Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

9to5Mac Daily: October 30, 2025 – Update on AirPods Pro Litigation and Other Updates

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapid-moving realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest updates and trends is crucial, particularly for Apple aficionados. 9to5Mac Daily presents a handy way to stay informed on the day’s leading stories, furnishing listeners with thoughtful commentary and analysis on Apple-centric issues.

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**Content Highlights**

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily explores the most urgent stories influencing Apple users and the broader tech landscape. From product unveilings and software enhancements to industry evaluations and insider insights, the podcast addresses a comprehensive array of topics pertinent to its audience.

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Tim Cook Announces Greater-than-Projected Demand for iPhone 17

During the recent quarterly earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared perspectives on the initial phases of iPhone 17 release, suggesting robust interest in both the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro variants. While Cook purposely refrained from addressing specific model performance, he signaled that supply limitations imply demand has surpassed Apple’s forecasts.

The earnings call occurred after Apple’s Q4 2025 financial report, which disclosed a revenue of $102.47 billion, marking an 8% rise compared to the same quarter from the previous year. Cook pointed out that the supply of the iPhone 17 remains limited, consistent with analyst insights indicating a strong early reception and heightened production requests for the iPhone 17 series.

In contrast, the iPhone Air garnered little focus during the call and has reportedly been shifted to an “end-of-cycle” production level, indicating it might not be performing as well as expected. Cook stated that Apple does not release sales figures by individual device but recognized constraints affecting both the premium and entry-level models, further suggesting potential underperformance of the iPhone Air.

Moreover, Cook reaffirmed that Apple encountered limitations with the iPhone 16 during the quarter, signifying ongoing demand even prior to the launch of the iPhone 17. He mentioned that Apple “could have sold more” units of the iPhone 16 during that timeframe.

The quarter in question concluded on September 27, encompassing just the early days of iPhone 17 availability, which may have played a role in the supply constraints highlighted by Cook.

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Tim Cook Unveils Broadened AI Integrations for Apple Expanding Beyond OpenAI

### Apple’s Standing in the AI Sphere: Insights from Tim Cook

Alongside Apple’s Q4 earnings conference call, CEO Tim Cook discussed the company’s current position and future ambitions in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm during an interview with CNBC. His statements illuminated Apple’s persistent endeavors and hurdles in embedding AI technologies within its ecosystem.

#### Expansion Aspirations on the Agenda

Apple’s recent collaboration with OpenAI marks a key advancement in its AI strategy, as emphasized by Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software. Federighi pointed out that Apple plans to incorporate various AI models, including Google’s Gemini, into its offerings. This announcement surfaced in the context of Google’s antitrust challenges, implying that both entities might be anticipating judicial outcomes before solidifying partnerships.

Even with the favorable resolution of Google’s antitrust matters, Apple has yet to verify any new alliances with AI providers. Nonetheless, the company is eagerly gearing up for the rollout of Model Context Protocol (MCP) across its platforms, such as iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. MCP, crafted by Anthropic, aims to promote interoperability between diverse AI models and user applications.

Moreover, Apple is broadening its Image Playground feature to accommodate additional third-party AI models beyond just ChatGPT. However, definitive plans for further collaborations have yet to be revealed. When asked by CNBC, Cook mentioned that Apple aspires to work with more partners over time, although he refrained from providing specific information.

#### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

Cook’s comments arise amid Apple’s efforts to tackle its perceived deficiencies in the AI sector. While the company has successfully launched machine learning features—such as car crash detection, real-time translation through AirPods, and high blood pressure alerts on the Apple Watch—there is an increasing public demand for more sophisticated, interactive AI offerings. These offerings, often leveraging large language models (LLMs), are anticipated to carry out tasks on behalf of users.

Apple has encountered setbacks in meeting timelines for new AI functionalities and has witnessed a significant talent drain, with essential AI staff departing for rivals such as Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Cook’s ambiguous promise of collaborating with additional partners does little to ease worries surrounding Apple’s immediate AI strategy. It serves as a reminder that tangible advancements and short-term initiatives remain undisclosed, particularly following a company-wide meeting designed to reassure employees about Apple’s dedication to AI progress.

