Apple rolls out AirTag update with stronger anti-stalking protection
AirTag users will want the latest firmware for the item tracker. Here’s everything you can do to get it, and then be sure it’s installed. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple pushes rare iOS update for newer iPhones to address DarkSword hack
Macworld Typically, after Apple introduces a new major version of its operating system, it stops pushing out the old version to compatible phones. Older phones that are incompatible with the new version continue to get security updates, but newer phones have to jump to the newer operating system to get them. This has been the case with iOS 18 and iOS 26 (and iPadOS 18 and 26). The latest version of iOS 18, 18.7.7, was available only for the iPhone XS, XR, and iPad 7th generation. Newer devices should move to iOS 26 to get security updates. A particularly nasty threat called DarkSword, a hacking tool that can seriously compromise devices, has gotten much worse since the code for it appeared on GitHub. This prompted Apple to issue a rare change: an updated version of iOS 18.7.7 (build number 22H340) that will show up as an automatic update for all iPhone users, not just those with older devices. Currently, iOS 26 is installed on about three in four Apple devices from the last four years, and it offers protection for DarkSword as well. But for the roughly one quarter of users who have resisted updating to iOS 26, this new change will allow their device to stay on iOS 18 and receive an automatic update (if enabled) that will protect them from the threat. Apple still suggests all users with compatible devices update to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, which offers its most advanced security and protections from many other threats. To update your device, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.

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Apple pushes rare iOS update for newer iPhones to address DarkSword hack
Macworld Typically, after Apple introduces a new major version of its operating system, it stops pushing out the old version to compatible phones. Older phones that are incompatible with the new version continue to get security updates, but newer phones have to jump to the newer operating system to get them. This has been the case with iOS 18 and iOS 26 (and iPadOS 18 and 26). The latest version of iOS 18, 18.7.7, was available only for the iPhone XS, XR, and iPad 7th generation. Newer devices should move to iOS 26 to get security updates. A particularly nasty threat called DarkSword, a hacking tool that can seriously compromise devices, has gotten much worse since the code for it appeared on GitHub. This prompted Apple to issue a rare change: an updated version of iOS 18.7.7 (build number 22H340) that will show up as an automatic update for all iPhone users, not just those with older devices. Currently, iOS 26 is installed on about three in four Apple devices from the last four years, and it offers protection for DarkSword as well. But for the roughly one quarter of users who have resisted updating to iOS 26, this new change will allow their device to stay on iOS 18 and receive an automatic update (if enabled) that will protect them from the threat. Apple still suggests all users with compatible devices update to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, which offers its most advanced security and protections from many other threats. To update your device, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.

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Apple pushes rare iOS update for newer iPhones to address DarkSword hack
Macworld Typically, after Apple introduces a new major version of its operating system, it stops pushing out the old version to compatible phones. Older phones that are incompatible with the new version continue to get security updates, but newer phones have to jump to the newer operating system to get them. This has been the case with iOS 18 and iOS 26 (and iPadOS 18 and 26). The latest version of iOS 18, 18.7.7, was available only for the iPhone XS, XR, and iPad 7th generation. Newer devices should move to iOS 26 to get security updates. A particularly nasty threat called DarkSword, a hacking tool that can seriously compromise devices, has gotten much worse since the code for it appeared on GitHub. This prompted Apple to issue a rare change: an updated version of iOS 18.7.7 (build number 22H340) that will show up as an automatic update for all iPhone users, not just those with older devices. Currently, iOS 26 is installed on about three in four Apple devices from the last four years, and it offers protection for DarkSword as well. But for the roughly one quarter of users who have resisted updating to iOS 26, this new change will allow their device to stay on iOS 18 and receive an automatic update (if enabled) that will protect them from the threat. Apple still suggests all users with compatible devices update to iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, which offers its most advanced security and protections from many other threats. To update your device, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.

