Spotify launches ‘Daylist’ feature
Streaming service Spotify has announced a new ‘Daylist’ feature for personalized listening for user listening habits. ‘Daylist’ is unlocked for both subscribers and free users and has been available in some regions since September 2023. The company expects the feature to roll out to more countries in 14 languages, specifically Turkish, Spanish (Mexico and Spain), […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Instagram introduces ‘Stories’ comment feature
Social media platform Instagram now supports user comments on Stories posts. Prior to the update, the only way to react to Stories was to send a private message to the creator. Instagram wanted to make messages more public for Stories, and thus introduced comments that could show up in users who are viewing these types […] The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Satechi launches Find My passport wallet with MagSafe charging and more
Satechi is out with several new releases today at IFA Berlin. Headlining its new products is the Vegan-Leather Passport Cover with Find My. The cover/wallet features Apple’s official item tracking, a MagSafe/Qi2-rechargeable battery, RFID protection, and more. more…

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Just about every iPhone 16 Pro camera detail has been leaked
A new leak details the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max cameras, with them both now said to gain higher framerate 4K video shooting,a new spatial photos mode, noise reduction, and more.The cameras on the current iPhone 15 Pro MaxIt's previously been reported that the iPhone 16 Pro will gain the tetraprism 5x zoom lens introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. Then, too, it's expected that both of the new Pro models would have the same overall camera system.A new report, however, also builds on an AppleInsider exclusive, which revealed that the two Pro models would shoot video at 120 frames per second in 3K. That was already a significant improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro range, but now 9to5mac has learned that the 120fps rate will go up to 4K. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple may have accidentally leaked Apple Watch 10
Apple may have accidentally leaked the new Apple Watch 10 in an image revealed in iOS 18.1 that appeared when trying to pair an Apple Watch… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhone 16 could ship with A18 chip and 8GB RAM
TrendForce analysts have shared their predictions for the iPhone 16 lineup, claiming it could sport an A18 chip and 8GB RAM. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 rumors, plus hysterical phishing emails on the AppleInsider Podcast
As we wait for the iPhone 16 launch and recount all the rumors, spammers are busy sending hysterical emails that are shockingly effective — and the Mac has a chance to attack Windows gaming dominance.Renders of the forthcoming iPhone 16 rangeThere are always last-minute rumors just ahead of an iPhone launch, but for some reason this year, so many of them are about the Apple Watch. And unfortunately, so many of the rumors are wild, wishful, and contradictory instead of having any basis in fact.Whereas there is now the rather unexpected fact that Microsoft Windows could lose its long, long, long held crown as the platform for gaming. Apple has famously lagged behind, but as Windows slowly tries to copy its move away from Intel processors, a surprise opportunity is opening up. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 16 Pro to shoot 4K 120fps videos, Camera Button works with third-party apps
We’re just a few days away from Apple’s special event, when the company is expected to announce the new iPhone 16 models. There are a lot of rumors about the new phones out there, but now 9to5Mac has heard more details about what changes with the new hardware. When it comes to cameras, users can expect improvements such as 4K 120fps video and more. more…

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iPhone 16 event expected to debut AirPods 4 with speaker, improved audio
Two new models of AirPods 4 are believed to be featured in Apple's iPhone 16 event, with both gaining USB-C, improved audio, and one getting a charging case speaker.Current AirPods in a charging caseApple has been reported to be mass producing a replacement for the current AirPods 3 since March 2024, and it's previously been expected that a new model would be announced alongside the iPhone 16. According to Bloomberg, Apple will instead launch two versions of the AirPods 4.The two are to replace both the current AirPods 3, and the older generation AirPods 2 that Apple still sells. Both models will reportedly resemble the current AirPods Pro, will have better audio quality, and come with a USB-C case. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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When is the best time to buy an Apple Watch?
