New iPhone SE ‘confirmed’ to launch in March 2025
Macworld It now looks extremely likely that the next version of the iPhone SE will launch in March 2025, after an analyst report claimed to confirm that timeframe earlier this week. In a research note (via MacRumors), Barclays analyst Tom O’Malley and colleagues outlined the findings from a recent trip to supply chains in Asia. One takeaway, the analysts said, is that they have “confirmed” that the 4th-gen iPhone SE is currently scheduled for launch towards the end of the first quarter of next year. That almost certainly means March, which incidentally is when the 3rd-gen SE arrived back in 2022. All three SE models released so far, indeed, have come out in the spring: March 2016 for the 1st-gen SE March 2022 for the 3rd-gen model, and April 2020 for the 2nd-gen SE. A three-year wait between models is unusual but not unprecedented, as there was a four-year wait between the first and second iPhone SE releases. Aside from the launch timeframe, the note reiterated the current theory that the 4th-gen SE will be the first iPhone to feature an Apple-made 5G modem. This is obviously a key step forward for Apple, as it holds the potential for substantial cost savings; but it could also mean dramatically increased battery efficiency for customers. It might seem surprising that Apple would bestow such a potentially beneficial feature on the budget-focused SE a good six months before it lands on the flagship iPhones, but it does now look like it’s going to happen. The inclusion of the new modem, plus the 48MP main camera from the iPhone 15, 8GB of RAM, the A18 processor, and Apple Intelligence support mean this is shaping up to be an iPhone SE that’s actually special. For all the latest news and rumors, check out our regularly updated new iPhone SE superguide. If you can’t wait until next March, pick up a bargain on a current model with our roundup of the best Black Friday iPhone deals.

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Here’s everything Apple isn’t including in its Black Friday ‘sale’
Macworld With just a week to go until Black Friday, Apple has announced the details of its anticipated four-day shopping event that runs from November 29 to December 2. As always, there aren’t any actual savings during the promotion, but you can score a gift card for a future purchase when you buy certain devices. However, there are a lot that are excluded this year. After Apple surprisingly included the Apple Watch Series 9 in its offer last year, the Series 10 isn’t part of this year’s event, nor is the Apple Watch Ultra or any of the new Macs. Here’s a list of the devices that are excluded from the promotion: iPhone 16 (all models) iPad mini 14-inch MacBook Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro Mac mini iMac Mac Studio Mac Pro Studio Display Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Ultra Apple Vision Pro HomePod mini Magic Mouse/Trackpad/Keyboard Apple Pencil (USB-C) That’s a long list and includes many of the products people would want to buy. Some of the offers seem low as well, most notably $25 back for buying an iPhone SE, which is more than two years old. Back in 2022, Apple offered a $50 gift card for the same iPhone SE it sells now. It’s also surprising to see the AirPods 4 on the list, which arrived in September alongside the new iPhones and Watches. The good news is that if you’re looking for a new MacBook Pro or iPad mini, there are plenty of retailers that are offering actual discounts, some at prices lower than we’ve ever seen before. So stay tuned to Macworld throughout the next week as we track and highlight the best deals on everything Apple sells.

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This $50 off Beats Black Friday deal is music to our ears
Macworld It seems like Beats wants to make sure you have a cool new speaker to listen to music with this holiday season because it just dropped to its best price ahead of Black Friday. The Beats Pill has dropped to $100 at Amazon, a 33 percent discount from its $150 MSRP. That’s the lowest we’ve seen since Prime Day. We reviewed the Beats Pill and found it’s a good speaker with decent volume and sound for its size and fantastic battery life. We gave it a four-star rating and found that it’s probably about a firmware update from being the whole package. One of the best things about the speaker is that it comes with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. That means it’s a perfect companion for any trip you want to take, whether that’s to the beach, up the mountain, or to the nearby park. Furthermore, the Beats Pill delivers some 24 hours of playtime and is tiny enough to fit in any backpack where you could squeeze a water bottle in. The controls may take a bit to figure out, but one of the cool things you can do is double-tap the power button to trigger your go-to voice assistant, be it Siri or Google Assistant. So take the chance to get the new Beats Pill for $100 this Black Friday because we don’t think we’ll see a lower price anytime soon. Get the Beats Pill for its best priceBuy it now at Amazon