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iOS 26.4 makes Apple’s best new Reminders feature easier to use
iOS 26.4 arrived last week, and with it Reminders got three improvements that make the app’s recently added urgent task feature easier to use. Here’s how. more…

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Read Tim Cook’s memo to employees on Apple’s 50th anniversary
Macworld Today, Apple turns 50. It’s a landmark year for a landmark company. In addition to the various celebratory events around the world and an employee swag bag, Apple CEO Tim Cook is marking the occasion with a special memo to employees. In it, he reflects on the humble beginnings of Apple, its phenomenal growth, and the opportunities in the future. Those hoping for some hint at future products or services, or a unique insight into the technology world of today, won’t find it in this memo, though he does offer his usual vague look at “opportunities ahead.” It’s a nice, if obvious, example of Apple’s trademark executive cheerleading. Team, Today officially marks Apple’s 50th anniversary. And as we’ve celebrated that milestone this month, l’ve been reflecting on some powerful words from Steve. “When you grow up, you tend to get told that the world is the way it is,” he said. “But life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. You can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.” This is the ethos that brought Apple into the world in 1976 – and for fifty years, it’s what has drawn the smartest, most passionate, most creative and most committed people to this company. We come here to do the best work of our lives, and to reach beyond what any of us could do alone. To be part of a culture that asks us to stay curious, to collaborate deeply, to demand excellence of ourselves and the people around us, and to believe — genuinely believe — that we can do the impossible. Across our teams and across generations, we’ve been united by a simple belief: the future isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build. And it is staggering to think of everything we’ve built together. Fifty years ago, there was a single computer prototype in a garage. Today, there are 2.5 billion active Apple devices in the hands of people in every corner of the earth — helping them create, communicate, learn and connect in ways that would have seemed unimaginable then. It’s impossible to fully quantify the profound impact this company and its people have had on the world. And it’s a truly special thing to do what we do every day, knowing that our work is squarely focused on empowering people and enriching their lives. Whether you joined this year or have been here for dozens of years, I hope you take a minute to reflect on how much your work means. Thank you. Thank you for pushing yourselves further than you thought you could go. Thank you for believing in our mission and holding fast to our values. Thank you for dedicating yourself to something so much bigger than any one of us. As extraordinary as it is to reflect on the past fifty years, what excites me most is what comes next. The opportunities ahead of us are among the greatest we have ever seen — and there’s no team in the world better positioned to meet them. Thank you for everything and here’s to the next fifty years. Tim

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Read Tim Cook’s memo to employees on Apple’s 50th anniversary
Macworld Today, Apple turns 50. It’s a landmark year for a landmark company. In addition to the various celebratory events around the world and an employee swag bag, Apple CEO Tim Cook is marking the occasion with a special memo to employees. In it, he reflects on the humble beginnings of Apple, its phenomenal growth, and the opportunities in the future. Those hoping for some hint at future products or services, or a unique insight into the technology world of today, won’t find it in this memo, though he does offer his usual vague look at “opportunities ahead.” It’s a nice, if obvious, example of Apple’s trademark executive cheerleading. Team, Today officially marks Apple’s 50th anniversary. And as we’ve celebrated that milestone this month, l’ve been reflecting on some powerful words from Steve. “When you grow up, you tend to get told that the world is the way it is,” he said. “But life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. You can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.” This is the ethos that brought Apple into the world in 1976 – and for fifty years, it’s what has drawn the smartest, most passionate, most creative and most committed people to this company. We come here to do the best work of our lives, and to reach beyond what any of us could do alone. To be part of a culture that asks us to stay curious, to collaborate deeply, to demand excellence of ourselves and the people around us, and to believe — genuinely believe — that we can do the impossible. Across our teams and across generations, we’ve been united by a simple belief: the future isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build. And it is staggering to think of everything we’ve built together. Fifty years ago, there was a single computer prototype in a garage. Today, there are 2.5 billion active Apple devices in the hands of people in every corner of the earth — helping them create, communicate, learn and connect in ways that would have seemed unimaginable then. It’s impossible to fully quantify the profound impact this company and its people have had on the world. And it’s a truly special thing to do what we do every day, knowing that our work is squarely focused on empowering people and enriching their lives. Whether you joined this year or have been here for dozens of years, I hope you take a minute to reflect on how much your work means. Thank you. Thank you for pushing yourselves further than you thought you could go. Thank you for believing in our mission and holding fast to our values. Thank you for dedicating yourself to something so much bigger than any one of us. As extraordinary as it is to reflect on the past fifty years, what excites me most is what comes next. The opportunities ahead of us are among the greatest we have ever seen — and there’s no team in the world better positioned to meet them. Thank you for everything and here’s to the next fifty years. Tim

