBook Air, to 16GB of memory.

    What Else Is Coming with the iPhone 17?

    Rumors say the whole iPhone 17 family will look different. Expect a fresh camera setup and video tools perfect for vloggers. There’s also talk of a super-thin iPhone model that could sit between the regular iPhone 17 and the Pro, maybe replacing the Plus version. These new iPhones should arrive in September.

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • Why Apple TV+ is going big on shows from around the world

    Why Apple TV+ is going big on shows from around the world

    Netflix recently shared its latest report on what people watched most in the last half of 2024. One standout detail from this report might clue us in on why Apple TV+ is suddenly focusing so much on shows and movies that aren’t in English.

    Netflix’s Worldwide Fans Love Variety

    Netflix is a giant compared to Apple TV+, so it’s tricky to compare their hits side by side. Still, the report revealed something eye-opening: almost a third of all Netflix viewing comes from shows and films in languages other than English. That’s a huge slice of their massive audience! Plus, three of their top 10 most-watched shows—like Squid Game season 2—weren’t in English either.

    Netflix has been pouring effort into global stories for years, and it’s clearly working as they grow fans all over the world. Apple TV+, though smaller, is starting to follow a similar path by boosting its lineup of non-English shows.

    Apple TV+ Steps Up with Global Stories

    In its early days, Apple TV+ made a few non-English shows like Pachinko and Drops of God. Critics loved them, but they were exceptions in a mostly English collection. Lately, though, things have changed fast. Since September, Apple TV+ has rolled out new titles like:

    • Berlin ER (a German hospital show)
    • Love You to Death (a Spanish rom-com)
    • You Would Do It Too (a Spanish crime story)
    • Where’s Wanda? (a German funny mystery)
    • Midnight Family (a Spanish doctor drama)
    • La Maison (a French fashion tale)

    Even with fewer releases overall, Apple TV+ is now dropping about one new non-English show each month. Netflix’s winning streak with global hits might be the push behind this shift.

    Aiming for Fans Everywhere

    While the U.S. is still Apple’s main focus, these moves show they’re dreaming bigger—hoping to win over viewers worldwide. Maybe the buzz around Severance will get more people hooked on their global gems too. Apple TV+ costs $9.99 a month and offers popular shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.

  • Apple offers discounts on refurbished M4 iMacs

    Apple offers discounts on refurbished M4 iMacs

    Apple recently started selling the M4 Mac mini and MacBook Pro at lower prices in its refurbished store. For a while, the M4 iMac, which came out at the same time, wasn’t included. Good news—Apple has now added it, so the whole M4 Mac family is available!

    Refurbished M4 iMacs Come in Many Colors and Options

    You can now grab the M4 iMac from Apple’s refurbished store in different colors and setups, all at nice savings (spotted by MacRumors).

    The regular price for the basic M4 iMac is $1,299 when brand new. But if you go refurbished, it’s only $1,099—and it still comes with all the matching accessories, like the keyboard and mouse.
    Since all M4 Macs now kick off with 16GB of memory, the starting model is a solid pick compared to older versions.

    That said, many people might want more storage space. Apple has several bigger SSD options to choose from. Just keep an eye on the discounts—they can change depending on how much storage you pick.

    Compare Prices Before You Buy

    If you’re thinking about getting an M4 iMac, don’t skip checking Amazon. They’ve got brand-new ones on sale, sometimes close to Apple’s refurbished prices.

    For instance, a new basic M4 iMac is going for $1,149 right now. That’s just $50 more than Apple’s refurbished version. So, it’s worth a look to see which deal feels right for you! Whether you go refurbished or new, the M4 iMac is a colorful, powerful choice at a better price than before.

  • Spotify boss slams Apple’s EU rules follow-up, pushes for tougher action

    Spotify boss slams Apple’s EU rules follow-up, pushes for tougher action

    Spotify’s top boss, Daniel Ek, isn’t pleased with how Apple is handling the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a chat with Bloomberg, he took a swing at Apple, urging EU officials to crack down on the tech giant soon. Ek insists it’s high time “to make sure the rules stick” against Apple. Bloomberg’s Samuel Stolton reports:

    Ek called Apple’s efforts to follow the DMA a “joke.” He accused the iPhone maker of dragging its feet and finding ways to avoid fully cooperating with the law, which puts tight controls on big tech companies.

    “Europe needs to prove it’s serious about enforcing the rules already in place,” Ek told Bloomberg on Tuesday. He also pointed out that regulators in the U.S. are starting to pay closer attention to Apple’s actions.

    The EU has already shown it’s unhappy with Apple’s first attempts to follow the DMA. Talks are likely underway about whether Apple should face bigger penalties.

    Stolton adds: “EU competition boss Teresa Ribera has promised a decision on Apple’s DMA follow-through by late March. The law lets her slap fines as high as 10% of Apple’s yearly global earnings.”

    Things have shifted a bit politically since then, though. With the U.S. President now pushing back against such moves, it’s uncertain if the EU will keep pressing Apple. Spotify and Ek have been vocal supporters of tougher rules on Apple for a while, so this latest nudge to the EU isn’t shocking. Still, Ek’s fresh complaints might stem from worries that the EU could drop the ball and let Apple off the hook.

  • iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    When Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, they highlighted a fresh design inside that made room for a bigger battery. While Apple doesn’t share exact battery sizes, a popular YouTuber, Dave Lee from Dave2D, spilled the details in his latest review. He revealed the iPhone 16e has a 3,961 mAh battery—a solid jump of over 10% compared to the 3,561 mAh in the standard iPhone 16.

    Here’s how it stacks up:

    • iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh
    • iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh
    • iPhone 16e: 3,961 mAh

    Apple claims the iPhone 16e delivers the best battery life ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks partly to their new energy-saving C1 modem.

    How Does the iPhone 16e Hold Up in Real Life?

    Dave Lee tested the iPhone 16e by keeping the Reddit website running non-stop over Wi-Fi. The phone lasted an impressive 12 hours and 54 minutes. By comparison, the iPhone 16 managed 11 hours and 17 minutes in the same setup, making the 16e the champ here.

    Tom’s Guide ran their own test, mimicking regular web browsing on a cellular network. The iPhone 16e averaged 12 hours and 41 minutes—super close to the iPhone 16’s 12 hours and 43 minutes. The top scores? The 16e hit 12 hours and 49 minutes, while the iPhone 16 reached 13 hours and 19 minutes.

    CNET’s Patrick Holland shared his hands-on experience: “After six days with the 16e, I’ve charged it just three times. Using a 30-watt charger, it went from zero to 59% in half an hour. I’ve been pushing it hard—testing cameras, playing heavy games, and using smart features. It easily lasts a full day, and with lighter use, it can stretch to a day and a half.”

    In CNET’s video streaming test, the iPhone 16e stayed at 100% after an hour, while the iPhone 16 and 15 dipped to 97%. Holland noted more tests are coming, but the early signs are promising.
    Get Yours Soon Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e are open now, with the official launch this Friday. Curious for more? Check out our full iPhone 16e review summary!