• Meeting and Q&A with Harry
• "Pages I" by Ron Sharp
Minutes for Magic Zoom meeting, July 20, 2022
by Madelyn Van Der Hoogt, MAGIC Secretary
BUSINESS MEETING
The July meeting of MAGIC was held via Zoom.
Ron welcomed everyone at 4:04. Fourteen members were in attendance.
As people joined us (and a glitch in the hosting process was resolved), Gary gave the Treasurer's report. After a $25 deposit for mentoring and a payment of $178 for Zoom fees, we have $8,925.02 in the treasury.
Ron announced that a Magic member has a 2013, 13" MacBook Air with a 128 GB flash drive to donate. (Contact Ron for info)
He also announced that there is a new malware called Cloud Nemesis that affects cloud storage. If you use Dropbox, open it only when you want to use it. If your software is up to date (Monterey 12.4), you should be OK. The iPhone operating system is currently at 15.5. New products for this fall include the iPhone 14 and new versions of the Macbook Air and the Macbook Pro with the new M2 chips
Gary announced that within the month, we'll put out a notice that the October meeting will be an hour of general questions; send questions via email to Ron or Gary.
In August, Ron will present a program on Pages and in September Robert will continue with a second program on Pages.
For future Zoom meetings, anyone who has joined a previous Zoom meeting will automatically be sent a link to the next meeting.
PRESENTATION
Ron then introduced Gary's program on How to use Calendars on the iMac with additional tips for the iPhone and iPad. A recording of the program can be viewed on the MAGIC website.
Q & A about Calendars
Q: How do you delete birthdays?
A: If you have loaded a birthday, you can go into Contacts and delete the birthday in Contacts. If you want to delete all birthdays, you can uncheck Birthdays in Calendars.
Q: How can I add an event to a shared calendar?
A: You should be able to enter an event directly into the shared calendar.
Ron pointed out that when you add an event to a calendar, each calendar has a color. The color of the appropriate shared calendar will show as the background of the event. You therefore know which event has been added to which calendar.
Ron added that while most people prefer the monthly view on the iMac, weekly/daily views are easier to see on the iPad/iPhone.
Prescott pointed out that you can enter birthdays, and Calendars will automatically add them each year, which is very convenient.
Judith Juno pointed out that a very helpful aspect to Calendars is that you can do a name search and get, for example, a list of all of your appointments with a particular doctor.
Q & A General
Q: Is anyone using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access the internet, and if so, what is their experience?
A: Ron replied that he has used one. Some of them are not quite as fast as you'd like, but most are pretty good.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:01.
MAGIC Musings
by Harry Anderson, MAGIC President
This is a busy month for my spouse and me. We are preparing for a trip to Europe in the first three weeks of September. So, as all of you who have traveled to a foreign place know only too well, a lot of planning must be done beforehand. Passport still good? Credit cards authorized for distant lands? Cell provider told to allow me to make calls and use data abroad? Flights double checked? And so much more.
But it also means getting our Apple devices ready. My iPhone still has its original battery after almost six years, and it tells me that my battery "needs service." So I will be heading next week to the authorized place that can install a new iPhone battery. Of course, I also need to make sure I have installed all the needed apps for a trip to Europe. Air carrier apps are handy because you can download your boarding pass (and your spouse's) on your phone without printing them. Airbnb app is loaded so we can communicate with our host in Paris and let her know that we have landed at Charles DeGaulle Airport and will soon be on our way to her "charming apartment" that we already spent a bundled to rent. It's worth adding them to my iPad as well since we will have "good wifi" at the charming apartment and can double check our itinerary and figure out how to get from point A to point B.
This year, however, I will leave my air pods at home. They always fit uncomfortably in my ears and I would spend valuable time trying to figure out why they don't work until it dawns on me that I haven't connected them with Bluetooth.
No, this year I have a new way to listen to music, podcasts and the news on my phone. A month ago I became officially elderly by ordering and installing hearing aids. The friendly consultant at Costco charmingly told me that my test "clearly means I need them." Sigh. But these new hearing aids are a far cry from the ones my grandfather worn with the cord that dangled to the battery pack in his shirt pocket. Mine fit inconspicuously behind my ears and plug into my ear canal with a transparent plastic cord. They charge overnight in a cute little charging unit that fits on my nightstand.
But here's the part I find exciting. Using HearLink by Phillips, an app for hearing aids, on my cellphone I can set them hear whatever music, news, podcasts I can play or download. Air pods without the discomfort!
I look forward to our next meeting via Zoom on August 17 at 4 p.m. Ron Sharp will present part one of our two part presentation on Pages and all its wonders and trick. See you then!