As the sector advances, a pressing question lingers: Is Apple poised to announce a novel AI partnership? The excitement persists as stakeholders await greater insights into Apple’s AI strategy.

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Sales Catalysts in Apple’s Q4 2025: Examining Upgraders Versus Newcomers by Product Segment

On the earnings conference call today, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh provided insights into the sales performance of the company’s key product categories for Q4 2025. Below is a comprehensive summary of the insights shared.

### iPad

While discussing iPad revenue, Parekh pointed out that sales remained unchanged compared to the previous year, indicating a tough comparison with the same quarter last year when the release of new iPad Air and iPad Pro models significantly drove up sales. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the performance was better than anticipated.

Parekh remarked, “The install base hit an all-time record with a September quarter high for upgraders, and over half of the customers who bought an iPad in the quarter were new to the product.” This shows that despite record upgrades, a significant portion of iPad sales went to first-time buyers.

### Apple Watch

Apple does not report Apple Watch revenue as a separate figure, choosing instead to categorize it under “Wearables, Home, and Accessories.” Still, Parekh reiterated a familiar point: most sales of the Apple Watch were to newcomers. He commented, “Both the Apple Watch and AirPods install bases attained new all-time highs. More than half of the customers acquiring an Apple Watch in the quarter were new to the product. Additionally, we set a September record for upgrades on the Apple Watch.” This indicates that the Apple Watch is continuing to broaden its user base, signifying strong demand from new users.

### Mac

The Mac category saw a 13% year-over-year rise in revenue, although Parekh did not go into great detail about this segment. He noted, “the Mac install base achieved another all-time high, with nearly half of those who bought a Mac being first-time purchasers.” This suggests that, unlike the iPad and Apple Watch, the majority of Mac customers were existing users choosing to upgrade instead of new customers transitioning from different platforms.

### iPhone

For the quarter that concluded on September 27, the iPhone brought in $49 billion in revenue, which marks a 6% rise from the same quarter last year. Parekh mentioned that this represented a slight 1% increase from Q4 2024, which indicates stable sales as the new iPhone season approaches. He stated, “the iPhone active install base surged to an all-time high, and we established a September quarter record for upgraders.” Similar to the Mac, this suggests that the majority of iPhone sales were driven by existing users upgrading their devices rather than new customers moving from Android.

### Summary

In summary, although every product category witnessed unprecedented highs in their install user bases, the sales dynamics differed. Most sales of iPhones and Macs stemmed from upgrades, while a significant portion of iPad and Apple Watch sales were credited to first-time buyers. This trend underscores Apple’s capability to draw in new users while also retaining and upgrading their current customer base.

Did you upgrade or acquire an Apple product for the first time last quarter? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Anticipated Modifications to App Store Pricing in Poland, Switzerland, and Türkiye Taking Effect on November 17

**Apple Modifies App and In-App Purchase Prices in Poland, Switzerland, and Türkiye**

Apple has revealed that beginning November 17, developers will experience modifications to app and In-App Purchase prices in Poland, Switzerland, and Türkiye. This adjustment is part of Apple’s continuous efforts to synchronize pricing with local market circumstances, including variations in exchange rates and tax regulations.

### Updated Pricing Structure

The App Store employs an automated pricing tier system that enables developers to establish prices without the need for manual adjustments for each of the 175 storefronts worldwide. This system aims to streamline the pricing procedure for developers, ensuring that their apps stay competitively priced across various regions.

With the forthcoming changes, developers who have not chosen one of the affected nations as the base storefront for their app or In-App Purchase will observe new prices represented in their offerings. However, it is crucial to recognize that apps utilizing manual pricing or subscription-based pricing frameworks will not be impacted by these modifications.

### Developer Resources

To aid developers in managing these updates, Apple has updated the Pricing and Availability section in App Store Connect. Developers can find comprehensive information regarding the pricing changes and their potential effects on their apps on the official Apple Developer website.

### Conclusion

This pricing adjustment is a tactical strategy by Apple to guarantee that app prices remain pertinent and competitive amid evolving economic conditions in Poland, Switzerland, and Türkiye. Developers are advised to examine the new pricing tiers and make any necessary modifications to their app offerings prior to the November 17 implementation date.

