The big news making the rounds is Apple’s bitter announcement about how it will comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. Josh Centers rejoins us to look at what it entails and Apple’s grudging reaction. On the practical side, Adam Engst explains iOS 17.3’s new Stolen Device Protection, how to turn it on, and who might not want to use it. Glenn Fleishman reminds us about the increasing prevalence of AI-driven phone scams and how you can ensure your family won’t fall prey. Finally, the Mac celebrated its 40th anniversary last week, so we link to a collection of sites offering trips down memory lane. Notable Mac app releases this week include 1Password 8.10.24, BusyCal 2024.1.1 and BusyContacts 2024.1.1, Fantastical 3.8.10 and Cardhop 2.2.15, Hazel 5.3.2, and Zoom 5.17.5.
Apple has made good on its promise to add Stolen Device Protection to iOS 17.3, allowing users concerned about iPhone passcode and snatch-and-run theft to require biometric authentication and sometimes a delay to carry out critical security and financial actions. We look at what it does and doesn’t protect, how to turn it on, and who can’t use it.
The “grandparent scam” goes back almost 20 years, but it and similar frauds are gaining new traction through AI voice impersonation. Protect your family, friends, and colleagues with advance planning.
Apple is making major changes to how it distributes iOS apps in the EU due to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act, but the company is making it clear that it’s only doing so under duress.
Watchlist
Updates the password manager with improvements and bug fixes. ($35.88 annual subscription, free update, 4.8 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Maintenance updates for the calendar and contact management apps. ($49.99 new for each, free update, various sizes, macOS 10.15+)
Maintenance updates for the calendar and contact management apps. ($56.99 annual subscription, free update, 69.4/30.7 MB, macOS 11+)
Resolves an issue that prevented videos from importing into Photos. ($42 new, free update, 22.3 MB, macOS 10.14+)
Provides greater control of which product tabs are shown and their displayed order along with a new presenter layout for combining your video and a shared screen. (Free, 123.9 MB, macOS 10.13+)