Macworld There’s no bad time to buy an Apple Watch, but there are better and worse times. Apple releases new Apple Watch models (called “series”) on a yearly cadence, and the price rarely changes by all that much. So to avoid buying an Apple Watch that is outdated after just a few weeks, you want to time it right. We’re expecting to see Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3rd generation, running watchOS 11, launch in September 2024 at the company’s Glowtime event (see how to watch the September event). If you’re in the market for a new Apple Watch, see our Apple Watch buying guide, and our round-up of the best Apple Watch deals. You might also be interested in what other new Apple products are coming this year, and when is the next Apple event. Here’s what we know about Apple Watch release dates and when you should or should not buy. Should I buy a new Apple Watch right now? Our advice is to wait until after Apple releases the new Apple Watches in September 2024. Apple released the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in September 2023. Read our reviews: Apple Watch Series 9 review and Apple Watch Ultra 2 review to find out what we thought of them. Apple tends to update the Apple Watch yearly, so you can be pretty certain that a models will launch in September. Indeed, a new Apple Watch 10 (X) is expected in September 2024, as is a new Apple Watch Ultra and a new Apple Watch SE 3. When Apple introduces the new Apple Watch models it usually discontinues older models. When Apple discontinues the older models and introduces the new ones the price of the older models, if you can find them available from a third-party, usually goes down. So following the introduction of the new Apple Watches you may be able to get a good deal on an older Apple Watch. See our round-up of the best Apple Watch deals, updated monthly. The only reason to buy before Apple updates the range is if you think that the company will increase prices where you are when the new products launch. This happens from time-to-time, especially if you aren’t based in the U.S. where Apple may adjust pricing due to fluctuating exchange rates. The price can also go down, of course. Apple Watch Series 9 Read our review Price When Reviewed: From $399 Best Prices Today: $397.99 at Walmart Electronics | $399 at Apple | $399 at Best Buy It’s easier to say when the worst time to buy a new Apple Watch is. That would be in the run-up to September. If you buy a new Apple Watch in August expect to be kicking yourself a month later when the new model arrives and resellers start to discount the older model to sell it off at a lower price. The only reason to buy an Apple Watch model in the run-up to an event is if it’s the model you want and you aren’t interested in any of the rumored new features. Apple tends to discontinue the previous generation when new models are introduced, so if you want to buy an older you may not be able to for longer. However, you will probably be able to take advantage of discounts on the older models after the new ones arrive. The best time to buy an Apple Watch isn’t necessarily when a new model launches though. If you wait a month or two you may be able to take advantages of discounts and price drops from resellers. During October and November we see lots of sales, such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, and you can expect to get some money off at these events. Apple doesn’t discount its products, but it does offer vouchers with new purchases from time to time–and Black Friday is one of those times. When does Apple update the Apple Watch? Apple usually updates the Apple Watch at an Apple Event in September. Failing that the update could happen in October. However, not every Apple Watch gets updated every year. The Apple Watch SE can go two or more years between updates. For more advice read our Apple Watch buying guide.

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Sleep apnea in, hypertension out for Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to get a long-rumored sleep apnea tracking feature as part of Monday's launch, but hypertension detection won't be a new feature this time.A render of the rear sensor of the Apple Watch Series 10Apple is just a few days away from introducing a line of new products, starting with the iPhone 16 generation. Alongside the iPhones will be other connected hardware launches, with the Apple Watch Series 10 among them.The focus on new features for the Apple Watch is usually on health and fitness upgrades. For the Apple Watch Series 10, that will include sleep apnea detection. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Incredible tech breakthrough transforms the iPhone charger
Macworld Charge fastest, charge coolest Wireless charging is a wonderful convenience for iPhone owners: rather than fiddling with wires, you simply place your phone on the pad and walk away. But that doesn’t mean all wireless chargers offer the same degree of convenience or functionality. On the convenience front, the most obvious “added value” bonus feature to look for is a magnetic connection, such as the one offered by Apple’s own MagSafe standard. A strong and accurate connection means you don’t need to carefully place your phone in the charger’s sweet spot, or worry about the phone slipping off the pad later. For functionality, meanwhile, the discerning iPhone user should be looking for high charging speeds and excellent heat management, since all wireless chargers generate heat. This is a challenge for designers: overheating can cause charging to slow or even stop, so temperature management is key to performance. In all of these respects, ESR’s range of Qi2 wireless iPhone and Apple Watch MagSafe chargers are well worth your consideration. Manufactured by a leading MagSafe accessories brand with more than 410,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, they’re dependable, quality products. And the company’s CryoBoost™ cooling technology keeps heat (and