Apple

Apple stops signing iOS 13.5.1, halting downgrades from iOS 13.6

Anthony Bouchard ∙ July 22, 2020

Apple stopped signing iOS & iPadOS 13.5.1 Wednesday evening, a move on the company’s part that effectively prevents iPhone and iPad users from downgrading from the newer 13.6 release that was released to the general public exactly one week ago from today.

The company is notorious for preventing firmware downgrades because it doesn’t want users downgrading to versions that are vulnerable to exploits – whether those exploits are being used maliciously or for the sake of jailbreaking. Compelling users to upgrade to newer firmware when restoring also buffs Apple’s new firmware adoption statistics that the company frequently enjoys flaunting at Keynote presentations.

iPhone 12 launch again rumored to be delayed in some capacity due to coronavirus

Evan Selleck ∙ July 22, 2020

While the coronavirus pandemic continues, some businesses are still feeling its effects. And that includes Apple, which, according to a new rumor, may still be feeling the impact later this year when it plans to launch new iPhones.

Here’s what’s new in iOS 14 beta 3

Evan Selleck ∙ July 22, 2020

Earlier today, Apple seeded the third beta of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, and watchOS 7 to developers. And while there are plenty of new features and additions coming to the operating systems later this year, Apple is making some key changes in iOS 14 (and iPadOS 14) with the latest beta, too.

Apple launches new Security Research Device Program to help researchers find security vulnerabilities

Evan Selleck ∙ July 22, 2020

While Apple's software is usually praised for its overall security, there are still vulnerabilities and issues discovered from time-to-time. Making it easier for researchers to discover those issues is a good move, and Apple is doing just that.

Apple seeds third developer betas of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, and watchOS 7 [Updated: here’s what’s new]

Evan Selleck ∙ July 22, 2020

Apple is moving right along with its developer betas for the next major updates to its most popular operating systems.

An Apple-backed research report says the App Store’s fees are similar to other marketplaces

Evan Selleck ∙ July 22, 2020

Apple is facing more than one antitrust probe regarding the App Store and the fees associated with the digital marketplace, so it's not surprising to see the company come out swinging with a commissioned report showing why it's not in the wrong.

Amazon’s Alexa will be able to launch Android and iOS apps using voice commands soon

Evan Selleck ∙ July 22, 2020

It's a relatively painless process to use Siri and ask the digital assistant to launch an app on your iPhone or iPad, but for folks who prefer to use Amazon's option, Alexa isn't quite there yet.

Kuo: iPhones, iPads and certain Macs to adopt periscope telephoto cameras beginning in 2022

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 22, 2020

According to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, future iPhone models coming in 2022 will feature greater optical zoom than the current iPhones' 2x optical zoom by switching to a periscope telephoto lens design, which bends the light 90 degrees rathe than using a series of prisms and mirrors like the current iPhone lenses.

Apple, disability rights activists, and others reflect on the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessibility

Evan Selleck ∙ July 22, 2020

Accessibility is one of the primary goals for Apple and the products it releases, aiming to democratize the most powerful technology and make it usable by the broadest scope of individuals.

Apple rumored to release updated AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 in 2021

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 22, 2020

According to a new supply chain report Wednesday, Apple may release a pair of second-generation AirPods Pro noise-cancelling earphones during the second half of next year.

Grace Kaufman to star in Apple TV+ adaptation of Jandy Nelson novel “The Sky is Everywhere”

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 21, 2020

An upcoming adaptation of the young adult fiction novel "The Sky Is Everywhere" by author Jandy Nelson is the second AppleTV+ film with production company A24, and now we're learning that the flick will star actress Grace Kaufman.

Spotify now supports video podcasts

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 21, 2020

Spotify today announced that it now supports video podcasts across its desktop and mobile apps. The news arrives hot on the heels of the May 19 announcement that "The Joe Rogan Experience," one of the most popular podcasts, was becoming a Spotify exclusive.