From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Apple faces new £2 billion UK lawsuit over App Tracking Transparency rules
Apple is facing a new £2 billion ($2.7 billion) lawsuit in London from app developers regarding its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) rules. The lawsuit alleges Apple abuses its market power by unfairly imposing restrictions on third-party apps while its own apps are exempt, impacting developer revenue.
Dropbox users affected by security breach due to SSO authentication flaw
Dropbox notified users of unauthorized account access between August 4 and August 21, 2026, stemming from a vulnerability in its single sign-on (SSO) integration with Lenovo IDs. Attackers exploited a missing email verification step in Lenovo's process to create rogue Lenovo IDs, which Dropbox then implicitly linked to existing user accounts without further authentication. This incident highlights critical flaws in federated identity management and the need for robust verification during SSO setup.
Apple Maps Opens Ad Booking for Businesses in US and Canada
Apple has launched ad booking for businesses in Apple Maps for the US and Canada, allowing companies to reserve ad placements before ads go live to users. This initiative introduces a new advertising channel within Apple's ecosystem, impacting local businesses and the digital advertising landscape.
Apple Releases Sixth RCs for macOS Sonoma 14.8.8 and Sequoia 15.7.8 with Security Updates
Apple has released the sixth set of Release Candidates for macOS Sonoma 14.8.8 and Sequoia 15.7.8, focusing on security improvements. These follow a series of RCs prompted by AI-related security risks.
Apple Music to Display Visible Labels for AI-Generated Content Later This Year
Apple Music will introduce visible "Made With AI Labels" for AI-generated content, including artwork, tracks, compositions, and music videos, later this year. This initiative aims to provide transparency to listeners regarding the use of generative AI in music production, aligning with similar efforts by other streaming platforms.
ClarityCheck facial recognition service exposed millions of face photos online
ClarityCheck, a facial identification service, exposed over nine million face photos on an unsecured cloud server for several months. This data breach allowed public access to images likely uploaded without consent, raising significant privacy and security concerns.
Apple Releases Security Updates for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS Addressing WebKit Vulnerabilities
Apple released security updates for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS to fix dozens of vulnerabilities, primarily in the WebKit browser engine. These patches are important for user security, as the flaws could lead to crashes, data disclosure, and arbitrary code execution.
Claude Code Defaults to Auto Mode for Pro, Max, and Team Plans
Anthropic has made auto mode the default setting for Claude Code on Pro, Max, and Team plans, effective August 14. This change allows for longer autonomous operations by replacing manual approval prompts with an automated classifier for tool calls, which Anthropic states improves safety and efficiency. The company has also stopped charging for the extra tokens used by the auto mode classifier.
Apple Opens Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, to Produce Mac mini and AI Servers
Apple opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) in Houston, Texas, which will offer free training for small and medium-sized businesses. The facility, where Apple's advanced AI servers are already built, will also begin manufacturing Mac mini computers later this year. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated the company invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the facility.
Vital Signals Announces No-Calibration Signal Ring for Blood Pressure Monitoring
Vital Signals introduced the Signal Ring, a wearable device that offers continuous blood pressure monitoring without calibration. This ring aims to improve health management, particularly for those with hypertension, by providing accurate blood pressure readings and correlating them with lifestyle factors.
Apple Explores Major Apple Watch Redesign, Including Round Screens and Screenless Devices
Apple is reportedly considering a significant overhaul of its Apple Watch lineup, exploring designs such as circular displays and screenless fitness trackers. These potential changes aim to address increasing competition and expand the product range with both more premium and more affordable options, alongside an AI-centric software revamp for the Health app.
iPhone 18 Pro Production Faces Delays Due to DRAM Shortage, Impacting Availability
Production of Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is reportedly experiencing delays due to a DRAM shortage, affecting the packaging of the A20 Pro processors. This situation could lead to limited availability and longer wait times for the new device, with approximately $1 billion worth of processors awaiting DRAM delivery.
Zbtlink Routers Found with Factory-Shipped Backdoor, Codename ENDLESSDOORS
Cybersecurity researchers at VulnCheck discovered a factory-shipped backdoor, codenamed ENDLESSDOORS, in at least 20 Zbtlink router models. This implant, present in all 21 available firmware images over two years, establishes an unauthenticated root shell and beacons to Chinese command-and-control infrastructure, posing a significant security risk by allowing remote control and bypassing typical network defenses.
MacPaw Partners with Liquid AI for On-Device AI on Mac, Starting with Eney Assistant
MacPaw has partnered with Liquid AI to develop an on-device AI technology stack for macOS, beginning with MacPaw's Eney AI assistant. This collaboration aims to integrate Liquid AI's Liquid Foundation Models with MacPaw's Elix for inference and Mnemos for memory, enabling local AI processing for privacy, security, and offline functionality. MacPaw plans to make this technology available to developers through its Setapp app store.