noise) to a minimum to ensure ultra-fast charging. What’s so special about CryoBoost? Not all wireless chargers are created equal, and the same is true of the cooling systems they use. Many companies use fans to air-cool the wireless charger itself, relying on heat transfer from the hot phone to the cooler charger. But this is a mistake. If there’s a difference in temperature between phone and charger, as is the case with conventional fan setups, condensation can form and cause damage to both devices. CryoBoost deploys its sophisticated heat-dissipating componentry–including patented parabolic ducts and specialized fans designed to suit the charger’s shape and structure–in a way that’s both safer and more efficient. By directing a smooth airflow on to the back of your phone, it avoids the problem of condensation while keeping temperatures low and charging speeds high. ESR’s testing indicates that an iPhone charging with a CryoBoost accessory stays 5.5°C cooler than one using a charger from a rival brand. CryoBoost: The next generation ESR has continued to refine CryoBoost since the technology launched in 2022. Its latest evolution features a modified duct design: the new open layout cools even more effectively and keeps noise below 25 decibels, which is quieter than a nearby whisper. The company’s new second-gen CryoBoost products, certified with the Qi2 standard and compatible with every Apple smartphone from the iPhone 12 to this year’s iPhone 16, debut in September at the IFA 2024 tech event. For versatility, consider the 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost. This sleek device is designed to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time, all at class-leading speeds: it’s capable of fully charging an iPhone 15 Pro Max in just 2 hours, at least 30 minutes less than is possible with rival brands. It also provides Apple-certified 5W fast charging for Apple Watch; an Apple Watch Ultra can be fully charged in 1 hour and 40 minutes, an astonishing four times quicker than the 2.5W chargers offered by other brands. This accessory costs $69.99 from Amazon. ESR ESR ESR Drivers, however, may prefer the MagSafe Car Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost. Similarly equipped with second-gen CryoBoost for unrivalled temperature management, this device can charge an iPhone 15 Pro Max in just 2 hours and 17 minutes even while using it for navigation. And the 1,600g magnetic connection ensures your phone is safe even on the roughest roads. It costs $34.99 from Amazon. Finally, ESR is launching the Qi2 MagSafe Battery Pack (5,000 mAh) with Kickstand. Featuring a multiple award-winning built-in kickstand design and boasting 15W fast charging, this powerful unit is nevertheless the slimmest Qi2 charger on the market, perfect for space-saving and on-the-go charging. And like all of ESR’s products, the device balances speed with superb temperature control thanks to NTC sensors and an AI algorithm. It costs $39.99 from Amazon. If you’re going to be in Berlin for IFA 2024, you can check out these great new products, and the rest of ESR’s range, at booth H3.2-303 from 5-10 September.

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Apple’s Glowtime event live blog: News, rumors and how to watch, what’s coming
Macworld Apple’s big iPhone day is nearly here! The Glowtime event will kick off at 10am PT Monday with a video keynote that introduces the biggest new products of the fall: the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10. And there may be a few surprises along the way as well, including new AirPods, an iPad mini, and maybe even “One more thing.” Here’s everything you need to know about the big show. Glowtime event: What’s coming iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: Apple’s base-level iPhones are expected to get a host of new features, including the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button, a new Capture button, an A18 processor, Apple Intelligence, and a new vertical camera alignment. And of course, some new colors too that are noticeably brighter than last year’s. iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max: The high-end phones get larger screens (6.32 inches and 6.9 inches), a faster chip (A18 Pro), and better cameras. And the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s enhanced zoom lens should be coming to the smaller model as well. Apple Watch Series 10: The Glowtime event is being held on September 10, exactly 10 years after the Apple Watch made its debut at the iPhone 6 event, so it’s no secret that Apple is planning one of the biggest updates ever. Rumors say the first ever redesign could be on the way, with larger screens, a thinner body, and flatter edges. Apple Watch SE 3: After four years of basically the same watch, the 3rd-gen SE looks to be a major overhaul, with a plastic body and a lower price. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Not much new is expected other than a new chip and maybe a second color option. AirPods: All of Apple’s AirPods are long overdue for an update and several are candidates for this event. A new budget model could replace the ancient 2nd-gen model with a lower price; a 4th-gen update could bring noise-cancellation and a new design; and an AirPods Max refresh could also be on the way. iPad mini: Not much new is expected from the next mini update other than a new chip and more RAM to make it Apple Intelligence-ready. Glowtime event: How to watch You can watch the keynote live on Apple.com or the TV app, or just watch the embedded YouTube video stream below: Glowtime event: Live blog When the event kicks off, we’ll be updating live as everything is announced. In the meantime, stay tuned for any news and rumors we get ahead of the event: Apple Store Scandinavia grand opening: Apple has announced that its newest store in the Mall of Scandinavia will have its grand opening on Friday, September 20, a strong indication that the iPhone 16 will launch on that day.

