• Introduction with Michael Turnbull
• "Apple's Passwords application" with Ron Sharp
• "Calculator" with Robert
Location:
by ZOOM on-line
MAGIC Minutes for January 2025
by Secretary Wendy Shimada, MAGIC*
The first meeting of the year was called to order at 4:02 pm by new President Mike Turnbull, with 19 attendees. Mike noted that three longtime board members had retired from the board in December 2024: Harry Anderson, Madelyn van der Hoogt and Gary McIntyre. Mike welcomed new Treasurer, Carol Heimgartner. For the record, President Mike Turnbull has moved that Carol Heimgartner be confirmed as MAGIC's new Treasurer and Wendy Shimada seconded. Carol thanked Gary McIntyre for his very thorough training and reported that MAGIC's bank balance, as of December 31, 2024 was $4,540.25.
Mike asked Robert to provide details on MAGIC's recent donation, which was discussed at the November meeting. Robert explained that the reason the club's balance was less than half of what was reported at our last meeting in November was that MAGIC has donated some Apple computer equipment to the Island County Historical Society and Coupeville Museum. The Society is very happy and grateful; Robert is working with them on also updating their website.
Robert then provided a presentation on some of the improvements that the new iPhone 16 has to offer. After the presentation, there was a Q&A and the meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m. Our next meeting will be February 19 at 4p.m., February's presentation will be on the Apple Passwords App with Ron Sharp
MAGIC Musings
Even small bits of Apple knowledge help.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to have coffee with fellow board member Ron. During the conversation, I lamented that the clock on my iPhone couldn't be set for two or more timers at the same time. " Yes, they can," he said and showed me. I've had an iPhone for 13+/- years and never knew this was possible. Makes me wonder how many other minor APPLE abilities I know nothing about. Another reason to be a MAGIC member.
Mike Turnbull
MAGIC President
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.
macOS Sequoia 15.2 includes fix for a System Integrity Protection vulnerability
by Roman Loyola, macworld
Microsoft has released details on a security vulnerability that was fixed with the macOS Sequoia 15.2 update, which was released in December. The flaw could have been exploited by an attacker to bypass macOS's System Integrity Protection (SIP), which stops unauthorized code from running.
Documented as CVE-2024-44243, the vulnerability involved macOS's Storage Kit daemon and its entitlements. According to Microsoft, Storage Kit "has many SIP bypassing capabilities" that a hacker can exploit. The Sequoia 15.2 update security notes state that a configuration issue was the root of the flaw:
Storage kit:
Available for: macOS Sequoia
Impact: An app may be able to modify protected parts of the file system
Description: A configuration issue was addressed with additional restrictions.
CVE-2024-44243: Mickey Jin (@patch1t), Jonathan Bar Or (@yo_yo_yo_jbo) of Microsoft
SIP became part of macOS over nine years ago, with the release of OS X El Capitan. When SIP is running, it is often said that the Mac is in "rootless" mode and a majority of users can use SIP without it ever being an issue-chances are, you don't even know you're running SIP. A few users do require root access to their Macs, and SIP can be turned off.
How to protect yourself from malware
Apple releases security patches through OS updates, so installing them as soon as possible is important. And as always, when downloading software, get it from trusted sources, such as the App Store (which makes security checks of its software) or directly from the developer. Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software, a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans, and a comparison of Mac security software.
Apple rolls out mysterious iOS update for a single iPhone model
by David Price, macworld
While iOS 18.3 was not as momentous as some of Apple's previous x.3 iPhone updates, it brought a number of significant changes, mostly affecting Apple Intelligence. Now, however, the company has released another version of iOS 18.3 focused on a group of devices that don't support its AI platform.
As reported by MacRumors, an update with build number 22D64-as distinct from 22D63, which rolled out last week-has been released for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max only. Those aren't the oldest devices that can run iOS 18 (that title is held by the iPhone XS and XR) but they're close to the bottom of the list and could miss out when iOS 19 is announced this summer. With their A13 chips, they aren't remotely close to meeting Apple Intelligence's hardware requirements: an A17 or later found in the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 range.
