Search results for: “iPhone”

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • iPhone SE 4 Launching Soon: 5 key features to look forward to

    iPhone SE 4 Launching Soon: 5 key features to look forward to

    While everyone is talking about the iPhone 17, Apple is quietly preparing another exciting release. The iPhone SE 4 is set to be a big upgrade for Apple’s budget-friendly phone, with a fresh look, USB-C charging, and more. Here are five things you can expect from the iPhone SE 4.

    iPhone SE 4: What’s New

    1. Modern Design with a Larger Screen

    • The iPhone SE 4 will look completely different from the current model. Right now, the iPhone SE has an older iPhone 8-style design with thick borders around a 4.7-inch screen and a Home button. The new version, however, will have a sleek, modern design similar to the iPhone 14.
    • Leaked details suggest it will have a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a small cutout at the top. It will also have flat edges instead of the rounded ones on the current model. The new phone is expected to be slightly bigger, measuring about 147.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm, compared to the current 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm.

    2. Face ID Instead of Touch ID

    • The current iPhone SE uses a Home button with Touch ID for unlocking, but the iPhone SE 4 will switch to Face ID. This is possible because of the new design with a cutout at the top of the screen, where the Face ID sensors will sit.

    3. Better Speed and Power

    • The current iPhone SE runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is already fast for its price. The iPhone SE 4 will take this a step further with the newer A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. This means it will be able to handle Apple’s latest AI features without any trouble.

    4. USB-C Charging

    • The iPhone SE 4 will switch from the old Lightning port to USB-C for charging, just like the iPhone 16. This change is required by new rules in the European Union and makes charging more universal.

    5. Apple’s Own Modem

    • For the first time, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modem made by Apple instead of one from Qualcomm. This is a big step for Apple, but users likely won’t notice any difference. If everything works smoothly, it’s a success for Apple.

    Final Thoughts

    • After more than a year of rumors, the iPhone SE 4 might finally be announced soon, possibly next week, according to Bloomberg. Instead of a big event, Apple is expected to share the news through a simple press release on its website.

    What do you think about the iPhone SE 4? Does it fit well in Apple’s lineup, or should Apple rethink its strategy for budget phones?

  • 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.

  • New iPhone update coming soon: iOS 18.3.1

    New iPhone update coming soon: iOS 18.3.1

    Apple is quietly working on a new update for iPhones called iOS 18.3.1. We know this thanks to our website’s tracking, which has proven to be a good sign of what updates are coming next. You can expect this update to roll out in the coming weeks.

    About iOS 18.3.1

    This update isn’t going to be a big one. It’s mainly about fixing small problems and making sure your iPhone is safer by patching up security holes. One thing to note, the feature that gives you quick summaries of notifications for news and fun apps was turned off in the last update because it wasn’t working right. We don’t know yet if this will be fixed in iOS 18.3.1 or if we’ll have to wait for another update.

    Looking Ahead to iOS 18.4

    We’re also on the lookout for the first test version of iOS 18.4, which should come out this month. This update is set to bring some cool new stuff like better AI features for Siri, new emojis, and the option for people in the EU to choose their favorite map or translation apps by default. According to Apple’s site, we might see iOS 18.4 in April, after some testing.

    So, keep an eye out for these updates if you want your iPhone to run smoothly and securely!

  • New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    New iPhone tool helps find lost luggage at more airports

    A new tool on iPhones is making it simpler for travelers to locate their lost or delayed bags at airports, and now more airlines are using it.

    Tracking Luggage with AirTags

    With the latest update to iOS 18.2, the Find My app now lets you share the location of your luggage if it has an AirTag attached. This means if your bag gets lost, airport staff from participating airlines can help find it more easily.

    This week, airlines like Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings started supporting this feature. Before this, airlines like Delta, United, Air Canada, and Air New Zealand were already on board.

    Sharing the Location

    If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or newer, you can link the Find My app to share your luggage’s location. Anyone with this link can check a webpage that shows where the luggage is on a map, which updates as the bag moves. Apple has ensured that sharing these links is both private and secure. Only a few airport workers can see the link, and they need to log in with an Apple Account or a partner email to access it.

    The sharing stops as soon as you get your bag back, or it automatically ends after one week.

    Expansion Plans

    Apple released iOS 18.2 in December, and they’re planning to work with more airlines in the coming months to expand this helpful feature. This tool is a game-changer for travelers, making the stress of lost luggage a thing of the past.

  • 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.

  • First ever malware with screen capture reading found in iPhone Apps

    First ever malware with screen capture reading found in iPhone Apps

    For the first time, a type of harmful software that can read what’s on your screen has been spotted in apps from the Apple App Store, according to a report by Kaspersky.

    This new malware, known as “SparkCat,” can look at screenshots on your iPhone to find private information. The main aim of these apps is to find the secret codes for cryptocurrency wallets, making it possible for thieves to steal your bitcoins and other digital money.

    The apps contain a sneaky part that uses a special tool from Google’s ML Kit to read text in pictures. If it sees an image of a crypto wallet, that image gets sent to a server where the attacker can grab it.

    SparkCat has been around since about March 2024. While similar malware was previously found on Android and computers, it’s now made its way to iPhones. Kaspersky found apps like ComeCome, WeTink, and AnyGPT in the App Store with this spying software. However, it’s not clear if these developers put the malware there on purpose or if it was added by someone else attacking the app’s supply chain.

    Once you download these apps, they’ll ask to see your photos. If you say yes, they’ll use their reading tool to scan through your pictures for important information. These apps are still in the App Store and seem to be focusing on people in Europe and Asia.