Note: This Software Update section of the newsletter lists the most relevant Apple updates. Not all updates are listed for all products. Additionally, I'll add other pertinent updates on occasion.
iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6 now available to all users, here's what's new
by José Adorno, 9to5mac
A couple of months after seeding beta 1 of iOS 15.6, Apple is finally releasing this update to all users, alongside iPadOS 15.6. Different from previous versions, there aren't many new features for iPhones and iPads as Apple is focusing on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
Today's build is 19G71, the same as the Release Candidate version 2 seeded last week. iOS 15.6 focuses on general improvements and bug fixes while tweaking some things here and there. Apple will roll this update over the air in a few moments from now.
TV app adds the option to restart a live sports game already in progress and pause, rewind, or fast-forward.
Fixes an issue where Settings may continue to display that device storage is full even if it is available.
Fixes an issue that may cause Braille devices to slow down or stop responding when navigating text in Mail.
Fixes an issue in Safari where a tab may revert to a previous page.
In addition to that, 9to5Mac recently reported a bug on Apple Books on iOS 15.5 that Apple also fixed with iOS 15.6. Users were reporting crashes when trying to open any book in the app.
Apart from iOS 15.6, Apple is releasing iPadOS 15.6, macOS 12.5 watchOS 8.7, and tvOS 15.6, although it's unclear what's changing with these operating systems.
As the company started previewing iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13 Ventura, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16 in June, people's focus is on these new operating systems, expected to launch later this fall and that are available to public beta testers as well.
Apple is bringing continuity features across these systems. iOS 16 has a new Lock Screen, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura bring new multitasking capabilities, watchOS 9 is revamping Watch Faces, while tvOS 16 was nearly forgotten by Apple.
macOS Monterey 12.5 has been released by Apple to all Mac users running the macOS Monterey operating system.
The MacOS Monterey 12.5 update includes security updates, bug fixes, and adds an ability to pause and rewind live sports in the TV app.
Separately, Apple also released iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6 for iPhone and iPad.
How to Download MacOS Monterey 12.5 Update
Always backup your Mac with Time Machine before installing any system software update.
From the Apple menu choose "System Preferences"
Select "Software Update"
Choose to "Update Now" when macOS Monterey 12.5 update shows as available to download
The update is a GB or more in size, depending on the Mac model being installed on. As usual, installing the update requires the Mac to reboot.
If the update doesn't show as available, try refreshing the macOS Software Update preference panel by hitting Command+R a few times, this forces Software Update to check for available updates again.
Updated Mac mini to have versions with M2 and M2 Pro chip
by Filipe Espósito, 9to5mac
Apple this week introduced Mac Studio, which is somewhat based on the Mac mini but with much more powerful hardware - but that doesn't mean it's the end of Mac mini. As rumors point to a new redesigned Mac mini coming soon, 9to5Mac has learned from sources that Apple is developing two new versions of it: one with M2 and one with the M2 Pro chip.
M2 Mac mini
Codenamed J473, the new Mac mini will be powered by the M2 chip, which is Apple's next-generation entry-level chip for Macs and iPads. M2 will represent the first major upgrade to Apple's "M" family of chips since the introduction of the M1 in 2020.
Internally known as "Staten," M2 is based on the current A15 chip, while M1 is based on the A14 Bionic. Just like M1, M2 will feature an eight-core CPU (four performance cores and four efficiency cores), but this time with a more powerful 10-core GPU. The new performance cores are codenamed "Avalanche," and efficiency cores are known as "Blizzard."
M2 Mac mini development is nearing completion, and its release date is expected to be announced sometime later this year.
M2 Pro Mac mini
According to 9to5Mac's sources, Apple had plans to introduce high-end versions of the current Mac mini with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, but they were probably scrapped to make way for the Mac Studio.
This time, Apple has also been working on another new Mac mini (codenamed J474) that features the M2 Pro chip - a variant with eight performance cores and four efficiency cores, totaling a 12-core CPU versus the 10-core CPU of the current M1 Pro.
Apple currently has no plans to release a version with the M2 Max or Ultra chips. Until then, the company will probably keep the Intel Mac mini in the lineup.
New MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 coming later this year
by Filipe Espósito, 9to5mac
It has been almost two years since Apple announced the transition from Intel Macs to Apple Silicon, and while there are still two Intel-powered Macs in the lineup, the company is already working on the next wave of Macs with the new M2 chip. 9to5Mac has learned from sources that there are new MacBooks with the M2 chip coming later this year.
MacBook Air
Rumors about the next-generation MacBook Air have been floating around the web for quite some time now, as multiple reports hint at a completely redesigned laptop. While analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the new MacBook Air will have an updated M1 chip, our reliable sources have told us that the machine is being developed with the new M2 chip.
