macOS 26: The Last Intel-Supported Version

2025-06-09
macOS 26: The Last Intel-Supported Version

Apple announced at WWDC that macOS 26 Tahoe will be the final macOS version supporting Intel chips. Starting next year, major new macOS releases will only run on Apple Silicon Macs (2020 M1 and later). While Intel Macs will receive security updates for a time, users won't get new features in macOS 27 and beyond. Some older Intel Macs, like certain MacBook Airs and Mac minis, are already unsupported by macOS Tahoe. However, Tahoe still supports some Intel Macs, including the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple's message is clear: upgrade to Apple Silicon for continued feature and security updates.

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Tech

Apple Loses Appeal in Epic Games Antitrust Case

2025-06-05
Apple Loses Appeal in Epic Games Antitrust Case

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Apple's emergency request to pause a lower court order forcing it to open its App Store to more competition. The lower court found Apple in contempt for dodging a previous injunction, citing violations like its 27% fee on out-of-app transactions and efforts to deter developers from directing users to external payment options. Apple argued the ruling prevents it from controlling core business aspects, but the court upheld the order, leaving developers with fewer restrictions. Apple plans to continue its appeal.

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Tech

Apple's iOS 26: A Year-Based Naming Revolution?

2025-05-28
Apple's iOS 26: A Year-Based Naming Revolution?

Apple is reportedly overhauling its software update naming scheme. Instead of iOS 19, this year's update will be called iOS 26, reflecting a new year-based strategy that will also affect macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Bloomberg reports this change aims to improve branding consistency and reduce confusion for users and developers. The move coincides with rumored major redesigns across Apple's platforms, aiming for design and naming unification. While initially jarring, the change promises long-term clarity in version numbering across Apple's ecosystem.

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Tech iOS 26

Internet Archive Livestreams Microfiche Digitization

2025-05-22
Internet Archive Livestreams Microfiche Digitization

The Internet Archive is livestreaming its microfiche digitization process on YouTube, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work involved in its Democracy's Library initiative. This project aims to digitize and share millions of government records. The livestream shows operators transforming fragile microfiche cards into searchable public documents using high-resolution cameras, image stitching software, and OCR. Live scanning happens Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM PT (excluding holidays), with a second shift planned.

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iOS 18.5 Expands Satellite Connectivity to iPhone 13

2025-05-06
iOS 18.5 Expands Satellite Connectivity to iPhone 13

Apple's upcoming iOS 18.5 update will expand carrier-provided satellite connectivity to the iPhone 13 lineup. This means iPhone 13 users will gain access to satellite services, such as T-Mobile's Starlink-powered coverage, in areas without traditional cellular service. Importantly, this does not include the Emergency SOS via satellite feature exclusive to iPhone 14 and later, which relies on specialized hardware. The update brings the convenience of satellite connectivity to a wider range of iPhone users.

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Apple Updates App Store Guidelines After Epic Games Lawsuit

2025-05-02
Apple Updates App Store Guidelines After Epic Games Lawsuit

Following a court ruling in its legal battle with Epic Games, Apple has updated its App Store guidelines. The changes allow apps on the US App Store to include buttons, external links, and calls to action without restriction, and removes the prohibition against directing users to payment methods outside the app. This comes after a judge found Apple willfully non-compliant with a previous order to allow developers to guide users to external payment options; Apple had attempted to levy a 27% commission on such transactions. Companies like Spotify are already updating their apps to take advantage of this change. Apple stated its strong disagreement with the ruling but will comply and appeal.

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Tech

Apple Faces Criminal Investigation After Judge Rules Exec Lied Under Oath

2025-05-01
Apple Faces Criminal Investigation After Judge Rules Exec Lied Under Oath

Apple is facing a criminal investigation after a judge ruled that its VP of Finance, Alex Roman, lied under oath in the ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. The judge found Apple deliberately ignored her ruling allowing developers to use alternative payment systems, and that Roman's testimony contained multiple lies. This refusal to comply, following Apple's initial victory in court, has escalated the dispute to a criminal level, with potential jail time for Roman and significant sanctions against Apple. The case highlights Apple's attempts to circumvent the court's decision and maintain its App Store commission structure, even in the face of clear legal defeat. The judge's decision marks a serious blow to Apple's reputation and could have significant legal repercussions.

