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  • New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    New security holes found in Apple’s devices

    Security experts have found two major issues, named SLAP and FLOP, that affect all new iPhones, iPads, and Macs, including many older models. These flaws could let someone peek into what’s open on your web browser.

    What Are SLAP and FLOP?SLAP and FLOP are types of security problems discovered by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. They are similar to famous security issues like Spectre and Meltdown. Both rely on a technique called “speculative execution,” where the chip tries to guess what you’ll do next to speed things up. If this guesswork goes wrong, attackers might sneak in bad data to see things they shouldn’t.

    The Dangers of These FlawsNormally, each tab in Safari is like a locked box, keeping its contents separate from others. But with SLAP, if you’re tricked into visiting a bad website, it could open those locks. It could potentially read your emails, track your location on Apple Maps, or check your bank details.

    FLOP is even trickier; it can do the same thing but also works on Chrome, making it more dangerous. These attacks don’t need any harmful software on your device; they use weak spots in Apple’s own system, making them hard to spot.

    Which Devices Are at Risk?These security issues affect any Apple device with chips from the A15 series or the M2 series and newer. Here’s a list of affected devices:

    • iPhone: iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and the third-generation iPhone SE.
    • iPad: iPad Air, Pro, and mini models released from 2021.
    • Mac: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro since 2022; Mac mini, Mac Studio, iMac, and Mac Pro since 2023.

    Real-World Threats?So far, there’s no proof these vulnerabilities have been used against users in real life. Apple has acknowledged the problem and has been working on fixes since they were alerted in May 2024 for SLAP and September 2024 for FLOP. Apple’s statement to Bleeping Computer suggests they don’t see these as urgent threats right now.

    The best advice for now is to be careful with the websites you visit until Apple rolls out a fix.

    Source

  • iPhone 17 camera changes might affect 3D video

    iPhone 17 camera changes might affect 3D video

    Talk about the new iPhone 17 has been buzzing, especially when it comes to changes in how the camera might look. There’s a lot of talk that Apple might change the camera from the usual triangle shape to a long, flat strip like on the Google Pixel 9. But, some say it’s still going to keep the triangle look, so it’s all a bit confusing.

    The Big Camera Design Question

    The main worry with this new camera design is what it might mean for making 3D videos for the Apple Vision Pro. Right now, the iPhone 15 Pro and all iPhone 16 models can do this.

    What’s 3D Video?

    3D video, or spatial video, lets you experience videos in a more real way, kind of like you’re there. It uses two cameras that work together to give you a sense of depth, just like your eyes do. This makes the video feel more lifelike because you can move your head and the scene moves with you.

    How It Works Now

    The current iPhones do this by having the cameras lined up vertically. This setup helps in capturing the video in the right way when you hold your phone sideways.

    The Problem with a New Design

    If the iPhone 17 Pro changes to a horizontal camera strip, it might not work as well for 3D videos. The cameras would be side by side instead of one on top of the other, which might mess up how we capture these videos. If this happens, only the cheaper iPhone models might keep this feature, or no iPhone 17 might have it at all if they all get the new design.

    Could There Be a Fix?

    There’s hope though. New tech like Gaussian splatting, which can make 3D models from different camera views, might help. This technology is already used by Niantic in apps where you can explore 3D spaces. Maybe Apple is working on something similar for videos, but we don’t know for sure yet.

    What’s Next?

    We’ll find out all the details when Apple reveals the iPhone 17, probably in September. Until then, it’s all just guesses and rumors about how they’ll handle this cool 3D video feature with their new camera design.

  • New Beats Earbuds seen with Golf Stars tiger woods and Rory McIlroy

    New Beats Earbuds seen with Golf Stars tiger woods and Rory McIlroy

    Beats haven’t said anything official about the Powerbeats Pro 2, but these new wireless earbuds have already shown up in the world of golf. A few golfers, including big names like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who started the TGL golf league, have been seen using one of these new earbuds.

    If you visit the TGL website, you’ll see lots of pictures where these golfers are wearing the new black earbuds with the famous Beats logo in white. They’ve even appeared in some of the latest video clips of golf shots posted by TGL.

    This isn’t just by chance. Beats did something similar when they were about to launch a new version of their Beats Pill speaker. By showing off a single earbud, they’re making sure lots of people, especially golf fans, notice them.

