Category: Apple

Apple has removed its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for iCloud in the United Kingdom, responding to government demands for backdoor access to encrypted user data. This decision emerged after UK authorities issued a secret order requiring Apple to enable unrestricted access to encrypted iCloud content worldwide. Customers who have already activated Advanced Data Protection will need to manually disable it within a yet-to-be-defined grace period to maintain their iCloud accounts. Apple has indicated that it will provide further guidance for affected users, emphasizing that it cannot automatically disable the feature on their behalf.

The UK government’s request was presented through a “technical capability notice” under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA). This notice mandated Apple to build a backdoor that would grant British security officials access to encrypted data globally, a move that would compromise the integrity of Apple’s Advanced Data Protection feature. This feature is designed to offer end-to-end encryption for various types of iCloud data, such as Photos, Notes, Messages backups, and device backups. In a statement, Apple expressed deep disappointment over the inability to provide ADP protections to UK customers amid rising data privacy threats.

The company reiterated that ADP allows only the data owner to decrypt their information on trusted devices. Apple’s choice to withdraw the feature instead of conceding to UK pressure aligns with its long-standing opposition to backdoors, which the company believes would make its systems vulnerable to malicious actors. The UK’s demand was particularly contentious, as it would have forced Apple to compromise user data access beyond its borders without user knowledge while prohibiting the company from disclosing the existence of such demands. Despite the loss of ADP in the UK, end-to-end encryption remains intact for other Apple services available in the country, including iMessage, FaceTime, password management, and health data.

Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing user security and hopes to reinstate ADP in the UK in the future.

Apple is set to embark on the development of iOS 27, focusing on enhancements that will cater to its upcoming foldable iPhone. This information comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who outlines the company’s strategic shift in preparing its flagship software for the anticipated device. In a recent newsletter, Gurman stated that iOS 27 will emphasize features specifically designed for Apple’s first book-style foldable smartphone, which is expected to debut in late 2026.

However, he reassures regular iPhone users that they need not worry about a lack of user interface innovations in the interim. The report highlights a notable trend, suggesting that there is considerable demand among Apple users for a foldable device that operates without relying on the Android operating system. With Samsung dominating the foldable market for seven years, many consumers appear ready for an Apple foldable.

Gurman also notes that Apple’s direction may have been influenced by the Chinese market, where book-style foldable devices are more favored than flip-style options. The forthcoming foldable iPhone is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch inner display alongside a 5.5-inch outer screen. It aims to resolve common issues associated with foldable phones, boasting a less noticeable display crease and an enhanced hinge made of titanium and stainless steel, promoting greater durability.

Additionally, the “iPhone Fold” is anticipated to be the most expensive model in Apple’s lineup, with estimates suggesting a starting price of around $2,000. In terms of security, it may utilize Touch ID embedded in a side button instead of Face ID, optimizing internal space. The device is also expected to be equipped with advanced photography capabilities, featuring 48MP dual-lens rear cameras.

The highly anticipated third season of the beloved comedy series “Ted Lasso” is now available on Apple TV+. Exclusively for subscribers of Apple’s streaming platform, this season may mark the end of the journey for the American football coach, played by Jason Sudeikis. Ted relocates to the UK to manage the AFC Richmond football club, giving audiences a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and culture.

“Ted Lasso” has become one of Apple’s standout series, gaining critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. In previous seasons, Sudeikis’ portrayal of the optimistic coach has earned him a Golden Globe Award, while the show itself clinched an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. This season sees Ted and AFC Richmond bounce back after challenges, facing West Ham United and former coach Nate Shelley, who switched sides.

The team fights against the media’s perception that they are destined for the bottom of the Premier League. Apple is promoting the new season with numerous collaborations, including a collection of AFC Richmond merchandise from Nike, showcasing jerseys and activewear. Additionally, “Ted Lasso” fans can indulge in a unique ice cream flavor called “Biscuits with the Boss” from Jeni’s, featuring cookie pieces in a sweet cream base.

The official Ted Lasso store is filled with various merchandise, from clothing items to themed games like Monopoly. The season kicks off with the first episode, with subsequent episodes being released weekly, totaling 12 for the season. Sudeikis noted that this season represents the conclusion of Ted Lasso’s story, although fans are hopeful for the possibility of a spinoff.

As of now, Apple has not confirmed the show’s future beyond season three.

PRESS RELEASE
December 8, 2024

Apple has announced an expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, commencing with the launch of its online Apple Store in summer 2025. This new platform will provide customers across the country with access to Apple’s complete range of products, along with dedicated service and support available in Arabic for the first time. In 2026, Apple will begin unveiling several flagship retail locations throughout Saudi Arabia.