Apple hasn't released a special version of iOS 18.3 for iPhone 12, 13, 14, or 15 handsets, or for that matter, the XS and XR, suggesting that this update is addressing specific flaws in the iPhone 11.
It seems counterintuitive that the iPhone 11 would need iOS 18.3 at all, but the update does contain some new features that aren't related to Apple Intelligence. Of the five features we picked out as noteworthy, for example, there is one for the Calculator app, restoring a pre-iOS 18 ability to continually tap the equals sign in order to repeat the last operation. And the Home app gains support for HomeKit- and Matter-compatible robot vacuums.
The focus of the update, however, is more likely to be bug fixes. We already know of two fixes in the general iOS 18.3 release: one tackles an Apple Music problem that caused songs to complete playback even if you closed the app, while another deals with the keyboard disappearing when typing a Siri request. But 22D64 is likely to contain a patch for a bug specific to the late-2019 handsets.
To install the update, which we would recommend, you should open the Settings app on your iPhone, go to General > Software Update and follow the instructions.
iOS 18.3 is out now, improving Notification Summaries and Visual Intelligence
by Jason Cross, macworld
Apple Intelligence has been the focus of most iOS 18 updates so far, and we're still waiting on the big Siri overhaul that adds personal context using the data on your phone and scores of new "app intents" that allow Siri to perform actions in apps. Those features are generally expected to come in iOS 18.4, which most believe will be released in March or April. I
The improvements in iOS 18.3 are relatively minor, but welcome, and there are lots of security fixes.
Update January 27: iOS 18.3 has now been released for all compatible iPhones, and iPadOS 18.3 for compatible iPads.
iOS 18.3: New features
Robot Vacuum support: The Home app gains support for robot vacuums (Roomba et al.). The vacuum has to support HomeKit or Matter, of course.
Calculator repeating operations: The calculator app once again allows for repeating operations when you keep pressing the equals button.
Notification Summaries: After complaints about Apple Intelligence notification summaries' accuracy, Apple is making several changes to make it more obvious when summaries are being used and turning off summaries for News & Entertainment apps. Read more about it here.
Looking for Apple Intelligence features on your Mac? Here's how to get Apple's AI features including ChatGPT and Image Playground on your Mac.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What you need for Apple Intelligence
What countries can run Apple Intelligence?
How to turn on Apple Intelligence
How to turn on ChatGPT
What are the Apple Intelligence features on the Mac?
Apple Intelligence arrived on the Mac in October 2024, and if you've been looking for it on your Mac and can't find it, you're probably not alone. It's not as if there's an app called Apple Intelligence on your Mac-it's a set of features and services throughout macOS. Here's how you can turn on Apple Intelligence on your Mac and tap into the new features.
Apple launches brand-new Invites app infused with AI
by David Price, Macworld
The new iCloud+ perk helps you create custom invitations and manage events.
Apple has launched a new in-house iPhone app designed to help users organize social gatherings. It's called Apple Invites, and it's out now.
As the name suggests, the first duty of the app is to create custom event invitations. You can use one of your own images as the main illustration, or choose one from a curated library themed around various occasions. You can also, inevitably, get Apple Intelligence involved, using Image Playground to generate "original" images tailored to the event and the people in attendance or Apple Intelligence's writing tools to craft the perfect text.
The invites feature directions and a weather forecast (thanks to integration with Apple Maps and Weather) and allow invitees to RSVP and view attendees based on RSVPs already submitted. Apple says you need to be an iCloud+ subscriber to create invitations using the app, but anyone, even those without an Apple device or account, can RSVP to one.
However, the app has a larger scope than just creating and sending out the invitation. Guests can also upload photos and videos of the event to a Shared Album contained within the invite, and (if they subscribe to Apple Music) contribute to collaborative playlists. It isn't clear if there will be any ability to upload playlists from Spotify or other services in the future but for now, at least the app directs you to Apple Music only.