Codenamed J413, the next generation MacBook Air is expected to be released in a single version featuring M2. As detailed in our article about the new Mac mini, the M2 chip (internally known as "Staten") is based on the A15 chip. Although it has an eight-core CPU just like M1, M2 will bring a more powerful 10-core GPU.
It's worth noting that the new M2 chip comes to replace the current entry-level M1, not the high-end M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra versions - so it won't necessarily perform better than these premium chips. Of course, Apple will eventually introduce high-end versions of the new M2 chip, such as the M2 Pro (which will power one of the new Mac mini models).
Apple currently has M2 Pro, Max, and Ultra in the works, the latter being a 24-core CPU.
13-inch MacBook Pro
At the same time, rumors also suggest that Apple will keep the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro around for longer.
9to5Mac's sources confirm that the 13-inch MacBook Pro will also get a new model with the M2 chip. Under the codename J493, the machine is based on the current 13-inch MacBook Pro, which means that it should retain the current design rather than getting the new one from the high-end versions.
Interestingly, Apple has been internally considering dropping the "Pro" name from this machine, which would become just "MacBook." That way, it would be rebranded as an entry-level MacBook, which would make sense since a report last year claimed that the redesigned MacBook Air will be "slightly more expensive."
However, this year's 13-inch MacBook might still be branded as "Pro." Similar to the MacBook Air, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro won't have versions with M2 Pro or other high-end chips.
Release Date
While a release date is unclear at this point, our sources have told us that both machines are in advanced stages of development, so it's likely that they will be announced sometime later this year.
For years, the Mac has been seen as a safer platform than competitors. But, there are still steps you can and should take to keep yourself safe.
So far in 2022, over 34 million samples of new malware have been discovered. But only 2,000 of those samples have targeted macOS, according to AtlasVPN.
Still, Apple has said security in macOS is unacceptable.
Craig Federighi, Apple's chief of software engineering, appeared in court in May 2021 during the Epic Games v. Apple trial. He explained the security features of Apple devices and how the Mac has different security than the iPhone.
Users can download apps from the Mac App Store, a curated storefront where apps are subject to scrutiny from Apple's review team. But software is also available to download from the web, a practice referred to as "sideloading" on the iPhone.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers asked Federighi why the Mac supports multiple sources of apps, a capability that Epic Games would like to see on iOS. These third-party sources of apps are "regularly exploited on the Mac," Federighi said, adding that the level of Mac malware is unacceptable.
Federighi used this as an example of why Apple believes iOS is more secure than macOS. "iOS has established a dramatically higher bar for customer protection," adding, "The Mac is not meeting that bar today."
If used safely, the Mac is still "the safest possible" platform, Federighi continued. That statement should get Mac users to think about their security software and how they use their computers.
Layer one: Best security practices
The best ways to prevent a virus infection involves stopping infected emails, routing around infected websites, and downloading software from trusted sources. Basic safety practices combined with a Mac's built-in security features mean that antivirus software isn't needed for most people.
Some of these safety practices are preventative, such as keeping software up to date, and using a DNS service that blocks malicious websites. Others help stop malware that has already been downloaded, such as GateKeeper and XProtect, the antivirus capability that the Mac already has. Finally, some methods go beyond viruses and involve securing online accounts.
Passwords
One way to prevent hackers from stealing online accounts involves using a password manager. Having a different, complex password for each online account drastically reduces the chance of getting hacked.
Apple's iCloud Keychain found on Mac, iPhone, and iPad is an easy way to get started. It automatically suggests a password for each new login and auto-fills it the next time a person logs into an account. It can warn a person if their password was found in a data breach and supports two-factor authentication, another layer of account security.
On the iPhone and iPad, users can find iCloud Keychain by going to Settings > Passwords. Users can find it in System Preferences > Passwords on the Mac.
Users can find further password options in Keychain Access, a built-in app in macOS. Keychain Access is the home for logins synced with iCloud Keychain, Wi-Fi logins, system certificates, and even secure notes.
Emails and usernames
In addition to using a different password for each website, a user may use a different email address or a different username. An experimental shortcut creates passwords and usernames, if having a random jumble of letters and numbers is acceptable for a username.
On the email side, Apple users have a built-in option called Hide My Email. Part of the iCloud+ subscription, it automatically creates a different, unique email address for online accounts.
Email sent to one of these addresses is forwarded to a user's Apple ID. They can be deleted anytime and have randomly-generated names such as camper_witting_0r@icloud.com.
Users can find Hide My Email on the iPhone and iPad in Settings > Your Profile Name > iCloud. On the Mac, it can be found in System Preferences > Apple ID.
