Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

9to5Mac Overtime Episode 028: Henny Tha Bizness Talks iPad Features and Insights

### The Influence of Jeff’s Contributions at 9to5Mac: An Exploration of Tech Education

In the dynamic realm of technology, where innovative devices and software updates appear almost daily, the necessity for clear and accessible information has never been more imperative. Leading this educational endeavor is Jeff, the director of video content creation for 9to5Mac, a prominent source for news and insights related to Apple. Since his arrival in 2016, Jeff has revolutionized how tech enthusiasts and everyday users interact with technology through his insightful and captivating video productions.

#### A Dedication to Transparency

Jeff’s methodology in tech education stems from his dedication to straightforwardness and transparency. In a field frequently laden with jargon and complicated ideas, he excels at simplifying complex subjects into easily understandable segments. His videos encompass a broad array of topics, including product evaluations, instructional guides, and comprehensive explorations tailored for both newcomers and experienced tech aficionados. By focusing on clear explanations, Jeff guarantees that his audience can effortlessly comprehend the material, empowering them to make educated choices regarding their tech acquisitions and utilization.

#### A Wide Array of Content

The scope of Jeff’s work at 9to5Mac is remarkable. His video content comprises:

– **Product Evaluations:** Jeff offers thorough assessments of the newest Apple products, emphasizing their features, advantages, and disadvantages. His evaluations assist viewers in determining if a product aligns with their requirements prior to purchase.

– **Instructional Guides:** From configuring new devices to resolving everyday issues, Jeff’s instructional videos act as crucial tools for users aiming to enhance their tech abilities. His step-by-step guidance is designed for ease of understanding, ensuring that even the most inexperienced users can gain from it.

– **Explorations:** Jeff frequently produces extensive explorations for software updates and new functionalities, guiding users through the transitions and aiding them in adapting to new interfaces with ease.

– **Written Guides:** In addition to his video content, Jeff crafts written guides that offer added context and specificity, addressing those who prefer reading to viewing.

#### A Reach That Connects

The influence of Jeff’s efforts is evident in the impressive number of views his videos have amassed. With hundreds of millions of views, it’s obvious that his content strikes a chord with a large audience. This reach not only indicates the need for quality tech education but also underscores Jeff’s talent for engaging viewers on a personal level. His captivating presentation style and relatable manner transform learning about technology into a pleasurable experience.

#### Creating a Community

Beyond merely imparting knowledge, Jeff’s efforts cultivate a sense of belonging among tech enthusiasts. By inviting viewers to subscribe to the 9to5Mac YouTube channel, he establishes a forum for continuous conversation and interaction. This community aspect empowers viewers to exchange their experiences, pose questions, and learn collaboratively, further enriching the educational journey.

#### The Prospects of Tech Education

As technology progresses, so will the strategies for educating users about it. Jeff’s commitment to generating high-quality, accessible content positions him as a frontrunner in the tech education sector. His capacity to adapt to emerging trends and technologies ensures that his audience remains informed and engaged.

In summary, Jeff’s position as the leader of video content production at 9to5Mac exemplifies the significance of effective communication within the tech sector. By demystifying complex subjects and offering invaluable resources, he has made a considerable impact on how individuals learn about technology. For anyone wishing to keep abreast of the latest developments in tech, subscribing to 9to5Mac on YouTube is essential. Jeff’s videos are not merely informative; they provide a pathway to comprehending and embracing the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

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Investigating the Prospects of a Travel-Oriented Apple Card: Perspectives from 9to5Mac

# The Apple Card’s Future: A Premium Travel Credit Card on the Horizon?

Recently, the Apple Card marked its fifth anniversary, stirring up conversations about its future and potential transformations. Although the current version of the Apple Card has its advantages, it has not significantly boosted Apple’s profits. As the technology leader seeks to bolster its role as a services provider, launching a high-end travel credit card might be a wise strategy.

