Day: July 31, 2025

iOS 18.6 Update Fixes Zero-Day Vulnerability Exploited in Chrome Attacks

iOS 18.6 is now available, yet Apple hasn’t presented many incentives for iPhone owners to make the jump before the significant iOS 26 launch anticipated later this autumn. In addition to the standard “bug fixes and security enhancements,” the company noted that iOS 18.6 addressed a “rare” bug that was hindering users from sharing video memories via the Photos app.

While a segment of users opts not to update their iPhone software due to the belief that it slows down their devices or adversely affects their battery life, poor release notes can also mislead by failing to include the most relevant information regarding the update. In this instance, Apple has rectified a significant security vulnerability that has been exploited in zero-day attacks on Google Chrome.

Consequently, not updating your iPhone to iOS 18.6 (or to the latest iOS 26 beta versions) could expose you to a significant security risk that may enable hackers to deploy malware on your device, access your data, or monitor your activities.

Essential information about the zero-day Chrome attack

Techniques to Recognize Callers from Concealed or Unidentified Numbers

block unsolicited calls, yet sometimes you do wish to identify who is on the line. Could it be a scam or a genuine job prospect? Was it a business reaching out from an unexpected number? Or perhaps it’s a friend or family member you wish to get back in touch with, or someone you’re trying to steer clear of? The positive aspect is that there are methods to uncover who has been trying to reach you without having to pick up the call. A web search could provide outcomes depending on whether the number is recognized, such as a business, but certain websites deliver more comprehensive details. Platforms like Whitepages or NumLookup offer both complimentary and paid options to assist you in identifying who has called you.

Complimentary methods to discover who is calling you

Grasping Android: Differentiating Between Android Elements and Google Functions

The inquiry itself can be perplexing.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Welcome to Tech Talk, a weekly feature covering the devices we utilize and their functionality. Our goal is to present information in an easily comprehensible manner, helping you understand how and why your device operates as it does.

At times, the discussion may delve into technical aspects, as technology often possesses a layer of complexity. However, we can work through it together to make it understandable!

Tech Talk

(Image credit: Future)

A straightforward explanation of how it functions. A weekly insight into what drives your devices.

You may not find it important to understand how all of this operates, and that’s perfectly fine. Your tech devices are personal and should bring enjoyment. Still, you never know, you might just pick up a thing or two…

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Apple Glasses Speculations Suggest Convergence with Mark Zuckerberg’s Vision

Apple Glasses are said to be under development with a launch aimed for 2026, and speculation surrounding the new AI device suggests that Apple may unexpectedly align with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

### Zuckerberg states glasses are the ‘perfect form factor for AI’

Recently, during Meta’s quarterly earnings call, Mark Zuckerberg conveyed strong belief in the possibilities smart glasses hold. He remarked, “I remain convinced that glasses are essentially going to be the perfect form factor for AI because you can enable an AI to witness what you see throughout your day, hear what you hear, converse with you.” He highlighted the cognitive benefits that AI-equipped glasses could offer, indicating that those lacking such technology could encounter a substantial disadvantage when compared to others.

Meta has achieved some success with its smart glasses, yet Zuckerberg’s vision goes beyond existing consumer tendencies, positioning glasses as crucial instruments for upcoming AI engagement. This view might resonate with Apple’s forthcoming initiatives regarding its own smart glasses.

Throughout the last year, there have been indications that Apple is significantly investing in AI glasses, speeding up their development schedule. Originally, Apple Glasses were perceived as a remote possibility, designed as a simplified version of the Apple Vision Pro technology. Initial reports suggested that Apple aimed to upgrade its current wearables, such as the Apple Watch and AirPods, with camera features rather than concentrating on glasses.

Nonetheless, recent updates reveal that Apple is now focusing on a standalone smart glasses venture, resulting in the cancellation of plans to incorporate cameras into other devices. Consequently, Apple Glasses are now anticipated to debut before the close of 2026, concentrating on AI over augmented reality.

