Day: June 17, 2025

Google Advertises Pixel 10 in New ‘Best Phones Forever’ Ad Mocking iOS 26 [Video]

In its continuing “Best Phones Forever” series, Google has playfully teased Apple, pointing out how numerous elements in iOS 26 seem to draw inspiration from the Pixel collection. This light-hearted banter also acts as a promotional hint for the forthcoming Pixel 10.

The “Best Phones Forever” series has provided Google with a platform to illustrate the coexistence of iPhones and Pixels, frequently with a comedic touch. The newest episode, titled “Responding to MORE Rumors,” upholds this theme by examining new iOS 26 features that feel familiar to Pixel users. Among the highlighted features are live translation in text messages, Hold Assist, and Call screening, with the iPhone character joking, “I mean, what are the chances?” These features are anticipated to debut with the iOS 26 update later this year.

The advertisement wraps up with a playful question from the iPhone about the new features the Pixel 10 is developing, leading to a cautious reply from the Pixel. This interchange not only reinforces Google’s assertion of being the pioneer of specific features but also suggests potential fresh ideas for the Pixel 10. Recent rumors indicate that Google is working on a “Magic Cue” feature, which could significantly enhance the Pixel lineup.

Beyond its digital footprint, Google has started to utilize this advertising format in cinemas, showcasing a brief dialogue between the iPhone and Pixel before advising viewers to silence their devices. This approach aligns well with the forthcoming blockbuster season, which features highly anticipated releases like the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, Superman, and Fantastic Four: First Steps.

As the Pixel brand continues to develop, it remains uncertain how the Pixel 10 will set itself apart from its rivals and what new features it will introduce. The playful competition between Google and Apple not only amuses consumers but also sustains the dialogue concerning innovation and feature advancement within the tech community.

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Jamf Sees 28% Rise in Infostealer Malware Among Mac Users

**Comprehending the 2025 Jamf Security 360 Report: Essential Insights into Mac Malware Patterns**

Annually, Jamf, a foremost Apple device management service, issues its Security 360: Annual Trends Report, which offers an in-depth look at the macOS threat environment. The most recent version, published for 2025, draws upon anonymized data from 1.4 million Macs across 90 nations, highlighting concerning trends in malware and cyber risks.

### Major Insights from the Report

1. **Vulnerabilities**: 32% of organizations possess at least one device with critical vulnerabilities that can be patched.
2. **Phishing Attacks**: Jamf documented around 10 million phishing incidents, with 150,000 to 200,000 identified as zero-day attacks.
3. **Social Engineering**: 25% of organizations faced a social engineering attack.
4. **Growth of Infostealers**: Infostealers have emerged as the predominant type of Mac malware, comprising 28.36% of all detected malware, indicating a notable rise.
5. **User Vulnerability**: 1 in 10 users clicked on a harmful phishing link.
6. **Phishing Origins**: More than 90% of cyber attacks start with phishing.

### Infostealers Outpace Adware

The report underscores a significant transformation in the categories of malware targeting Macs. Infostealers, engineered to siphon sensitive data, have surpassed adware as the most common type of malware. This trend mirrors the growing integration of Macs into diverse business functions, rendering them bigger targets for cybercriminals.

Jaron Bradley, Director of Jamf Threat Labs, stresses that the belief that Macs are impervious to malware is outdated. The increasing number of Mac users has rendered them appealing targets, despite Apple’s strong security features like XProtect.

Infostealers have gained traction due to their efficacy and the minimal entry requirements for cybercriminals. Various underground groups provide Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), enabling less technically adept individuals to launch advanced malware with ease.

### Defending Against Infostealers

To shield against infostealers and other forms of malware, users should implement several best practices:

– **Research Prior to Installation**: Always confirm the source before installing software from outside the official Mac App Store.
– **Link Verification**: Hover over links to validate their authenticity prior to clicking.
– **Strong Passwords**: Use complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication, ideally using OTP techniques.
– **Permission Caution**: Exercise caution when granting app permissions.
– **Regular Updates**: Maintain all devices and applications updated to the latest versions.

