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  • TikTok back on Apple’s App Store

    TikTok back on Apple’s App Store

    TikTok is once again available for download on iPhones from the App Store. This update comes after a brief absence, allowing users to reinstall the app and keep it updated. According to Bloomberg, the return of TikTok was prompted by a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, though the details of this letter remain undisclosed.

    Apple had previously taken TikTok off the U.S. App Store on January 18, right before a new law banning the app took effect on January 19.

    This law, known as the Act to Protect Americans from Apps Controlled by Foreign Adversaries, was passed in April 2024. It gave TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app to a company outside of China. ByteDance argued that the law was against the U.S. Constitution and free speech rights, but the courts, including the Supreme Court, disagreed.

    President Donald Trump briefly paused the enforcement of this law for 90 days, but Apple didn’t bring TikTok back to the App Store during this period. Apple explained in a notice that they must comply with the laws of the countries they operate in.

    Even though the Department of Justice (DoJ) wasn’t actively enforcing the law, it was still in effect, and Apple likely worried about potential legal issues. However, recent assurances from the DoJ that Apple wouldn’t face repercussions for allowing TikTok downloads seem to have changed their stance.

    Despite being off the App Store for a month, TikTok continued to work for users who already had it installed.

    The Trump administration is now looking to arrange a sale of TikTok to an American company, with Vice President J.D. Vance leading the charge. However, the Chinese government has stated they will not permit the sale, adding complexity to the negotiations, especially with new tariffs on Chinese goods recently announced by Trump.

    Note: Given the political context of this topic, the discussion is hosted in our Political News forum. Everyone can read the thread, but only members with over 100 posts can contribute.

    Source

  • Apple updates macOS with new version 15.3.1

    Apple updates macOS with new version 15.3.1

    Apple has just released a new update for macOS, called version 15.3.1. This update follows closely after the release of macOS 15.3 a few weeks ago.

    To get this update, Mac users should go to the Software Update section in their System Settings. Besides this new update, Apple has also made available macOS 13.7.4 and macOS 14.7.4 for those still using older versions of the operating system.

    The main focus of macOS 15.3.1 is to fix important security issues. Apple suggests that everyone should install this update to keep their computers safe.

  • Apple updates iOS to fix bugs

    Apple updates iOS to fix bugs

    Apple has just released iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, small but important updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 systems that were first introduced last September. This update follows closely on the heels of iOS 18.3, which was released just two weeks ago.

    To install the new update, users can go to their device’s Settings, then tap General, and finally select Software Update. This process allows eligible iPhones and iPads to download the update directly over the internet. For those still using iPadOS 17, Apple has also made iPadOS 17.7.5 available.

    According to the notes provided by Apple, this update focuses on fixing bugs and enhancing security for your device. Looking ahead, iOS 18.4 is on the horizon, with expectations that it will be rolled out in April. We might see the first beta version of iOS 18.4 as early as this week.

    This update ensures that your device remains secure and functions smoothly, addressing any small issues that might have crept up in previous versions. Remember, keeping your software up to date is key to enjoying all the latest features and security enhancements Apple has to offer.

  • Making Apple Vision Pro easier to wear

    Making Apple Vision Pro easier to wear

    The main complaints about the Apple Vision Pro have been its cost and its weight. Apple is already working on a cheaper version, and a new patent suggests a way to make the headset lighter. People who tried it early on noted that the headset feels heavy after a while, and I felt the same when I used it.

    John Gruber, a well-known tech commentator, shared similar thoughts:

    “The Vision Pro is heavy. I wore it for hours without pain, but the weight does become tiring. You can’t forget you’re wearing it. Plus, it’s quite big, like a large, heavy pair of goggles on your face.”

    During my hour-long session, I noticed the weight and comfort issues. Comfort is a big challenge with this kind of technology. On a warm day, even by UK standards, my upper face felt hot inside the headset, similar to my experiences with the Meta Quest 2.

    The weight was particularly noticeable after about 30 minutes. With my Quest, I use an extra battery pack at the back, which helps balance the weight. However, the Vision Pro is front-heavy, and that was starting to bother me, especially when moving my head up and down.

    A recent patent from Apple, highlighted by Patently Apple, offers a solution: moving the processor and other components away from the headset, much like they did with the battery.

    The patent starts by discussing the problem:

    “Head-mounted displays (HMDs) should be comfortable for long periods. As we add more features, battery life, and performance, we add more weight. We need to balance comfort with the device’s capabilities.”

