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  • CarPlay issues in iOS 18.4 affect many car brands

    CarPlay issues in iOS 18.4 affect many car brands

    Apple’s latest update, iOS 18.4, has brought some trouble for CarPlay users. People driving cars from brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and BMW are reporting problems. The issues started after they updated their iPhones to this new version, causing CarPlay to act up in their vehicles.

    For some, CarPlay won’t connect at all. Others say it disconnects randomly while they’re driving. A few users even noticed their music or navigation apps freeze, making it hard to use. These glitches are annoying and can distract drivers, which isn’t safe.

    The trouble seems tied to how iOS 18.4 works with different car systems. Each brand has its setup, and the update might not play nice with all of them. Apple hasn’t said much yet, but they’re likely looking into it. For now, no quick fix is available.

    On social media, like X, drivers are sharing their frustrations. One Toyota owner wrote, “CarPlay keeps dropping since iOS 18.4—super annoying!” A Honda driver posted, “Navigation froze mid-trip. What’s up with this update?” People aren’t happy.

    If you’re having these issues, you could try restarting your iPhone or reconnecting CarPlay. Some say it helps a little, but it’s not a full solution. Another option is to wait for Apple to release a patch. They’ve fixed CarPlay bugs before, so a small update might come soon.

    Until then, drivers might need to rely on their car’s built-in system or skip CarPlay altogether. It’s a hassle, especially for those who love its features. Hopefully, Apple sorts this out fast so everyone can get back to smooth driving.

  • iOS 18.5 might fix Apple’s top AI issues

    iOS 18.5 might fix Apple’s top AI issues

    Apple is testing iOS 18.4 right now, and it’s full of cool new stuff. But according to Mark Gurman, the next update, iOS 18.5, will tackle two of Apple’s biggest AI challenges: a smarter Siri and AI features for China.

    What’s Coming in iOS 18.5, According to Gurman

    In his Power On newsletter, Gurman talked about iOS 18.4’s features before hinting at what’s next. He says iOS 18.5 will bring the exciting stuff—like a supercharged Siri that Apple showed off last summer and AI tools for users in China. Normally, a late update like this doesn’t get big changes, but iOS 18.5 is different with two major upgrades.

    A Smarter Siri

    Siri’s big makeover is finally happening. It’ll do all the fancy things Apple promised at WWDC last year—stuff people thought would already be here after seeing the ads. For example, Siri will handle tons of new tasks inside apps and even between them. That means you can ask it to do things by voice instead of tapping around.

    Another neat trick? Siri will see what’s on your screen and help based on that. Plus, it’ll know more about you—like your recent meetings, messages, or places you’ve been. Ask it anything about your life, and Siri will answer like a real helper. Apple’s been tweaking Siri bit by bit, but iOS 18.5 should make it feel brand new.

    AI Features in China

    This won’t affect everyone, but it’s huge for Apple. In China, local phone brands already have their own AI tools, putting pressure on Apple. Bringing Apple Intelligence to China with iOS 18.5 is a must to keep up. iPhone sales there have been slow lately, though Tim Cook says not to panic. He’s hopeful because where AI features are live, sales are better. So, this update could give iPhones a big lift in China.

    When Will iOS 18.5 Arrive?

    Gurman thinks iOS 18.5 will roll out around May, though it might slip to June since iOS 18.4 hits in April. Either way, Apple wants it ready before WWDC 2025 starts. These changes could be a game-changer for Siri fans and Apple’s China market!

  • AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    In a recent development, users of the AI app DeepSeek in South Korea have hit a snag. The local government has decided to ban the Chinese AI application, citing that it does not follow the country’s data protection rules. As a result, Apple and Google have been instructed to take the app off their app stores in South Korea.

    Temporary Ban on DeepSeek in South Korea

    According to news sources, South Korea’s data protection watchdog has told tech giants like Apple and Google to stop people from downloading this app. However, you can still use DeepSeek through a web browser in South Korea for the time being. The reason given for this ban is that DeepSeek doesn’t meet the requirements set by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission.

    The company behind DeepSeek has admitted they overlooked some aspects of South Korea’s data laws and has appointed lawyers in the country to deal with the situation. Additionally, a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry has stated that China takes data privacy seriously and ensures it is protected by law.

    Path to Reinstatement

    DeepSeek could start working again in South Korea if it makes changes to align with the local privacy laws.

    For a bit of background, DeepSeek is a Chinese tech startup that became famous for its AI model “R1”, which is both effective and resource-efficient compared to others. The app received praise from Apple’s CEO Tim Cook but has also stirred up controversy because of where it comes from.

    Italy was the first to block DeepSeek for similar privacy concerns, and in the U.S., a senator has proposed a law to penalize the use of Chinese AI apps. Last month, DeepSeek climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store, beating out ChatGPT by OpenAI, and it currently sits at number 13 in app downloads.