## Current State of the Apple Card

Introduced in 2019, the Apple Card is a simple credit card that charges no annual fee. It offers 2% cash back on purchases made via Apple Pay, with a higher 3% cash back on purchases from Apple and select partner vendors. While appealing, these benefits lack the thrill and competitive advantage found in other credit card offerings.

From a financial standpoint, the Apple Card has presented difficulties for Goldman Sachs, the issuing bank, which has reportedly faced losses exceeding a billion dollars. With Goldman Sachs aiming to dissolve its partnership in the coming months, it may be the perfect moment for Apple to reassess its credit card approach.

## The Competitive Landscape

In the realm of general-purpose travel credit cards, prominent players like Chase, American Express, Citi, and Capital One lead the pack. These cards often require users to manage several accounts to maximize rewards, which can be a hassle. Apple has the chance to streamline this experience by introducing a unified travel credit card that appeals to a wider audience.

For example, the Chase Trifecta merges the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex, and Sapphire Preferred, allowing users to accumulate points across various categories while consolidating them into a single rewards ecosystem. Apple could design a similar framework, making it more straightforward for users to earn and redeem rewards.

## Potential for Apple Card Pro: A New Age of Rewards

An envisioned “Apple Card Pro” could concentrate on travel rewards while keeping some features of the current card. It could offer a structure where users earn 1x points on all purchases and 2x points when utilizing Apple Pay. Furthermore, Apple could boost the card’s attractiveness by providing 3x points on dining and travel expenditures, doing away with the necessity for multiple partnerships with different merchants.

Setting a competitive annual fee of approximately $299, similar to the American Express Gold Card, could be ideal. To further captivate users, Apple could introduce premium benefits, such as airport lounge access, which is increasingly desired by frequent flyers.

## Travel Perks

To boost the allure of the Apple Card Pro, forging alliances with airport lounge networks like Priority Pass could prove transformative. This would give cardholders entry to over 1,600 airport lounges globally, positioning it as one of the more economical cards to provide such a benefit. Limiting access to around 12 visits annually would still afford users plentiful opportunities to enjoy this feature while allowing Apple to benefit from the annual fee.

Additionally, Apple could create a centralized travel portal that simplifies the search for point redemptions across various partners. This would ease the frustration of navigating multiple sites to locate the best value for point transfers, enhancing the user experience.

## Final Thoughts

As the Apple Card nears a critical turning point in its development, introducing a high-end travel credit card could align with the company’s overarching strategy of expanding its services portfolio. By concentrating on travel rewards, simplifying user interaction, and offering attractive benefits, Apple could draw in a new group of customers while reinvigorating its credit card program.

Would a travel-centric Apple Card motivate you to enroll, or do you see a different path for Apple’s credit card strategy? Share your opinions in the comments below.

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“Suggestion for Apple to Create a Travel-Oriented Credit Card” – 9to5Mac

# The Prospective Evolution of Apple Card: A Premium Travel Credit Card?

Apple Card has recently marked its five-year milestone, sparking conversations about its future and possible transformation. As Apple aims to strengthen its position as a services-oriented company, the inquiry arises: might a premium credit card be forthcoming? Given that the existing Apple Card hasn’t been particularly lucrative and Goldman Sachs is set to terminate its collaboration, this could be an opportune moment for a revamped product.

## Apple Card as It Stands

At present, the Apple Card functions as a simple credit card with no annual fee, offering users 2% cash back on purchases via Apple Pay. Furthermore, it provides a 3% cash back rate on transactions made at Apple and selected partner stores. Although this framework attracts some users, it lacks the thrill and extensive perks found in numerous rival credit cards.

Concerns about the financial outcomes of the Apple Card have emerged, with reports suggesting that Goldman Sachs, the card’s issuing bank, has faced losses exceeding a billion dollars since its inception. As Goldman Sachs gears up to exit the partnership, Apple might be contemplating a fresh approach for its credit card lineup.