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Bloomberg: Sleep apnea detection will be the major new health feature for Apple Watch Series 10
As part of its September ‘Glowtime’ event taking place on Monday, Apple will update all of its Apple Watch models, including the low-end Apple Watch SE, the mainstream Apple Watch Series 10 and the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3. While much attention will be on the Series 10’s redesigned thinner chassis and larger display, Bloomberg reports the other major new feature for the watches will be sleep apnea detection. more…

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Apple's iPhone water resistance has a big catch, claims new lawsuit
A lawyer in Quebec who is calling for a class-action lawsuit against Apple over it refusing to repair any iPhone damaged by water, despite advertising that its phones can be submerged.Apple says iPhones are water resistant, but there's a catchIn a similar case to a New York suit that was ultimately dismissed in 2022, Quebec lawfirm LPC Avocats is representing a 19-year-old student whose iPhone is described as coming into contact with water near a pool. The account, by Montreal's CTV News is no clearer than that.But it does report lawyer Joey Zukran recounting how Apple refused to repair the student's iPhone, because of the contact with water. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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How to watch Apple’s iPhone 16 ‘Glowtime’ event live
Macworld It’s iPhone season and Apple is kicking it off with an event on Monday, September 9. The event, dubbed “It’s Glowtime,” is expected to showcase the iPhone 16 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 10 (or possibly X), SE 3 and Ultra 3, and new AirPods. We could even see a new iPad mini and more—so you’ll definitely want to tune in. Fortunately, you don’t need an invite to Apple Park to watch the event live. It will be streamed online for everyone to watch. We have embedded the live stream below, so you can watch it here once the event starts. There are other options too, and we outline these below. If you’re interested in watching the event, here’s everything you need to know. And while you wait, be sure to catch up on everything we expect Apple to announce at the event. When is the Glowtime event? The event starts at 10 a.m. PDT on September 9, 2024. The event will probably last about one to two hours. Here’s what that translates to around the world: U.S.: 10 a.m. (PDT); 11 a.m. (MDT), noon (CDT), 1 p.m. (EDT) Canada: 10 a.m. (PDT); 11 a.m. (MDT), noon (CDT), 1 p.m. EDT, 2 p.m. (ADT) U.K.: 6 p.m. (BST) Europe: 7 p.m. (CEST) India: 10.30 p.m. (IST) Singapore and China: September 10 at 1 a.m. (CST) Japan: September 10 at 2 a.m. (JST) Australia: September 10 at 1 a.m. (AWST); 2.30 a.m. (ACST); 3 a.m. (AEST) New Zealand: September 10 at 5 a.m. (NZST) How to watch the Glowtime event Other than YouTube, there are several ways to watch the Glowtime event, depending on your device: Watch on Apple’s website. Watch via the TV app on an Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or Mac. How to watch the Glowtime event on a Mac On Apple’s website, either on the Apple Events page or on Apple.com. On Apple’s YouTube channel. In the TV app. After the event’s initial airing, the keynote will be available to watch in its entirety in Apple’s TV and Podcasts apps, as well as YouTube and Apple.com. How to watch the Glowtime event on iPhone or iPad On the Apple website, either on the Apple Events page or on apple.com On Apple’s YouTube channel, either through Safari or via the YouTube app. In the TV app. How to watch the Glowtime event on Apple TV You can watch the event via the TV app, which means you’ll need an Apple TV or a supported smart television from Samsung or LG with the Apple TV app installed. The event will appear as an option within the TV app. How to watch the Glowtime event on a PC PC owners will need Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 to watch on Apple’s site. Or they can watch using the YouTube link above. How to watch the Glowtime event on anything else… Apple says other platforms may be able to access the stream using recent versions of Chrome or Firefox (MSE, H.264, and AAC required). To watch, visit the Apple Events page. Can I attend the Glowtime event in person? No. Apple doesn’t open its iPhone events for attendance by the public. There may be an in-person component to the event and select invitees will be at Apple Park to watch it “live” (although the presentation will probably be a pre-recorded video). Some stores may play the video on Macs and televisions within the store, but Apple no longer holds official watch parties for its keynotes.