Phishing
Another way to stay safe using email is to avoid clicking on suspicious links and attachments. An attacker sends these malicious emails in a cybercrime campaign known as phishing. Phishing is when people are contacted through email, phone, or text message in which the sender pretends to be a legitimate institution.
For example, the attacker will create a website posing as a bank and craft an email to get the victim to log into the malicious website. Their username and password will be quickly stolen and used or sold by the attacker.
Standard features of phishing emails include "too good to be true" offers, such as saying the victim won a free iPhone. Or, an email attachment will infect the victim's computer with a virus, in which case antivirus software does come in handy.
When someone receives an email they think is suspicious, they should avoid clicking on any URL inside of it or downloading an attachment. If the email is asking the person to click a button within it, they can instead manually type the website into a browser and look for any alert within their account that matches the email.
Software updates
One of the most critical lines of defense against malware is keeping software up to date. Updates to apps and operating systems often contain fixes for security vulnerabilities found in an older software versions.
Apple is improving this experience with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and other new upgrades coming in fall 2022. A feature called Rapid Security Response decouples security patches from software updates so the OS will protect users faster than ever.
For example, in the iOS 16 developer beta, this feature is found in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. A toggle called "Install Security Responses & System Files" says that patches for security bugs and system files will be automatically installed.
The user may need to restart their device to complete the installation, but some system files may be installed automatically even if the toggle is turned off.
These are a few ways that Apple users can stay safe online as the first layer of defense, and the second layer of defense can be found within macOS.
Layer two: Security features built into macOS
After security best practices for browsing the web, Apple's Mac operating system is the second layer. It has native security features that protect users from malicious apps, starting with Gatekeeper.
Gatekeeper ensures that only trusted software runs on a Mac. When a user downloads an app, a plug-in, or software installer package, Gatekeeper verifies that it's from an identified developer using Notarization.
Notarization is a process that requires developers of software outside of the Mac App Store to upload their apps to Apple servers. Apple checks it for malware and sends it back to the developer, who must sign the code with their developer ID. Apple introduced Notarization with macOS Mojave.
By default, macOS checks all installed software for known malware the first time it's opened. Mac users can change the level of control by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Clicking on the General tab shows two options: "Allow apps downloaded from App Store" and "Allow apps downloaded from App Store and identified developers."
The operating system has further security measures even if Gatekeeper isn't at its strictest setting. The Mac has a little-known feature called XProtect, which acts as antivirus. It was released in 2009 in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.
In macOS 10.15 or later, XProtect checks for known malicious content when an app is first launched, when an app changes in the file system, and when Apple updates XProtect signatures. Apple says that these signatures that match known malware are updated automatically, independent of system updates.
When XProtect detects known malware inside downloaded software, the software is blocked, the user is notified, and they have the option to move it to the trash. It also removes malware if the signatures have been updated and periodically checks for new infections.
Mac owners can choose to add a third layer of defense to their systems with third-party security tools. This defense can still include antivirus, but there are more options available.
Layer three: Third-party tools
Tools from Objective See are a popular alternative to antivirus, although they can be used in tandem. They're free, open-source apps that complement the Mac's native security.
One tool, OverSight, helps block malware designed to spy on users through their webcam and microphone. OverSight constantly monitors the system and alerts the user when the internal Mac microphone or the built-in webcam is activated.
Next, Lulu is a firewall that can block unknown outgoing network connections. It's an excellent option to use, and it works with the Mac's built-in firewall found in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Finally, Objective See has more tools, such as those that block persistent malware and ransomware.
Another way to stay safe on the web is with DNS. The Domain Name Registry, commonly referred to as the internet phone book connects IP addresses with web domains. A service called NextDNS blocks ads and trackers, offers parental network controls, and much more. In addition, it helps protect against malware by blocking websites that host such content.
These are just some of the security tools available on the web. As a result, Mac owners can take control of their security on all fronts, ensuring their safety even as Apple works to improve security for all its platforms.
This handy accessory brings MagSafe-style charging to the M1 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
by Chance Miller, 9to5mac
The new M2 MacBook Air is officially here and it brings a number of changes and improvements, including an all new design and the addition of MagSafe for charging. As we wrote this morning, however, the M1 MacBook Air is still the best choice for many people - and there's even a way to bring MagSafe-style charging to it…
MagSafe for any USB-C device
Way back in 2016 after the introduction of the (my beloved) 12-inch MacBook, I reviewed a handy accessory from Griffin dubbed the BreakSafe. This little accessory offered a magnetic USB-C power cable, bringing MagSafe-style charging to what was Apple's only non-MagSafe MacBook at the time.
