AllYouCanTech

Apple Tackles iPhone Zero-Day Flaw Exploited Targeting Journalists

### Apple Fixes Zero-Day Vulnerability Used by Paragon Spyware

Apple has announced the remediation of a zero-day flaw that was leveraged to deploy mercenary spyware on the iPhones of reporters. This security issue was resolved in the iOS 18.3.1 update released earlier this year, according to TechCrunch.

#### Vulnerability Details

The security notice updated by Apple indicates that the flaw was exploited by the Israeli surveillance company Paragon to access the devices of at least two journalists in Europe. Citizen Lab, an organization focused on digital threats, stated that while Apple first acknowledged a different flaw regarding iPhone security locks in February, it subsequently revised its notice to include a second, previously unreported vulnerability. This recent issue relates to how iOS handled photos and videos shared through iCloud Links.

Apple noted that this vulnerability “might have been exploited in an extremely advanced attack targeting specific individuals.”

#### Individuals Targeted

The Citizen Lab investigation revealed that Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and another unnamed notable European journalist were the targets of the exploit. Both received vague notifications from Apple concerning potential spyware threats, lacking specific information about the assailants or the tactics employed.

Paragon was first highlighted in January when WhatsApp alerted approximately 90 users, including journalists and human rights activists, that they were targeted by Paragon’s Graphite spyware. This was followed by another warning from Apple in April, notifying iPhone users across 100 nations about possible spyware threats, though it did not specifically mention Paragon.

Apple clarified that the choice to keep the spyware’s name undisclosed was deliberate to stop attackers from altering their strategies based on the information available.

#### Confirmation of Paragon’s Role

Today’s report from Citizen Lab has verified for the first time that Paragon was behind at least two of the attacks on iPhone users who received notifications from Apple. This finding emphasizes the persistent dangers presented by mercenary spyware and the necessity of prompt security updates to safeguard vulnerable individuals, especially in journalism and human rights work.

As the digital environment continues to change, the demand for strong security protocols and transparency from technology firms remains vital in protecting users from sophisticated cyber threats.

Instagram Unveils Instant Spotify Track Sharing in Notes and Suggests a Grid Rearrangement Option

### Instagram Unveils Real-Time Music Sharing Feature with Notes

Instagram is upgrading its platform by launching a new capability that permits users to share their musical tastes via Notes, which are temporary status updates visible above inboxes in direct messages (DMs). Starting today, users can showcase the Spotify tracks they are currently listening to in real-time, revealing both the song title and the artist.

This enhancement represents a major development in Instagram’s music sharing functions, progressing beyond current features by constantly displaying the ongoing song. This real-time feature builds on Instagram’s partnership with Spotify, initiated last November with the debut of an “add to Spotify” button.

### Greater Control, Reduced Social Pressure

The introduction of this feature is part of Instagram’s “Anyway” campaign, designed to lessen social pressure while boosting creativity. As stated by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the campaign encompasses several long-anticipated features, one being the capability to rearrange posts on user profiles. This will allow users to manually change the order of their profile grid, facilitating a curated presentation of their content, irrespective of the original posting sequence.

Mosseri had hinted at this capability earlier in January, and while it is not yet live, Instagram has confirmed that it is close to launching.

### iPad App Also Under Development

Alongside the music sharing feature, Instagram is reportedly working on a dedicated iPad app, a request that users have made for over ten years. Until now, iPad users have had to use an enlarged version of the iPhone app, which has faced criticism for its limited functionalities.

Instagram’s leadership had previously claimed that the iPad user base was not significant enough to justify a standalone app. However, with Meta’s intention to extend Instagram’s reach—especially considering the growing regulatory scrutiny on TikTok—the company seems to be changing its position and is ready to roll out some of the most demanded features by its users.

Apple’s Passwords App Rolls Out iOS 26 Update to Tackle Frequent User Problems

**Apple’s Passwords App: Latest Features in iOS 26**

Apple’s Passwords app, first introduced in iOS 18, has emerged as an essential tool for managing passwords across its devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With the arrival of iOS 26, the app unveils a major improvement that tackles a frequent user concern: the unintentional overwriting of passwords.

### Improved Password Management with Version History

Before iOS 26, users frequently encountered issues when their passwords were inadvertently substituted, resulting in exasperating scenarios where they had to reset their passwords using the “Forgot your password?” functionality. This issue usually occurred when users created a new password but faced challenges completing the update on the website, leading to a discrepancy between the saved password and what the site required.

To resolve this issue, iOS 26 introduces a new feature that retains a comprehensive version history of all logins within the Passwords app. This improvement enables users to monitor changes made to their passwords over time, providing a safeguard against accidental overwrites.

### How the Version History Functions

When accessing a login within the Passwords app, users will now find a ‘View History’ button, which is visible only when multiple versions of a password are stored. This feature presents several important advantages:

– **Access to Various Password Versions**: Users can examine each version of their password, simplifying the process of reverting to a prior one if necessary.
– **Creation Dates**: The app indicates when each password version was created, offering context for the modifications.
– **Clear History Option**: Users can remove their password history, ensuring they can effectively manage their saved information.

### Conclusion

The addition of version history in the Passwords app with iOS 26 represents a welcome advancement that enhances user experience and security. This feature not only alleviates the annoyance of lost passwords but also empowers users to manage their credentials more proficiently. As Apple continues to enhance its password management tools, users can look forward to a more dependable and user-friendly experience in the upcoming year.