### Conclusion

The 2025 Jamf Security 360 Report acts as a vital reminder of the shifting cybersecurity terrain for Mac users. With infostealers gaining momentum and phishing attacks becoming more sophisticated, it is crucial for organizations and individuals to stay alert and proactive in their security practices. For a more detailed exploration of the findings, the complete report is accessible for review

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ChatGPT Launches AI Image Generation Functionality in WhatsApp

The ChatGPT 4o image generation model stands out as one of the top AI marketing innovations of the year, and it serves as an incredibly helpful feature. A few months ago, OpenAI launched an enhanced image generation model (4o), which swiftly gained immense popularity. Users began crafting various images that resembled actual photographs or captured the essence of screenshots from Studio Ghibli movies.

The upgrade to the ChatGPT image generation fueled numerous memes and enabled some individuals to create stunning deepfake images as OpenAI loosened certain safety measures, at least in the beginning. This feature also provided users the ability to modify real photographs, further highlighting the advanced capabilities of OpenAI’s new image generation model.

Although other AI companies possessed similarly robust image generation tools, the ChatGPT feature went viral, allowing OpenAI to capitalize on that fame. Millions of users set up ChatGPT accounts to take advantage of this feature.

As OpenAI responded to the demand, it made the 4o image generation model available to the ChatGPT Free tier. Users without premium ChatGPT subscriptions do face restrictions when it comes to image generation.

Now, fast-forward to mid-June, and OpenAI is poised to introduce another significant upgrade. ChatGPT is now capable of generating high-quality images through WhatsApp.

OpenAI launched ChatGPT on WhatsApp last December and has been enhancing the user experience ever since. You can send voice messages to ChatGPT via WhatsApp and upload images when posing questions. I recently mentioned that WhatsApp might serve as the optimal platform for some users to engage with ChatGPT.

By integrating image generation into the WhatsApp experience, OpenAI further supports that notion. If you’re not a loyal ChatGPT user and prefer not to create an account, you can simply message ChatGPT via WhatsApp at 1-800-ChatGPT (1-800-242-8478). The AI will reply just as it would on the website or in the mobile application.

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iOS Beta Code Uncovers Fresh Insights into Apple’s Anticipated Smart Display Home Device

### Apple’s Anticipated Smart Display: Insights and Outlook

There have been speculations that Apple is gearing up to launch its smart display device, initially projected for the spring. Nonetheless, issues related to the functionality of Siri, the voice assistant critical to the operation of the device, seem to have postponed the announcement. In spite of this delay, recent findings in the iOS 18.6 beta suggest that work on the smart display is still in progress.

#### Recent Findings in iOS 18.6 Beta

In the newly issued iOS 18.6 beta, developers have discovered resources specifically curated for the forthcoming smart display. Of particular interest is a file found at the path `/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/ProgressUI.framework/apple-logo-1088@2x~home.png`. The ‘~home’ suffix indicates that this resource is designed for the internal homeOS platform, implying the intended functionalities of the device.

The filename itself offers significant insights into the specifications of the smart display. The number 1088, when interpreted at a 2x scale, suggests that the device may offer a screen resolution of roughly 2176 pixels wide. This resolution is closely aligned with that of the iPad mini, which features a display resolution of 2266×1488 pixels.

#### Screen Dimensions and Pixel Density

If Apple maintains a comparable Retina pixel density as seen in the iPad mini, one could deduce that the smart display might sport a screen size nearing 8 inches. However, this remains uncertain. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously indicated that the smart display would have a 7-inch display. Should this information be accurate, the inferred resolution of 2176 pixels could lead to a reduced pixel density in comparison to the iPad mini.