I used this Griffin BreakSafe accessory for years, throughout my time with the 12-inch MacBook and the subsequent MacBook Pro models between 2016 and 2020.
Flash forward to 2022, and MagSafe is back not only on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro but also to the new M2 MacBook Air. These are the most expensive and modern MacBooks sold by Apple today, and the more affordable M1 MacBook Air and M2 13-inch MacBook Pro still exclusively use USB-C for charging.
If you're still using a MacBook model that exclusively features USB-C ports for charging and connectivity, however, there are still accessories out there that can add MagSafe-style charging to your Mac. In fact, these accessories work with any USB-C device, including the iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro.
Griffin no longer sells the BreakSafe, but I've since replaced my BreakSafe with this similar accessory from iSkey, a small accessory maker that has excellent reviews. In fact, this iSkey accessory is a notable upgrade from the Griffin version thanks to its support for many of the latest USB-C standards.
This dongle, which you can order for $24.99 (or $20.99 if you're an Amazon Prime member), features a magnetic USB-C connector that goes inside your MacBook's port. It packs support for 100W charging with USB-C Power Delivery, support for up to 10Gb/s data transfer, and 4K video output.
The iSkey accessory can work with any USB-C accessory and is available in silver and space gray to color match your Mac or iPad Pro. It features a 4.5 star rating from over 4,200 users and has proven to be perfectly reliable in my time with it as well.
Apple's latest iOS, watchOS, and macOS updates are more urgent than they seem
by Michael Simon, macworld
Apple this week released OS updates for all of its devices, likely the final ones to appear before the new versions land in the fall. On the surface, they seem quite minor, with very few new features to speak of, but that doesn't mean you should drag your feet on updating.
The new OS updates are iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, macOS 12.5 Monterey, watchOS 8.7, and tvOS 15.6. The only new feature people might notice is in the TV app, where Apple has added the option to restart, pause, rewind, or fast-forward when watching live sports, namely Friday Night Baseball. There's also a new toggle to turn off Test Emergency Alerts in the U.S.
Otherwise, there are a few specific bug fixes, including one where a Safari tab reverts back to a previous page and an iOS issue that caused braille devices to slow down or stop responding when in the Mail app.
But the main reason to update immediately is security. There are dozens of updates this round, several of which are critical:
iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6: 37 updates
macOS Monterey 12.5: 50 updates
watchOS 8.7: 26 updates
tvOS 15.6: 27 updates
macOS Big Sur 11.6.8: 29 updates
Security Update 2022-005 Catalina: 36 updates
That's a lot of updates, and even though many many obviously overlap between the systems, each contains some that are unique to the specific update. Even Safari got three security updates on its own. You can see all of them on Apple's support page.
The security updates span the whole system, from the Apple File System to iCloud Photo Library, the Neural Engine, GPU drivers, and WebKit. Several of them could allow for root privileges or arbitrary code exaction, which is as severe as it gets.
Plus these updates are likely the last to arrive before the new OSes land in the fall, so if you have an iPhone or iPad that isn't compatible with the upcoming iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 update, you probably won't be getting another update for a while (if ever), so make sure this one is installed ASAP. And it's not just the iPhone—there's a very good change the Apple Watch Series 3 will never get another update either. Older Macs will still receive regular security updates, but they might not arrive as frequently.
So you'll want to install this one. To update your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, head over to the Settings app, then General (iPhone or iPad) or System (Apple TV) and Software Update. On the Mac, go to System Preferences, then Software Update. To update the Apple Watch, you'll need to go to General then Software Update in the Watch app on your iPhone.
Apple could switch to an eSIM-only iPhone 14 as technology adoption increases
by José Adorno, 9to5mac
The physical SIM card era has its days counted. With customers in Europe and Asia adopting the eSIM technology and the addition of an eSIM option to the third-gen iPhone SE, US carriers are getting ready for a not-so-distant future where the iPhone will also not have a SIM card port; it seems the upcoming iPhone 14 could lead the way for this technology improvement.
A new report by the Wall Street Journal shows the eSIM technology has become popular in Europe and Asia, where consumers tend to switch between prepaid plans to get the best data package available, and why this technology will only get more adopters.
Even in the US where people typically stick with one carrier, the three major providers are also preparing for this cardless future. WSJ reminded us that with last year's iPhone 13, Apple stopped including physical SIM cards in the box while some Android manufacturers even stopped supporting physical SIMs at all.
"It's a natural evolution," said Jeff Howard, vice president of mobile devices and accessories at AT&T. "It's going to make the experience better down the road."