    Source

  • Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    The DeepSeek app, which quickly became one of the top downloads on the Apple App Store, has been found to have several serious security issues.

    Past Concerns with DeepSeek

    DeepSeek caught everyone’s attention when it suddenly became the most downloaded app for iPhones. AI experts were amazed because it worked well even on phones with less powerful hardware. This led to a drop in stock prices for some big AI companies in the U.S.

    However, soon after, questions about privacy and security started to come up. Privacy regulators in Italy and Ireland began to question if the app followed European privacy laws, while U.S. officials looked into possible security risks. A major slip-up was when DeepSeek left a database unprotected, spilling over a million lines of user data, including private chats and secret codes.

    New Security Flaws in DeepSeek App

    NowSecure, a company that checks mobile app security, found that DeepSeek has turned off a key security feature on iPhones. This feature, called App Transport Security (ATS), makes sure that private information is sent safely. With ATS off, the app sends data without protection, which could be seen by anyone.

    The data might not look dangerous by itself, but when you put a lot of these pieces together, you can figure out who people are. This was shown in another case with Gravy Analytics where similar data was used to identify millions of people.

    Also, the app uses an old and weak method of hiding data, known as 3DES, which isn’t good enough to keep information secret anymore.

    Espionage Risks

    The app collects lots of little bits of information which, if combined with data from other apps, can be used to pinpoint specific users. For example, if someone is using DeepSeek on an iPad connected to a special network used by emergency services, they might become a target for spying.

    The report from NowSecure strongly suggests that the DeepSeek app for iPhones isn’t safe to use, and it warns that the version for Android phones might be even worse.

  • Mac app store issues for older Mac systems

    Mac app store issues for older Mac systems

    Mac users with older macOS versions are facing problems when trying to use the Mac App Store. Specifically, those with macOS Mojave (10.14) and older are having trouble.

    Reports started coming in around January 24, 2025, suggesting that something went wrong when Apple updated how receipts work in the App Store. Users are seeing error messages like “Something went wrong while logging in” or “We couldn’t read the data because it’s not in the right format.”

    The experience varies depending on which macOS version you’re using. If you’re on Catalina (10.15) or newer, everything works fine. But if you’re still using Mojave (10.14), you can look around the store, but you can’t buy new apps or download ones you’ve already bought once your session ends. For those on High Sierra (10.13), parts of the store’s interface might not show up, and signing in can be tricky. Users on Sierra (10.12) are seeing messages that stop them from even getting into the store.

    It looks like these problems might have something to do with Apple’s new way of handling receipts, but we’re not sure yet. For those stuck with these issues, Apple offers other ways to get macOS updates. Also, many apps can still be downloaded directly from the developers’ own websites, outside of the App Store.

    This situation leaves older Mac users in a bit of a bind, hoping for a quick fix from Apple to restore full functionality to the Mac App Store on their systems.

    Source

  • Issues with the new CarPlay update

    Issues with the new CarPlay update

    Apple is facing some challenges with its CarPlay system. There are actually two main issues. First, the much-talked-about new version of CarPlay, which was introduced at WWDC 2022, hasn’t made its way into any cars yet. Apple promises it’s collaborating with various car makers to bring this update to life, but we’re still waiting.

    However, the bigger issue might be how Apple is overlooking the current version of CarPlay, which is already in millions of cars on the road.

    Apple’s CarPlay Dilemma

    Apple seems very focused on rolling out the new CarPlay, which is a big project needing close cooperation with each car manufacturer. While this is exciting, it will take years before it’s as common as the current CarPlay.

    Apple boasts that over 98% of new cars in the U.S. come with CarPlay, except for brands like Tesla, GM, and Rivian. Despite this success, the current CarPlay feels outdated to many users.

    Neglecting Current Users

    It appears Apple is adopting an all-or-nothing strategy. There are features from the new CarPlay that could improve the current system without needing manufacturer support. Since CarPlay mirrors the iPhone’s screen, Apple could enhance it via iPhone software updates.

    Possible Improvements for Current CarPlay Users

    • New Apps: Apple hasn’t added new built-in apps to CarPlay in a long while. For instance, adding a Weather app could be straightforward.
    • More Customization: Users can currently only rearrange app icons and choose from a few wallpapers. More options like custom themes, better control over the dashboard layout, or using any photo as wallpaper would enhance user experience.
    • Enhanced HomeKit Integration: CarPlay lets you control basic HomeKit devices, but there’s room for improvement. Adding more direct controls or a simplified Home app interface could be beneficial.
    • EV-Friendly Features: Apple Maps does a great job with EV routing in a few models, but it could offer more for EV users. Even without real-time battery data, features like better charger location mapping could be added.