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Apple's new Scandinavian store opens September 20
On the same day that Apple's iPhone 16 is likely to be in stores, the company is opening a new Apple Store in Sweden.Apple Mall of Scandinavia's logo, designed by illustrator Henrietta Nyvang in StockholmIn July 2024, Apple closed its Helsingborg, Sweden store. It's unusual for a replacement to take months to open, but then it's even more unusual for that to open 340 miles away.Yet following the closure of the Apple Vala Centrum store, that is what's happening. Apple Mall of Scandinavia is now opening on Friday, September 20, 2024. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Your Mac might not be as secure as you think it is
Macworld You’ve probably heard the old myth that Macs don’t get viruses. Yes, macOS has fewer malware threats than Windows, but you’re sadly mistaken if you think your Mac is 100% free of any security flaws, pitfalls, and vulnerabilities. Apple works hard to keep our Macs safe from malware and other attacks with safeguards in place for software installations, but users still need to take some regular steps to keep their Macs as safe as possible. Here are a few ongoing security issues you need to know—and how you can make sure they don’t cause any trouble. Old flaws and new chips Intel-based Macs released between 2018 and 2020 used the T2 security chip. This chip handles encryption and decryption for things like encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities and contains the Secure Enclave for Touch ID. Unfortunately, the T2 chip in these Macs has a security flaw that was never fixed. Researchers found a vulnerability in it that could allow someone with physical access to the computer to potentially bypass these security features. In other words, if someone gets their hands on your Mac, they might be able to bypass all of your security and read your files, install malicious software, or do other things that compromise your privacy and security. The T2 chip was used in Intel Macs manufactured between 2018 and 2020, just before the M1 came along. The T2 chip was used in Intel Macs manufactured between 2018 and 2020, just before the M1 came along.IDG The T2 chip was used in Intel Macs manufactured between 2018 and 2020, just before the M1 came along.IDG IDG To reduce the impact of this risk, you should keep regular backups and be sure to enable FileVault to encrypt your data. The T2 vulnerability can potentially bypass FileVault, but it’s one more layer of protection the attacker has to go through. If you lose data either through hardware failure or someone compromising your Mac, having a solid backup is crucial for recovery. Newer Macs aren’t immune from vulnerabilities either. While Apple Silicon Macs may not suffer the T2 vulnerability, they’re not flawless. The so-called “Augury” and “GoFetch” flaws in M-series chips are hardware issues that cannot be patched without serious performance hits. The problem here is that when the Data-Memory Dependent Prefectcher (DMP) in the chips is idle, it can sometimes leak data, including encryption keys. At the time of this writing, nobody has actively exploited the vulnerability, but it’s still something to be aware of. The key thing to remember is that an attacker needs physical access to your Mac. You can protect yourself by being vigilant about keeping your Mac physically secure. Don’t leave your Mac unattended in public places, and make sure it’s physically secure in your home or office. For our recommendations of Mac Antivirus Software that we have tested see: Best Antivirus for Mac 2024: Top Security Software Compared. Stop the steal People sometimes think about their online security but don’t always pay attention to the physical security of their Macs. I’ve seen MacBooks just left lying on couches at libraries, coffee shops, and even busy airport waiting areas. These computers are just waiting to be stolen and taken away so the hacker can brute force their way in. Even in the home or office, physical security is a must. If someone breaks in and steals your Mac, they could take advantage of the previously mentioned chip vulnerabilities and get to your data. Even if your Mac isn’t at risk for that, hackers have ways of guessing your login password. The M-Series MacBooks don’t have a Kensington lock latch, but the MacBook M1 lock has a slim-profile adapter that will keep your MacBook tied down The M-Series MacBooks don’t have a Kensington lock latch, but the MacBook M1 lock has a slim-profile adapter that will keep your MacBook tied downMaclocks The M-Series MacBooks don’t have a Kensington lock latch, but the MacBook M1 lock has a slim-profile adapter that will keep your MacBook tied downMaclocks Maclocks Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t include a Kensington lock on newer MacBook models. You can, however, use the clever MacBook M1 lock, which installs in minutes and offers the physical security your MacBook lacks. This physical security applies to your Time Machine backups, too, if they aren’t encrypted. By default, Time Machine backups typically are not encrypted, which means anybody gaining physical access to your backup drive could gain access to all of your files. Make sure that when you set up Time Machine, you turn on encryption. If you forget, you’ll need to delete the drive from Time Machine and set it up again, this time being sure to choose to encrypt the backup. Update always and often Some macOS apps (particularly third-party ones) do not follow best practices for security. They might use weak encryption, store passwords insecurely, or expose sensitive data to other apps. This can create vulnerabilities within the operating system itself. For example, researchers recently outlined security vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office that could compromise your Mac’s security. Microsoft has indicated it won’t be patching this vulnerability, calling it “low risk.” Nonetheless, it’s important to install updates for all your apps regularly. Developers do fix security issues via updates when they are considered important enough. If you learn that a third-party app you use i security issues the developers aren’t addressing, you need to decide whether to keep using that app. The Mac App Store usually does a good job of keeping apps updated automatically, but we still recommend checking at least once a month for any updates that might not have been installed. To check, go to the Updates section in the left column of the App Store. You’ll see the latest app updates that were installed, as well as any apps that still need to be updated. When updating an app, you’ll need to close that app for the update to install. When updating an app, you’ll need to close that app for the update to install.Foundry When updating an app, you’ll need to close that app for the update to install.Foundry Foundry For apps you’ve downloaded from outside the App Store, you will usually find an option to check for updates in that app’s menu bar option. Open the app, click the app’s name in the menu bar, and look for an option similar to Check for Updates. The same goes for installing updates to macOS itself. When Apple learns of a security vulnerability, Software Update is the only way to fix it. These flaws can be in system extensions, launch daemons, agents, or other components of the operating system. Apple also regularly patches security holes that threaten to bypass File Quarantine or Gatekeeper. There are also vulnerabilities in the sandboxing implementation macOS uses to keep apps from doing things they shouldn’t. Apple plays an ongoing game of whack-a-mole to fix these, but it’s up to you to make sure those fixes are installed. If you don’t install updates to macOS, attackers can exploit these flaws to bypass your Mac’s security and steal your data. System Integrity Protection Let’s talk about System Integrity Protection (SIP). This is a feature first introduced in OS X 10.11 El Capitan that helps prevent any user from modifying certain operating system directories and files. This keeps even the administrator user from changing those files, and some apps just can’t install or run if it’s enabled. There are times when you may need to disable SIP, so Apple provided a way with Recovery Mode. However, since we all forget things sometimes, you may forget that you have disabled SIP. This can open your Mac to a ton of trouble, so make sure you turn SIP back on once you’re done installing the software. Your Mac is only as secure as you make it I don’t mean to scare you with these security concerns, but it’s worth being aware they exist. Apple does its best to keep us safe from malware, but it’s up to us to install updates when the tech giant patches a hole. The same goes for making sure we don’t run apps that bypass the built-in protection macOS offers.