Given that it's a software-only release with no hardware supply chain to leak out details ahead of the launch, Apple may have hoped that Invites would come as a surprise. But details were spotted in beta code in January and last Sunday Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the app could arrive as early as this week. The only thing he seems to have got wrong is that he persistently and pointedly referred to it as a service, not the app it has turned out to be (though it's linked to iCloud+).
Good news for Gurman, then, and seemingly good news for Apple and its customers. But as is often the case with a new Apple app, there are losers too, because Invites appears to fill a niche previously occupied by third-party app developers. Apple is notorious for "Sherlocking" its software partners in this way, bringing features they previously offered as independent apps within its own ecosystem and thereby putting them out of a job. Developers of apps such as Evite will have received the news of this launch with dismay.
Apple Invites is available right now (for the iPhone only; there's no sign of an iPad version) on the App Store. App Store search, never the most efficient, didn't seem to have gotten the memo when I started writing this article, but after updating to iOS 18.3 and waiting half an hour I'm finding that it's showing up fine. I'm not sure if the update or the wait made the crucial difference.
Have you restarted your MacBook this week? You should
by Michael Simon, macworld
Whether you're a veteran Mac user or a macOS Sequoia newbie, you've probably heard that Macs never need to be restarted. It's a belief that goes back to the time when PC and Macs were represented by different actors and let me tell you: It's a myth.
Now, some of you reading this will roll your eyes and say, "Well, of course." But there are plenty of MacBook users who simply close their lid at the end of the day and reopen it the next morning. The only time they might consider a restart is when a macOS update forces them to.
I know because I was one. I've been a Mac user since 2000 (Power Mac G4 Gigabit Ethernet) and have never made a habit of restarting. It was never an issue until I got my first Apple silicon Mac. Even though it had 16GB of RAM, twice that of the laptop it replaced, I had constant issues, with memory pressure causing regular slowdowns and crashes, and battery life suffering.
I thought maybe it was an M1 issue, being a first-generation chip and all, but the problem persisted when I upgraded to an M2 Pro machine a year later (also with 16GB of RAM). So last year I sprung for a MacBook far more capable than I needed: an M3 Max MacBook Pro with 36GB of RAM.
While I use my MacBook a lot, I'm not what you'd call a heavy user. I use Photoshop, Microsoft 365 apps, and Safari with roughly 20 tabs open at all times. But even on this monster of a machine, which runs very fast most of the time, it struggles to keep up after a couple of weeks without a restart. It's most noticeable with the battery, which can fluctuate between hours no matter what I'm doing.
As you can see in the screenshot above, last week my battery screen-on time averaged between 7-9 hours. This week, that was up to nearly 12 hours. The only difference? A restart on Sunday night.
Of course, we all know the benefits of a good restart. IT people have been suggesting it as a panacea for years and with good reason. It clears out any temporary junk that your machine has collected, gives apps a chance to reset, and kills any stuck background processes. But with Apple silicon Macs and especially MacBooks, the best reason to restart is RAM.
While Macs back in the day could go months without a restart and run just the same, today's modern machines are far more complex. For example, the unified memory serves both the CPU and the GPU so it's constantly in use. Even as I write this, nearly 30GB of my system's 36GB of memory is in use. That's not a flaw, it's the way macOS works with Apple's system architecture. It's why everything feels so speedy and smooth, but it's also the reason why things get bogged down after a while.
And it's why a restart my Mac once a week or so will go a long way. Don't worry, I won't tell your PC friends.
WIZARD SEZ: We recommend that you turn off ALL Apple devises every day
Apple Music announces special promo for new subscribers: get six months for $2.99
by Bemjamin Mayo, 9to5mac
Apple Music has today officially announced a special promotional offer for new subscribers. For a limited time, new subscribers can get six months of Apple Music for just $2.99. That's a big saving compared to the regular price of $10.99 per month.
Apple says the offer is available to new and eligible subscribers only. It's unclear if it is exclusive to the United States, or also available in other regions.
The promo was announced as part of a company press release published today, which described the deal as the service's "biggest offer ever".