This lower pixel density may benefit Apple, considering the smart display is likely to be utilized from a greater distance than an iPad. Hence, a marginally lower pixel-per-inch ratio may not noticeably affect the user experience. Furthermore, screens with lower density are generally cheaper to manufacture, which could enhance Apple’s profit margins on this device, particularly if it is priced below the iPad mini’s starting price of $499.

#### Final Thoughts

While the recent revelations in the iOS 18.6 beta deliver important insights into the specifications of Apple’s anticipated smart display, they do not clarify the timeline for its launch. The ongoing development indicates that Apple is devoted to enhancing the device, especially concerning the Siri features that are vital for its operation. As eagerness grows, both consumers and tech aficionados eagerly await additional announcements related to this groundbreaking addition to Apple’s product range.

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Adobe Firefly App Allows AI Image and Video Creation on iPhone

# Adobe Firefly: Now On iPhone

Adobe Firefly, the acclaimed AI app for creating images and videos, has unveiled its mobile version for iPhone users. This launch comes after the release of a Vision Pro app in February, enhancing Adobe’s suite of creative AI tools.

## Mobile Enhancement and Third-Party Collaboration

The iPhone application encompasses all the functionalities of the web tool but has been specially tailored for mobile usage. Users have the freedom to explore not only Adobe’s exclusive image-generation models but also various third-party models offered by Google, OpenAI, and others. This versatility broadens the creative opportunities for users while on the move.

Adobe highlights that the app is crafted for mobile creativity, enabling users to produce content wherever inspiration strikes.

> “Generate captivating creative content anywhere inspiration hits with the power of creative AI in your hands.”

## Main Features of Adobe Firefly App

The Adobe Firefly mobile application boasts three core functionalities:

### 1. Text to Image

Users can effortlessly craft breathtaking images. With the Text to Image feature, simply enter your idea and witness it come to life. This tool is aimed at helping users produce remarkable content swiftly.

> “Create breathtaking images on the go. Imagine it. Type it. View it.”

### 2. Text to Video

The app empowers users to transform text prompts into video clips straight from their devices. It offers various resolutions and aspect ratios to meet diverse creative requirements.

> “Create videos instantly. Convert a text prompt into a video clip right from your device.”

### 3. Generative Fill

With the Generative Fill feature, users can refine images to perfection. This tool allows for the inclusion of new content, background swaps, and removal of undesired elements, all from a mobile platform.

> “Generative Fill, right on your device. Perfect your image effortlessly.”

## Smooth Integration with Creative Cloud

Every creation made within the iPhone app is automatically synced to the user’s Creative Cloud account. This functionality ensures easy accessibility to images produced on the go, allowing for continued work on a Mac or other devices.

## Pricing and Subscription Plans

The Firefly app is available at no cost, permitting users to generate a limited number of images and short videos for free. After reaching the free usage cap, users will need to acquire credits.

Subscription options begin at $9.99 per month for individuals, which includes 2,000 credits for images and up to 20 five-second video clips. The premium plan provides 50,000 credits and unlimited five-second video production for $199.99 per month.

## Final Thoughts

Adobe Firefly’s arrival as an iPhone app represents a notable advancement in making creative AI tools more readily available. With its powerful features and seamless Creative Cloud integration, users can now tap into their creativity anytime, anywhere.

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Judge Decides Apple Must Confront Lawsuit Concerning iCloud Storage Problems

Apple’s iCloud storage policies are facing heightened scrutiny, resulting in a federal lawsuit that contests the company’s methods in the digital storage sector. A recent decision by U.S. District Judge Eumi Lee in San Jose, California, permits the proposed class action to proceed, accusing Apple of unlawfully dominating the market and forcing consumers to pay excessively for its iCloud service.

The lawsuit underscores a major concern among users about Apple’s restriction of free storage to merely 5GB, which many consider insufficient. The plaintiff, who was paying $2.99 monthly for extra iCloud storage, raised concerns regarding the inability to utilize third-party cloud storage services for crucial iPhone functionalities, particularly for backing up essential data and device configurations. While iOS does permit third-party applications for specific data types, such as photos and videos, backing up vital settings is solely facilitated by iCloud.

