Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### Pluribus Merchandise: Display Your Support for the Series

As enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the debut of **Pluribus Season 2**, there’s a fresh way to convey your excitement for the show. Official merchandise is now on offer, enabling you to flaunt your beloved series with pride. From t-shirts to hoodies and hats, there’s something for every admirer.

#### Merchandise Selection

The official **Pluribus merchandise** features:

– **T-Shirts**: Showcasing iconic designs, including a special tee honoring Rhea Seehorn’s recent Best Actress win at the Golden Globes, prominently displaying her image with a grenade.
– **Hoodies**: Ideal for chilly weather, these hoodies blend comfort with style, making them an excellent addition to any fan’s collection.
– **Hats**: Complete your ensemble with a fashionable hat that announces your fandom for Pluribus.

You can discover all these products available for purchase through the [Sony Pictures online store](https://sonypicturesstore.com/collections/pluribus).

#### The Link to Sony

The alliance between Apple TV and Sony Television has been crucial in bringing **Pluribus** to fruition. This partnership arises from a long-standing relationship with the show’s creator, Vince Gilligan. Consequently, the merchandise is exclusively offered through Sony, instead of directly from Apple.

#### Upcoming Merchandise

There is a possibility for additional items to be included in the collection if the initial offerings are well-received. Fans are urged to act swiftly if they wish to obtain their favorite pieces, particularly with the excitement of Season 2 approaching.

#### Subscription Details

For anyone who hasn’t yet indulged in **Pluribus**, Apple TV is accessible for **$12.99 per month**. Furthermore, you can enjoy it at a reduced price through the [Apple One bundle](http://one.apple.com/?at=1000l3cvR&itscg=30200).

Whether you’re looking to purchase some Pluribus merchandise or simply wish to stay updated with the latest developments about the series, now is the ideal time to demonstrate your support for this beloved Apple TV show.

Apple has announced a long-term collaboration with Google to deploy Gemini models for improving Siri and Apple Intelligence functionalities. In a statement given to CNBC, Apple shared its excitement about utilizing Google’s technology, stating, “After thorough assessment, we concluded that Google’s technology offers the most robust foundation for Apple Foundation Models and we’re eager about the groundbreaking new experiences it will create for our users.”

This partnership will involve Apple embedding Google’s Gemini models into upcoming versions of its Apple Foundation Models. Although exact timelines for the introduction of new Siri and Apple Intelligence functionalities have not been revealed, CNBC indicates that these improvements are anticipated to launch later this year.

During WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled the Apple Intelligence ecosystem, highlighting features such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji, along with an updated iteration of Siri that encompasses personal context, in-app actions, and on-screen awareness. While numerous features have been implemented, the new Siri version experienced delays, with Apple admitting in a statement last May that the deployment was taking more time than expected.

This collaboration follows extensive coverage by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who mentioned that Apple plans to allocate around $1 billion each year for access to Google’s Gemini models. The new Siri is expected to be driven by a 1.2 trillion parameter AI model, greatly boosting its functionalities.

Neither Apple nor Google has verified the specific technical or financial aspects of this agreement, but the partnership signifies a major advancement in the development of Siri and Apple’s AI-enabled features.

### Are You Alive? The App Transforming Safety for Solo Residents in China

In a time when technology is becoming more integrated into everyday life, a novel app named **Are You Alive?** has surfaced as an unexpected yet crucial resource for people residing alone in China. Launched in May of the previous year, this app has swiftly gained popularity, emerging as the most downloaded paid app in the nation, especially among younger urban residents.

#### Idea and Functionality

The concept of **Are You Alive?** is simple yet significant. Users must check in every two days by tapping a prominent button within the app to verify their wellness. If a user neglects to check in, the app promptly notifies a specified emergency contact to inform them that the user might be in trouble. This feature tackles a considerable worry for those living independently, offering reassurance and a safety mechanism in times of crisis.

#### Increasing Popularity

The app’s appeal has rapidly increased in recent times, mirroring a wider societal trend within China. Researchers estimate that by 2030, the country will host around **200 million single-person households**. This demographic transition has created a rising demand for solutions aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of individuals living alone. Consequently, **Are You Alive?** has struck a chord with many, particularly in urban settings where feelings of isolation can be common.

#### International Presence

Although the app is mainly favored in China, it is also accessible for download internationally under the name **Demumu**. In the United States, it has ascended to be the #6 top paid app in the App Store, available for just $0.99. The title **Are You Alive?** cleverly plays on words, reminiscent of a popular food delivery app named **Are You Hungry?**, with the Chinese expression “Si-le-ma” sounding akin to the food app’s name “E-le-ma.”

