“Apple’s Age Verification System Focused on Privacy: Tackling Two Challenges”

While Apple is actively opposing the imposition of legal responsibility for age verification in relation to app downloads, many of its users would gain from the company adopting this responsibility. Given Apple’s history of finding privacy-conscious methods for handling personal data, there is a compelling argument for the company to enhance its efforts beyond the current proposals.

### The Age Verification Narrative Thus Far

Certain US states and countries enforce minimum age requirements for specific categories of apps. A notable instance is Australia, which prohibits anyone under 16 from using social media applications. Likewise, there are increasing demands for age verification across various US states. Presently, individual developers, rather than Apple and Google, bear the responsibility for confirming the ages of users downloading their apps. However, federal lawmakers are contemplating a shift with the introduction of a new proposed legislation, the App Store Accountability Act. This law would permit users to verify their age once with either Apple or Google, allowing these companies to age-gate apps accordingly, instead of necessitating age verification for each app downloaded.

### I Trust Apple More Than Developers

There are persuasive reasons to support this method. Requiring users to submit government-issued photo IDs and video selfies to multiple developers presents a considerable privacy threat. Many would rather trust Apple to conduct identity and age verification once, subsequently blocking access to apps deemed inappropriate for certain ages. This initiative would also improve user experience since individuals would only need to confirm their age one time rather than each time they install a new age-restricted app.

For example, users might opt to validate their identity with Apple instead of Meta to gain access to Instagram, with Meta only receiving an age verification confirmation. This option highlights a preference for Apple, which is viewed as having a greater dedication to privacy. Even if the law necessitates photo ID, it is anticipated that Apple would manage such data securely, ensuring its immediate destruction post-verification.

### It Isn’t Limited to Apps

Age verification extends beyond apps; it is rapidly becoming a prominent concern for websites. The UK has recently enacted a law mandating adult websites to confirm the age of visitors, but the ambiguous wording raises fears it could inadvertently impact educational sites. Furthermore, there are calls for gambling platforms to incorporate photo ID verification to prevent minors from accessing services through parental credit cards. Detractors contend that the core motive behind these regulations may be an inclination towards enhanced government oversight online.

### Apple Could Seamlessly Be the Answer

Should Apple assume the role of age verifier, the process could be made significantly more efficient. When users authenticate their identity with Apple, the company could link that verification to Safari on their devices. Thus, when accessing a website requiring age confirmation, the site would only receive validation from Apple that the user is of legal age, without any personal data being disclosed.

This framework is already operational with Apple Pay, where retailers do not see identity proof but receive assurance that biometric verification has taken place. Similarly, a “verified adult” marker could be incorporated into the information Apple shares with websites, safeguarding privacy while fulfilling regulatory obligations.

### Would You Care to See This?

While some may contest the necessity for age verification for apps or websites, positing that it should fall under parental duties, the fact remains that such measures are being put in place irrespective of individual viewpoints. The crucial question is not if age verification will take place, but who ought to take responsibility for it.

This conversation encourages users to reflect on their preferences surrounding age verification and which entities they trust to manage such sensitive data.

Ongoing Screen Flickering Problems Noted by macOS Tahoe Users

### macOS Tahoe Presents an Exasperating Display Issue for Certain Users

If you’ve observed peculiar screen flickers following the installation of macOS Tahoe, you’re not the only one. An increasing number of users are reporting brief yet bothersome display flickering, especially when utilizing Apple’s Studio Display.

In a recent Mastodon post, Dan Moren recounted his troubles with screen flickering on his Mac mini and MacBook Air while connected to the Studio Display. MacRumors has recently drawn attention to this issue, noting that flickering typically arises when switching between applications featuring bright white backgrounds or when scrolling through websites with light backgrounds. The flickering can occur sporadically and is usually brief, though it can sometimes last several seconds, particularly when moving from dark to light content.

Moren tried to fix the problem by disabling features like True Tone, Night Shift, and automatic brightness. He mentioned that while turning off Night Shift appeared to offer some relief, the flickering continues to be an intermittent and exasperating issue.