This transformation implies that Apple acknowledges the necessity of entering the smart glasses arena, especially as rivals like Meta continue to advance. The AI-focused strategy of Apple Glasses aligns with Zuckerberg’s claim that glasses could function as the ideal medium for AI integration.

While the complete scope of Apple’s intentions remains ambiguous, the congruence between Apple’s approach and Zuckerberg’s vision underscores a growing agreement on the significance of AI in future computing. The lingering question is whether AI glasses will emerge as a mainstream product category and how both companies will navigate this shifting terrain.

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Current Promotions: Save Up to $145 on AirPods Max, $100 Off M3 iPad Air, MacBook Air Available for $799, Wireless CarPlay Adapter, and Additional Offers

### Apple Product Promotions: Latest Discounts and Highlights

At this moment, Apple fans can seize considerable reductions on a range of products, including the M4 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, as well as the Midnight AirPods Max. These offers showcase some of the finest prices observed this year, making it a prime opportunity for potential purchasers.

#### M4 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air Promotions

Right now, the M4 MacBook Pro is on sale at an unprecedented low price of **$1,299**, showing a **$300 reduction** from its initial list price of **$1,599**. This model boasts 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, offering a robust option for users who demand enhanced performance and display excellence. The MacBook Pro is recognized for its high-quality construction, exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display, and comprehensive connectivity options, which include Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and an SD card slot.

Moreover, the M4 MacBook Air is also experiencing noteworthy savings, with pricing beginning at **$799**, reflecting a **$200 discount** from the regular price. This model is perfect for users in search of a lightweight and adaptable laptop that doesn’t require top-tier specifications.

#### AirPods Max Discount

The Midnight AirPods Max (USB-C) have reverted to a lowered price of **$449.99**, down from the standard **$549**. This offer includes a **$99 decrease**, making it an appealing choice for those in pursuit of premium audio quality. Additionally, open-box units are available at an even lower price, set at **$403.99**, which still comes with a one-year warranty from Apple.

#### M3 iPad Air Promotions

For tablet enthusiasts, Amazon is providing **$100 off** on multiple configurations of the M3 iPad Air, with prices beginning at **$499**. This model is an outstanding selection for users desiring a powerful tablet without the elevated cost tied to the iPad Pro. The M3 iPad Air features Apple’s M series chip, delivering strong performance for daily tasks and creative endeavors.

#### Conclusion

With these continuing discounts, now is a superb opportunity for consumers to acquire Apple products. Whether in search of a laptop, tablet, or high-quality headphones, the current offers on the M4 MacBook Pro, M4 MacBook Air, and AirPods Max provide substantial savings and value.

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“Examination of Spotify Engagement by Celebrities and Politicians Underscores Privacy Issues”

### Panama Playlists Reveals Spotify’s Privacy Weaknesses

Spotify has been recognized for its focus on social sharing and public music engagement for a long time. However, an emerging site named **Panama Playlists** has unveiled notable privacy flaws in the service by disclosing playback habits, playlists, and more from various public figures, including tech innovators and politicians.

#### Grasping Spotify’s Privacy Options

The rise of Panama Playlists poses a crucial question for users: Do you understand your Spotify privacy options? The site has aggregated a variety of Spotify information from prominent personalities such as:

– J.D. Vance, U.S. Vice President
– Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI
– Seth Meyers, comedian
– Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
– Al Roker, NBC

The anonymous founder of the platform remarked, “I uncovered the genuine Spotify accounts of celebrities, politicians, and journalists. Many utilize their real identities. With a bit of investigation, I can confidently say: yes, this is them. We’ve been collecting their accounts since summer 2024. Playlists, live listening feed, everything. I know which songs they played, when, and how often.”

Though this data was obtained publicly and does not represent a data breach, it underscores the precision of the accessible data.

#### The Consequences of Public Profiles

As highlighted by **The Verge**, numerous individuals reached out about their Spotify privacy options and were astonished by the minimal protection they possessed. The article indicates that Spotify’s framework presumes users wish to share everything publicly, complicating the maintenance of privacy. By default, all playlists and profiles are visible to the public, and users must delve into the “Privacy and social” menu to adjust the “Public playlists” setting to private. Nonetheless, this modification does not retroactively affect existing playlists, necessitating users to manually update each one.