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What to do if you think your Mac has a virus
Macworld If you are worried you have some kind of malware or virus on your Mac, we are here to help you figure out what’s going on and, if necessary, clean up the damage and get rid of a Mac virus – all for free. A lot of the websites offering advice on Mac malware removal are companies trying to sell your anti-virus solutions, which makes their tips somewhat biased, but here you can expect impartial advice. We’ll cover how to check for a virus and how to remove malware from your Mac, getting rid of any viruses that might be lurking. We’ll also explain why it’s probably not a virus thanks to Apple’s stringent protections in macOS, but, if it is, we’ll let you know about the free and cheap options that can protect your Mac from malware. Note that in this article we are going to be mixing and matching the terms malware and virus, but they are actually separate concepts. Malware tends to take the form of apps that pretend to do one thing, but actually do something nefarious, such as steal data. Viruses are small discrete bits of code that get onto your system somehow and are designed to be invisible. There are also other threats, such as ransomware and adware, and other phishing attempts, where an attempt is made to extract information that can be used to obtain money from you. We’ll address how to detect and get rid of these types of malware on your Mac in this article. We also recommend you read our best Mac security tips and our roundup of the best Mac antivirus apps, in which we currently recommend Intego as our top choice. PROMOTIONAntivirus Deal: Intego Mac Premium Bundle Get Intego’s Mac Premium Bundle X9 with antivirus, firewall, backup and system performance tools for just $29.99 (down from $84.99) for the first year. Get Deal How to tell if your Mac has a virus If your Mac has suddenly become very slow and laggy, started regularly crashing or showing error messages, and the sound of your fans whirring keeps you company, you may be suspicious that you have picked up some Mac malware. Another sign is the sudden appearance of annoying pop-up windows or extra toolbars and applications you don’t remember installing. These are all signs that you might have a virus on your Mac. It’s not necessarily the case that a virus is to blame though. Mac malware is incredibly rare – Mac viruses do exist, in fact, there have been a few notable malware and virus reports in recent years, but there are a few reasons why Mac viruses don’t tend to take hold. One is the stringent protections Apple builds into macOS, another is the fact that it is exceptionally difficult for a virus to propagate itself and spread to other Macs, see: Why Macs are more secure than Windows PCs. Signs your Mac has a virus Here are some of the symptoms of malware or viruses you might watch out for: Your Mac suddenly becomes sluggish or laggy in everyday use, as if there’s some software running in the background chewing up resources. You find a new toolbar in your browser that you didn’t install. Typically these toolbars claim to make it easier to search or shop. You find any web searches are unexpectedly redirected away from your usual search engine to some site you’ve never heard of (or the results appear on a page that’s faked up to look like your usual search engine). All web pages are overlaid with adverts – even those where you don’t expect to see adverts, such as Wikipedia. Going to your favorite sites doesn’t always work, as if something is randomly redirecting you to spam advertising pages. Advertising windows pop up on your desktop, seemingly unconnected with any browsing you’re doing or any program that’s running. If you get any of these symptoms then don’t panic: they don’t necessarily mean you have a malware or virus infection on your Mac. There are a thousand reasons why a Mac might run slowly. How to check for viruses on a Mac If having read the above you are sure that you have a virus or some other form of malware on your Mac then this tutorial should help you address the problem, read on for a guide on what to do if your Mac has a virus, starting off with how to scan your Mac for viruses. Here’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t do if you think your Mac is infected with malware: don’t Google a description of the problem and install the first thing you find that claims to be able to fix things. Sadly, a lot of software that claims to be able to fix Macs is malware itself or is simply fake and designed only to make you part with money. These apps can look incredibly convincing and professional, so beware. Fake antivirus apps like MacDefender (see image above), which hit the headlines a few years ago, might look the part but are actually malware in disguise. If you think there is a virus, or some other threat, on your Mac, then there are a few things you can do, we’ll run through your options below.  How to remove malware from a Mac for free Using software to run a virus scan on your Mac is the easiest option. Luckily there are lots of apps offering to scan your Mac for viruses–some for free. One option is the free-of-charge Bitdefender Virus Scanner. (If you are willing to spend a little cash then the paid-for version of Bitdefender ($39.99/£29.99 is worth consideration). Read our review of the free Bitdefender Virus Scanner and our review of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. Here’s how you can use the free Bitdefender Virus Scanner to search and remove viruses for free: Open the Bitdefender Virus Scanner. Click the Update Definitions button.  