These stores will enhance customer engagement with knowledgeable team members to help them find the right products and services. Notably, plans are already underway for a significant retail store in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is set to be an iconic addition to Apple’s presence in the region. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed excitement about the expansion, emphasizing the aim to strengthen relationships with customers.

He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to explore their passions and advance their ideas through Apple’s innovative offerings. The retail expansion complements Apple’s previous investments in the region, including the establishment of the first Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh in 2021. This academy, developed in partnership with various local institutions, offers world-class training for aspiring coders, designers, and entrepreneurs focused on preparing them for careers within Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning app economy.

To date, nearly 2,000 students have completed the program and are publishing apps for global audiences. This summer, Apple initiated its first coed Foundation Program, attracting students nationwide for a month-long course centered on the basics of coding and app development, particularly in gaming. Plans are already in place to expand this initiative, with the next cohort scheduled for spring 2025.

Overall, Apple continues to invest in Saudi Arabia, fostering job creation and introducing new technologies that benefit artists, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and commuters alike. With significant investments exceeding 10 billion SAR over the past five years, Apple remains committed to supporting economic growth and enhancing user convenience, such as through the integration of Apple Pay within the newly launched metro system in Riyadh.

According to new data from Canalys, Apple ranked sixth in India’s smartphone market during the second quarter of the year. The overall smartphone market in India experienced a rebound, showing a 7% year-over-year growth with a total of 39 million units shipped. Driven by the release of the iPhone 16 series, Apple’s performance saw significant improvement, with these devices accounting for over 55% of the company’s shipments in this quarter.

Consumers have shown a strong interest in upgrading to the latest flagships. However, older models such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 also continued to attract buyers, particularly at more affordable price points. Despite the positive attention on the iPhone 16 series, Apple’s new entry-level model, the iPhone 16e, has faced challenges since its launch in February.

Canalys analyst Sanyam Chaurasia noted that potential consumers had reservations about the phone’s single-camera design and the lack of fulfillment of Apple’s promises regarding its Intelligence features, which negatively affected its appeal in the market. In the competitive landscape, beyond Samsung, Chinese brands dominate the Indian smartphone market. Vivo led the charge with a 21% market share and impressive 31% growth.

Samsung followed with a 16% share, while OPPO and Xiaomi tied for third with 13% each. Realme completed the top five with a 9% share. Canalys anticipates a modest decline in the market for the full year due to a general lack of consumer interest in upgrading prior to the festival season in India, which typically sees heightened promotional activities.

In light of its mixed sales performance, Apple is also expanding its retail presence in India, opening new stores in Mumbai and New Delhi last year. Meanwhile, the company is increasing exports from India to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China, with smartphones emerging as the country’s leading export to the United States.

Amazon is offering the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE for a remarkable price of $169.00, down from its original price of $249.00. This sale matches the lowest price ever recorded for the Apple Watch SE and includes color options of Starlight, Silver, and Midnight Aluminum. Currently, Amazon has six versions of the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE available at this discounted rate, including various Sport Band models, most of which are in stock and set to be delivered by the end of July. Additionally, there is the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE available for only $199.00, reduced from $279.00.

This version comes in Midnight, Silver, and Starlight Aluminum colors, with both Sport Loop and Sport Band options. For those interested in keeping track of additional savings, you can check out Apple-related discounts in our Deals section, where we summarize the best bargains from the past week. In other Apple news, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are generating excitement as their announcement approaches in early September 2025. Speculations about design changes suggest that these devices may feature an aluminum frame, contrasting with the titanium frame found in the previous iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models.

Furthermore, the anticipated iOS 26 public beta is expected to be released soon, providing users with a glimpse of new functionalities and interface changes. As we eagerly await the launch of the iPhone 17 line, Apple’s new features, including the ability to watch videos on CarPlay, are also creating buzz. With just under two months left until the debut of the iPhone 17, more details will surely emerge, enhancing the excitement for Apple enthusiasts.

Earlier this year, YouTuber Jon Prosser released several videos showcasing what he claimed were re-created renderings of what was initially thought to be called iOS 19. These were eventually revealed by Apple as iOS 26 during the WWDC event in June.

In January, Prosser unveiled a redesign of the Camera app, featuring a simpler interface for switching between photo and video modes. This was followed by a March episode of his Genius Bar podcast, where he presented a redesigned Messages app with new rounded navigation buttons and a keyboard with rounded corners.

His final video in April offered a detailed look at what he termed the Liquid Glass redesign, which included rounder, glass-like interface elements and updated tab bars in specific Apple apps. While the redesigns didn’t perfectly match Apple’s final product for iOS 26, many components were notably accurate.