Wispr Flow Launches AI-Powered Meeting Notetaker for Mac Users
Wispr Flow, previously known for its voice-to-text AI tool, has launched Notetaker, an AI-powered meeting assistant for Mac. The new feature generates transcripts, summaries, action items, and insights from meeting audio, expanding Wispr Flow's offerings beyond dictation and positioning it to compete with existing meeting notetaker services.
Signal Expands Multi-Device Support to Link Multiple Phones to One Account
Signal has updated its messaging app to allow users to link multiple phones, including Android and iPhone devices, to a single Signal account. This update, rolling out with version 8.20 on Android and 8.22 on iOS, enables message synchronization across all linked devices and offers an option to transfer end-to-end encrypted message history.
Asus Releases New ProArt Displays for Professional Content Creation
Asus has released two new ProArt displays: the 27-inch 4K PA27UCGE and the 32-inch 4K PA32UCDMR OLED monitor. The PA27UCGE features a 160Hz refresh rate and a built-in motorized colorimeter, while the PA32UCDMR offers a 240Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and an included external calibrator. Both monitors are designed for photo and video editing professionals, offering high refresh rates and calibration tools.
AI Chatbots Outperform Humans in Romance and 'Pig Butchering' Scams
A study conducted by four universities found that AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, are more effective than human scammers at building trust in romance and "pig butchering" scams. This development indicates an increased threat in online fraud, as AI can more effectively manipulate victims over extended periods.
Apple Expands Car Keys Feature to More Automaker Brands, Increasing Integration
Apple is expanding its Car Keys feature in its Wallet app to new automakers including Volkswagen, Xiaomi, Lucid Motors, and GWM's Tank vehicle lineup. This development broadens the digital car keys ecosystem, allowing users to operate their vehicles using their iPhone or Apple Watch with compatible cars.
Apple Services Revenue Misses Expectations Due to Gaming Slowdown and App Store Changes
Apple's services revenue in the fiscal third quarter reached $30.74 billion, falling short of Wall Street expectations of $31.22 billion. CFO Kevan Parekh attributed this miss to a slowdown in mobile gaming and changes to the App Store's business model, which now allows developers to process payments outside Apple's commission system in certain countries, including the U.S.
Tim Cook's Final Apple Earnings Call Precedes CEO Transition to John Ternus
Tim Cook conducted his final earnings call as Apple CEO during the company's fiscal third-quarter 2026 results discussion, confirming that John Ternus will lead future calls. Cook will transition to executive chairman on September 1, with Ternus becoming CEO, inheriting challenges such as memory shortages, device price increases, and AI development. Apple reported $109.42 billion in revenue for the quarter.
iOS Beta Code Suggests Apple Could Restrict iPhones for Missed Payments
Code in an iOS 27 beta indicates a "Restricted Mode" feature that could disable most apps on financed iPhones if payments are missed. A "Partner Finance Lock" would also prevent users from erasing or reselling devices in this mode. This potential feature would allow Apple or its financing partners to directly enforce payment terms on devices, altering device ownership rights for financed iPhones.
Apple Releases iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 with 87 Security Fixes
Apple released iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6, addressing 87 vulnerabilities across its mobile operating systems. These updates fix flaws that could allow arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, and data access, enhancing device security for iPhone and iPad users.
LM Studio Unveils Bionic AI Agent for Mac with Privacy-Focused Open Model Support
LM Studio has launched Bionic, a Mac app leveraging open AI models to handle tasks such as coding and document processing. Bionic supports both local and cloud-based models, ensuring user privacy with a Zero Data Retention policy. This development offers flexible computational environments for users, emphasizing control over data security and cost.
T-Mobile Outage Causes Widespread iPhone SOS Mode Activation Across US
T-Mobile experienced a widespread service outage across the United States, beginning around 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, affecting cellular calls, texts, and data for many users. This outage caused iPhones to display an "SOS" indicator, signifying a loss of network connectivity, though emergency calls remained possible.
Meta Introduces Free Facebook Verified Badge for Human Identity Confirmation
Meta has launched a new, free Facebook Verified badge that confirms a user's human identity through facial recognition, distinct from the paid Meta Verified subscription. This initiative aims to help users identify real people amidst a rise in AI-generated fake profiles and scams on the platform.