    A heavy front can make wearing the device less enjoyable. Apple recognizes this and suggests a need for a lighter HMD that doesn’t compromise on performance. They also tackle the heat problem, suggesting better ways to manage heat. Currently, the Vision Pro uses a separate battery pack to help with weight, and the patent suggests that the processing could be moved into this external “cartridge.”

    This cartridge would house the processor, which would send video to the headset’s display, and could be attached or detached as needed. One idea is to have the processor in a unit that can either sit in the headset or be housed in an external case, providing flexibility in how the user wears the device.

  • Apple might switch iPhone screen makers due to quality problems

    Apple might switch iPhone screen makers due to quality problems

    Apple is thinking about changing who makes the screens for its iPhones because one of its current suppliers, BOE, is having trouble making good-quality displays. This information comes from sources in Korea, as reported by OLED-info.

    BOE, a company from China, has been having a hard time making the LTPS AMOLED screens that Apple wants for the iPhone 14, 15, and 16. Since the start of 2024, they’ve only been able to provide about 7-8 million screens to Apple, way less than the 40 million they were supposed to make.

    It’s going to take around six weeks to fix these quality issues. In the meantime, people in the industry think that Samsung Display will get most of the new screen orders because LG Display is busy making a different type of screen for the iPhone “Pro” models.

    This isn’t the first time BOE has had problems. Last year, they had issues with the screens around the camera cutout, which they call the Dynamic Island, for the iPhone 15, and Apple cut back on orders because of it. This situation shows how tough it can be to keep up with Apple’s high standards for their iPhone screens.

    Source

  • Ex-Apple Engineer Apologizes for Leaks: ‘A big and costly error’

    Ex-Apple Engineer Apologizes for Leaks: ‘A big and costly error’

    Last year, we shared news about Apple taking legal action against Andrew Aude, their former software engineer, for sharing secrets about upcoming projects, including details on the Journal app and Vision Pro headset.

    According to 9to5Mac, the lawsuit was dropped on Thursday by the Santa Clara County Superior Court after Apple and Aude came to terms on a settlement. The details of this settlement aren’t public, but Aude made an apology online.

    On the social media site X, which used to be Twitter, Aude admitted that leaking information was a “big and costly error.”

    Here’s what Aude said in his apology:

    “I worked at Apple as a software engineer for almost eight years. I had access to a lot of private company info, including details about products that weren’t out yet. But instead of keeping these secrets, I shared them with journalists. I didn’t see it then, but it was a huge mistake. It ruined friendships and professional connections I’d built over years. My career in software engineering took a hit, and it’s going to be tough to start over. Leaking wasn’t worth it. I’m truly sorry to my colleagues who worked so hard on these projects and kept them confidential. They deserved better.”

    Aude started at Apple in 2016, focusing on improving battery life, and was let go in 2023 after his leaks came to light. For more on this story, check out our previous articles on the lawsuit.

  • UK demands Apple create Global encryption backdoor

    UK demands Apple create Global encryption backdoor

    The British government has quietly asked Apple to give it full access to every user’s encrypted data stored in the cloud, according to The Washington Post. This secret directive reportedly came last month, compelling Apple to design a backdoor allowing UK security agencies to access encrypted user data around the world. This is a demand that has never been made in any other democratic nation.

    The order was delivered via a “technical capability notice” under the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which critics call the “Snooper’s Charter.” This law allows law enforcement to force companies to assist in gathering evidence.

    Apple has not commented on this issue. The law makes it illegal for Apple to even acknowledge such a demand from the government. Similarly, the Home Office declined to confirm or deny the existence of such notices, stating it does not discuss operational details.

    A consultant who advises the US on encryption issues said Apple would not be able to inform users that their encryption is no longer secure. A former White House security advisor verified the UK’s order.

    Apple Might Stop UK iCloud Services Over Privacy Concerns

    There’s talk that Apple might pull its encrypted storage service from the UK rather than weaken the privacy promises it made to its users. However, this wouldn’t stop the UK from accessing the service in other countries. Apple has hinted before that it might withdraw services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if privacy is compromised. Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, introduced in 2022, allows users to encrypt additional data categories like Photos and Notes, keeping them private even from Apple.

    Google, on the other hand, has made encryption standard for Android backups since 2018. When asked if any government had asked for a backdoor, Google responded that they can’t access encrypted backup data, even with a legal order.