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WhatsApp Starts Testing Companion Application for Apple Watch

**WhatsApp Updates: Passkey Feature and Apple Watch Application**

Today was a noteworthy day for WhatsApp users as the firm revealed two key enhancements: the launch of passkey support for chat backups and the debut of a new Apple Watch application through TestFlight.

### Passkey Feature for Backups

Meta has announced that WhatsApp will soon roll out passkey-encrypted backups for every user. This capability will enable users to protect their chat backups using biometric verification methods such as fingerprints, face recognition, or lock codes, removing the need to memorize complicated passwords or lengthy encryption keys. The implementation of this feature will take place gradually over the next several weeks and months.

As stated on the official WhatsApp blog, this update is designed to offer users the same degree of security for their backups as is presently available for personal chats and calls. Users can enable this functionality by going to Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup within the application.

### Launch of an Apple Watch Application

Alongside the passkey feature, WhatsApp has also launched a new application for Apple Watch users, according to WABetaInfo. This update resolves the previous limitations that Apple Watch users faced when handling WhatsApp notifications.

Although the new application is not standalone and still necessitates an iPhone for full operational capacity, it provides crucial messaging functionalities right on the wrist. Users can explore chats, send quick replies, and respond with emojis without the constant need to check their iPhones. The link between the iPhone and Apple Watch is automatic, negating the requirement for QR code scanning, assuming the devices are linked.

WABetaInfo pointed out that the application features an indicator to keep users informed about the syncing status and connection to the iPhone, ensuring an effortless messaging experience directly from the Apple Watch.

### Conclusion

While there is currently no official timeline for the broader release of the Apple Watch application or standalone support, these updates represent WhatsApp’s dedication to improving user experience across devices. Users can anticipate these features as they are rolled out in future versions.

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Security Alert: Warning Recommended About Unreliable ChatGPT Imitations Reemerging in App Store Rankings

### The Surge of AI Chatbot Applications and Privacy Issues

In recent times, the surge of AI-driven applications, especially those leveraging the GPT-4 API from OpenAI, has reshaped the realm of mobile and desktop programs. With the increasing popularity of these applications, they have garnered millions of downloads, resulting in a rise of both creative and opportunistic products in the App Store. Nevertheless, this swift growth has also sparked considerable privacy issues, particularly concerning deceptive apps that mimic genuine services.

#### The Present Landscape of AI Chatbot Applications

Currently, the Mac App Store showcases a variety of AI chatbot applications, with one leading contender being the “AI Chat Bot.” This application has come under scrutiny for closely resembling OpenAI’s branding, from its logo to its interface design. Investigations indicate that it shares a developer with another analogous app, both of which feature the same characteristics and support pages. This situation raises doubts about the authenticity of app ratings and the efficacy of Apple’s review process.

Despite Apple’s attempts to eliminate numerous imitator applications, some have successfully evaded detection, achieving top rankings in the Business category. This scenario serves as a warning for users to be cautious when interacting with these applications, particularly concerning the disclosure of personal data.

#### Privacy Threats Linked to AI Chatbots

A recent study from Private Internet Access revealed troubling instances of poor transparency among personal productivity applications, including those that use AI technology. One specific AI assistant, which claimed to gather minimal user data, was discovered to collect extensive information, including names, email addresses, and usage statistics. Such data can be misused by data brokers or for malicious intentions, presenting significant threats to user privacy.

The serious risks associated with AI chatbot applications that harvest personal data are considerable. If a chatbot application associates user conversations with identifiable information, it establishes a vulnerable database that might be exploited. This situation raises concerns, particularly given the lack of accountability from developers who might misrepresent their data collection policies.

#### The Function of App Store Privacy Labels

Apple implemented privacy labels to educate users about the data collection practices of applications. However, these labels are based on self-disclosure by developers, which means there is no independent verification of the statements made. This dependence on developer integrity can result in contradictions between what users think they are agreeing to and the actual data collection practices being followed.

#### Conclusion

As the popularity of AI chatbot applications escalates, so do the related privacy risks. Users need to stay alert and knowledgeable about the potential threats associated with sharing personal data with these applications. The existence of deceptive applications in the App Store highlights the necessity of examining app permissions and comprehending the consequences of data collection. Remaining informed and cautious can help reduce the risks posed by these emerging technologies.