#### Future Considerations

The triumph of **Are You Alive?** prompts inquiries about the possibility of integrating similar features into existing applications. For example, Apple’s iOS could enhance its current Check In feature in Messages, enabling users to schedule regular check-ins for increased safety. As technology advances, the necessity for such features could spur innovative solutions that focus on user safety.

#### Closing Thoughts

**Are You Alive?** transcends being merely an amusing app; it signifies a notable shift in how technology can improve personal safety and well-being for those who live alone. As its popularity expands, it could lead to new advancements in app features that address the needs of a growing solitary population.

In a recent press announcement, Apple revealed that 2025 marked a historic year for its services sector, underscoring major achievements for platforms like Apple Music and Apple TV. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, shared that Apple Music reached an unprecedented level in both audience and new subscribers, while Apple TV outperformed prior viewership records in December 2025, achieving a 36% rise in total hours watched compared to the previous year.

Cue highlighted the impressive growth and global reach of Apple services, stating, “From Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple News, to essential daily tools like Apple Pay and iCloud, we provided enriching experiences to users around the globe.” He mentioned that the App Store recorded over 850 million average weekly users worldwide, with developers accumulating over $550 billion since its inception in 2008. Moreover, Apple Pay successfully prevented over $1 billion in fraud and generated upwards of $100 billion in additional merchant sales worldwide.

The press announcement spotlighted various critical statistics for 2025:
– Shazam achieved over 1 billion recognitions every month.
– AirTag and Find My collaboration with airlines decreased unrecovered luggage by 90%.
– The App Store facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024.

Apple’s services also celebrated milestone anniversaries for platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Apple News, and broadened accessibility with Apple Pay now accessible in 89 markets and Apple Fitness+ launching in 28 more countries. Newly introduced features in 2025 included personalized experiences in Apple Wallet and Maps, AI-enhanced functionalities in Apple Music and Podcasts, and an expanded array of games in Apple Arcade.

As Apple gazes towards the future, it stays devoted to innovation and improving customer experiences while emphasizing privacy. For further information, the complete press announcement can be accessed on Apple’s official website.

### Examining the Recent Instagram Password Reset Email Situation

Lately, a number of Instagram users have indicated that they are receiving unexpected password reset emails, causing confusion and anxiety regarding the safety of their accounts. This issue has been associated with a major incident involving the possible compromise of account information for around 17.5 million Instagram users, as stated by the cybersecurity company Malwarebytes.

#### The Situation

Malwarebytes has reported that cybercriminals have accessed sensitive data from these accounts, which includes usernames, physical addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. This information is allegedly up for sale on the dark web, heightening concerns about the potential for exploitation by malicious entities.

Despite these assertions, Instagram’s parent organization, Meta, has claimed that their systems have not been breached. They argue that the situation arises from a flaw in their API, which permitted unauthorized external parties to initiate password reset emails for specific accounts. Meta has explained that while the API was exploited, this does not equate to a data breach in the conventional sense.

#### Official Statements

In light of the influx of password reset emails, Instagram has recommended that users disregard these alerts if they did not initiate a password reset. They have expressed regret for any confusion the emails may have caused and assured users that their accounts are secure.

Malwarebytes, in its outreach to clients, mentioned that the identification of the compromised information came about during standard checks of the dark web. They associated the incident with a possible API vulnerability that might have appeared in 2024, implying that this weakness has existed for some duration.

#### Consequences for Users

Although Meta’s claim that there has been no data breach may be accurate in a technical sense, the scenario highlights the necessity for users to remain vigilant. The exploitation of an API can still pose significant threats, including phishing attacks where cybercriminals may utilize stolen data to trick users into divulging additional personal information.

Users are encouraged to stay alert and to watch for phishing endeavors that might use their Instagram usernames and email addresses. It’s essential to authenticate any communications that appear to be from Instagram prior to taking any subsequent steps.

#### Conclusion

To conclude, while the recent influx of password reset emails has sparked worries regarding Instagram account security, Meta’s official position is that there has been no breach of their systems. Users should follow the guidance to disregard unsolicited password reset emails and remain vigilant against possible phishing schemes. As always, employing strong, distinct passwords and activating two-factor authentication can bolster account security.

**AI-Produced CSAM by Grok: An Escalating Issue**

The rise of AI technologies has led to remarkable progress, yet it has also prompted significant ethical and legal dilemmas, especially concerning the creation of non-consensual deepfake visuals. The Grok application, which employs AI to generate images, has recently faced criticism following reports of its role in producing non-consensual near-nude deepfakes of women and children. This alarming pattern has incited action from various governments and legislators.