#### An Urgent Reminder for Spotify Users

For Spotify users, this scenario serves as a reminder to reassess privacy configurations to ensure they reflect personal preferences. Alternatively, users might contemplate migrating to services like **Apple Music**, which is viewed as having more stringent privacy measures concerning listening data.

The introduction of Panama Playlists initiates a broader discussion about privacy in the digital era and the necessity of being proactive in managing personal data online.

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Apple to Unveil Q3 2025 Earnings Today: Ways to Access the Live Stream

Apple is primed to unveil its Q3 2025 earnings results later today, with a conference call commencing at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET. This revelation is eagerly awaited as it will shed light on Apple’s performance from April through June, especially considering the ongoing trade tensions with major supplier nations like China and India.

The earnings report will be vital for grasping how these trade challenges have impacted Apple’s operations and overall business approach. After the earnings announcement, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh will host a conference call to delve into the results and field inquiries from analysts. This discussion is anticipated to encompass a variety of subjects, including Apple’s projections for the next financial quarter and the potential consequences of a 25% tariff on imports from India, which is slated to take effect unless a trade agreement is established.

Listeners can access the live stream of the conference call via Apple’s investor relations website. The call is generally around an hour long and may feature technical discussions laden with industry terminology. Expect insights on various performance indicators, such as headwinds, legacy nodes, challenging comparisons, new milestones, double-digit growth, and customer satisfaction as Cook and Parekh present a well-rounded overview of Apple’s financial well-being and outlook for the future.

Stay tuned for coverage on the actual earnings results and key takeaways from the conference call later today.

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Caution Advised: Emerging ‘Quishing’ Scams Indicate QR Code Scanning Threatens Millions

recent security findings from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) indicate that QR code phishing has surged significantly in 2025, with numerous individuals becoming victims of malware and fraudulent payment pages. The term “quishing,” which has emerged to describe this act, is insidiously straightforward, and it’s outpacing even the most bothersome iPhone phishing schemes.

Malicious individuals place a counterfeit QR code sticker in a location, someone scans it, and they are redirected to a sham page where the person unwittingly enters their sensitive information — like credit card details, bank account numbers, and more. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to help steer clear of QR code frauds.

Ways to steer clear of quishing scams

Samsung’s Mobile Phone Triumph Gleams Even with 55% Decline in Q2 Profits

Samsung’s Q2 2025 performance highlights that it remains a formidable player, albeit facing significant challenges.

What you should be aware of

– Samsung’s revenue reached $53.5B, but profits plummeted by 55%, primarily due to a difficult quarter in its chip sector.
– Semiconductor profits fell significantly — from $4.6B last year to merely $287M — as a result of Nvidia delays and stricter U.S. export regulations.
– With Meta and Microsoft increasing their AI requirements, Samsung is counting on a stronger latter half of the year.

Samsung has published its Q2 2025 results, revealing a mixed picture, where overall performance has declined, albeit a few segments have managed to remain stable.

The South Korean conglomerate generated KRW 74.6 trillion (around $53.5 billion), yet profits experienced a downturn, with operating profit decreasing to KRW 4.7 trillion ($3.37 billion). This reflects a 55% drop compared to the previous quarter and is almost identical year-over-year.

Samsung attributes the downturn primarily to its semiconductor division, which faced substantial challenges this quarter.

The semiconductor sector was particularly adversely affected, recording only KRW 400 billion in profit ($287 million). This represents a dramatic fall from the KRW 6.5 trillion earned last year. A significant factor contributing to the drop is the delay in delivering high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to Nvidia, alongside tightened U.S. export restrictions impacting chip sales to China.

AI demand from major tech firms sparks Samsung’s optimism

Despite robust demand from AI and cloud-oriented companies, Samsung struggled to seize the opportunity this quarter as rivals like SK Hynix and Micron did.