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Should we ban social media use by kids, as Australia is considering? [Poll]
The impact of social media use by kids is perhaps one of the hottest topics in tech. There’s significant evidence that social media apps like Instagram can be harmful to the mental health of children, while others argue that it can also enable social connection. Australia is currently debating a proposed law which would ban the use of social media by children under the age of 16 years of age … more…

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Apple unveils 2024 Black Friday promo: up to $200 gift card on eligible purchases
Apple has officially announced its Black Friday promotions for this year. Starting November 29, you can score an up to $200 gift card when you buy an eligible Apple product from Apple’s website, app, and retail stores. As always, you’ll save more if you keep an eye on the deals curated by our friends over at 9to5Toys… more…

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Bob Iger remarkably (and accidentally) honest about Disney+ pricing and subscriptions
Disney CEO Bob Iger accidentally revealed a key piece of commercially-sensitive data during the company’s most recent earnings call: how many Disney+ subscribers are on ad-supported tier. He quickly realized his mistake, commenting shortly afterwards that “I don’t know if I was supposed to disclose those AVOD [Ad-based Video On Demand] numbers” … more…

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Apple will now be treated like a bank, says US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The popularity of Apple Pay will now see the Cupertino company regulated by the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a watchdog whose role is normally limited to banks and financial services companies. The decision means that the bureau will have the power to monitor and regulate Apple’s policies and practices in regard to its mobile wallet services … more…

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US government steps up oversight of Apple Pay and rivals
The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says it will apply rigorous oversight to Big Tech payment systems such as Apple Pay.Apple Pay on an Apple WatchThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently fined Apple and Goldman Sachs a $90 million penalty over disputed Apple Card payments. However, it has long argued that digital wallet systems such as Apple Pay should be regulated like credit cards and banks are.According to Reuters, the CFPB has now said it will step up its supervision of Big Tech companies. While CFPB did not name companies, it outlined plans for its oversight of payment apps and platforms. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Your iPhone isn’t as secure as you think (but it can be)
Macworld Your iPhone might seem like an impenetrable vault, keeping your personal information, photos, messages, and apps safe. But guess what? It might not be as tightly locked down as you think. While Apple keeps adding and improving iOS security features, some sneaky ways thieves and hackers can get in still exist. Let’s look at some common security threats iPhone users face and how you can protect yourself. From sneaky shoulder surfers to tricky phishing attacks, it’s time to uncover the hidden risks lurking in your pocket. An update is waiting We all receive notifications about software updates, but they’re easy to ignore, especially if there aren’t any new features to try. But delaying them can leave our iPhones vulnerable to serious threats. Every update contains numerous security patches that can shut down serious threats. For example, the iOS 14.7.1 update in 2021 targeted the Pegasus spyware, which was used at a high level to access messages, activate the camera and microphone, and collect location data. To steer clear of threats, install software updates promptly. Keeping iOS up to date on your iPhone is one of the simplest ways to safeguard your device. iOS updates include security updates that patch vulnerabilities that could expose your iPhone to hackers.Foundry Your PIN is showing You might think it’s safe to unlock your iPhone with a PIN in public but think again. In recent years, thieves have used a sneaky technique called “shoulder surfing” to watch people enter their passcodes and then snatch their iPhones to get full access to their device. Apple knows these threats are real, so they’ve added some features to iOS to help keep your iPhone safe. First up, they added Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3. This feature makes it a bit harder for someone to steal your iPhone or break into it. When you try to change an Apple Account password or Face ID settings, it’ll delay you. And it’ll also stop certain actions without Face ID or Touch ID authentication. Of course, people can also steal your iPhone and try to guess your PIN. Apple has a stop for that too. In iOS 18.1, Apple added an inactivity reboot feature that will automatically reboot and put it into the “Before First Unlock” state, making it harder for someone trying to guess your PIN. But above all, choose a complex PIN and be extra careful when entering it in public. Use Face ID or Touch ID whenever possible.  A malicious profile is hiding Have you ever clicked on a link that asked you to install a new configuration profile? These profiles can be useful for things like joining a work network or installing a VPN, but cybercriminals can use them to take over your device. They trick you into installing these profiles through phishing emails or fake websites. Once these profiles are installed, hackers can change your device settings, spy on you, and install unwanted apps without your knowledge. This is a sneaky way for them to gain control of your iPhone—and you might not even know it’s there. To avoid this, only install configuration profiles from trusted sources. If you’re asked to install one unexpectedly, say no and check the source. Also, regularly check your installed profiles under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and remove any that look suspicious. Stolen Device Protection will make it more difficult for thieves to get into the most sensitive parts of your iPhone.Apple You clicked the wrong link Phishing attacks are getting smarter, targeting iPhone users with emails and messages that look like they’re from Apple. These sneaky messages often trick you into giving away your Apple ID username and password by tricking you into thinking there’s an urgent issue with your account. Once hackers have your information, they can access all your iCloud content, such as your photos, contacts, and backups. They might even lock you out of your own account or use your details to launch more scams. So, be careful of emails or messages that say they’re from Apple, even if they seem legit. Apple will rarely if ever send you a message like that, so check the sender’s address carefully, and never click on links you don’t trust. Instead, go straight to your iPhone Settings or contact support to check for anything wrong with your account. Your SIM was swapped If your iPhone uses a physical SIM card, you’re at risk of SIM swapping attacks. This is when someone tricks your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card they control. Once they have your number, they can intercept calls and text messages, including two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, and basically clone your iPhone. With access to your 2FA codes, hackers can breach your accounts, reset passwords, and bypass security measures. This deceptive tactic can have serious consequences for your personal and financial information. And even newer iPhones with eSIMs are at risk. To prevent this from happening to you, contact your mobile carrier and set up a PIN or password that must be provided before any changes are made to your account. And as always, use app-based authentication methods, passkeys, and 2FA whenever possible. Hackers don’t need physical access to your device to hijack your SIM.Foundry You’re tempted to jailbreak Jailbreaking your iPhone might seem like a fun way to make it your own, but it’s actually a considerable risk. It removes many built-in security features that protect you from harmful software. Without those safeguards, your iPhone can get infected with malware, have your data stolen, or even be hacked. What’s more, jailbroken devices often miss out on important security updates, so they’re even more vulnerable to these threats. So, before you jailbreak your iPhone, think about it. The cool stuff you can do with it won’t make up for the security risks. Stick with the official version of iOS, and you’ll be safe and sound. And besides, with so many customization options in the latest versions, you probably don’t even need to anymore.