The press release was mostly promoting the upcoming Apple Music Halftime Show at the Super Bowl, featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Apple Music hosts Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis will interview Kendrick on February 6 at the Halftime Show press conference on February 6; the interview will be streamed live on Apple Music, on Youtube, Facebook, X and on the NFL Network. Following that, the actual performance takes place during the Super Bowl on February 9.
Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.
Cleaning Up Your Mac: Easy Ways to Optimize Performance and Free Up Space
from applemagazine
Is your Mac running slower than usual or running out of storage? If so, it might be time to focus on cleaning up your Mac. Over time, Macs can accumulate unnecessary files, cache data, and outdated applications, all of which can hinder performance. By following a few easy tips, you can declutter your device, improve efficiency, and reclaim valuable storage space.
How to Delete (or Archive) Attachments in Apple Mail and Free Up Disk Space
by Adam Dachis
Apple Mail is a pretty decent email client, but it saves all your attachments in a folder deep within your user library, sucking up disk space without ever really letting you know. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to solve if you know where to look. Sort of, anyway. Apple made removing your attachments very simple, but if you want to actually save and archive them it can be a bit more complicated—especially if you're running Lion. But not to worry, we'll walk you through the whole thing. The process can be a little tedious, but it's not too tough.
Deleting Your Attachments
Deleting your attachments is very easy to do in pretty much every version of Apple Mail.
Open up Apple Mail and create a new Smart Folder. You can do this by clicking the + sign in the bottom left corner of your Mail window, or by going to the Mailbox menu and choosing New Smart Mailbox.
From there, make sure to specify that this Smart Mailbox's rules apply to all. (This should be the default.)
Now all you have to do is set one simple rule: "Contains Attachments". You may also want to specify that the smart mailbox should include messages from your junk and trash folders, just so you're covering all your bases. When you're done, just click OK and Mail will create the smart mailbox.
If Mail doesn't do it for you automatically, select the new smart mailbox you just created and watch the messages roll in. There will be a little indicator next to the mailbox in the sidebar to let you know Mail is still working. When it's done and all the messages with attachments have appeared, press Command+A to select every one of them (or go to the Edit menu and choose Select All).
Go to the Message menu and choose the Remove Attachments option. (It should be toward the bottom.) It may take awhile for Mail to perform this task on every message if you have many, but go grab some lunch and check back in about an hour. By then, you should have attachment-free mailboxes.
One thing to note about this process, however, is what's happening behind the scenes. When you're deleting attachments from these messages, it not only kills the attachments on your hard drive but also on the server (assuming you're using IMAP—if you're using POP3 you're probably not storing anything on the server anyway). Basically, Apple Mail removes the attachments from the message, uploads an attachment-free version to the server, then delete the original from the server as well. This is especially bad if you were hoping to keep a copy remotely but not locally, but also kind of annoying because it's performing a mass update on lots of remote messages. When you do that, there's a decent chance something is going to get messed up and you'll wind up with some duplicates. While that's not the end of the world, it doesn't make this method the very best solution—just the simplest. Read on for the harder, but more thorough, method.
The current version of MAIL on iPhones provides follow up suggestions as replies to incoming email. I find that it generally is not useful and just gets in the way. To turn it off go to the Settings app and then go to Apps and then scroll down to the MAIL app:
Scroll down the page and then turn off "Follow Up Suggestions" (the lower red arrow).
While you are there, consider also turning off "Summarize Message Previews" since it is often inaccurate and/or misleading.
On your Mac you can turn off suggestions in the Setting of the MAIL application:
11th-gen iPad: Everything you need to know about the 2025 refresh
by Martyn Casserly, macworld
Apple is finally about to update its cheapest tablet. Here's our complete guide to the 11th-gen iPad coming in 2025.
Apple went big on iPads in 2024, announcing new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini tablets. But one model missed out: the standard, basic iPad. Other than getting even cheaper (it got an aggressive price cut to $349/£329 last year) Apple's cheapest tablet is still exactly the same 10th-gen model that came out way back in 2022, and it's looking overdue for an update.