By the beginning of the year, GlobalData analyst Emma Mohr-McClune said, "An eSIM-only iPhone was always a question of 'when', not 'if' - but, so far, there has been insufficient consideration as to 'how.'" Although Apple is unlike to take a "big bang" approach with the iPhone 14 by getting rid of the physical SIM and betting only on the eSIM technology, this smartphone could be the one to start bringing just the eSIM option.
We don't believe that Apple will take the 'big bang' approach - getting rid of existing systems and transferring all users to eSIMs - but rather launch an eSIM-only variant of its upcoming new model - retaining the dual eSIM-plus-physical SIM slot model for the mass market and its key carrier channel.
To that end, we believe telecom companies will be given the choice of whether to stock and sell a new eSIM-only iPhone variation alongside more cellular business-friendly dual eSIM/physical SIM support models.
Apple started making room for the eSIM technology with the iPhone XS. Now, with the iPhone 13, the company lets you have two eSIM cards working at the same time, which means you don't even have to use a physical SIM card to have multiple lines.
To the Wall Street Journal, the group president of technology and head of strategy at Amdocs, an eSIM software company, Anthony Goonetilleke, said there are also safety reasons why an eSIM-only future is the way to go.
You can suddenly send out a security update to millions of people globally if an issue is found. You can't do that with physical SIMs.
eSIM future combines with a portless iPhone
USB-C iPhones | iPhone shown with Lightning and USB connectors next to it
While Apple is readying this year a revamped iPhone Pro with a new design, recent pressure from the European Union wants to make it mandatory that the iPhone features USB-C as the block has reached a common charging port agreement.
While analysts already predicted that Apple is aiming for a USB-C iPhone for as soon as 2023, it could also mean that the company is looking for a portless feature with only MagSafe charging.
If the company succeeds at moving away from physical SIM cards to the eSIM technology, why wouldn't it be able to take all the ports from the iPhone? It already made the move to stop supporting the headphone jack with the iPhone 7 and it also supports up to two eSIM lines working at the same time.
How to make a QR code on your iPhone to connect guests to your Wi-Fi
by William Gallagher, appleinsider
Rather than have a guest select your Wi-Fi network and then enter a fiddly password, just make them a QR code their iPhone can read. Here's how to do it.
You wouldn't want to put a QR code for accessing your network up on street corners like a lost cat photo. Yet when someone you trust comes to your house, giving them your Wi-Fi password is as important as showing them where the restroom is — if fiddlier.
If your Wi-Fi password is any good at all, they are guaranteed to have to ask you to spell - it - out - slow - ly. Or if your password isn't any good, they'll first have to figure out which of the many networks in reach is yours.
So instead of that, you can make them a QR code. Perhaps you could email it to them, more likely you need to find a way to show it when they arrive.
That could mean just waving your iPhone at theirs, or you could even frame it and have the QR code on the wall in your kitchen. As of iOS 11, iPhones have been able to read QR codes without a third-party app, so the odds are that your guest has all they need.
If they don't know how to scan a QR code — or how to make the scanning much faster by putting a button for it in Control Center — show them this.
Then it's up to you to make one. There are third-party apps that will do it, but you don't need that, you just need Shortcuts.
Should you buy a new phone now or wait for the iPhone 14?
by Chance Miller, 9to5mac
It's quickly becoming the time of year when Apple announces its new flagship iPhone lineup. This year, Apple is expected to announce and release its all-new iPhone 14 lineup in September. With this launch just over a month away, should you buy an iPhone now or wait until the iPhone 14 is announced next month?
iPhone 14 expectations
As we've covered in-depth, the iPhone 14 lineup is expected to include four new models: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. There won't be an iPhone 14 mini this year. Instead, Apple is planning two models with 6.1-inch screens and two models with 6.7-inch screens.
In terms of design, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max are expected to look similar to the iPhone 13, while Apple has bigger changes in store for the iPhone 14 Pro devices.
According to a number of reports, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will both feature a new pill hole design that replaces the notch. This means that instead of the notch display cutout design, which first debuted with the iPhone X, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will feature a pill-shaped cutout and a hole-punch cutout.
The iPhone 14 lineup is also expected to include major upgrades to the rear-facing and selfie cameras. The iPhone 14 will use the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13, while the iPhone 14 Pro will use the new A16 chip. The iPhone 14 Pro models will also include a new always-on display.
Check out our full roundup of all the latest iPhone 14 rumors for the complete rundown.
Should you buy now or wait for iPhone 14?
Chances are you already know the answer to the question. With the iPhone 14 being just over a month away, you are far better off waiting for it than buying an iPhone now, and this isn't just because the iPhone 14 will the "latest and greatest" with all the best specs and features.