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Tech Perjury

Critical AirPlay Vulnerability: Millions of Devices at Risk

2025-04-30
Critical AirPlay Vulnerability: Millions of Devices at Risk

Security researchers have uncovered a critical vulnerability, dubbed 'AirBorne,' in Apple's AirPlay SDK, potentially exposing tens of millions of devices to hacking. Attackers on the same Wi-Fi network could gain control of AirPlay-enabled devices like smart speakers and TVs. While microphone access is currently theoretical, the risk is real. Apple has released patches for its devices and provided fixes to third-party manufacturers, but many devices may take a long time or never receive updates. Users should update their devices and routers immediately and exercise caution on public Wi-Fi.

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Tech

Apple TV+'s Marketing: A Producer's Bitter Pill

2025-04-26
Apple TV+'s Marketing: A Producer's Bitter Pill

Five years in, Apple TV+ struggles with mainstream traction despite hits like Ted Lasso. Producer Alex Berger, who created La Maison for the platform, blames Apple's abysmal marketing. Despite La Maison's success in Europe, Apple's lack of promotion rendered it largely unseen. This issue, Berger argues, is particularly acute for non-English language shows on the platform, highlighting a major flaw in Apple's streaming strategy.

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Tech

Logitech Raises Prices on Select Accessories Amidst Tariff Uncertainty

2025-04-22
Logitech Raises Prices on Select Accessories Amidst Tariff Uncertainty

Logitech has increased prices on up to 25% of its product catalog, likely due to tariffs on goods imported from China. A YouTube video by Cameron Dougherty details the price hikes, affecting 51% of Logitech's products with an average increase of 14%. Products like the MX Master 3S mouse and Pro Racing Wheel saw significant price jumps, while others, such as the MX Ergo and G703 gaming mouse, remained unchanged. This comes after Logitech withdrew its financial outlook due to tariff uncertainty, suggesting broader industry shifts. As a major peripheral manufacturer, Logitech's pricing often influences competitors. While some prices increased substantially, Amazon may offer better deals on some items.

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Hardware

Meta Blocks Apple Intelligence in its iOS Apps

2025-04-17
Meta Blocks Apple Intelligence in its iOS Apps

Apple's Apple Intelligence, introduced with iOS 18.1, is facing limitations due to Meta's refusal to integrate it into its apps. Features like Writing Tools and Genmoji are unavailable in Meta apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Threads. Speculation points to Meta promoting its own Meta AI as the reason. A previous partnership discussion between Apple and Meta to integrate Meta's Llama language model into Apple Intelligence failed due to disagreements over privacy policies. This leaves iOS users without access to Apple Intelligence's convenient features within Meta's popular apps.

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Tech

Chinese Military-Linked VPN Apps Found on App Store

2025-04-03
Chinese Military-Linked VPN Apps Found on App Store

A new report reveals that at least five VPN apps on the Apple App Store are linked to the Chinese military, with three boasting over a million downloads. A subsidiary of one of the implicated Chinese companies is hiring for a role involving "monitoring and analyzing platform data," requiring familiarity with American culture. This raises serious concerns about user data privacy and potential circumvention of geo-restrictions. Apple has removed two of the apps, but the fate of the remaining three is uncertain. Experts warn users to only use VPNs from reputable companies, strongly advising against those originating from China due to legal requirements for logging and government data access.

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International Crime Ring Stole Thousands of iPhones Using Custom Software and Insider Access

2025-03-21
International Crime Ring Stole Thousands of iPhones Using Custom Software and Insider Access

An international crime ring used custom-built software, bribes, and a large network to steal thousands of iPhones immediately after delivery. They bribed AT&T employees for order details and delivery addresses, and used software to circumvent FedEx tracking limitations. The group involved at least 13 people who have been arrested, but the software developer remains at large. The case highlights the need for requiring signatures for valuable deliveries.