Fortunately we won't have to wait much longer before that happens. From likely release date to new features, design changes and tech specs, here's what we know so far about the 11th-gen iPad for 2025.
Apple Notes recently got a power user feature I've long wanted
by Ryan Christoffel, 9to5mac
Apple Notes gained a variety of great features in iOS 18 last fall, like collapsible sections, color highlighting, audio recording with transcripts, and more. But I recently discovered one more change that answers one of my long-time feature requests, and could satisfy a lot of power users.
Switching between notes now has a shortcut in iOS 18
Currently, I have over 2,500 notes saved inside Apple Notes. I'm a heavy user of the app and have been for years.
But one pain point I've long had is switching between notes.
Most of the time, manually navigating between different notes isn't a huge deal. But there have been many times when I'm bouncing between two or three in quick succession, and the Notes app feels sluggish.
Because I have so many notes, my Notes app includes a deep folder structure that can make switching between notes especially slow. When two notes live in entirely different folders and sub-folders, it can take several swipes and taps to jump back and forth.
Fortunately, I recently discovered that iOS 18 introduced a solution for Notes 'power users' like myself.
Recent Notes in Apple Notes on iOS 18
Inside the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the app, there's now a Recent Notes sub-menu.
Opening this menu shows the last 10 notes you viewed on your device, and you can tap each note to quickly switch to it.
Top comment by Rafael David Gonzalez Castellanos
There is another way to switch back and forth between two Notes efficiently, regardless of their location within your folder structure. Make a Smart Folder that includes notes created and modified within the last, say, 2 days. Then you can easily switch between Notes you've been recently working with.
Apple's smaller version of the HomePod, priced at $99.
Should You Buy the HomePod Mini?
The HomePod mini is Apple's smaller smart speaker, featuring a round design, the S5 processor, 360-degree audio, and the U1 chip, all for a price tag of $99.
Introduced in October 2020, the HomePod mini has now been around for more than four years in Apple's lineup, and rumors suggest that Apple is working on a new model that's set to come out in late 2025.
With an update slated for 2025, now is not a good time to buy a HomePod mini and most buyers should go ahead and wait to purchase one of the speakers.
Apple Watch Crash Detection credited with saving 55-year-old man who passed out while driving
by Zac Hall, 9to5mac
No, that voice you heard wasn't a call from the other side. It was emergency services calling to help thanks to Crash Detection on Apple Watch. That's exactly what happened to a 55-year-old Apple Watch customer in Massachusetts after passing out while driving and ending up in his upside down car in someone's pool.
Taylor Smith and Ryan Trowbridge for WGGB/WSHM tell the story of Brent Hill from Easthampton, MA:
It was a scary situation for Hill, who recalled suddenly feeling nauseous while driving home on December 16. That's the last thing he remembered before completely blacking out. Based on a neighbor's outdoor camera footage, Hill's car was seen, a short time later, accelerating through his neighbor's garage and landing upside down in their swimming pool. […]
While slowly coming back to consciousness, Hill said he recalled hearing a tiny voice speaking to him. While, at first, he thought it was a call from the other side, it turned out that the voice was coming from his Apple Watch. It was emergency services telling him that help was on the way.
It may not have been a voice from the other side, but it was a miraculous situation all the same. That's because Crash Detection on Apple Watch worked as advertised when it phoned 911. Hill recalls what happened and how the watch came in clutch:
"It was that moment of panic when you realize you're in a very bad situation. […] So the assumption is that when my weight shifted and my foot really hit that accelerator and no braking and I was just plowing right through. I didn't know any of this was going on and, when I saw the footage of my car careening down the street and crashing, I was shocked because of how fast I was going."
He credits Apple Watch with changing how the harrowing situation played out:
"If emergency services had not contacted me through that watch and just coached me through that, there's no way I would've got out of there. I could barely hear anything outside. I knew there was commotion, but I could barely understand what they were saying. I didn't know where I was and that person just kept me calm and, if that probably not have happened, I probably would have drowned."
