March 2022 Apple Updates

March 2022 Apple updates for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and Apple software. Covers security highlights and discussion of impact.

Checklist 249: The Problem With Apple Security

News of a “Good Samaritan” attack for AirTag. Plus: Why one frustrated security researcher disclosed his iOS 0-days ahead of a patch!

North Dakota law could change the iPhone in a big way

State lawmakers in North Dakota will soon vote on a law that regulates the way Apple and Google do business with third-party mobile apps. 

Supporters of the law argue that it will help small businesses, and that it would rein in Apple and Google’s near-monopoly power in the world of mobile computing. Critics worry that it could undermine user safety, with one Apple exec saying it “threatens to destroy iPhone as you know it”.

In this short article, we’ll look at the proposed law, examine the arguments from both sides, and talk …

Apple releases macOS Big Sur 11.2

Apple has just released macOS Big Sur 11.2 along with the related Security Update 2021-001 Catalina and Security Update 2021-001 Mojave.

Checklist 215: Seriously Locking Down Your iPhone

We’ll look at various states of data, what we have to worry about, and what we can do to mitigate that worry. Plus – A followup to Apple flouting the firewall.

What’s up with WhatsApp?

WhatsApp has been in the news a lot over the past week, with critics alleging that the popular Facebook-owned messaging app has become a threat to user privacy.

How to uninstall Adobe Flash on your Mac

Adobe Flash reached its end-of-life (EOL) on December 31, 2020, and as of January 12, 2021, any remaining Flash Player installations will be blocked from playing content.

Mac Malware in 2020

We’ll look back at 5 of the most significant Mac malware finds of 2020.

The 10 biggest Apple news stories of 2020

In something of a reversal of the general trend for last year, a lot of that Apple news was actually good news as well!

Apple releases security updates for all OSes

Apple has just released security updates for all of its operating systems. In this short article, we’ll tell you about the most essential patches and help parse some of the language used in Cupertino’s release notes.

iOS and iPadOS

Apple has updated iOS and iPadOS to iOS 14.3 and iPadOS 14.3. 

In terms of security content, these updates mostly address vulnerabilities caused by the way that iOS and iPadOS handle image files, audio files, and font files. The vulnerabilities could have allowed an attacker to use maliciously crafted versions of these different file …

Apple and Cloudflare develop a more private Internet protocol

Apple and Cloudflare have teamed up to build a better Internet protocol. Known as ODoH, the new protocol is designed to enhance privacy by making it harder for third parties to see what users are doing online.

Apple introduces M1 chip and more at “One More Thing” Event

Apple just held its final Special Event of the year, aptly called “One More Thing”. This fall’s previous events had focused on the new 5G iPhones and the latest iPad and Apple Watch models.

Apple releases high-priority security patches

Apple has just updated all of its OSes. These updates include critical security patches for vulnerabilities that have been exploited in the wild.

Is Apple building a search engine?

The web is abuzz with rumors that Apple is poised to challenge Google’s search supremacy. In this short article, we’ll tell you why people think Cupertino may be building a search engine of its own, and say what it could mean for the future of privacy.

What are the analysts seeing?

According to a report published in The Financial Times, search marketing professionals have noted a significant uptick in Applebot activity. Applebot is Apple’s proprietary web crawler, a bot that browses the web for the purpose of indexing and ranking web pages …

5G iPhones and more at Apple’s October Event

Tuesday’s Apple Special Event introduced the iPhone 12 line and some cool new accessories as well. Here’s an overview of the new and upcoming product releases announced at the event:

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini

The look of the new iPhone is reminiscent of past models: flat sides and a boxier appearance overall.

Technically speaking, probably the biggest change is compatibility with 5G wireless networks, which are currently being rolled out around the world. The 5G standard has two basic flavors: sub-6 5G and millimeter wave 5G. Apple says that the new …

Apple updates iOS, macOS, and more

Apple has issued its initial round of updates to iOS 14, just a little over a week after the new mobile OS was first released to the public. In addition, there were updates to macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS as well.

New iPads, Apple Watches, and more at the Apple Special Event

Apple held a special event this week to introduce several new devices and features. Here are some of the highlights: 

Apple Watch Series 6

As expected, Apple used the special event to introduce the Apple Watch Series 6. Although a number of cosmetic and design changes were mentioned (including a new (PRODUCT)RED case, seamless watch bands, and more faces than ever before), the Apple Watch Series 6 was presented first and foremost as a next-gen health and wellness device.

The Apple Watch Series 6 has a number of new health features, but perhaps …

Highlights from the 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference

Apple’s 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference got underway on Monday with a livestreamed keynote address. The company announced major updates to its operating systems, apps, and hardware.

Apple releases new iPhone SE

Apple has just released the new iPhone SE after months of speculation and rumors, and will begin taking pre-orders for the compact and powerful new device on Friday, 17 April. The most affordable iPhone on the market, the iPhone SE starts at just $399 (USD) for an entry-level model. 

In what follows, we’ll give you an overview of the iPhone SE’s major features, including the implications for security and privacy.

Size, storage, pricing, exterior

The iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, making it almost identical to the iPhone 8 physically. 

The base …

Apple and Google Develop Covid-19 Contact Tracing Tool

Apple and Google have announced that they’re working together to create a Covid-19 contact tracing framework for mobile devices. In this piece, we’ll tell you what you need to know about this important new technology.

What is it?

The joint project is aimed at developing a Bluetooth-based contact tracing system that will alert iOS and Android users if they’ve come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Covid-19.

When will it be available?

The system is being deployed in two stages. In May, Apple and Google plan to release APIs (Application Programming …