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Tim Cook Provides Update on Advancement Progress of Next-Generation Siri

### Apple’s Upcoming Siri: What to Anticipate

During the latest earnings call, CEO Tim Cook shared an update regarding the highly awaited next-generation Siri. He showed enthusiasm about the advancements being made toward a more tailored Siri experience, with an expectation for a launch next year. This remark aligns with earlier statements from Cook, reinforcing the company’s dedication to improving its virtual assistant.

#### Advancements in Personalization

Cook highlighted that Apple is “making impressive strides” in crafting a more personalized Siri experience. The confirmation of a release timeline is especially notable, considering prior delays in Siri’s enhancement. The company has encountered criticism for failing to achieve earlier expectations concerning Siri’s functions, making this affirmation a comforting sign for both investors and users.

#### AI Features and Innovations

Alongside the Siri update, Cook showcased several AI features that Apple has adeptly implemented into its offerings. Among these is the Workout Buddy feature for Apple Watch, which utilizes AI to deliver personalized insights derived from users’ workout data and fitness backgrounds. Additional features include Live Translation for seamless real-time communication across languages and Visual Intelligence to enrich users’ learning and exploration capabilities.

Cook mentioned that these developments are part of a larger strategy to embed AI into daily activities, ensuring features remain robust, intuitive, and private. The implementation of on-device foundational models is also allowing developers to craft new user experiences, further enhancing Apple’s ecosystem.

#### Issues and Future Directions

Despite the optimistic perspective, there are indications of internal worries regarding the performance of the forthcoming Siri version among Apple staff testing iOS 26.4. As the company intends to unveil this new version concurrently with the update, the timeline is still liable to adjustments based on continuous testing and input.

#### Conclusion

As Apple progresses in refining Siri and broadening its AI functionalities, the approaching year is set to be crucial for the company’s virtual assistant. With an emphasis on personalization and groundbreaking features, Apple seeks to elevate user experience while tackling past critiques. The tech community will be keenly observing how these advancements develop in the upcoming months.

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iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 Release Notes: Detailed Compilation of Essential Security Updates

# iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 Security Updates: An In-Depth Review

Apple has announced the release of iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1, representing a major update since the launch last September. This update tackles a variety of vulnerabilities and security concerns, offering users strong incentives to refresh their devices. Below, we explore the principal security improvements and resolutions included in this update.

## Main Security Resolutions

### Accessibility
– **Impact**: An application may recognize other installed applications.
– **Description**: A permissions-related issue was resolved with enhanced restrictions.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43442

### Apple Account
– **Impact**: A harmful application may capture screenshots of confidential details.
– **Description**: A privacy concern was mitigated with better checks in place.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43455

### Apple Neural Engine
– **Impact**: An application may lead to unexpected system shutdowns or damage kernel memory.
– **Description**: This concern was rectified with enhanced memory management.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43447, CVE-2025-43462

### Apple TV Remote
– **Impact**: A harmful app may monitor users across installations.
– **Description**: The problem was tackled with improved cache management.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43449

### AppleMobileFileIntegrity
– **Impact**: An application may gain access to restricted user data.
– **Description**: This issue was remedied with enhanced symlink validation.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43379

### Assets
– **Impact**: An app may escape its sandbox environment.
– **Description**: This issue was fixed with refined entitlements.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43407

### Audio
– **Impact**: An attacker with physical access could view sensitive user information.
– **Description**: A logging issue was resolved with enhanced data redaction.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43423

### Camera
– **Impact**: An application may acquire data regarding the current camera view.
– **Description**: A logic-related concern was addressed with more stringent checks.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43450

### CloudKit
– **Impact**: An app may escape its sandbox environment.
– **Description**: This problem was resolved with better symlink validation.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43448

### Contacts
– **Impact**: An app may access sensitive user information.
– **Description**: A logging issue was dealt with through improved data redaction.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43426

### Control Center
– **Impact**: An attacker may access restricted materials from the lock screen.
– **Description**: A permissions-related issue was remedied with added restrictions.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43350

### CoreServices
– **Impact**: An application may enumerate a user’s installed applications.
– **Description**: A permissions issue was tackled with additional restrictions.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43436