Read the full story here. Apple details how Crash Detection works in a support document here.
The event, which took place on December 16, reminds us how critical health and safety features on Apple Watch continuously prove to be for customers on a daily basis. Looking for a deal on a newer Apple Watch? You can grab the outgoing Apple Watch Series 9 for just $249 from Walmart while supplies last.
Apple Watch Series 10 introduces sleep apnea detection and a redesigned, thinner casing.
Crash Detection works on newer Apple Watch and iPhone models including:
Apple Watch Series 8 and newer, Apple Watch Ultra and newer, and Apple Watch SE 2 and newer with watchOS 9 or later
Here's everything you need to know about buying a renewed or refurbished Apple Watch, plus the best refurbished Apple Watch deals
There have been ten generations of Apple Watch, each available in multiple screen sizes, connectivity options, case materials, and straps, ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to literally thousands. Anyone else remember the original $10k Apple Watch Edition?
While not all are available to buy directly from Apple-right now the company sells only the Ultra 2, the Series 10, and the 2nd-gen SE released in 2022-it's easy to buy older models from third-party retailers or, if you'd like to save a decent chunk of cash, consider a refurbished model. And refurbished is an option you really shouldn't ignore.
While you might scoff at the prospect of buying what is technically a second-hand watch, Apple's refurbishing process is admirably rigorous. In fact, apart from the packaging, we don't think you'd be able to tell the difference between an Apple Watch that the company is selling refurbished and one that's brand new. Other retailers have their own refurbishment processes, which vary in rigor and reliability, but when you take the potential savings into consideration, buying a refurbished Apple Watch becomes a highly tempting option.
In this article we break down everything you need to know about buying a refurbished Apple Watch from the Apple Refurbished Store or elsewhere to save some serious money. We have a bunch of deals at the bottom of the article, so if you want to jump straight to the deals they are here.
If you want to save some money on an Apple Watch, it's also worth keeping an eye on our roundup of the best Apple Watch deals. You may also be able to find a deal that bundles an Apple Watch for free. Read How to get an Apple Watch for free for more information.
Where to buy a refurbished Apple Watch
Apple Refurb Store: Apple itself offers a range of refurbished Apple Watches, and in typical Apple fashion, the refurb is of the highest quality.
Walmart: US shoppers can also find refurbished Apple Watches from Walmart. Keep in mind, it's not directly from the retailer but from other sellers. The beauty is that if you run into trouble you can return the device at any Walmart location, and we've seen some very competitive prices from this retailer.
eBay: An obvious choice, but be cautious. Check the vendor's rating and feedback as well as the device's condition.
Amazon Renewed Store: We've seen some excellent deals on here, but stock of refurb Apple Watches seems to be running low lately. And check carefully for the condition: these details can sometimes be difficult to spot on the product page.
Apple Watch Heart Month Challenge set for this month
by Zac Hall, 9to5mac
The next Apple Watch Activity Challenge is just around the corner. Customers will soon be notified about the upcoming Heart Month Challenge set for February 14.
Here's what to expect from the challenge: Show your heart some love! Close your Exercise ring this Valentine's Day, February 14, to earn this award.
Closing the Exercise ring on Apple Watch means completing 30 minutes of exercise by default. However, you can increase or decrease the duration required as well.
Apple explains how here:
Go to the Fitness app on your iPhone.
Tap the Activity rings, then tap the Change Goals button next to an Activity ring.
Tap one of the following:
Adjust Goal for Today: Set a temporary goal for your Activity ring for today.
Adjust Goal Schedule: Customize your Activity ring goal by the day of the week.If you're customizing your goal, tap Schedule in the top-right corner.
Tap the Delete button or the Add button to adjust the goal.
When you're finished, tap Change [activity] Goal for Today, or Set [activity] Goal Schedule.
Here are the stickers that will be unlocked in addition to the virtual reward:
Got something you would like to sell or give away? Need something second hand or out of date? Contact MAGIC at this email .