Apple took note of Prosser’s renders and filed a lawsuit against him and Michael Ramacciotti for allegedly misappropriating trade secrets. The lawsuit outlines events leading to the leaks, specifying that a friend of Ramacciotti, who worked at Apple, was in possession of a development iPhone.

According to Apple’s complaint, Prosser and Ramacciotti attempted to access the iPhone by acquiring the friend’s passcode and tracking his location. Prosser is said to have offered financial incentives to Ramacciotti for assisting in accessing the device.

Ramacciotti reportedly made a FaceTime call from the iPhone to Prosser, showcasing iOS 26, which Prosser recorded and later used to create his content. As a result, Apple is seeking an injunction to prevent further disclosure of its confidential information and is pursuing damages for the misappropriation.

The employee involved, Ethan Lipnik, has since been terminated for failing to protect the development device and not reporting the incident after it was discovered. In a recent update, Prosser disputed Apple’s account of the events, claiming he was unaware of any wrongdoing.

Apple Maps in iOS 26 introduces several new features designed to enhance your navigation experience and keep you informed about your surroundings. The updated app allows users to track the places they visit, receive alerts about potential delays in their daily commutes, and enjoy an improved interface.

One notable feature is the “Visited Places” option, which keeps a record of locations you’ve frequented, whether at home or during travel. This includes restaurants, shops, parks, and landmarks.

Users can view their visited locations by opening the app, accessing their profile picture, and navigating to the “Places” section. You have the flexibility to control how long your visit history is retained — options include clearing it after three months, one year, or keeping it indefinitely.

Another significant enhancement is the “Preferred Routes” feature. Apple Maps learns your frequently taken routes to places like work, home, or school and tracks your typical visitation times.

If there’s any road closure or heavy traffic anticipated, the app will alert you and suggest alternate routes, helping you arrive on time. The app has also undergone a design refresh with the Liquid Glass interface.

This redesign includes translucent elements in the search bar and navigation menu, larger icons, and a more intuitive layout for place information. Users will notice a more streamlined presentation of time of arrival, travel length, and distance.

Finally, voice controls have been refined, making it easier to adjust how turn-by-turn directions are communicated. Enhanced incident reporting features allow users to quickly notify of crashes, traffic issues, or road conditions, significantly improving the accuracy of real-time updates.

Overall, these new features make Apple Maps more intuitive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall navigation experience.

A few months ago, Apple introduced CarPlay Ultra, marking the long-anticipated next-generation version of its in-car software. Currently, CarPlay Ultra is available exclusively in newer Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. However, for those who cannot afford luxury cars priced at around $250,000, Apple plans to extend the software to more affordable vehicles in the future. Apple has mentioned that multiple automakers worldwide are expected to adopt CarPlay Ultra over the next year.

Notable mentions include several Korean brands such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Porsche has also confirmed its commitment to integrating CarPlay Ultra into its vehicles. The preview of this next-generation software was first showcased at WWDC 2022, accompanied by a list of automakers committed to implementing the system. This list included manufacturers like Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz, but it has since become outdated.

According to a recent report from the Financial Times, at least five of these automakers, namely Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo, have since announced they will not support CarPlay Ultra. As it stands now, Aston Martin currently supports CarPlay Ultra, while Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Porsche are set to implement it soon. In contrast, brands like Audi, BMW, and General Motors—who have phased out regular CarPlay in their electric vehicles—are unlikely to adopt the ultra version. There are still several automakers whose plans remain uncertain, including Toyota, Lexus, and Volkswagen.

Meanwhile, brands like Honda, Acura, and Nissan fall into a “maybe” category, indicating potential but unconfirmed support for the new system.

After nearly a year of using my Ultra 2, I just have to say it’s fantastic! I truly cannot think of a single aspect that I dislike about it. Remarkably, it still looks brand new with no marks or scratches, despite my daily use.

I wear it for around 23 hours each day, only taking it off when I wake up in the morning to charge it while I have breakfast and shower. My Ultra 2 accompanies me on my delivery job every day. It’s a physical job that involves a lot of movement, yet the watch holds up perfectly.

Additionally, I take it swimming with me at the local beach throughout the year, and it remains resilient. I’ve had no issues whatsoever apart from perhaps the cost of the bands. However, every single band I’ve purchased from Ali Express is still going strong, so the investment has been worth it.

Overall, I’m incredibly pleased with my Ultra 2. It has exceeded my expectations in both durability and functionality. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish smartwatch that can handle daily wear and tear while still looking great.

In summary, the Ultra 2 has proven to be an excellent companion for my lifestyle, providing all the features I need without any drawbacks. It has certainly enhanced my daily experience, whether at work or during my leisure activities. I can’t imagine using anything else!