    How to Secure Your iCloud Data

    The IPA was revised in 2023 to let the Home Office potentially ban certain encrypted services. Apple criticized these changes as excessive government control, suggesting they could prevent new security features from being offered globally.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook has always argued against providing backdoors, stating it would invite criminals to access user data. Cybersecurity experts agree, warning that any backdoor could be exploited. Apple’s resistance was notable in 2016 when they fought and won against a US order to unlock an iPhone.

    With increasing cyber threats from state actors, like those from China, US officials are now more focused on cybersecurity than ever, promoting encryption to protect communications. Privacy advocates, like Big Brother Watch, argue that such measures won’t make the UK safer and will instead undermine basic rights and freedoms.

    Source

  • Apple releases first update for new party app

    Apple releases first update for new party app

    Apple has just introduced an update for their brand-new app called Party Invites, which was released for iPhone users on Tuesday. This app lets you make fancy digital invitations for your events.

    Just one day after its release, Apple came out with Party Invites version 1.0.1, fixing some issues in the first version.

    Here’s what’s new in Party Invites version 1.0.1:

    • The app now runs smoother and doesn’t crash as often.

    If you had any trouble with the app slowing down or stopping unexpectedly, try updating it and see if it works better.

    Curious about how cool these invitations can look? Check out the example I made, which is inspired by the invitation for the iPhone 5s launch. Many people noticed that the design of that event’s invitation looks a lot like the Party Invites app icon.

  • Good News for Old iPhone 7 Users: You might get some money back

    Good News for Old iPhone 7 Users: You might get some money back

    If you owned an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus back in 2016 or 2017, you might be in for a treat. These phones were pretty great, but some had a problem called “Loop Disease.” This issue led to a class action lawsuit a few years back, which got the green light last year. Now, in 2025, those former owners are starting to see some cash.

    The payments are around $200 for each claim, which isn’t too shabby. This money comes from a $35 million settlement, with the lawyers who pushed the lawsuit getting the largest slice of the pie.

    The time to join the lawsuit was up last summer, so if you missed it, you’re out of luck. Apple didn’t admit they did anything wrong but agreed to settle anyway.

    “Loop Disease” supposedly came from pressing on a specific part of the phone, leading to bad sound during calls, especially on FaceTime. How much money you get depends if you had to pay for fixing the phone due to this issue. Those who didn’t pay for repairs will likely get less, with the highest possible payment being $350.

    This isn’t the first time Apple has settled over hardware issues. Last fall, MacBook users with problematic butterfly keyboards also started getting their share from a separate settlement.

    So, if you were one of those affected iPhone 7 users, check your mail or bank account; you might find a pleasant surprise waiting for you.

  • Trump’s tariffs might make Apple products costlier in the US

    Trump’s tariffs might make Apple products costlier in the US

    Apple products in the United States might soon cost more because President Trump has put a 10% tax on imports from China. Even though Apple has been trying to spread out where it gets its parts, most of its gadgets are still made in China.

    Back when Trump was president before, he also put taxes on many things coming from China. Apple managed to get some exemptions, but this new rule seems to apply to everything from China.

    The Chip Tariff That Never Happened

    Trump once talked about putting a huge tax on Chinese-made computer chips, but that didn’t happen. This was good news for Apple since their products use these chips but aren’t chips themselves. People pointed out this would hurt American companies making electronics in the US with parts from China, so the plan was dropped.

    New Tariffs on Everything

    Later, Trump threatened to tax all products from Canada, Mexico, and China. He wanted a 25% tax on items from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods. Canada and Mexico promised to tighten border security and fight drug trafficking to avoid these taxes, while also warning they might tax US goods in return.

    Trump decided to wait 30 days before starting the tax on Canada and Mexico, but the Chinese tax began right away. China responded by taxing American products and looking into possible antitrust issues with companies like Apple and Google.

    Impact on Apple

    Now, Apple has to pay an extra 10% on everything it brings in from China. This could mean higher prices for consumers or lower profits for Apple if they decide to cover the cost themselves.

    What Apple Might Do

    While some companies might increase prices, it’s unclear what Apple will do. They’ve done both in the past – raised prices and cut profits. With Trump’s decisions changing often, Apple might wait to see if these tariffs stick around before deciding.

    In summary, Trump’s tariff policies could lead to pricier Apple products. How Apple responds will depend on how long these taxes last and how they affect the market.

    Source

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