    Conclusion

    While I’m excited about what the next CarPlay promises, I hope Apple doesn’t forget the millions of people using the existing version. They deserve updates that can make their driving experience better, even as the new system is developed. Right now, it feels like the current CarPlay is being left behind.

  • Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple’s new update for test browser improves speed and fixes issues

    Apple has launched a fresh update for its test browser, known as Safari Technology Preview, which was introduced back in 2016. This browser lets people try out new features before they’re added to the regular Safari browser.

    Image of Safari Technology Preview Update

    The latest update, version 212, brings several improvements and fixes to various parts of the browser including:

    • User Verification
    • Drawing and Graphics
    • Styling with CSS
    • Web Forms
    • JavaScript
    • Page Loading
    • Network Connections
    • PDF Viewing
    • Visual Display
    • SVG Graphics
    • Text Handling
    • Web APIs
    • Developer Tools

    This version of the test browser works on computers with macOS Sonoma or the latest macOS version, macOS Sequoia.

    You can get this update through the Software Update feature in your System Preferences or System Settings if you’ve already installed the browser from Apple’s site. For all the details on what’s changed, check out the update notes on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview page.

    The purpose of Safari Technology Preview is to get input from both users and developers on how to make the browser better. You can use this test browser alongside your regular Safari without needing a special developer account. It’s a great way for anyone to help shape the future of web browsing.

  • Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    In Brazil, Apple is facing two big issues with its iPhone policies. First, the country’s antitrust group, CADE, is looking into Apple’s rules for using the iPhone’s NFC chip, which handles contactless payments. Brazilian banks say Apple’s strict rules and a fee of up to 0.17% per transaction make it hard for them to compete.

    This fee is charged when banks use Apple’s NFC system for payments, unlike Google, which offers a similar feature for free. CADE started this investigation after banks complained that Apple’s control over NFC creates an unfair advantage, especially for its own payment system.

    Second, a Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iPhones within 90 days. Sideloading lets users install apps from outside the App Store. This ruling came after a complaint from MercadoLibre, a major e-commerce company, which argued that Apple’s App Store rules block fair competition.

    CADE decided that Apple’s restrictions, like forcing developers to use its payment system, are illegal. Apple tried to delay this change, saying it could harm user privacy and security, but the court disagreed, noting Apple already allows sideloading in places like Europe without major issues.

    Apple plans to appeal both decisions, arguing that its rules protect users. However, CADE’s investigations show Brazil is serious about making tech companies play fair. If Apple doesn’t follow the court’s orders, it could face hefty fines. These cases highlight growing global pressure on Apple to open up its iPhone ecosystem.

  • Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple is dealing with two big legal issues. First, the company agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit claiming its voice assistant, Siri, recorded private talks without permission. If you owned a Siri-enabled device like an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and Siri accidentally turned on during a private conversation, you might get up to $20 per device, for up to five devices.

    You need to submit a claim by July 2, 2025, swearing the activation happened during a confidential moment. The final amount depends on how many people claim. Apple says Siri data was never used for ads and settled to avoid more court fights. Meanwhile, Apple is also in a legal tussle with Epic Games over App Store rules. Epic, the maker of Fortnite, won a court ruling saying Apple must let developers tell users about other payment options outside the App Store.

    Apple wants to pause these changes while appealing, arguing it needs time to adjust and protect users. Epic disagrees, saying Apple’s delays hurt competition. The court hasn’t decided yet, but this fight could change how apps handle payments. Both cases show Apple navigating tough legal waters. The Siri settlement offers some users a small payout, while the Epic battle could reshape the App Store’s future. For now, Apple is balancing user trust and business rules as these cases unfold.

    Source/Via

  • Apple’s latest software updates near release

    Apple’s latest software updates near release

    Apple is wrapping up its newest software updates, with iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, tvOS 18.5, and visionOS 2.5 now in the release candidate (RC) stage. This means they’re almost ready for everyone to use, likely launching to the public soon. These updates focus on making devices run smoother and fixing bugs, with a few small improvements.

    For iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, there’s a new feature that lets older iPhones and iPads use satellite services, like T-Mobile’s Starlink partnership, for texting in areas without cell coverage. This was previously only available on newer models, so it’s a big win for older devices. The Mail app also gets tweaks, making it easier to turn off features like contact photos or email categories.

    macOS 15.5 is getting ready for its public debut, with the RC version available for developers. It’s all about stability, ensuring your Mac runs reliably. Similarly, tvOS 18.5 and visionOS 2.5 are in the RC phase, focusing on performance for Apple TV and Vision Pro. No major new features are expected here, but they’ll make your devices work better.

    Apple’s updates are tested thoroughly to avoid issues, and these RC versions are the final step before the public rollout. If you’re in Apple’s beta program, you can try them now, but they’re mostly about polishing things up. Expect these updates to hit your devices soon, bringing small but helpful changes.

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