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Apple urges judge to dismiss the DOJ's speculative antitrust suit
Apple has argued in court that the Department of Justice's case against it is baseless, while the DOJ says prove it at trial.The Department of Justice case will hang over Apple for yearsAs expected, Apple made its case to US District Judge Julien Neals in Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesday, November 21, 2024. Its lawyers are seeking a dismissal of the antitrust accusations that it has consistently decried since the Department of Justice (DOJ) brought it in March 2024.Now according to Bloomberg, both sides have presented their argument over whether the case should continue. Apple attorney Devora Allon said: Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AT&T Turbo icon begins appearing on some iPhones
If you’ve begun seeing a strange icon displaying “Turbo” on your iPhone with AT&T as your character, you’re not along. According to Reddit, the icon has begun to appear as a means of marking its premium network prioritization service. The new indicator seems to have started appearing after users updated to iOS 18.1.1, although that […] Source

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Apple offers technical details as to zero-day bugs and quick operating system security updates to address them
Following up on yesterday’s story about how Apple pushed major macOS, iOS, and iPadOS security updates out the door to cover a pair of vulnerabilities, it appears that the vulnerabilities are already being exploited in the wild. The vulnerabilities, credited to Google’s TAG (Threat Analysis Group), are being actively exploited on Intel-based macOS systems, Apple […] Source