The ramifications of this lawsuit are significant, as the plaintiff’s legal team seeks to represent a nationwide class of potentially tens of millions of consumers who have acquired iCloud storage plans. Should Apple lose the case, it might be forced to amend its iCloud storage policies, possibly making the existing free storage limit more acceptable or changing it to ease competitive pressures.

As the case advances, it raises critical questions about consumer rights and the competitive dynamics of digital storage services. The result could have enduring implications on how Apple designs its iCloud offerings and engages with its user community.

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Exclusive Details Uncovered About Apple’s Entirely Glass Structure for iPhone 20

With Apple revealing iOS 26 and the innovative Liquid Glass design, informants speculate that this operating system enhancement is an indication of the forthcoming iPhone 20, which earlier reports indicated Apple intends to create as a genuine all-screen device.

Currently, news aggregator yeux1122 is disclosing information regarding this new all-glass design for the iPhone 20, referencing sources from a design-oriented company. To start, the leaker points to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and his “Glasswing” report pertaining to the iPhone 20. As per Gurman, Apple aspires to provide an authentic all-screen experience by concealing both Face ID and front-facing camera sensors beneath the display. The initial move toward this transformation is anticipated with the iPhone 18 Pro, which is expected to hide all Face ID sensors under the display, with only the front-facing camera remaining visible.

By 2027, Apple is forecasted to obscure all these sensors, ultimately achieving a goal initially envisioned with the iPhone X years ago. Yeux1122 asserts that the iPhone 20 will showcase a monolithic design, with the device characterized as a “single entity” entirely composed of glass.

The leaker expresses that the front and back surfaces will not be perceived as distinct components, but instead as elements of a cohesive, unified design. They remark, “The application of secondary-formed glass accentuates a seamless surface that extends from the front to the sides and rear, enhancing a sense of unity.” This modification is vital for facilitating Apple’s ambitions of developing a genuine edge-to-edge display.

Yeux1122 also speculates that Apple might streamline numerous internal and external elements into a few main components, possibly leading to a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Apple has set a carbon-neutral target for 2030, thus many of its products will need to align with that standard shortly.

In their article, the leaker highlights that realizing a monolithic design for mass-market items is consistently a challenge. They reference two brands that have ventured into similar concepts: Sony’s premium television lineup in 2010 and BMW’s conceptual i VISION CIRCULAR vehicle, anticipated around 2040.

Most companies steer clear of all-glass designs due to elevated production costs, hence they generally reserve them for commemorative or prototype products. Since the iPhone 20 represents a significant milestone, Apple might be inclined to venture beyond its usual limits. Even some of the company’s executives have commented that they don’t foresee the iPhone’s existence in a decade.

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Social Media Becomes the Primary Source of News in the United States

For the very first time, social media has surpassed television as the primary source for news among Americans. Whether this is beneficial… depends on the individual’s perspective.

This finding is one of the key highlights from the Reuters Institute’s 2025 Digital News Report, which was published recently. The report indicates that 54% of U.S. adults now claim to get their news from social media and video services, in contrast to 50% who depend on television and 48% who turn to traditional news sites or applications. It marks the first instance of social media leading the charts.

This trend goes beyond mere statistics. The report points out that a considerable number of these social-driven news consumers belong to demographics that conventional media have found challenging to engage: younger viewers, males, users with right-leaning political views, and individuals with little trust in mainstream journalism.

While the shift in the U.S. is particularly pronounced, the report mentions that similar (although slower) trends are evident in other politically divided nations such as the U.K. and France.

### Video is the New News

Another significant takeaway from the report: individuals are not just obtaining news from social platforms; they are consuming it through video. Weekly viewership of online news videos in the U.S. rose from 55% in 2021 to 72% in 2025.