Once that’s completed click the Deep Scan button. Follow the instructions to allow the app full access to your Mac’s hard disk. Another free option is AVG Antivirus for Mac. It’s basic, but protects you from viruses, spyware, and malware. You might also like to try Avira Free Security for Mac, which offers some features for free, although most require a paid subscription. Read our review of AVG AntiVirus for Mac. Here are our favorite free options for detecting and removing malware: Avast Free Antivirus AVG Antivirus for the Mac. Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac. Avira Free Security for Mac Intego VirusBarrier Scanner If you don’t mind paying for a more complete solution, you could use any of the top picks in our roundup of the best Mac antivirus apps to scan for and remove a virus from your Mac – and the benefit of installing one of these should be that you never get caught out again. To get the best value for a Mac antivirus app check out the Best Antivirus for Mac deals this month. Another option is a Mac Cleaner like CleanMyMac X, which offers a virus scan among other features. This option costs $34.95/£29.95 a year right now (RRP: $39.95/£34.95), but it is one of our go-to utilities for doing various jobs on the Mac, such as deleting unnecessary files to make space. Here’s how we used CleamMyMac X to check for viruses. Open CleanMyMac. Click Smart Scan. Wait while it scans. The results of the scan can be found in the Protection section. Click Remove to get rid of any malware. How to remove malware from your Mac without antivirus software Using an antivirus app is a great option because it will scan your Mac for viruses and then remove them. But you don’t necessarily need to use a virus scanner to identify and remove viruses on your Mac. Apple already scans your Mac for viruses. As we explain in how Apple checks your Mac for viruses Apple includes antivirus software in macOS that monitors your Mac for malware, blocks malware, and removes it if necessary. Even with these protections (which do depend somewhat on the age of your Mac and the version of macOS you are running), there are still some ways to clean a virus from your Mac manually. You may be wondering if you need to wipe your Mac to remove the virus, or indeed if wiping your Mac will completely remove the virus. It’s possible that you won’t have to go that far–try these steps to clean things up: At a glance Time to complete: 1 hour 1. Update macOS to the latest version One reason you may not need a Mac antivirus on your Mac is that Apple offers its own protection. For several years now Apple has included invisible background protection against malware and viruses. We cover this in a separate article: Do Macs need Antivirus software? One of these protections is Xprotect. Xprotect is Apple’s built-in malware protection. Xprotect will scan files you’ve downloaded and check them for known malware or viruses. If any are found you will be told the file is infected or damaged. The Xprotect system gives a warning when you download malware that it knows about, and tells you exactly what to do. Xprotect has been very effective at halting the spread of Mac malware before it can even get started and is yet another reason why malware or virus infections on a Mac are rare. Apple updates Xprotect automatically, so you shouldn’t need to manually update macOS yourself to get the latest virus protections. However, if you are running an older version of macOS your Mac might not be protected (Apple only supports the past three versions of macOS). While it’s partially true that updating your Mac software could rid you of a virus, you should note that as good as Apple’s protections are, they may not be enough. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes Apple a few days (or longer) to respond to a threat. For that reason, it is worth considering an additional antivirus tool to stay safe. 2. Use Activity Monitor to find viruses on a Mac If you know for sure you’ve installed some malware – such as a dodgy update or app that pretends to be something else – make a note of its name. You can quit out of that app by tapping Cmd + Q, or clicking Quit in the menu, but note that this won’t stop it from starting up again – in fact, it may still be working in the background. If you don’t have any idea what is causing the issues you suspect are caused by a virus on your Mac, you can use Activity Monitor to spot if an app or a task is using a lot of resources – this may be the malicious software. Open Activity Monitor, which you’ll find within the Utilities folder of the Applications list (or you can search for it in Spotlight by pressing Command + Space and typing Activity Monitor). If you are suspicious about a particular app, use the search field at the top right to search for that app’s name. You might find that the questionable app is still running, despite the fact you quit it. To stop such an app from running select it in the Activity Monitor list, click the X icon at the top left of the toolbar, and select Force Quit. Note that this won’t stop the malware from starting up again – we’ll explain how to remove it in the next step. If you don’t have a suspicious app name to search for, sort your Activity monitor by CPU so you can see which applications and tasks are using a lot of your Mac’s resources. Make sure you note the details and names of these suspicious processes before quitting them by clicking on the X icon and selecting Force Quit. Next check the Memory tab to see if anything is using a lot of memory. Check the Disk tab to see if anything is standing out in the Bytes Written column. Check the Network tab and pay special attention to the Sent Bytes column. Once you have a selection of names that could relate to what you are looking for search your system for them using Spotlight (Command + Space) and remove them from your Mac (we’ll explain how to do that next). 