Regrettably, the most recent macOS updates (26.1 and 26.2) have not remedied the situation for the majority of users. In fact, some have claimed that macOS 26.2 may have intensified the flickering. Apple has yet to acknowledge the problem, leaving many users in search of solutions.

It is still uncertain whether this issue is limited to the Studio Display or if it impacts additional displays as well. Anecdotal reports indicate that some users, including those with the Pro Display XDR, have not encountered any flickering problems with macOS Tahoe.

If you are facing screen flickering concerns after updating to macOS Tahoe, please share your insights in the comments.

Apple Might Mandate iPhone Users to Upgrade to iOS 26 for Security Enhancements

Apple launched iOS 26.2 last week, bringing important security updates along with iOS 18.7.3 for those who have not yet made the jump to the latest version. However, reports suggest that some iPhone users are not receiving the iOS 18 update and are instead being guided toward iOS 26. This scenario raises issues regarding user options and safety.

### iOS 26.2 and iOS 18.7.3 Updates

The iOS 26.2 update features noteworthy security improvements, tackling two WebKit vulnerabilities that might have been leveraged in targeted assaults against certain individuals utilizing earlier iOS versions. The iOS 18.7.3 update also addresses the same WebKit vulnerabilities as well as additional security weaknesses for those who continue to use iOS 18.

The problem lies for users who have chosen to remain on iOS 18, as they are not given the choice to upgrade to iOS 18.7.3. Instead, the only option available is iOS 26.2, effectively forcing users to switch to the newest operating system to gain critical security protections.

### User Concerns

Numerous users might opt to postpone upgrading to iOS 26 for various reasons, such as worries about new features, app compatibility, or an overall desire for stability. This predicament creates a conflict for users who want to keep their existing operating system while still obtaining essential security updates.

### Workaround for Users

For those reluctant to transition to iOS 26, a possible workaround is to enroll in Apple’s public beta program and select the iOS 18 public beta track, which grants access to the 18.7.3 update. Nevertheless, this workaround may appear inconvenient for users merely looking for security remedies.

### Conclusion

It is still unclear whether the unavailability of iOS 18.7.3 is an error or an intentional policy shift by Apple. Historically, Apple has supplied security updates for older iOS versions to maintain user safety. The current scenario might indicate a glitch, as users should ideally have access to all available updates, including the security-centric iOS 18.7.3.

Apple TV Set to Launch Season Finale of Pluribus Early Next Week

**Pluribus Season One Finale: Early Release Announcement**

Apple TV+ subscribers have something to look forward to as the eagerly awaited finale of the inaugural season of *Pluribus* is set to debut sooner than anticipated. Initially planned for December 26, the ninth episode will now be accessible on December 24, just in time for the holiday festivities.

This is not the first occasion Apple TV+ has delighted its viewers with an earlier release. Last month, episode five was released two days prior to its scheduled airing during the Thanksgiving/Black Friday week. This pattern of early releases appears to be a tactical decision by Apple to boost viewer interaction during holiday times, with Christmas Day and Kwanzaa affecting the choice this time.

Fans can anticipate watching the new episode on the evening of December 23, as Apple generally releases new episodes at 9 p.m. ET the night before the official debut date. This advanced access allows devoted viewers to savor the finale before the holiday celebrations begin.

Episode nine, which has a runtime of 57 minutes, is noteworthy for being the third longest episode in the series. The premiere episode has the second longest duration at 59 minutes, while episode two is the longest, running for 1 hour and 5 minutes. As the season finale, this episode is anticipated to provide a gripping conclusion to the narratives established throughout the season.

*Pluribus* has attracted considerable attention, marking itself as the most-viewed show on Apple TV+ thus far. Apple had earlier disclosed that two seasons of the series were commissioned in 2022, guaranteeing fans that the story will continue beyond this initial season.

For those looking to view *Pluribus*, Apple TV+ can be subscribed to at a rate of $12.99 per month. Additionally, viewers have the option of a bundled subscription that features Apple TV+, iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade for $19.95 per month via Apple One.

As the finale nears, anticipation mounts among fans eager to find out how the first season wraps up and what awaits in the next installment of *Pluribus*.