**The Ban on Grok in Southeast Asia**

In light of the distressing misuse of the Grok app, Malaysia and Indonesia have acted resolutely by prohibiting the application within their territories. Authorities in these nations pointed to the inadequacy of existing measures to stop the creation and spread of fake pornographic material, particularly involving at-risk groups such as women and minors. The Indonesian government commenced the ban on a Saturday, with Malaysia following suit the next day.

**U.S. Senators Call for Action from Tech Companies**

In the U.S., three senators—Ron Wyden, Ed Markey, and Ben Ray Luján—have called on Apple to temporarily pull both the Grok and X apps from the App Store. They voiced serious concern over the “disturbing content generation” linked to these applications, which encompasses the creation of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The senators criticized the inaction from former CEO Elon Musk and underscored the quick removal of other harmful applications at the behest of the White House while nothing has been done regarding Grok.

**Ofcom’s Investigation in the UK**

In the UK, Ofcom, the regulatory body for media, has initiated a formal inquiry into the operations of the Grok app on the X platform. Reports suggest that the Grok AI chatbot has been directed to produce and distribute undressed images of individuals, which could be deemed intimate image exploitation or pornography, alongside sexualized images of children that could qualify as CSAM. Ofcom’s investigation seeks to establish whether X has adhered to its legal responsibilities under the Online Safety Act.

**Silence from Apple and Google**

As of the most current information, neither Apple nor Google has publicly addressed the senators’ plea or the issues raised by regulators in Southeast Asia and the UK. The Grok and X apps continue to be accessible for download in the U.S. App Store, provoking questions about the accountability of tech firms in overseeing and regulating the content produced by their platforms.

**Conclusion**

The circumstances surrounding the Grok app underscore the pressing necessity for strong regulations and moral standards in the creation and implementation of AI technologies. As governments and entities contend with the implications of AI-generated material, prioritizing the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, is crucial. The ongoing investigations and demand for action indicate an increasing recognition of the potential risks posed by such technologies and the urgent need for accountability among tech companies.

The Apple TV comedy series “The Studio” has recently received considerable praise, culminating in its honor at the Golden Globes with the prize for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Star Seth Rogen also earned the accolade for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series. Since its launch in spring 2025, “The Studio” has scored significant victories at numerous awards shows, cementing its status in the television realm.

Alongside “The Studio,” Apple TV celebrated another win at the Golden Globes with “Pluribus,” where star Rhea Seehorn took home Best Actress in a Drama. This recognition stands out notably since Seehorn’s roles in “Better Call Saul” had earlier been ignored by award institutions.

Apple TV’s triumphs at the Golden Globes included three victories out of a total of 14 nominations. While “The Studio” and “Pluribus” transformed their nominations into wins, Apple’s sci-fi drama “Severance” did not perform as effectively, losing to HBO’s “The Pitt” in the drama categories.

In his acceptance speech, Seth Rogen revealed that production for the second season of “The Studio” would begin soon, signaling a strong interest in cameo appearances following the show’s positive reception. One of the memorable episodes from the first season showcased a fictional Golden Globes awards ceremony, featuring a comedic storyline where studio head Matt Remick tries to ensure actress Zoe Kravitz acknowledges him in her speech, alongside guest appearances from prominent figures like Adam Scott and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos.

At the same time, writing for the second season of “Pluribus” is also underway, though filming dates are yet to be determined. Apple has branded “Pluribus” as its “most viewed show in Apple TV history,” but fans should not anticipate new episodes until at least 2027.

In summary, the Golden Globes have underscored Apple TV’s expanding presence in the television sector, with both “The Studio” and “Pluribus” at the forefront in terms of critical and audience acclaim.

### Apple Overtakes Samsung in Smartphone Market Share by 2025

Following a competitive two-year span where Apple and Samsung were almost even in smartphone market share, recent statistics suggest that Apple has gained the upper hand. A market intelligence report reveals that by the conclusion of 2025, Apple attained a 20% share of the global smartphone market, outpacing Samsung, which retained an 18% share.

#### Year-on-Year Growth

Apple’s rise in smartphone shipments was particularly remarkable, exhibiting a year-on-year increase of 10%, double that of Samsung. This surge was attributed to Apple’s growing footprint in emerging and mid-tier markets, coupled with a more robust product lineup. Senior Analyst Varun Mishra noted that the demand for Apple devices was fueled by the successful rollout of the iPhone 17 series, alongside the sustained popularity of the iPhone 16, especially in markets such as Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.

#### Impact of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16

The iPhone 17 series was instrumental in Apple’s market triumph, gaining substantial momentum in the fourth quarter post-launch. At the same time, the iPhone 16 continued to perform well, contributing to Apple’s overall achievements. The synergy between these two product offerings, along with a shift in consumer patterns as numerous users aimed to upgrade post-COVID-19 pandemic, fostered a favorable climate for Apple.

#### Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

Despite Apple’s flourishing growth, the smartphone market is anticipated to encounter hurdles in the upcoming year due to an increase in memory costs, which could result in an overall market contraction. Nonetheless, both Apple and Samsung are strategically positioned to tackle these challenges. Samsung’s capability to manufacture its own memory components and Apple’s strong market influence to secure competitive pricing and supply ahead of time are considerable strengths.

To summarize, Apple’s targeted product launches and market expansion strategies have enabled it to regain its status at the leading edge of the smartphone sector, while Samsung remains a tough competitor. As the market progresses, both firms will need to adjust to shifting consumer preferences and economic realities to uphold their respective standings.

Apple is presently encountering considerable obstacles due to a set of 83 suggested security requirements from the Indian authorities. Among these suggestions is a contentious request for smartphone makers to grant access to their source code, particularly for iOS. This stipulation has generated apprehension regarding corporate confidentiality and security threats, as revealing source code could potentially uncover vulnerabilities to malicious entities.

As reported by Reuters, the Indian government defends this requirement by claiming it needs to examine the source code of smartphones to spot and address possible security weaknesses. This initiative has encountered resistance from major tech firms, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi, represented by the industry association MAIT. They contend that such disclosure is impractical due to the ramifications for corporate secrecy and adherence to international privacy regulations.

Aside from the source code stipulation, the Indian government has suggested additional measures, such as requiring manufacturers to notify the government prior to launching significant updates or security fixes. This could impede the prompt deployment of essential updates, ultimately endangering user security.

The scenario has been further complicated by conflicting messages from the Indian government. While certain government documents allegedly endorse the source code disclosure, the IT department has publicly denied that it is actively pursuing source code from smartphone manufacturers, without providing additional details.

Apple has a precedent of resisting similar requests from other governments, including an unwillingness to share source code with the Chinese government and to create backdoors for law enforcement agencies such as the FBI. Given this history, analysts believe that Apple is unlikely to acquiesce to the Indian government’s demands.

As the situation unfolds, the Indian government has signaled that it remains in the consultation stage with tech companies, allowing for possible adjustments to the proposed requirements. Nonetheless, the outcome remains unpredictable as both parties navigate the intricate intersection of security, privacy, and corporate interests.

# Future Enhancements for Apple Health App: A Thorough Summary

In the past year, Apple has taken a leading role in health technology conversations, with CEO Tim Cook asserting that one of the company’s most crucial contributions to society will be in the realm of health. As part of this vision, a set of updates to the Apple Health app is imminent, scheduled to launch with the upcoming iOS 26.4. This article will delve into the expected features and improvements that aim to enhance user experience and health management.

## Streamlined App Layout

As reported by Macworld, the Health app is set to receive a major redesign in iOS 26.4. This redesign intends to simplify the user interface, presenting a new organization for categories and easier metric recording. With the Health app becoming increasingly central to Apple’s mission, these adjustments are projected to make navigation and data entry more user-friendly. The beta version of iOS 26.4 is expected to be released shortly, with a complete launch anticipated in the spring.

## Nutrition Tracking Functionality

One of the most thrilling new features for the Health app is the implementation of a meal tracking function. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this functionality will enable users to record their food consumption, monitor calorie intake, and assist with weight management. While the existing Health app allows users to enter data for specific nutrients, this new emphasis on holistic food tracking positions Apple to rival established platforms like MyFitnessPal and weight-loss applications such as Noom. Development of this feature is said to be advancing swiftly.

## Health+ Video Service

Alongside food tracking, Apple intends to introduce a fresh video service similar to Apple Fitness+. This service, provisionally named Health+, will offer users educational videos from health specialists, including physicians, dietitians, and mental health practitioners. These videos will act as resources for users to gain insights into health topics and receive advice based on their health data. For example, if the Health app identifies a troubling trend in a user’s information, it might suggest a video providing recommendations on how to tackle the concern.

## AI Health Advisor

Apple is also working on an AI health advisor that will scrutinize user data from the Health app and deliver tailored health recommendations. This capability aims to provide nutritional guidance and could potentially leverage the iPhone’s rear camera to offer real-time feedback on exercise performance, assisting users in refining their workout techniques. This integration could enhance the overall fitness journey and may link with other Apple services, such as Apple Fitness+.

## Summary

The forthcoming adjustments to the Apple Health app in iOS 26.4 signify a major transformation that could change how users engage with their health data. With a revamped interface, meal tracking features, educational health videos, and an AI health advisor, Apple is set to make a notable impact in the health technology sector. Although these features might face delays, the current trajectory indicates a bright future for the Health app. Users are invited to share their opinions on these updates and how they foresee employing the new capabilities.