However, there are indications of a recovery on the horizon. Samsung anticipates a more robust second half, driven by increased AI demand from major stakeholders such as Meta and Microsoft. A new trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, implementing a 15% chip tariff, also offers some relief and predictability.

Additionally, Samsung is making a significant gamble on its foundry business with a $16.5 billion chip order from Tesla, which will commence manufacturing at its Texas facility in 2026.

During the earnings call, Daniel Araujo, VP of Samsung’s Mobile Experience team, revealed that the Galaxy S25 FE will launch sooner than expected, likely around August or early September, according to Android Authority.

Mobile and electronics stabilize Samsung amid semiconductor downturn

Looking forward, Samsung is prioritizing advanced chip technology as it aims to bridge the performance gap in the AI arena. It is in the process of developing HBM-3E and HBM-4 memory, essential components for maintaining relevance in the AI chip competition.

Samsung’s mobile division performed well, generating roughly $2.23 billion in profit, a nearly 40% increase from last year’s $1.6 billion. The uplift was driven by strong sales across its product range, including not just phones but also laptops, smartwatches, tablets, and even smart rings.

Despite a challenging Q2 for its semiconductor business, Samsung found some equilibrium within its mobile and electronics sectors. The company is banking on AI advancements and new partnerships to aid in turning the tide in the second half of 2025.

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Concerns Expressed Regarding App Store Security Resulting from Tea App Problems

**Appalling Security Vulnerabilities in the Tea App: An In-Depth Review of Apple’s App Store Regulations**

Apple has historically justified its monopolistic dominance over the distribution of iPhone applications, claiming that its thorough review process guarantees user safety and security. Nonetheless, recent discoveries concerning the Tea app—a platform for dating advice—have raised critical doubts about the efficiency of this review process. The app, intended to assist women in sharing red flags regarding potential partners, has been revealed to harbor considerable security flaws that have exposed the private conversations and personal information of tens of thousands of users.

### Significant Security Issues

The security vulnerabilities associated with the Tea app are concerning. Reports suggest that sensitive data, such as selfies and identification photos utilized for user verification, has been compromised. This breach not only threatens users’ privacy but also makes it simple to identify individuals and the men they have mentioned within the app. Such flaws contradict the app’s declared goal of fostering a safer dating environment for women.

### Conflicting Assertions Regarding App Store Security

Apple’s defense for its App Store monopoly is based on the claim that it is a “secure and trustworthy environment” for users to acquire applications. However, the existence of fraudulent apps within the App Store has drawn scrutiny from antitrust authorities worldwide. A study conducted in 2021 indicated that nearly 2% of the top-grossing apps in the App Store were scams, resulting in losses of around $50 million for users. This situation raises concerns about whether Apple’s review process is genuinely effective in protecting users.

Despite facing pressure to permit third-party app stores in the EU, Apple has been resistant to implementing similar adjustments in the United States and other areas. Critics contend that the existence of problematic applications, such as Tea, directly challenges Apple’s claims regarding the safety of its App Store.

### The Tea App: A Prime Example of Oversight

The continued availability of the Tea app on the App Store, despite its obvious security flaws, has spurred discussions among users and commentators. A prominent voice in this debate, John Gruber, has proposed that while Google has restricted the app’s visibility on its Play Store, Apple should contemplate analogous actions. Gruber’s viewpoint underscores the necessity for a balanced strategy—removing the app entirely may not be warranted, but limiting its visibility could avert new users from unintentionally downloading a potentially dangerous application.

### Conclusion

The circumstances surrounding the Tea app represent a significant case study in the ongoing discussion regarding app store security and monopolistic behavior. As Apple continues to encounter scrutiny over its App Store control, the crucial question persists: what measures should the company undertake concerning apps with considerable security flaws? Should it eliminate such apps, restrict their visibility, or preserve the current situation? The resolutions to these questions will have far-reaching consequences for user safety and the future of application distribution on iOS platforms.

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