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  • Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple recently warned some users about possible spyware attacks sponsored by governments. The company sent notifications to people in various countries, including an Italian journalist and a Dutch activist, through iMessage and email.

    These alerts are part of Apple’s efforts to protect users from advanced cyber threats, like those from groups such as NSO Group, known for Pegasus spyware. Apple has been sending these warnings since 2021, reaching users in over 150 countries. The company doesn’t share details about the attackers to avoid helping them improve their methods. Instead, Apple encourages affected users to update their devices, use two-factor authentication, and seek help from experts like the Digital Security Helpline.

    In other news, Apple released Safari Technology Preview 218, an experimental browser update for testing new features. This version includes fixes for CSS, JavaScript, Lockdown Mode, and WebRTC, among others. It works on macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia and is available via the Software Update feature for those who’ve downloaded the browser from Apple’s website.

    The preview helps developers and users give feedback to improve future Safari versions. You can run it alongside the regular Safari browser, and no developer account is needed to try it. Full details are on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview website. This shows Apple’s focus on both user safety and improving its software, tackling cyber threats while refining tools like Safari for a better web experience.

  • Dolby Atmos brings amazing sound to Apple Music on Windows

    Dolby Atmos brings amazing sound to Apple Music on Windows

    Great news for music fans! As of April 4, 2025, Apple Music on Windows now supports Dolby Atmos. This cool feature makes your music sound like it’s all around you, giving you a 3D audio experience. It works on PCs with the right hardware and is available starting with version 1.1284.20225 of the Apple Music app.

    Dolby Atmos is a special sound technology that turns your listening into something awesome. With the right headphones or speakers, it feels like the music is coming from every direction. Apple’s Spatial Audio uses this tech to make songs sound more real and exciting, like you’re right there with the band.

    Before this update, Dolby Atmos was already on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices since June 2021. Now, Windows users can join the fun too! Whether you’re using fancy headphones or your PC’s built-in speakers, you can enjoy this immersive sound if your setup supports it.

    Apple even made a simple guide called “Play Dolby Atmos in Music on Windows” to help you get started. It walks you through how to turn it on and enjoy your tunes in a whole new way. This update makes Apple Music even better for Windows fans who love high-quality sound.

    So, if you’ve got a Windows PC and an Apple Music subscription, you’re in for a treat. Dive into your favorite songs and hear them like never before with Dolby Atmos. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants their music to feel alive and full of energy!

  • Apple hit with $162 million fine over app tracking rules

    Apple hit with $162 million fine over app tracking rules

    Apple has been slapped with a massive $162 million fine due to its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature, and the reason might surprise you. This tool, rolled out in 2021, lets iPhone users decide if apps can track their activity for ads. It was meant to protect privacy, but advertisers weren’t happy. They argued it hurt their business by making it harder to target customers with personalized ads.

    Now, after complaints piled up, a regulatory group stepped in. They said Apple’s strict rules gave it an unfair edge over competitors in the ad world. The fine, issued on March 31, 2025, claims Apple didn’t play fair while pushing its ad services. The company, however, isn’t backing down. Apple says ATT is all about giving people control over their data, not about boosting its own profits.

    This isn’t the first time Apple’s faced heat over its policies. Advertisers and some tech rivals have long grumbled about the feature, saying it cuts their earnings while Apple’s own ad tools seem to thrive. The decision has sparked a big debate: should companies prioritize user privacy or keep the ad industry happy?

    For now, Apple plans to fight the fine, arguing it’s standing up for its customers. The outcome could shake up how tech giants handle privacy and ads in the future. Will other companies follow Apple’s lead, or will regulators push back even harder? Only time will tell.

  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • Phil Schiller wasn’t sure about Apple’s 27% fee for outside purchases

    Phil Schiller wasn’t sure about Apple’s 27% fee for outside purchases

    Phil Schiller, a top Apple leader who helps run the App Store, told a court on Monday that he wasn’t thrilled about the 27% fee Apple now charges for purchases made outside its store. He worried it might upset developers and make Apple look like a bill collector, according to AP News.

    Schiller shared these thoughts during a three-hour talk in court as part of a legal fight with Epic Games. “I wasn’t happy about chasing developers for money,” he said. He feared it would strain Apple’s bond with app makers and change how the App Store works by forcing it to track down payments.

    Even with Schiller’s doubts, Apple’s big decision-makers—including CEO Tim Cook, the former money boss Luca Maestri, and the legal crew—went ahead with the plan. They settled on the 27% fee (a slight drop from the usual 30%) after a 2021 court case with Epic Games. The judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, said Apple wasn’t a monopoly but had to stop blocking developers from pointing users to other payment options outside the App Store.

    So, Apple made a system where developers can get permission to add links to outside payment sites. But there’s a catch—Apple still takes a 27% cut on sales made within a week of clicking those links. Smaller businesses pay 12% instead of 15%. Epic’s boss, Tim Sweeney, called this a sneaky way to dodge the court’s real goal of opening up competition.