Douglas is looking for a used 28" or larger computer monitor. HD (not 4K)
Contact Douglas Frederick via email at: this email or text to : 425-273-1976
Malware Examples *
by Ron Sharp and Robert Elphick, MAGIC *
Here are some tips if you do respond to a scam email. Call your bank. Put a stop payment on your charge card if it is involved. Change your account password for whatever accounts are involved. If it's a PayPal account, log into that account and change the password. If you use a bank account online change that password. You can also set up email "rules" to block email from the sender if their email address shows. If you use Apples Mail app you'll find the "Rules" options in the Mail app Settings. You should also change the password to your email account that the scam email came to.
Another SCAM pretending to be from WhidbeyTel. This is NOT from Whidbey Telecom! Looks authentic though, doesn't it? Malware creators are getting very good.
Hard to believe! DO NOT CLICK..
Another SCAM pretending to be from WhidbeyTel. NO NOT CLICK
Another SCAM pretending to be from WhidbeyTel. NO NOT CLICK Note the From address.
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.
Since I've written about iCloud before I'm sure everyone in the MAGIC Group is familiar with how it works. But I'll explain it a bit more. iCloud syncs your data between devices. You can turn on many different apps to sync their data. You do have to turn on the options for each app on each device that you want the data to sync to.
The settings are in your System Settings and then iCloud after clicking on your name. It says "Apple Account" under your name. The one exception is with photos. Back a few operating systems (Monterey) Apple made a change to the Photos app settings. So to make changes to the Photos App iCloud settings, instead of using the System settings go to the Photos App Preferences. (There is a Photos app iCloud setting listed in System settings too, but it's only for turning on iCloud for the complete Photos app Library.) More specific settings are available from the app preferences itself. For instance, there you can turn on Shared Photo Albums without turning on the whole Photos app Library for iCloud.
With Shared albums you can, obviously, share a photo album to whomever you want. And you can create and use multiple shared albums without adding your whole Photos Library to iCloud.
Yes, it is an easy way to have your photos sync when you do turn on iCloud for all your photos but you most likely will have to pay for more iCloud storage. Photos take up gigabytes and you probably have a gazillion photos. But iCloud storage is not expensive, so all your photos in iCloud may be your preference. Then when you take a photo with your iPhone they will sync to your Mac and /or iPad, whatever you have set to sync.
Apple Intelligence is available in macOS 15.1 or later on Mac models with M1 chip or later. Here is a list of Apple Intelligence features from Apples' website with my short explanation and quick personal opinion.
Use Writing Tools with Apple Intelligence
Apple AI will give you an option to rewrite your material in more a professional or casual style. (Can be helpful for some but not something I care much about.)
Use Apple Intelligence in Mail:
Sorts your email by category. The four categories are Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. It can be turned off. (I turn it off)
Use Apple Intelligence in Messages:
This option again offers you to rewrite your text messages. (Again, not something I care much about.)
Use Apple Intelligence with Siri:
Makes SIRI more useful. (Should be good. We'll have to see)
Get webpage summaries with Apple Intelligence:
Summarizes web page content. (May be good, I'm not really interested. 'Would rather look and get my own opinion)
Summarize an audio recording with Apple Intelligence:
What for? Just listen to it.
Create original images with Image Playground:
Might be fun.
Create Genmoji with Apple Intelligence:
(Who Cares? Just my opinion.)
Use Apple Intelligence in Photos:
This will remove items in photos that you select that are distracting. (Great feature. Works well.)
Summarize notifications and reduce interruptions with Apple Intelligence:
Summarizing Notifications might be helpful. (But Notifications already has so many options it seems unnecessary. Just set Notifications up the way you want in the first place)
Use ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence:
Use at your own enjoyment or risk.
Apple Intelligence and privacy:
Hmm.
Block access to Apple Intelligence features in Screen Time:
Why the option to block Apple AI separately in this one app? (Just Turn Screen Time off)
Turn Apple Intelligence off:
Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click Apple Intelligence & Siri , then click the button next to Apple Intelligence.
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.