    The new Powerbeats Pro 2 look much smaller than the old ones, making them easier to wear. There’s also talk that these might be the first Beats or Apple earbuds to come with a heart rate sensor, which could be exciting for fitness enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for more news on this.

    Source

  • iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    The latest iOS 18.3 update now lets T-Mobile customers with certain iPhones use Starlink satellites to send texts. This new feature was introduced without much fanfare, with Apple working alongside SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring this technology to iPhone users. You can find details about this new feature right on T-Mobile’s website.

    Back in 2022, T-Mobile teamed up with Starlink, and by December 2024, they started a test program where people could send texts using Starlink satellites if they were somewhere without regular cell service. At first, this was just for Samsung phones, leaving iPhone users out of the loop.

    Now, with the iOS 18.3 update, T-Mobile has begun inviting a select group of iPhone users to try out this satellite service. If you’re one of the chosen ones, you’ll get a message like this:

    “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    When you’re out of range for T-Mobile’s usual service, your iPhone will connect to Starlink satellites automatically for texting. Right now, it’s just for texts, but T-Mobile and SpaceX are planning to add voice and data options down the road.

    Apple hasn’t said much about this, but T-Mobile has hinted that this service will soon work with most new smartphones.

    If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can already send emergency texts via satellite thanks to Apple’s deal with Globalstar. Now with Starlink, you have another option for staying connected off the grid. Remember, both services only kick in when you’re out of regular cell range.

    The Starlink beta is still pretty exclusive, but T-Mobile aims to open it up to more people soon. If you want to get in on this, you can sign up on T-Mobile’s site. This service is currently only for folks in the U.S., and there’s no cost during the beta phase.

    Source

  • iPhone SE 4 will have a notch, not a dynamic island

    iPhone SE 4 will have a notch, not a dynamic island

    The next iPhone SE 4 is set to feature a traditional notch instead of the newer Dynamic Island, according to display expert Ross Young. He claims the phone will look much like the iPhone 14 with its notch.

    Just a few weeks ago, another source, Evan Blass, showed pictures suggesting the iPhone SE 4 would have a Dynamic Island. This was confusing because earlier rumors pointed towards a notch. Another leak from early 2024 also hinted at a Dynamic Island, but most signs point to Apple sticking with the notch for this budget phone.

    Many rumors have pointed out that the iPhone SE 4 is built similarly to the iPhone 14, which had a notch. This makes sense if Apple is using the same body design for the SE version. Plus, screen protectors rumored to be for the iPhone SE 4 show a cutout for a notch, not a Dynamic Island.

    When the iPhone SE 4 comes out, it will mark the end of Touch ID on iPhones, moving entirely to Face ID for unlocking. The phone is expected to have a 6.1-inch screen, one camera on the back, 8GB of RAM, and will run on an A17 Pro chip, which will support Apple’s smart features. Rumors are that we’ll see the iPhone SE 4 hit the market around April, in the spring.

  • 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 Calendar app gets better with iOS 18.3

    Apple Calendar app gets better with iOS 18.3

    Apple’s Calendar app has been around forever on iPhones but hasn’t changed much over the years. However, recent updates have started to make it more useful. With iOS 18.3, there’s now another cool feature that makes using Apple’s own app even more appealing.

    Big Changes in iOS 18 for Calendar

    Apple hasn’t done much with its Calendar app for a long time, which is strange because there are so many other good calendar apps out there like Google Calendar and Fantastical. But with iOS 18, Apple finally made some changes that are quite noticeable, even if they’re not huge.

    One of the best new features is that now you can manage your reminders right in the Calendar app. You can add, change, or look at your reminders without needing to switch apps. It’s a nice touch, though it would be better if you could choose which reminder lists show up in Calendar.

    Also, iOS 18 brought a new look to the app with better text and layout, plus a new way to see your month’s events all at once.

    A New Feature in iOS 18.3 for Calendar

    If you have an iPhone 16 with Camera Control, iOS 18.3 gives you a handy tool. By holding down on the Camera Control, you unlock a feature called visual intelligence, which uses AI to understand what your camera is pointed at.

    This new update lets you do something pretty neat: if you see a flyer or poster with a date on it, you can point your camera at it, and your iPhone will ask if you want to add that event to your Calendar. It’s an easy way to keep your digital calendar up to date with what’s going on around you.

