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Weekly Issues

Adam Engst

#1747: OS security updates, identifying apps with location-tracking ads, Dio Node AirPlay speakers

Another week, another set of Apple security updates. These important updates to macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS resolve a WebKit vulnerability with an interesting history. If you’re worried about apps tracking your location, Adam Engst…

Adam Engst

#1746: New MacBook Air, Mac Studio, iPad, and iPad Air; Apple child privacy plans; delays to Siri update for Apple Intelligence

Apple has rolled out incremental updates across its Mac and iPad lineup, introducing the impressive M4 MacBook Air, a Mac Studio speed bump with M4 Max and new M3 Ultra chips, and modest chip upgrades…

Adam Engst

#1745: Comparing audio transcription tools, KeyCastr keystroke visualizer, Listen Later sponsoring, Microsoft shutting down Skype, quantum computing

Looking for the best way to turn speech into text? Adam Engst compares audio transcription capabilities in Apple’s Notes, Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Hijack, and Jordi Bruin’s MacWhisper to see which delivers the best accuracy. If…

Adam Engst

#1744: iPhone 16e, Tailscale remote network access, ADP disabled in UK, 40th anniversary of ProVUE at Macworld Expo

Adam Engst examines the iPhone 16e, Apple’s new “budget” model that replaces the iPhone SE with a larger, pricier device—technically superior yet disappointing for fans of compact iPhones and no match for the iPhone 16.

Adam Engst

#1743: Migrate purchases between Apple Accounts, keep iOS apps private, Apple Health Study, personality in hardware design

Can you finally merge two Apple Accounts? Not quite, but Apple now lets you migrate purchases between Apple Accounts, a long-awaited feature that comes with a host of caveats. Adam Engst explains how to use…

Adam Engst

#1742: OS security updates, macOS text replacements, Apple Invites, Six Colors report card

Apple is back with a fresh round of security updates, patching a sophisticated USB Restricted Mode exploit in iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1. Meanwhile, macOS 15.3.1, watchOS 11.3.1, and visionOS 2.3.1 receive silent security fixes.

Adam Engst

#1741: Grammarly vs. Apple’s Writing Tools, Apple Q1 2025 record revenues, easily guessed PINs, history of the screen saver

Apple has once again set a Q1 revenue record, fueled by strong growth in its Services, Mac, and iPad segments. Michael Cohen and Adam Engst put the results in context. In our feature article this…

Adam Engst

#1740: Apple Intelligence in OS updates, watchOS 11 Vitals app, PolyCapture multi-source recording, WhatsApp Linked Devices warning, Siri flubs

Apple has released updates to all its operating systems, but only macOS 15.3 Sequoia, iOS 18.3, and iPadOS 18.3 see notable changes, nearly all related to Apple Intelligence—we run down the details. Apple’s AI-driven features are…

Adam Engst

#1739: Deep dive into backup strategies, data analysis with ChatGPT

During a week of recuperating from COVID, Adam Engst channeled his energy into a pair of articles. In the first piece, he delves into the findings of our Do You Use It? poll about backup strategies, illustrating how…

Adam Engst

#1738: The utility of summaries, Waymo robotaxi experience, Watch Duty monitors wildfires

In this week’s issue, Adam Engst reflects on the value of summaries in response to Apple Intelligence’s flawed notification summarizations, questioning when and how summaries are helpful. He also shares his family’s positive experience riding…

Adam Engst

#1737: Bootable backups brouhaha, iOS and iPadOS 18.2.1, App Store notifications in Sequoia, what’s your backup strategy?

We kick off the new year with a detailed look at the problem with bootable backups that cropped up just before the holiday break. Adam Engst explains why it’s time to move on from bootable…

Adam Engst

#1736: More Apple Intelligence in December OS updates, ChatGPT integration in Siri, TidBITS membership drive, bootable backups broken

The holidays are upon us, so we’re taking a two-week break from email issues. See you next on 6 January 2025! While you’re in the mood for holiday giving, would you consider becoming a member…

Adam Engst

#1735: Obituary scams and fake security warnings, HomeKit-compatible heated mattress pad, Apple Passwords in Firefox, The Verge subscription

Thanks to a wary TidBITS reader, we can warn you about a new type of scam: fake obituaries that use real names to lure people to malicious websites that display alarming iPhone security warnings. Adam…

Adam Engst

#1734: Modern CSV review, Find My’s Share Item Location coming soon, OS security updates, Thanksgiving hiatus

We’re taking the week off for the Thanksgiving holiday here in the US, so look for your next email issue on 9 December 2024. Apple has released a handful of operating system updates to block…

Adam Engst

#1733: Evaluating Clean Up, beware copyright infringment scams, iPhone 14 Plus repair program, Bill Atkinson’s cancer

For many, Clean Up in Photos is the most useful Apple Intelligence feature we have now, so Adam Engst explores where it works well, where it falls down, and when its results can vary depending…