## The Competitive Landscape

The credit card arena is flooded with choices, especially within the travel rewards domain. Prominent players like Chase, American Express, Citi, and Capital One lead this segment with general-purpose travel credit cards. These cards usually compel users to manage multiple accounts to optimize rewards, which can be cumbersome.

For example, the Chase Trifecta comprises three cards designed to work in unison to maximize rewards: the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex, along with the $95 Chase Sapphire Preferred. This arrangement facilitates points accumulation across diverse categories and allows transfers to travel partners. However, juggling multiple cards can be daunting for many consumers.

## The Concept of an ‘Apple Card Pro’

Considering the competitive environment, Apple has the opportunity to launch a single, high-end travel credit card that streamlines the rewards experience. This new card, provisionally named the “Apple Card Pro,” would prioritize travel perks and partnerships with airlines and hotels, which have presented challenges for other financial institutions.

The suggested framework for the Apple Card Pro could encompass 1x points on all transactions made with the physical card and 2x points for purchases through Apple Pay. Preserving the 3x points on Apple purchases would further motivate expenditures within the Apple ecosystem. Nonetheless, the card could pivot from numerous partnerships to instead provide 3x points on dining and travel-related charges.

A potential annual fee of approximately $299 would position the card competitively, akin to the American Express Gold Card. To boost its attractiveness, Apple might incorporate benefits such as airport lounge access.

## Travel Perks and Collaborations

One of the standout features of the Apple Card Pro could be access to airport lounges. By teaming up with Priority Pass, Apple could grant cardholders entry to over 1,600 lounges globally. This advantage would be one of the more reasonably priced in the market, possibly allowing for a limited number of visits per year—perhaps 12—making it suitable for frequent travelers.

Moreover, Apple could create a unified travel portal that simplifies point redemptions across various partners. This would tackle a common frustration for travelers who frequently find it laborious to navigate the best redemption options across different airline and hotel platforms.

## Conclusion

As Apple Card moves toward its next chapter, the possibility of a premium travel credit card presents an exciting opportunity. By refining the rewards framework, providing valuable travel perks, and capitalizing on its existing ecosystem, Apple could develop a captivating product that attracts a wider audience. Whether a travel-centric card would draw users to subscribe to Apple Card is yet to be determined, but it certainly paves the way for innovative prospects in the credit card sphere.

What do you think? Would you be interested in an Apple Card Pro, or do you believe Apple should pursue an alternative strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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“Imminent Termination: Ten Apple Devices Anticipated to Be Retired Next Month – 9to5Mac”

# Upcoming Adjustments in Apple’s Product Range: Expectations for the September Event

With the annual iPhone event on the horizon, slated for **September 10th**, anticipation is growing for the reveal of the **iPhone 16**, fresh **AirPods**, updated **Apple Watch** versions, and possibly additional surprises. Alongside these new offerings, Apple is expected to retire several older models. Here’s a deeper examination of which products might soon be retired.

## iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max

Historically, Apple tends to phase out flagship iPhones a year post-launch. Following this pattern, the **iPhone 15 Pro** and **iPhone 15 Pro Max**, which pioneered titanium in the iPhone range, are likely to see their discontinuation. This will signify the end of the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch Pro models, as the forthcoming iPhone 16 series is anticipated to boast larger displays. Additionally, the distinct Blue Titanium hue of the iPhone 15 Pro may not transition to the next iteration.

## iPhone 14 Plus

The **iPhone 14 Plus** marked Apple’s initial foray into the entry-level large iPhone segment, aimed at users desiring a bigger display without the premium cost of Pro variants. Following the last year’s discontinuation of the **iPhone 13 mini**, it’s reasonable to expect the iPhone 14 Plus will also be retired, while the regular **iPhone 14** stays available for a more extended period.

## iPhone 13

Launched in 2021, the **iPhone 13** has undergone multiple price reductions and currently stands as the longest-serving iPhone model featured on Apple’s site. As the release of the iPhone 16 draws near, it’s likely that the iPhone 13 will be phased out, making way for the iPhone 14 to take its position at the $599 price tier.

## Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 2

Expected enhancements to the **Apple Watch** lineup encompass the **Series 10**, which is likely to present larger, more efficient displays, a slimmer design, and potentially a new chipset. With new models on the horizon, it’s probable that Apple will discontinue the existing **Series 9**, **Ultra 2**, and **SE 2** versions.

## AirPods 2 and AirPods 3

The **AirPods 2**, in circulation since 2019, along with the **AirPods 3**, introduced in 2021, may soon see replacements in the form of new models. Apple is projected to unveil two new types of **AirPods 4**: a budget-friendly version to succeed the AirPods 2 and a mid-tier variant to replace the AirPods 3, likely equipped with noise cancellation features. Consequently, both the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 may be discontinued.

## iPad Mini 6 and iPad 10

Speculation hints at a refresh for Apple’s budget-friendly iPads, including the **iPad Mini 6** and **iPad 10**. Although the iPad 10 recently experienced a price cut, it remains uncertain whether it will continue to be offered post-launch of the new models. Traditionally, Apple has not maintained older iPad units, implying that the iPad Mini 6 may also be retired in favor of a new model with improved features.

## Conclusion

If you’re contemplating the purchase of any of these Apple devices, it may be prudent to wait until after the September event. With several models likely to be discontinued, now is the ideal moment to assess your choices and get ready for the thrilling new releases Apple has planned. As always, Apple is committed to innovation and refreshing its product lineup, ensuring that consumers can access the latest technology.

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“Threads Investigates New Functionality for Short-Lived 24-Hour Posts, According to 9to5Mac”

### Meta’s Innovative Ephemeral Post Feature: A New Approach to Sharing on Threads

In the dynamic realm of social media, platforms are constantly striving to find creative methods to engage their users and improve their experiences. Meta, the parent company behind Instagram and Facebook, has recently revealed that it is trialing a new ephemeral post format on Threads, its text-centric social media platform. This feature enables users to generate posts that vanish automatically after 24 hours, mirroring the favored temporary content styles found on platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram Stories.

#### The Idea Behind Ephemeral Posts

The concept of ephemeral posts aims to promote a more relaxed and spontaneous approach to sharing among users. In contrast to standard posts that linger on a user’s profile indefinitely, ephemeral posts are crafted to cultivate a sense of urgency and closeness. Users can express thoughts, updates, or experiences without the unease of them being permanently stored. This format is particularly enticing to younger demographics who favor more fleeting forms of communication.

#### Functionality of the Feature

Alessandro Paluzzi, a prominent reverse-engineer, demonstrated the workings of this new feature. When a user composes a reply, a countdown timer displays how long the post will stay live. Once the countdown concludes, the post—and all its replies—evaporates from the platform. Notably, quote posts are also included in this disappearing feature, though the app does not clearly highlight this in the in-app notification.

Meta has asserted that this feature is presently under testing with a select group of users. Nevertheless, details regarding the specific regions involved or how users can access this feature remain ambiguous. A Meta spokesperson characterized it as a “new and informal way to share on Threads,” indicating that the company intends to foster a more laid-back atmosphere for users to convey their thoughts.

#### Effects on User Interaction

The rollout of ephemeral posts could profoundly transform user engagement on Threads. By permitting content to dissolve after a designated timeframe, users may feel emboldened to share their opinions without the anxiety of long-term implications. This shift could lead to heightened engagement, as users are likely to post more frequently knowing their content will not remain forever.

However, it’s crucial to highlight that these temporary posts will not be distributed to the Fediverse, which encompasses platforms like Mastodon. This restriction stems from the technical complications associated with deleting posts from external servers, ensuring that ephemeral content is limited to Threads.

#### Monetization and Future Prospects

Alongside the ephemeral post feature, Meta is allegedly preparing to roll out advertisements on Threads. This initiative comes just over a year post-launch of the platform and is recognized as a vital step towards monetization, particularly considering Threads has gathered over 200 million users. While an Instagram spokesperson minimized the timeline for monetization, the introduction of ads suggests that Meta is seeking sustainable revenue sources to bolster the platform’s development.