    While the primary target is crypto information, Kaspersky warns that this malware could also steal other screenshot data, like passwords. This issue isn’t just for iPhone users; similar threats have been seen on Android too, but iPhone users usually think their devices are safer from such threats.

    Apple usually checks all apps before they go into the App Store, so finding malware like this shows a slip in their review process. In this case, the harmful apps don’t show they’re bad, and the permissions they ask for look like they’re needed for the app to work.

    Kaspersky advises against keeping screenshots of important details like crypto wallet codes in your photo collection to protect yourself from such attacks. For more details on which apps are affected and more about this malware, you can visit Kaspersky’s website.

    Source

  • Apple increases monthly AppleCare+ fees for iPhones

    Apple increases monthly AppleCare+ fees for iPhones

    Apple has recently decided to adjust the monthly fees for AppleCare+ subscriptions for all iPhone models in the U.S., bumping them up by 50 cents.

    For instance, the basic AppleCare+ plan for the latest iPhone models now costs $10.49 each month, an increase from the previous $9.99. This change affects all iPhone models currently available, including both the regular plan and the one that covers theft and loss.

    However, the price for a two-year AppleCare+ subscription remains the same, as do the costs for service fees and deductibles. The new pricing only applies if you choose to pay for AppleCare+ on a month-to-month basis.

    This price adjustment does not extend to AppleCare+ subscriptions for iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches, which remain unchanged.

    Apple is also moving towards a subscription model for AppleCare+. Starting this week, in-store purchases will only offer AppleCare+ as a recurring subscription, either monthly or yearly, ensuring continuous coverage and providing Apple with a steady income stream beyond the initial two-year period.

    However, for those who still prefer a traditional one-time payment for AppleCare+, this option will continue to be available through Apple’s online store. This means you can still choose a plan that ends after two years without automatic renewal if you shop online.

  • Discover ‘Weave’: Your new app for social media, blogs, and more on iPhone

    Discover ‘Weave’: Your new app for social media, blogs, and more on iPhone

    The team behind the beloved Twitterrific app has just released ‘Weave’, a new app designed to blend your social media, blogs, and other online content into one easy-to-use timeline.

    Weave Brings Together Your Online World on iPhone and iPad

    A while back, we shared news about ‘Project Tapestry’, which has now evolved into ‘Weave’ and is available on the App Store for both iPhone and iPad. The app’s main goal? To create a single, flowing timeline where you can enjoy your favorite blogs, social networks, and more.

    Here’s what you can expect from Weave:

    • Your Internet, Your Rules: Weave mixes posts from platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, Tumblr, alongside RSS feeds, podcasts, and YouTube videos. Everything appears in the order it happens, so you see what’s new first, without any algorithmic interference.
    • Easy Browsing: With Weave, you can look through content from many sources effortlessly. Set up your timelines, sync where you left off on different devices, and enjoy your feeds in a clear, colorful layout.
    • No Spoilers Here: Set up rules to filter out content you don’t want to see, keeping your feed spoiler-free and tailored to your interests.
    • Find What You Need: Search across all your feeds at once. Whether it’s a blog post, video, or podcast, Weave helps you find it quickly and save it for later.
    • Privacy First: Weave keeps your data on your device, ensuring your privacy. There’s no selling or sharing of your information.
    • Expand Your Weave: With custom connectors, you can add even more types of content. If there’s an open data feed out there, you can connect it to Weave.

    Weave offers the kind of user-friendly customization you’d expect from Twitterrific creators, including options for icons, layouts, and fonts, plus support for both light and dark modes. You can save articles for later, too.

    Weave is free to download from the App Store, but you can opt for a subscription to enjoy features like ad removal, custom timelines, and more. Subscription options include $1.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or a one-time payment of $79.99.

    Source

  • EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    In Europe, a new law called the Digital Markets Act lets developers share iOS apps through other app stores, not just Apple’s. This means that for the first time, you can download a special adult app on your iPhone in the EU.

    The app, named Hot Tub, is available on the AltStore PAL, which is like a different app store made by developer Riley Testut. Hot Tub provides a safe and private way to watch adult videos, with no ads or tracking. It’s described as “An elegant, native porn app. Thoughtfully designed, ethically made, and free to use.” Users can look for and watch videos from places like Pornhub and Xvideos right from the app.

    Apple has strict rules against adult content in its App Store in many countries, including the U.S. and the EU. However, with the new EU law, apps like Hot Tub can exist outside of Apple’s control.

    Apple still checks these apps from other stores for harmful software, but they don’t control what kind of content is allowed. This means other types of content like hate speech or adult materials can appear in these alternative app stores.

    Phil Schiller from Apple mentioned in early 2024 that they usually try to keep certain content off the App Store or allow users to choose for themselves. But these controls don’t apply to apps in other marketplaces unless those marketplaces set their own rules.

    AltStore was among the first new app stores to appear in the EU after Apple changed its rules to follow the EU’s new law. These alternative stores have to pay a small fee for each app download, but thanks to a special grant from Epic Games, AltStore doesn’t charge users to download it anymore.

    Hot Tub might need to pay Apple a fee if it gets many downloads or makes a lot of money. It’s free to use, but there’s also a paid version. Apple’s rule from May 2024 says smaller apps don’t pay this fee for the first three years if they make less than 10 million euros annually.

    Right now, Hot Tub is in testing mode and only available in the EU. People in the U.S. can’t download it because they can’t get apps from outside Apple’s App Store.

    Source