A large portion of this activity is taking place on social applications, with younger demographics at the forefront. Among global users aged 18 to 24, video and audio formats are now favored over textual news. Platforms like TikTok are experiencing substantial growth in news consumption outside the U.S., with Thailand leading at 49% of users accessing news through TikTok.

As for traditional media companies? The report states that they are still facing challenges in modifying their tone and style for video-centric, personality-driven platforms like TikTok and YouTube, especially without detracting from their own web traffic.

### The Phone Remains Undefeated

It may come as no surprise that smartphones continue to play a crucial role in how Americans engage with news. Among U.S. participants under 35, 57% report that their smartphone is the initial place they check for news each morning.

Regarding podcasts? In the U.S., news podcasts are now equally consumed as printed newspapers or live radio broadcasts, although much of this listening heavily skews towards personality-driven commentary rather than straightforward news reporting.

The comprehensive report encompasses 48 nations and addresses a variety of topics from social influencers to AI presenters. It provides intriguing insights into the diverse cultural differences (and commonalities) in global news consumption.

However, the narrative in the U.S. is clear: social media, particularly video content, has taken precedence in how individuals obtain their news.

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Apple Intelligence Set to Debut in China Despite US Government Worries

**Apple Intelligence Poised for Launch in China: A New Chapter in AI Collaboration**

Strong signals indicate that Apple Intelligence may soon debut in China, following its agreement with Alibaba to employ its Qwen models. A regional report indicates that Alibaba has upgraded its ChatGPT rival, Qwen3, fine-tuned for the AI architecture utilized on Apple devices.

### Apple Unable to Use ChatGPT in China

Apple formed a partnership with OpenAI for the rollout of Apple Intelligence, with a contingency plan to use ChatGPT for tasks that its AI systems are unable to manage. Nevertheless, due to ChatGPT’s ban in China, the Chinese government effectively compelled Apple to team up with a domestic AI firm instead. Prior to Alibaba’s announcement in February regarding the secured contract, Apple had been in talks with various Chinese AI companies.

### Potential Launch Imminent

The *South China Morning Post* reports that the unveiling of Qwen3 sets the stage for Apple Intelligence’s launch in China. Alibaba Group Holding has introduced its revamped Qwen3 family of AI models, potentially indicating the forthcoming deployment of machine-learning technology across Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The Qwen team from Alibaba’s cloud division stated that they have launched open-source Qwen3 models tailored for Apple’s MLX machine learning framework.

While concerns had been expressed that the ongoing tariff conflict might postpone the launch, it now seems that these complications have been addressed.

### Concerns from the US Government

The launch appears to progress despite apprehensions from the US government regarding Apple’s alliance with Alibaba. Lawmakers recently voiced national security concerns, suggesting that the partnership could help China improve its AI capabilities using personal data from US citizens. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, characterized the agreement as “extremely disturbing,” cautioning that Apple could be empowering a company closely linked to the Chinese Communist Party, akin to worries surrounding TikTok.

Experts stress that the United States is engaged in an AI competition with China and are concerned about American companies supporting Chinese entities in enhancing their technology.

Apple is also expected to confront public relations hurdles pertaining to human rights, given that Qwen3 regulates its output in line with Chinese government mandates. The collaboration aims to develop an on-device system that will scrutinize and adjust Apple’s AI models for iOS and macOS, ensuring adherence to Chinese laws. Reports indicate that the Chinese government will have the authority to request modifications to AI models through Alibaba whenever it needs to change the information presented to users.

### Conclusion

As Apple Intelligence gears up for its likely launch in China, the partnership with Alibaba represents a notable transformation in Apple’s strategy toward AI in regions with strict regulations. While this collaboration opens new paths for technological progress, it also raises significant concerns regarding data privacy, national security, and adherence to human rights standards. The evolving situation will be closely observed by stakeholders across the tech industry and government arenas.

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