One of the biggest reasons for waiting until the iPhone 14 instead of buying now is that the release of the iPhone 14 will mean other models get cheaper. Once the iPhone 14 is available, you'll be able to order an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 for cheaper than you can today. This is true whether you're buying from Apple directly or from a third party.
This is what we expect the iPhone lineup to look like once the iPhone 14 has been announced:
iPhone SE
iPhone 12
iPhone 13
iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 lineup is rumored to start at $799. Based on current pricing, we'd expect the iPhone 13 starting price to drop to $599 and the iPhone 12 to drop to around $499.
As you can see, you're better off waiting for the iPhone 14 even if you don't intend on buying it. If you're shopping for a new iPhone in the month of August, you're always better waiting until September if possible. That's true this year and pretty much every other year.
Apple Watch Pro to feature a redesign and larger display, new sensors delayed
by José Adorno, 9to5mac
In two months, Apple will unveil three new Apple Watches, including the rumored Apple Watch Pro. This new high-end model, called "rugged" and made for "extreme sports," will be the company's new bet for a specific niche of customers.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman details more information about this upcoming product.
It has already been reported by Mark Gurman that this Apple Watch Pro would have a larger display, longer battery life, and a new body-temperature sensor. Gurman believes this watch could stay on for multiple days on just one charge, thanks to the rumored low-power mode - which Apple still hasn't discussed.
What's interesting here is that Bloomberg's journalist said Apple will introduce "an evolution of the current rectangular shape, and not circular," meaning this Apple Watch Pro will have its first fresh look ever since 2018, but it won't have the rumored flat sides that some predicted for Apple Watch Series 7.
I'm told that the high-end model is going to be a good bit bigger than the standard Apple Watch—big enough that it might only appeal to a subset of customers. The screen will be about 7% larger, and the device will have a fresh look—the first time the company has introduced a new Apple Watch design since 2018. It will be an evolution of the current rectangular shape, and not circular. It also won't have those rumored flat sides (for those who will undoubtedly ask). In terms of materials, the watch will have a more durable formulation of titanium to make it extra rugged.
As already written by 9to5Mac, watchOS 9 is for sure teasing this Apple Watch Pro for extreme sports. With a revamped Workout app, this operating system brings more data than ever at a glance while also giving a fresh look to older Watch Faces that weren't updated to take advantage of larger displays.
Blood pressure and glucose measurements are still delayed for the Apple Watch
While the body-temperature sensor will likely be available with the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Pro, Mark Gurman said nothing changed in regard to other sensors.
He reports that "the blood-pressure technology probably won't arrive until 2025" and the "glucose feature may not be ready until nearer to the end of the decade."
With that, Apple will probably struggle to introduce new features as it's been two years since the addition of a new sensor, and the company is rumored to use the same Apple Watch Series 6 chip on the new Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple created the ultimate guide for how Apple Watch and Health are improving lives
by Michael Potuck, 9to5mac
Apple CEO Tim Cook has said before that the company's greatest contribution to mankind will likely be health-related. And over the past decade, Apple has made impressive strides in new health and fitness features, partnerships with the medical community, and more. Now Apple has released a comprehensive guide on how Apple Watch, iPhone, and Apple Health are empowering people to live healthier lives and how it envisions the future of its most important work.
Just yesterday we heard a powerful story about a woman whose life was saved after her Apple Watch uncovered a hidden tumor. While we've seen many examples of how iPhone and Apple Watch have saved lives in amazing circumstances, the devices also improve many aspects of people's everyday health and well-being - and that's what this new guide from Apple aims to share.
For when your iPhone earthquake warning system malfunctions
CloudMensis spyware is being actively used in the wild to steal private data from Macs
by Ben Lovejoy, 9to5mac
A nasty piece of Mac malware is being actively used in the wild to capture personal data from Macs. Security researchers say that CloudMensis spyware can allow an attacker to download files, capture keystrokes, take screengrabs, and more.
Cybersecurity firm ESET says that the spyware has been in active use since February, and appears to be targeting specific individuals …
A previously unknown backdoor has been discovered in macOS that is currently being exploited in the wild to spy on users of compromised Macs.
First discovered by researchers at the cybersecurity firm ESET, the new malware has been dubbed CloudMensis. The capabilities of CloudMensis show that its creators designed it to gather information from victims' Macs and the malware is able to exfiltrate documents and keystrokes, listing email messages and attachments, listing files from removable storage and screen captures according to ESET.
While CloudMensis is certainly a threat to Mac users, it's incredibly limited distribution suggests that it is meant to be used as part of a targeted operation. Based on what ESET's researchers have observed so far, the cybercriminals responsible deploy the malware to target specific users that are of interest to them.