3. Delete the file or app and empty the Download folder If you believe your Mac was infected after opening a particular file or app and you have a file name to search for, you can attempt to locate that app, delete that file permanently by putting it into the Trash, and then empty the Trash. You should also empty the Downloads folder and delete everything in there: drag the whole lot to the Trash, and then empty the Trash. However, it is rarely this simple: most malware authors will obfuscate their code so that it uses non-obvious names, which makes it almost impossible to uncover this way. 4. Clear your cache You should also clear your browser’s cache. In Safari this can be done by clicking Safari > Clear History, and then selecting All History from the dropdown list. Finally, click the Clear History button. In Google Chrome this can be done by clicking Chrome > Clear Browsing Data, then in the Time Range dropdown box selecting All Time. Then click Clear Data. It’s also worth deleting your application cache, although this could cause even more problems for you. If you want to try it we have a guide here: How to delete cache on a Mac. 5. Shut down and restore from a backup Foundry If none of the above have worked, which is unfortunately likely, you could try restoring from a backup, such as one made with Time Machine, but not a backup made since you contracted the virus–obviously, this backup should be from a time before you believe your computer became infected. For alternatives to Time Machine, take a look at our roundup of the best backup software & services for Mac.  After restoring the backup, be careful when rebooting not to plug in any removable storage such as USB sticks you had plugged in earlier when your computer was infected, and certainly don’t open the same dodgy email, file or app. 6. Wipe your Mac and reinstall macOS Sometimes the only way to be sure you’re clean of an infection is to wipe your Mac to restore it to factory settings and then reinstall macOS and all your apps from scratch. Restoring your Mac to factory settings should remove the virus. However, this is quite a drastic solution and we think a better option would be to use a virus scanner, like one of the ones included here: best Mac antivirus apps. If wiping your Mac is the way you want to deal with the problem follow the steps here: How to wipe a Mac. What to do if your Mac has a virus In addition to the above, there are a few other things you should do to protect yourself if you think you might have been infected with Mac malware–before and after the virus is removed.  1. Stay offline While you think you are infected you should stay offline as much as possible. Try and turn off your internet connection by either clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu back and selecting Turn Wi-Fi Off, or disconnecting the Ethernet cable if you’re using a wired network. If possible, keep your internet connection turned off until you’re sure the infection has been cleaned up. This will prevent any more of your data being sent to a malware server. (If you need to download cleanup tools then this obviously might not be possible.) 2. Use safe mode Boot your Mac up in Safe mode – this should at least stop the malware from loading at start up. 3. Don’t use any passwords – and change them as soon as you can From the moment you suspect you have a virus you shouldn’t type any passwords or login details in case a hidden keylogger is running. This is a very common component of malware. Beware that many keylogger-based malware or viruses also periodically secretly take screenshots, so be careful not to expose any passwords by copying and pasting from a document, for example, or by clicking the Show Password box that sometimes appears within dialog boxes. Once you are free of the virus you should change all your passwords, and we really do mean all of them – including those for websites, cloud services, apps, and so on. 4. Cancel bank and credit cards If you handed over money at any point for the malware – such as if you paid for what appeared to be a legitimate antivirus app, for example – then contact your credit card company or bank immediately and explain the situation. This is less about getting a refund, although that might be possible. It’s more about ensuring your credit card details aren’t used anywhere else. Even if no money has changed hands you should inform your bank or financial institutions of the infection and seek their advice on how to proceed. Often at the very least, they make a note on your account for operatives to be extra vigilant should anybody try to access in future but they may issue you with new details. Hopefully, these tips will help you remove malware from your Mac, now read How to protect your Mac against attack and disaster to avoid getting infected again.

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Apple’s Find My app, service to arrive in South Korea in 2025
It took a while, but if you’re in South Korea, this should come in handy. Apple’s “Find My” app and service is en route South Korea. In a press release issued today, Apple announced that Find My will launch in South Korea in spring 2025 across its various platforms: the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, […] Source

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