#### Final Thoughts

Meta’s testing of ephemeral posts on Threads signifies a major transformation in user interaction with the platform. By providing a more casual and transient avenue for sharing content, Meta hopes to attract users who appreciate less permanence in their social media engagements. As the feature approaches a wider release, it will be fascinating to observe user responses and whether this new format will improve their overall experience on Threads.

As always, user feedback will play a vital role in evolving this feature. Do you find the concept of ephemeral posts appealing? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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“Estimated Cybercrime Expenses Anticipated to Hit $326,000 Each Second by 2025, As Reported by 9to5Mac”

# The Escalating Wave of Cybercrime: Grasping the Implications and Influencing Elements

Cybercrime is no longer a remote danger; it has emerged as a widespread dilemma impacting individuals, corporations, and governments across the globe. With the swift progress of technology and the growing dependence on digital platforms, cybercriminals are discovering fresh paths to exploit weaknesses. A recent survey by Statista Market Insights forecasts that the yearly cost of cybercrime globally will hit an astonishing $10.29 trillion by 2025. This figure transcends mere statistics; it signifies a formidable challenge that organizations must confront to protect their assets and information.

## The Economic Consequences of Cybercrime

The economic ramifications of cybercrime are significant. The projected expenses encompass data damage and erasure, embezzled funds, diminished productivity, intellectual property theft, and damage to reputation. From 2018 to 2020, global costs associated with cybercrime surged by 245%, escalating from $860 billion to $2.95 trillion. This upward trajectory persisted, with expenses soaring to $5.49 trillion in 2021, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As enterprises shifted to remote operations, the digital landscape broadened, offering cybercriminals a more extensive attack surface.

Statista anticipates that the cost of cybercrime will soar to $13.82 trillion by 2028, underscoring the pressing requirement for improved cybersecurity strategies.

## Factors Driving the Increase in Cybercrime

A multitude of factors fuels the rising costs and prevalence of cybercrime:

### 1. **Expanding Attack Landscape**
The rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and digital services has generated additional opportunities for cybercriminals. As the quantity of connected devices grows, so does the likelihood of attacks. A report from Jamf highlighted a 50% increase in new Mac malware families in 2023, demonstrating that even traditionally secure platforms are becoming targets.

### 2. **Geopolitical Strain**
Cyberattacks are frequently utilized as instruments of warfare and espionage. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as those in Ukraine and Israel, have resulted in an uptick in state-sponsored cyberattacks aimed at disrupting essential infrastructure and obtaining intelligence.

### 3. **Cybersecurity Competence Deficiency**
The cybersecurity sector is encountering a noteworthy skills shortfall, with numerous positions left vacant. This deficiency renders organizations susceptible, as fewer experts are available to oversee and counteract threats. Existing personnel may face escalating workloads and exhaustion, further compounding the issue.

### 4. **Minimal Entry Barriers for Cybercriminals**
Ransomware has surfaced as one of the most devastating varieties of cybercrime, partly due to the proliferation of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). This framework empowers individuals with limited technical skills to execute attacks utilizing pre-packaged tools and resources, easing their engagement in cybercrime.

### 5. **Insufficient Awareness**
Numerous individuals and organizations remain oblivious to the dangers posed by cyber threats. A report from Jamf indicated that 40% of mobile users and 39% of organizations were operating devices with recognized vulnerabilities. This unawareness can result in considerable security breaches.

## Conclusion

As cybercrime continues to advance, organizations must emphasize cybersecurity to shield their assets and information. The anticipated costs of cybercrime are staggering, and the contributing factors reveal the intricacies of the challenge. By investing in comprehensive cybersecurity measures, enhancing awareness, and tackling the skills shortage, organizations can more effectively protect themselves against the continually escalating risk of cybercrime.

In this digital era, vigilance and proactive initiatives are crucial for defending against the increasing wave of cyber threats.

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