"We still do not know how CloudMensis is initially distributed and who the targets are. The general quality of the code and lack of obfuscation shows the authors may not be very familiar with Mac development and are not so advanced. Nonetheless, a lot of resources were put into making CloudMensis a powerful spying tool and a menace to potential targets."
While it's common for malware to "phone home" to receive commands and download additional malware components, this usually means connecting to a private server run by the attacker. CloudMensis is unusual in that it can be run on cloud storage services.
After gaining code execution and administrative privileges on a compromised Mac, it runs a first-stage malware that retrieves a second stage with additional features from a cloud storage service according to ESET.
The second stage is a much larger component that is packed with features to collect information from the compromised Mac. While there are 39 commands currently available, CloudMensis' second stage is intended to exfiltrate documents, screenshots, email attachments and other information from victims.
CloudMensis uses cloud storage to both receive commands from its operators and to exfiltrate files. Currently, it supports three different providers: pCloud, Yandex Disk and Dropbox.
It's unclear how the malware is able to defeat macOS defenses, as ESET says that it doesn't use any undisclosed vulnerabilities.
9to5Mac's Take on CloudMensis
The fact that the spyware is seemingly being used in a targeted fashion means that most Mac owners don't need to worry about falling victim to it. All the same, it is worrying that CloudMensis is able to remotely circumvent security measures within macOS without exploiting a zero-day vulnerability.
It's always worth following some simple cybersecurity precautions. Most especially, never open attachments you aren't expecting, even if they appear to be from a known contact, and only ever download software from the Mac App Store or the websites of developers you trust.
The text at the bottom is a device to get arrount SPAM filters Do not trust anyone who does this.
Never click on one of these. They are a common scam. ONLY update Flash Player by going to their website.
This is a SCAM - kinda weird one! DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING
This is a SCAM - be wary of evil people taking advantage of disasters.
Very suspicious! Especially the grey text at the bottom with links. Do not click on anything in emails like this. They are probably SCAM. If in doubt, go to the website for verification.
Internet Crime
Any one bothered by internet criminal activity should report it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at this web page. This includes phishing, malware, spoofing, any demand for money.
A friend of mine said he was talking about good baked bread on his phone with a friend and the next time he looked at Youtube, videos for bread came up. This and similar events have happened and he's sure they are listening in on phone calls.
I questioned the idea because I haven't noticed that sort of activity. But I believe the difference is that he has a Google account and a Google TV channel and I don't. I avoid anything Google.
When Google first came on the digital scene as a search engine I thought it was great. It was the fasted search. But over many years now Google has become a conglomerate of products and makes its money advertising. Therefore they collect all the personal information they can.
The data collected includes terms you search for, videos you watch, views and interactions with content and ads, voice and audio information when you use audio features, purchase activity, people with whom you communicate or share content, activity on third-party sites and apps that use our services.
They collect data on you any way they can. If you use any of their products then you most likely have an account with them. If you want out, I suggest you delete your account and find other services to use instead. For searches, Duckduckgo is one of the better searches that don't track your searches. For streaming TV there are other services that are more user friendly. For instance, this paragraph from the same article:
But unlike the others on this list, Apple always asks if you want individual apps to track your usage the first time that you use them. You can prevent each app from seeing your data by clicking no every time this pops up.
Here is a Reuters article article about Google's aggressive practices:
Google targeted in fresh EU consumer groups' privacy complaints
It said the German consumer body had sent a letter to Google, a unit of Alphabet (GOOGL.O), that could lead to a civil lawsuit, while consumer agencies in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden have written to their privacy regulators alerting them about Google's practices.
Another recent article from Forbes is titled: "Gmail Hackers Traget Google Accounts- Here's How to Stop Them."
So often when assisting computer users I cringe as people create their passwords. They use names and numbers that are obvious, and reuse the same passwords many times. I encourage them to use a stronger password but their reply is that they wouldn't remember a more difficult password. But here's the rule, if you can remember your password then it's not good enough. Yes, you'll have to write them down somewhere safe or use a password manager. But don't use your names, or your pets name or your birthday or your street address number. Those are easily linked to your identity. And if a password requires a number don't just add 123.
A good password should be a non-sensible mix of letters, numbers, and extra characters. The Safari browser, as well as other browsers, can create a password for you and will save that password for the website you create if for. So excuses are null!
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MAGIC, the Macintosh Appreciation Group of Island County, serves people who use Macintosh computers, software and peripherals. Our goal is to share information and get answers to questions to make us more productive with our use of technology. Our monthly meetings give us a chance to discuss computer problems and share ideas with other Mac users, feature speakers on specific topics, and to keep apprised of Apple news.