    The court talks, set to wrap up by Wednesday, are digging into whether Apple’s following the rules from that earlier ruling. Judge Rogers isn’t thrilled, saying Apple’s team seems fuzzy on how they came up with the payment setup. Court papers show Apple studied how a clunkier outside payment process might push developers back to its own system. This whole clash started in 2020 when Epic pushed to break Apple’s control over in-app purchases, where Apple grabs 15% to 30% of the cash. It’s still a heated battle!

  • AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    AirTag 2 set to arrive in May or June with cool upgrades

    Apple is gearing up to release a new version of the AirTag around May or June this year, according to a tip from a leaker called Kosutami. This matches what Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted at earlier, saying a fresh AirTag would drop sometime in mid-2025.

    Here’s a quick look at three exciting updates rumored for the AirTag 2:

    First, it’s said to come with a new Ultra Wideband chip, giving it a tracking range up to three times better than the current AirTag. This tech-first showed up in the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. On newer iPhones like the 15 and 16, there’s a handy feature called Precision Finding for People, which helps you spot friends in busy places from as far as 200 feet (about 60 meters) away.

    Next, the AirTag 2’s speaker might be tougher to mess with or take out, making it harder for anyone to misuse it and boosting safety. Finally, the word is it’ll work even better with the Apple Vision Pro, though details on that are still fuzzy. The first AirTag hit the scene at an Apple Event in April 2021. In the U.S., one costs $29, or you can grab four for $99.

    Kosutami is mostly known for collecting early Apple prototypes, but they’ve been right about some big reveals before. For instance, they nailed it when they said the iPhone 16 Pro would have a metal-wrapped battery way ahead of its launch.

    That said, their guess last August about the new AirPods Pro coming “soon” didn’t happen—AirPods Pro 3 is still a no-show. In a fresh update today, Kosutami hinted again at new AirPods Pro and some smart home goodies from Apple. The company’s expected to roll out a brand-new smart home hub this year, plus there’s talk of a Face ID doorbell and a home camera possibly coming in 2026 or beyond.

  • Linux developer for Apple Silicon Macs steps down

    Linux developer for Apple Silicon Macs steps down

    Yesterday, Hector Martin announced his resignation as the leader of the Asahi Linux project, which began shortly after Apple introduced its Silicon chips in early 2021. The team had successfully released an alpha version for M1 and M2 Macs in 2022, making significant strides in the project.

    Background

    Bringing Linux to Apple Silicon was a challenging task, but with overwhelming community support, Martin achieved what many thought was impossible. For the first couple of years, the project turned the platform from zero to one of the best Linux experiences on any laptop. Despite some hardware features still missing, the overall performance was impressive, especially considering there was no direct support or documentation from Apple.

    However, the journey wasn’t all smooth. Martin faced burnout due to constant complaints from some users and opposition from parts of the Linux community. He particularly criticized Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel, for not being actively involved enough in supporting the integration of new technologies like Rust into Linux. This lack of leadership, according to Martin, was detrimental to the project’s progress.

    What’s Next?

    Despite stepping down, Martin is optimistic about the project’s future. He plans to hand over leadership to the existing Asahi Linux team, who aim to continue the project with several goals for 2025. These include merging all necessary drivers for M1 and M2 Macs into the main Linux kernel, known as upstream.

    The team also plans to enhance testing processes and introduce new features like DisplayPort alt mode, DirectX 12 support, and support for internal microphones, which might be available in just a few days. However, support for newer hardware like M3 and M4 Macs won’t be a priority for now, as the focus is on strengthening the current foundation.

    Martin’s departure raises questions, but the team’s dedication suggests that Asahi Linux will persist, though perhaps not immediately on the newest Apple hardware. Here’s hoping for continued advancements and success for the Asahi Linux project.

  • Celebrate super bowl LIX with Kendrick Lamar workouts on Fitness+

    Celebrate super bowl LIX with Kendrick Lamar workouts on Fitness+

    Apple recently shared that Kendrick Lamar will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime show on February 6th. Following his impressive win of five more Grammys, bringing his total to 22, Apple has decided to celebrate by adding several new Kendrick Lamar-themed workouts to Fitness+.

    Fitness+ and Kendrick Lamar

    I’ve been using Fitness+ for a couple of years now. It all started in early 2021 when I wanted to get back into shape. I began with simple 5-minute workouts, aiming for one each day. Over time, I was able to do longer sessions and explore different types of exercises like walking, running, strength training, and yoga. Fitness+ offers a wide range of workouts and instructors, making it easy to find something that suits you.