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Best Black Friday Amazon deals: $100 off M4 Mac mini, $250 off MacBook, $189 Apple Watch
Amazon's official Black Friday Deals Week event starts now and we have live coverage of today's best Apple deals, including new low prices on M4 Macs, the 2024 iPad mini 7, current Apple Watch models and more.Amazon's Black Friday deals on Apple start now.Black Friday is happening now at both Amazon and Best Buy, and we're monitoring the Apple space closely so you can save the most money on your holiday shopping. From M4 MacBook and Mac mini discounts to the cheapest Apple Watch Series 10 prices we've seen this season, there are a number of bargains worth considering when choosing gifts for loved ones.Shop Amazon's BF Sale Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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How to find the Retouch tool in Photos for macOS Sequoia 15.1
Macworld Apple has offered a Retouch tool in the macOS Photos app for several releases. This brush-like tool lets you “paint” over an area or in spots and have Photos interpolate detail, removing noise and dust. Starting in macOS 15.1 Sequoia, however, some readers who rely on Retouch noticed it disappeared. That’s because Apple added a more powerful but still in-progress replacement feature: Clean Up. Clean relies on Apple Intelligence, the company’s beta machine-learning product. You need an M1 or later Apple silicon Mac. If you’re using an M-series Mac, when you double-click an image and click Edit, and click Adjust in the button at the top of the editing window, Retouch no longer appears in the right-hand adjustment list. Instead, a new Clean Up button is available at the top of the screen. Click that, and you can adjust a Size slider and click, circle, or paint an area on a photo. Clean Up seems to work best on small areas and in removing certain kinds of distractions, like power lines, people in the background of a photo, or objects. When I drag or circle larger areas instead of painting, the results are quite poor compared to the control offered in Retouch. Retouch isn’t perfect, but it seems to smooth out dust from the top-right of an iPad mini without being too obstrusive (left). Circling an area with Clean Up removed some dust with no trace, but then made other splotches more extreme (right).Foundry The trouble is, you can’t opt to return to Retouch. Even if you disable Apple Intelligence in   > System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri, Clean Up still remains in Photos, and Retouch is still missing. While Apple Intelligence remains in beta, you would think Apple would offer a switch between the two or keep both in place. Unfortunately, it’s provided a dubious “upgrade” that you’ll have to suffer through (or revert to 15.0 Sequoia). This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Martin. Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we don’t reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

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Save $300 on the Apple Studio Display during Black Friday sale
If you want the Apple Studio Display, you should consider getting it now, as it's currently available at a massive $300 discount.Save $300 on the Apple Studio DisplayThe Apple Studio Display offers consumers an Apple-designed screen for their Mac, without necessarily paying the high price of the Pro Display XDR. If you're quick, that price can be even less.Buy for $1,299.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Macworld Podcast: What’s up with Apple’s smart home efforts
Macworld Is Apple finally going to make a real effort into the smart home market? In this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we’ll examine a few recent reports on some rumored products: an iPad-like control center, smart home cameras, an Apple television set, and more! This is episode 910 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola.  Watch episode 910 on YouTube Listen to episode 910 on Apple Podcasts

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Sam’s Club’s $20 membership was too good to pass up
Macworld Between gift shopping, cooking, and hosting the family, the holidays are not cheap, but I’m hoping they’re easier to manage now that I’m doing all my shopping at Sam’s Club. I went years avoiding warehouse stores, but here’s why I’m actually glad I did:  New Sam’s Club Members can get a 1-Year Membership for only $20 (instead of $50).  Here’s how shopping at Sam’s Club is going so far.  There are 597 Sam’s Club warehouses in the US. That’s not just a fun piece of trivia. It’s something I learned because I just moved, and one of the things I’m most excited about is the Sam’s Club that’s only a 20-minute drive from my apartment.  Sure, there’s a grocery store that’s a little closer, but I can’t buy socks at my local grocery store. Or bulk energy drinks. Or a computer. At Sam’s Club, there’s a huge selection, so I might be able to get all my gifts, groceries, and bulk caffeine (it gets its own category because it is important to me) in one go.  And if I don’t feel like putting on shoes, Sam’s Club has an incredible selection online. And it’s not just shopping. There’s a whole section just for travel and entertainment. My next vacation might very well be courtesy of my Sam’s Club membership.  Don’t miss your chance to get a One-Year Sam’s Club Membership for $20.    Sam’s Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew! – $20 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. 

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How XProtect protects you from viruses on macOS
XProtect is Apple's Mac virus detection system which keeps your Mac safe. Here's how the protective macOS feature works.XProtect is macOS's malware scaning tool.Viruses and other malware are a constant threat to computers, which web surfers have to work around every time they go online.A computer virus is a small piece of code that gets silently installed onto your computer. One where it runs or embeds itself into other software and causes havoc. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Regarding — and, Well, Against — Substack
My advice to any writer looking to start a new site based on the newsletter model would be to consider Substack *last*, not first.

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More than 200 companies already support passkeys in their apps and websites
The passwordless future is rapidly becoming a reality as more than 200 companies have now added passkey support to their websites and apps. This significant milestone, revealed by the company behind 1Password, signals a growing shift towards more secure and convenient authentication methods. more…

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