Meta launches Seller app to professionalize Facebook Marketplace with AI tools
Meta has released the Seller app, an application designed to provide professional sales features for users on Facebook Marketplace. This app offers AI-powered listing creation, inventory management, and unified communication tools, aiming to support users who manage multiple listings and grow their businesses.
iOS 27 to enable video playback on CarPlay when stationary
Apple announced that iOS 27 will allow video playback on CarPlay in stationary vehicles. This feature enables users to browse and play videos on compatible CarPlay systems, enhancing the entertainment experience for waiting drivers.
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Apple Over iCloud CSAM Detection
A lawsuit accusing Apple of not preventing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on iCloud was dismissed by a California judge. The company was ruled immune under Section 230, shielding it from liability for user-uploaded content. The case highlights ongoing debates about tech companies' roles in moderating content on their platforms.
TSMC Plans 5-10% Chip Production Price Hike amid AI Demand and Rising Costs
TSMC plans to increase chip production prices by 5% to 10% starting next year, citing rising demand for AI processors and material costs. This move, affecting both advanced and mature technologies, follows Apple's recent product price hikes due to increased memory costs, potentially impacting future Apple device prices.
Apple's Game Porting Toolkit 4 Beta Boosts Windows Game Performance on Macs
Apple's Game Porting Toolkit 4 beta significantly improves the performance of Windows games on Macs. Testing on the M4 Pro MacBook Pro showed a considerable frame rate increase for games such as Grand Theft Auto V, highlighting the potential of Apple Silicon as a gaming platform. This development is crucial for users and developers interested in porting Windows games to macOS.
Apple Appeals to Supreme Court in Epic Games App Store Fee Dispute
Apple has asked the Supreme Court to review a contempt ruling regarding its App Store fees for external payment links. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had ruled that Apple's implementation of commissions violated a 2021 injunction. Both Apple and Epic Games have requested a pause in ongoing proceedings pending the Supreme Court's decision.
Apple M7 Ultra Chip Aims for 1.5TB RAM, Tied to Memory Market Conditions
Apple's upcoming M7 Ultra chip is planned to support up to 1.5TB of unified memory, comparable to high-end Intel Mac Pro configurations. This development, detailed by Mark Gurman, relies on memory supply improvements. The M7 Ultra is expected to enter the market in 2028, marking a significant leap in Apple's silicon strategy and AI performance capabilities.
Apple Eyes Semiconductor Startups to Enhance AI Server Performance
Apple is reportedly in talks with semiconductor startups to bolster its AI server capabilities. The performance of its current M2 Ultra chips is deemed insufficient, leading Apple to consider acquisitions. This move is seen as a shift from Apple's usual business strategy, emphasizing its focus on strengthening AI processing.
Canva Introduces Code 2.0 for AI-Driven Website and App Creation
Canva has introduced Code 2.0, an AI-powered tool enabling users to create interactive websites and apps through plain-language prompts and templates. Available to over 265 million users, including those on free accounts, it adds features like HTML import and real-time collaboration. This highlights Canva's strategic expansion into the vibe coding market, where design complexity accompanies functional AI coding.
Apple Engages PrismML for On-Device AI Model Compression
Apple is in discussions with PrismML, a startup that compresses large AI models to run directly on iPhones. This technology allows models like Qwen 3.6 with 27 billion parameters to operate on iPhones without relying on servers, potentially improving device performance and privacy.
Bonsai 27B: AI Model Becomes First of Its Size to Run on iPhones
PrismML has released Bonsai 27B, a 27B-class AI model capable of running on smartphones, including iPhones. Utilizing 1-bit weights, the model fits within the device's memory constraints, marking a significant leap in mobile AI technology. This development highlights the growing potential for advanced AI applications on consumer devices, possibly expanding AI accessibility.
Apple's SpeechAnalyzer API Outperforms Whisper in Speed and Accuracy
Apple's new SpeechAnalyzer API offers a major enhancement in on-device speech transcription, outperforming Whisper models, especially Small, in both speed and accuracy. This marks a significant improvement over the previous SFSpeechRecognizer and could influence developers to adopt Apple's updated technology.
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition Launches on Apple Arcade in August
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition will arrive on Apple Arcade on August 6 or 7, enabling Apple users to play EA's popular football simulation game. The game, set to release before the NFL pre-season, will be free from ads and in-app purchases, offering players an uninterrupted gaming experience across various Apple devices.
Australia's eSafety Watchdog Criticizes Tech Giants for Inadequate Sextortion Measures
Australia's eSafety Commission reports over 2,000 sextortion complaints, with 800 from men aged 18-24. Tech companies, including Apple and Meta, face criticism for not effectively combating these threats, especially given recurring coercive scripts. Major platforms identified include Instagram, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Snapchat.