    The catch is, this feature only works with Apple’s Calendar app because you can’t set another app as the default for this purpose. This small but smart update gives you one more reason to use Apple’s Calendar instead of looking elsewhere.

  • Spotify celebrates big payouts to Music artists in 2024

    Spotify celebrates big payouts to Music artists in 2024

    Just a few days ago, Spotify tackled rumors suggesting that Apple Music was paying artists much more than they were. Right after that, Spotify shared some exciting news on their blog, revealing they’ve paid out an enormous amount to the music world in 2024.

    It might just be a coincidence, but it took about a month to gather all these figures. Spotify announced they’ve given $10 billion to the music industry last year, which is almost as much as the entire global music revenue back in 2014:

    Back then, in 2014, the music industry was at a low, with global music earnings at $13 billion. Spotify contributed about $1 billion with around 15 million subscribers paying for the service.

    Fast forward to 2024, Spotify alone has now paid out $10 billion to the music industry, summing up to nearly $60 billion since they started.

    For many, these big numbers might not mean much. Some might wonder why Spotify keeps talking about it so loudly.

    David Kaefer, Spotify’s VP of Music Business, wrote in the blog post about how Spotify makes money that supports the music industry. He explained it like a three-legged stool:

    • Making Spotify more attractive to users, so they stick around.
    • Turning free listeners into paying subscribers.
    • Expanding into new markets with prices that appeal to local users.

    There’s more good news for Spotify too. They’re helping smaller artists make a living:

    For example, in 2014, roughly 10,000 artists were making at least $10,000 a year from Spotify. Now, more than 10,000 artists are making over $100,000 a year just from Spotify. That’s pretty awesome.

    The main point here is that it’s great to see more openness about how much artists are earning. Yet, it’s clear that Spotify, along with Apple Music and other streaming platforms, are doing a good job by making it easier and more enjoyable to pay for music rather than steal it.

  • MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    A MacBook Pro owner shared a frustrating experience on Reddit after his laptop was wrecked in a car accident. Despite having an AppleCare+ plan for accidental damage, Apple declined to replace or repair the device.

    The user explained on the platform that his MacBook was severely damaged in the crash. He was shocked to learn that Apple wouldn’t cover the repair or replacement because the damage was considered too extensive.

    “I thought I was safe with AppleCare+ for accidents,” he lamented. “But they won’t replace my MacBook because it’s too broken. It feels like my money was spent for nothing.”

    Apple’s AppleCare+ policy clearly states that it covers accidental damage from handling, which includes unexpected events like drops or spills. The policy specifies that Apple can either repair the damage using genuine parts or replace the device with one that meets their standards.

    However, the policy also lists several exclusions. Two might apply here:

    • Natural Disasters: The policy does not cover damages from events like fire, floods, or earthquakes. Interestingly, it also mentions “similar external causes,” which might be interpreted to include a car crash, although this seems like a stretch.
    • Reckless Behavior: Damage resulting from reckless, abusive, or intentional actions is also not covered. Since the driver admitted the crash was his fault, one could argue that his driving might qualify as reckless, though this interpretation seems harsh.

    The situation raises eyebrows about the application of these policy terms. Accidental damage insurance is supposed to protect against, well, accidents. Excluding coverage because the damage is “too severe” or interpreting a car accident as “reckless behavior” seems to miss the point of such insurance.

    In conclusion, this case illustrates a potential gap between consumer expectations and the fine print of insurance policies. It’s a reminder for all of us to read and understand the specifics of our coverage, especially when it comes to high-value items like electronics.

    Source

  • Old Apple Watches can’t get new software update

    Old Apple Watches can’t get new software update

    The latest watchOS 11.3 update has accidentally messed up updates for some older Apple Watches, according to what people are saying on social media.

    If you have an Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, or the first Apple Watch SE, you might run into a problem. These models can’t move to the new watchOS 11, and now, there’s a glitch that stops them from getting the last big update for watchOS 10, called watchOS 10.6.1.

    If your Apple Watch wasn’t on watchOS 10.6.1 before the new updates came out, you won’t be able to install it now. So, if you’re using one of these older watches with an older software version, you’re stuck. Also, some of these watches won’t connect to your iPhone if they’re on an older version of watchOS 10.

    This problem only affects the older models that can’t go beyond watchOS 10, specifically those not already updated to 10.6.1 from last August. Apple is expected to sort this out soon, so keep an eye out for a fix.

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