    Apple then started creating workout sessions focused on specific artists. Instead of a mix of songs, you get to work out to the tracks of one artist. My favorite has been the 30-minute run with Scott, featuring The Weeknd’s music, which is just amazing. Now, they’ve done the same with Kendrick Lamar! Here’s what you can expect:

    • 20-minute Pilates with Darryl
    • 20-minute Strength with Kim
    • 30-minute Yoga with Jonelle
    • 30-minute Cycling with Kym
    • 30-minute Kickboxing with Jamie-ray

    I’m looking forward to trying out the strength workout with Kim, although I would have loved a running session with Scott too.

    Pricing & Availability

    To access these special workouts, you need to be a Fitness+ subscriber. Currently, there’s a one-month free trial available, perfect for February to try out these new workouts. After the trial, the subscription costs $9.99 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for the Apple One Premier plan, which includes Fitness+ along with other services. Here’s the pricing for that: This is a fantastic way to enjoy your fitness journey with the backdrop of Kendrick Lamar’s music, enhancing your workout experience with his dynamic beats.

  • Six Apple Products getting exciting updates in 2025

    Six Apple Products getting exciting updates in 2025

    This year is shaping up to be a big one for Apple, with several products that haven’t seen updates in years finally getting some love. Here’s what to look forward to:

    iPhone SE 4

    Last update: March 2022

    Apple’s next budget iPhone, the iPhone SE 4, is set to bring significant improvements. Expect to see the powerful A18 chip, support for Apple Intelligence, an OLED screen, Face ID, 8GB of RAM, a 48MP camera, USB-C port, and Apple’s first custom 5G modem. This model could be a game-changer when it launches in March.

    AirTag 2

    Last update: April 2021

    Four years after the original, AirTag 2 is on its way. It promises better tracking distance, an enhanced wireless chip, and privacy improvements. Look for it to hit the market mid-year.

    HomePod mini 2

    Last update: November 2020

    The HomePod mini, which has been without a hardware refresh for over four years, is gearing up for an update. While specifics are under wraps, there’s hope for Apple Intelligence support and better syncing with the new ‘HomePad’. Expect it toward the year’s end.

    AirPods Pro 3

    Last update: September 2022

    Although software updates have kept AirPods Pro fresh, a hardware update is due in September. The AirPods Pro 3 will likely feature a new look, the H3 chip, a heart rate sensor, and better noise cancellation.

    Apple Watch SE 3

    Last update: September 2022

    The budget-friendly Apple Watch SE is due for an update, possibly bringing new chips and health sensors. We might see it in spring or with the new iPhones in September.

    New Apple TV 4K

    Last update: November 2022

    Known for its irregular updates, the Apple TV 4K is finally getting a refresh. It’s expected to include a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip and a faster processor, with a possible release in late fall.

    Conclusion

    Not all Apple products get yearly updates, but when they do, they’re significant. These updates are eagerly awaited, promising to bring new features and performance improvements to Apple’s lineup. Here’s to hoping Apple delivers on these exciting promises.

  • Judge finds possible evidence that Apple paid women less than men

    Judge finds possible evidence that Apple paid women less than men

    A judge has decided that there’s a good chance Apple might have paid female employees less than their male counterparts, allowing a lawsuit from 12,000 current and former female workers to move forward.

    Apple’s Admission and Defense

    Apple has admitted there are differences in pay but insists these differences are due to individual circumstances, not deliberate discrimination.

    The Controversy Over Pay

    This issue was first highlighted in 2021 through an internal employee survey which revealed a 6% pay gap between men and women in technical positions. The survey showed men in middle-level tech roles earning about 6.25% more than women, and white employees earning 5.06% more than non-white employees in similar roles. The survey also pointed out that non-white workers received stock grants 11% later than white employees in entry and mid-level positions. Following this, Apple banned further internal pay surveys.

    The Lawsuit Against Apple

    Last year, a class action lawsuit was initiated under the California Equal Pay Act, claiming that Apple underpaid women. Apple tried to get the case thrown out, arguing the pay differences were fair based on individual factors. However, the judge disagreed, finding enough evidence to let the lawsuit proceed.

    Judge’s Ruling

    California Superior Court Judge Ethan P. Schulman’s ruling denied Apple’s request to dismiss the allegations, agreeing that there was a “reasonable possibility” of widespread unequal pay in Apple’s engineering, AppleCare, and marketing departments.

    Three Points of Discrimination

    The lawsuit points out three main issues:

    • Salary History in Recruitment: Asking for past salaries or salary expectations during hiring could perpetuate existing pay gaps. Although Apple stopped asking for salary history, they still inquire about salary expectations, which might disadvantage women who tend to negotiate less aggressively.
    • Performance Reviews: There’s an accusation that performance evaluations might favor men over women, where similar behaviors are assessed differently based on gender.
    • Talent Reviews: These reviews allegedly lead to unequal pay for men and women of similar talent levels.

    Apple’s Response

    Apple has not commented on the recent judicial decision but has previously emphasized its commitment to pay equity, stating they do not base offers on salary history and regularly review compensation to ensure fairness.

    This case will continue as Apple prepares to defend its practices in court.

    Source

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