iPhones

Apple sales in biggest fall since 2019

Sales at the iPhone giant fell 5% in the three months to December compared with the same period in 2021.

It was the biggest decline since 2019 and worse than expected.

The update came as many firms warn about a sharp economic slowdown, especially in the tech sector which boomed during the pandemic.

Apple boss Tim Cook said the firm was navigating a "challenging environment".

Apple delays plan to scan iPhones for child abuse

It follows widespread criticism from privacy groups and others, worried that the on-device tracking set a dangerous precedent.

Apple said that it had listened to the negative feedback and was reconsidering.

There were concerns the system could be abused by authoritarian states.

The so-called NeuralHash technology would have scanned images just before they are uploaded to iCloud Photos. Then it would have matched them against known child sexual abuse material on a database maintained by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Los Angeles to offer vaccine record on iPhones

The record will live in the Apple Wallet, usually used for payment cards, boarding passes, or event tickets.

Officials say it will first be used to remind people to get their second required dose of the vaccine.

But it could also be used as proof of vaccination in the Covid-19 hotspot of Los Angeles.

Bloomberg first reported news of the county's partnership with software firm Healthvana.

Fortnite set to return to iPhones via Nvidia cloud gaming service

Nvidia has developed a version of its GeForce cloud gaming service that runs in the mobile web browser Safari.

Apple will not get a cut of virtual items sold within the battle royale fighting title when played this way.

Apple is embroiled in a legal fight with Fortnite's developer Epic, which led the iPhone-maker to remove the game from its iOS App Store.

Epic has claimed that the 30% commission Apple charges on in-app gaming purchases is anti-competitive.

But Apple has accused Epic of wanting a "free ride".

Apple apologises for slowing older iPhones down

The company now says it will replace batteries for less and will issue software in 2018 so customers can monitor their phone's battery health.

Some customers had long suspected the company slowed older iPhones to encourage customers to upgrade.

Apple admitted slowing some phones with ageing batteries but said it was to "prolong the life" of the devices.

In a statement posted on its website, the firm said it would reduce the price of an out-of-warranty battery replacement from $79 (£58) to $29 (£21) for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later.

Apple killing Touch ID on all iPhones in 2018, Report says

This feature is also expected to arrive on iPad Pro next year. The newest flagship from Apple doesn’t include the Touch ID fingerprint sensor which has been the companion of the home button since years.

Apple might kill the Touch ID fingerprint sensor from all the iPhone models releasing in the future, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He called 3D sensing a “key selling point” for the 2018 iPhone models and said it’ll help Apple “capitalize on its clear lead in 3D sensing design and production for smartphones.”

Soon, iPhones will block texts while driving

The feature, called "Do Not Disturb While Driving," will be part of Apple's iOS 11, a new version of the operating software for Apple mobile devices.

Whenever the phone is connected to a car using either Bluetooth or a cable, or if the car is moving, the phone will withhold any notifications for things like text messages or news updates.

If someone does text you while you're driving, the phone can respond with an automatic message telling them you're driving and can't respond just now.

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Hackers threaten to remotely wipe 300 million iPhones unless Apple Pays Ransom

It has been found that a mischievous group of hackers claiming to have access to over 300 million iCloud accounts is threatening Apple to remotely wipe data from those millions of Apple devices unless Apple pays it $75,000 in crypto-currency or $100,000 worth of iTunes gift cards.

The hacking group, who identified themselves as 'Turkish Crime Family,' has demanded a ransom to be paid in Bitcoin or Ethereum, another popular crypto-currency.

Apple says iPhones safe despite China fires

Eight users have complained to Shanghai's consumer watchdog that their iPhone 6 series handsets spontaneously combusted or exploded.

The US tech giant said it had conducted tests on the devices and had found "no cause for concern with these products".

One technology analyst told the BBC she did not believe it to be a widespread problem.

Apple said the iPhones had external physical damage "which led to the thermal event".

20 boyfriends and 20 iPhones: How one Chinese woman bought a house

Given what a the challenge it can be to get on the property ladder in the country, it's probably no surprise that Chinese social media was buzzing with one particular property story last week.

It started when a blog was published on the popular blogging platform the Tian Ya Yi Du forum, by a person writing under the pseudonym 'Proud Qiaoba'.

Proud Qiaoba penned a tale that, if we hadn't been able to verify it ourselves, would seem like the plot of a pretty average airport romance novel.

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