### CoreText
– **Impact**: Working with harmful media files might result in unexpected termination of the app.
– **Description**: An out-of-bounds read was mitigated with enhanced input checks.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43445

### FileProvider
– **Impact**: An application may gain access to sensitive user information.
– **Description**: An authorization concern was rectified with improved state oversight.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43498

### Find My
– **Impact**: An app may track the user’s fingerprint.
– **Description**: A privacy issue was resolved by relocating sensitive information.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43507

### Installer
– **Impact**: An application may track the user’s fingerprint.
– **Description**: A permissions issue was addressed with additional limitations.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43444

### Kernel
– **Impact**: An app may instigate unexpected system shutdowns.
– **Description**: This issue was mitigated with enhanced memory management.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43398

### libxpc
– **Impact**: A sandboxed app might detect system-wide network activities.
– **Description**: An access concern was addressed with further sandbox restrictions.
– **CVE**: CVE-2025-43413

### Mail Drafts
– **Impact**: Remote content might load even when disabled.
– **Description**: The issue was resolved by

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Mosyle Provides IT with Tools for the Age of Agentic AI Browsers Featuring ChatGPT Atlas

# The Ascendance of Agentic AI in IT: Revolutionizing the Browser Experience

Agentic AI is a concept that is gaining more significance for IT teams, as it has the potential to alter their operations dramatically. With the increasing adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, the web browser has transitioned from being just a gateway to the internet. A fresh wave of browsers, imbued with agentic AI functionalities, is poised to transform the daily activities of both users and IT professionals.

## What Does Agentic AI Entail?

Agentic AI pertains to artificial intelligence systems that can autonomously execute tasks on behalf of users. These systems can condense information, analyze data, and take actions aligned with user requirements. The advent of agentic browsers indicates a transformation in how technology engages with users, offering a more instinctive and effective experience.

### Key Developments

The recent introduction of ChatGPT Atlas by OpenAI illustrates the potential of agentic AI. This tool is crafted to integrate smoothly into current environments, such as those overseen by Mosyle, a leading provider in the Apple IT sector. Mosyle is equipping teams for the future of agentic AI by adding ChatGPT Atlas to its app catalog, making it accessible for immediate deployment.

## Improving IT Operations

ChatGPT Atlas is now integrated into the Mosyle App Catalog, enabling IT teams to deploy it remotely with complete automation. The integration encompasses the automatic management of privacy permissions, such as Full Disk Access, which aids in importing favorites and browsing history from browsers like Safari and Chrome.

The role of agentic browsers in IT problem-solving is critical. When device problems or outages arise, AI must access more than just logs or telemetry data. It needs to understand user actions, recent modifications, and fundamental causes. By sourcing context from communication platforms like Slack and internal knowledge repositories, agentic AI can offer a holistic view of the issue, converting the troubleshooting process from a lengthy manual task into swift, automated insights.

## Streamlining Apple Device Management

Mosyle has refined its products for the next generation of AI browsers, including ChatGPT Atlas. This integration empowers the AI to grasp the Mosyle ecosystem, enabling IT and security teams to oversee Apple devices more efficiently. ChatGPT Atlas can assist administrators with onboarding, assess account settings, deliver optimization recommendations, and automate activities like group and profile creation through its Agent Mode.

This technological progression is reminiscent of the initial stages of mobile device management. Agentic AI is altering the tools that IT teams deploy, with the browser emerging as a novel command hub for operations. Mosyle’s proactive strategy in readying ChatGPT Atlas for Apple fleets underscores the industry’s trajectory.

## The Outlook for IT Management

As agentic browsers become commonplace, IT teams need to adjust to this evolving environment. Companies that actively adopt AI-driven workflows will secure a competitive advantage, allowing them to tackle challenges more rapidly and efficiently. The future of Apple IT will go beyond basic device management; it will include the oversight of intelligence that boosts team productivity, offers richer context, and resolves issues preemptively.

In summary, the incorporation of agentic AI into routine tools like browsers is poised to reshape the IT environment. As organizations gear up for this transition, the emphasis will increasingly be placed on utilizing intelligence to enhance operations and elevate overall efficiency.

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