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iPhone SE 3 transplanted into a Nokia Lumia 1020

2025-02-17
iPhone SE 3 transplanted into a Nokia Lumia 1020

A Reddit user has achieved the incredible feat of transplanting an iPhone SE 3's internals into a Nokia Lumia 1020's chassis. Remarkably, the project retains core components like the 12MP camera, Taptic Engine, and Touch ID sensor. Even 5G connectivity and the Lumia's iconic camera shutter button are functional. While the headphone jack is absent, the project cleverly upgrades to a Lightning port, relocating the Touch ID to the rear. It's a testament to ingenuity and a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modern technology.

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Hardware

TikTok's Return to the App Store Imminent

2025-02-14
TikTok's Return to the App Store Imminent

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that a letter from Trump-era Attorney General Pam Bondi to Apple allows the restoration of TikTok on the App Store. Currently, iPhones with TikTok can continue using it, and a web version exists. However, updates and re-downloads are blocked, and transfer between iPhones (crucially impacting Apple's upcoming low-end launch) is impossible. Apple confirmed TikTok's return for Thursday evening. Previously, Apple and Google were legally obligated to remove TikTok due to ByteDance's failure to divest. Despite a bill passed and signed by President Biden, his administration delayed enforcement, leaving the decision to the Trump administration. Trump, after initially pushing for a ban, later supported TikTok's continued availability, granting ByteDance a 75-day extension to negotiate with US firms and potentially the government.

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Tech

Apple's Mysterious New Product Launch Next Week: iPhone SE 4 Frontrunner

2025-02-13
Apple's Mysterious New Product Launch Next Week: iPhone SE 4 Frontrunner

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced on X that a new product will debut on February 19th. While details remain scarce, a teaser video hints at a 'newest member of the family.' Strong speculation points to the iPhone SE 4, potentially featuring an OLED edge-to-edge display, A18 chip, USB-C port, 8GB RAM, a 48MP camera, Face ID, and 5G. However, other possibilities include the M4 MacBook Air and M3 iPad Air. Analysts lean towards the iPhone SE 4 being the likely candidate.

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DeepSeek iOS App: A Popular AI Tool with Critical Security Flaws

2025-02-07
DeepSeek iOS App: A Popular AI Tool with Critical Security Flaws

The wildly popular DeepSeek iOS app, which once topped the App Store charts, has been revealed to have multiple critical security flaws. Previous concerns centered around data breaches exposing chat history and sensitive information from an unsecured database. Now, a new security analysis reveals that DeepSeek disables Apple's App Transport Security (ATS), transmitting unencrypted data. Outdated encryption methods and the aggregation of seemingly innocuous data points further compromise user privacy, potentially exposing users to de-anonymization and even espionage. Security experts strongly advise against using the app until these issues are resolved.

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Tech

AppleCare+ Denies Claim for MacBook Pro Destroyed in Car Crash

2025-01-29
AppleCare+ Denies Claim for MacBook Pro Destroyed in Car Crash

A Redditor's MacBook Pro was totaled in a car accident. Despite having AppleCare+ for accidental damage, Apple denied the claim, citing the extent of the damage. While AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, vague clauses about "similar external causes" and "reckless conduct" allowed Apple to deny coverage. This raises questions about the scope of AppleCare+ protection and whether Apple is misinterpreting its own terms.

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Apple and NVIDIA Partner to Accelerate LLM Text Generation

2024-12-18
Apple and NVIDIA Partner to Accelerate LLM Text Generation

Apple and NVIDIA have teamed up to integrate Apple's ReDrafter technology into NVIDIA's TensorRT-LLM, resulting in a significant speedup for large language model text generation. ReDrafter combines beam search and dynamic tree attention, achieving significantly faster text generation without sacrificing quality. This collaboration allows developers using NVIDIA GPUs to easily leverage ReDrafter's accelerated token generation for their production LLM applications, achieving a 2.7x speed increase in benchmark tests, reducing latency and power consumption.

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AI