Are you planning to take advantage of the new version history feature in the Passwords app with iOS 26? Share your opinions in the comments.

Current Promotions: 50% Discount on Refurbished AirPods Pro 2, $180 Discount on M4 MacBook Air, Up to $399 Off iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Additional Offers

# Today’s Top Apple Offers: Savings on AirPods, MacBook Air, iPhones, and More

As the weekend nears, a plethora of deals on Apple items has surfaced, providing significant discounts on sought-after products like AirPods, MacBook Air, and iPhones. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the finest offers available now.

## AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Offers

Best Buy is showcasing an impressive deal on the **AirPods Pro 2**, now available for **$169**, a reduction from the typical price of **$249**. This equates to a **$125** discount, making it one of the best prices seen this year. Additionally, the standard **AirPods 4** begin at **$99**, aligning with the lowest prices recorded online.

For those aiming to save further, Best Buy’s refurbished options present considerable discounts. Refurbished AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are offered at reduced rates, providing an excellent opportunity for budget-savvy consumers. These refurbished items include a **90-day warranty** and have been thoroughly examined to ensure they function correctly.

## MacBook Air Discounts

The **Midnight 15-inch M4 MacBook Air** featuring **24GB of RAM** is presently listed at **$1,419**, showing a **$180** discount from its regular price of **$1,599**. This offer matches the lowest price ever recorded for this particular setup. The 13-inch variants are likewise discounted, starting at **$849** for the base model.

Here’s a snapshot of the current prices across the MacBook Air models:
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: priced from **$850** (Reg. $999)
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: priced from **$1,049** (Reg. $1,199)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: priced from **$1,049** (Reg. $1,199)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: priced from **$1,419** (Reg. $1,599)

## iPhone 16 Pro Max Refurbished Offers

For those seeking a new smartphone, the **iPhone 16 Pro Max** is currently seeing discounts up to **$399** on refurbished versions via Woot. These devices are labeled as “exceptionally refurbished,” showing minimal signs of wear and include a **1-year warranty**. The pricing for the refurbished options is as follows:
– **128GB**: $399 off the retail price
– **256GB**: $399 off the retail price
– **1TB**: $399 off the retail price

These refurbished models offer a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing new, especially as new versions are frequently hard to locate at discounted rates.

## Accessories and Additional Offers

In addition to the main product markdowns, there are ongoing deals on accessories and charging equipment. Notably, the **Apple Watch Series 10** is discounted by **$100**, with prices starting at **$299**. This presents a wonderful chance to gift a dependable smartwatch that aids in health and fitness monitoring.

The **iPad mini 7** has also returned to its lowest Amazon price at **$399**, reduced from **$499**, delivering a compact and potent tablet option for users.

## Conclusion

With these enticing offers on Apple products, it’s an ideal time to think about upgrading your technology or buying gifts for friends and family. Whether you’re looking for AirPods, a new MacBook Air, or an iPhone, the existing discounts provide significant savings and value.

Examination of Essential Aspects from Steve Jobs’ Famous Stanford Address, Featuring New Video

**‘Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish’: Honoring the Legacy of Steve Jobs**

Today we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Steve Jobs’ remarkable commencement speech delivered to the Stanford University graduating class in 2005. To mark this occasion, the Steve Jobs Archive has released a newly upgraded video of the address, alongside a digital exhibit entitled “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish,” which highlights various artifacts linked to the speech.

Jobs’ commencement address has attracted over 120 million views on various platforms, cementing its reputation as one of the most viewed graduation speeches in history. The freshly launched video is presented in 1080p HD and lasts just under 15 minutes, enabling viewers to absorb the compelling message in high definition.

The digital exhibit contains a wealth of information about Jobs’ speech, including personal items such as an email he sent to himself that contained bullet points of concepts for the talk. This email offers a glimpse into Jobs’ mindset and the essential messages he intended to share with the graduates.

### Core Themes from the Speech

In his remarks, Jobs underscored several core themes that resonate with audiences even at present:

1. **The Significance of Habits**: Jobs pointed out the influence of daily habits, recommending practices like meditation and consistent physical exercise to promote a healthy lifestyle.

2. **You Are What You Consume**: He emphasized the importance of nutrition and its effects on overall well-being, even mentioning fasting as a form of self-discipline.

3. **Curiosity**: Jobs inspired graduates to keep a sense of curiosity alive, quoting “Autobiography of a Yogi” to remind them of the wondrous nature of the surrounding world.

4. **Confronting Challenges**: Reflecting on his personal experiences, Jobs offered wisdom on traversing a complicated world full of obstacles, encouraging graduates to embody the change they desire.

5. **Self-Reflection**: He wrapped up by directing attention to the graduates’ inner lives and how they engage with existence, stressing the importance of self-awareness and personal development.

### Artifacts and Reflections

The digital exhibit not only presents the upgraded video but also features a variety of artifacts that offer deeper insights into Jobs’ philosophy and experiences. The email containing his speech concepts stands as evidence of his thorough preparation and the careful thought he invested in his words.

For those eager to dive into the entirety of Jobs’ emailed speech ideas, the exhibit grants access to the text, allowing readers to contemplate the foundational principles that influenced one of the most pivotal figures in technology.

In conclusion, the Steve Jobs Archive’s tribute to Jobs’ Stanford address acts as a reminder of the lasting influence of his words and the necessity of remaining hungry and foolish in the quest for innovation and personal growth.