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Read Tim Cook’s memo to employees on Apple’s 50th anniversary
Macworld Today, Apple turns 50. It’s a landmark year for a landmark company. In addition to the various celebratory events around the world and an employee swag bag, Apple CEO Tim Cook is marking the occasion with a special memo to employees. In it, he reflects on the humble beginnings of Apple, its phenomenal growth, and the opportunities in the future. Those hoping for some hint at future products or services, or a unique insight into the technology world of today, won’t find it in this memo, though he does offer his usual vague look at “opportunities ahead.” It’s a nice, if obvious, example of Apple’s trademark executive cheerleading. Team, Today officially marks Apple’s 50th anniversary. And as we’ve celebrated that milestone this month, l’ve been reflecting on some powerful words from Steve. “When you grow up, you tend to get told that the world is the way it is,” he said. “But life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. You can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.” This is the ethos that brought Apple into the world in 1976 – and for fifty years, it’s what has drawn the smartest, most passionate, most creative and most committed people to this company. We come here to do the best work of our lives, and to reach beyond what any of us could do alone. To be part of a culture that asks us to stay curious, to collaborate deeply, to demand excellence of ourselves and the people around us, and to believe — genuinely believe — that we can do the impossible. Across our teams and across generations, we’ve been united by a simple belief: the future isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build. And it is staggering to think of everything we’ve built together. Fifty years ago, there was a single computer prototype in a garage. Today, there are 2.5 billion active Apple devices in the hands of people in every corner of the earth — helping them create, communicate, learn and connect in ways that would have seemed unimaginable then. It’s impossible to fully quantify the profound impact this company and its people have had on the world. And it’s a truly special thing to do what we do every day, knowing that our work is squarely focused on empowering people and enriching their lives. Whether you joined this year or have been here for dozens of years, I hope you take a minute to reflect on how much your work means. Thank you. Thank you for pushing yourselves further than you thought you could go. Thank you for believing in our mission and holding fast to our values. Thank you for dedicating yourself to something so much bigger than any one of us. As extraordinary as it is to reflect on the past fifty years, what excites me most is what comes next. The opportunities ahead of us are among the greatest we have ever seen — and there’s no team in the world better positioned to meet them. Thank you for everything and here’s to the next fifty years. Tim

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Hasbro faces weeks of issues following major cyberattack and data breach
Hasbro, the toy producer that controls major properties including Peppa Pig and Dungeons & Dragons, has been hacked. It's not yet clear if personal information has been stolen, but given the severity, it seems likely.Hasbro website maintenance notificationIn a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday, Hasbro has confirmed it is the victim of a systems breach. The legal disclosure says that Hasbro spotted unauthorized access to the corporate network on March 28.The discovery prompted the toy giant to perform its security response protocols. The filing adds that there were "containment measures" including taking some systems offline. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple @ 50: How Apple transformed a cheap commodity into its signature luxury
This story is part of 9to5Mac’s series celebrating Apple’s 50th anniversary. Aluminum was once a cheap metal to consumers, primarily used in soda cans, kitchen foil, cookware, and window frames. It also lived a double life as an industrial material used in aerospace. It was simultaneously a disposable commodity in everyday products and an engineering marvel that helped get humans to the moon. That is of course until Apple decided to make aluminum their signature material, in the blink of an eye aluminum became a consumer luxury the second Steve Jobs revealed the 12” and 17″ PowerBook G4s in 2003. What followed was 23 years of ultra premium aluminum devices that completely changed the way we live. more…

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AirTag 2 gets improved anti-stalking capabilities with new firmware update
Apple has deployed a new firmware update for the AirTag 2, giving a significant update to an anti-stalking feature.Apple has issued a firmware update for the second-generation AirTag.The second-generation AirTag debuted in January 2026. Relative to its predecessor, the AirTag 2 offers more precise tracking from a longer range, a louder speaker with a bigger speaker coil, a thinner motherboard, and enhanced security features.The iPhone maker continues to improve the security capabilities of its second-generation AirTag, with Monday's firmware update offering a noteworthy change to the device's anti-stalking feature. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Watch: WSJ shares an intimate look at unseen prototypes that help tell the story of 50 years of Apple history
To commemorate Apple’s 50th anniversary, CEO Tim Cook shared previously unseen archival materials with The Wall Street Journal and told… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Tim Cook explores rare iPod, iPhone prototypes in new interview [Video]
Apple’s 50th anniversary celebration continues, this time with a fascinating new video from The Wall Street Journal. In the video, WSJ columnist Ben Cohen to takes a walk down memory lane alongside Tim Cook, including rare Apple prototypes and other archival material that even Cook himself had never seen before. “A lot of this I’ve seen for the first time in preparing for the 50th anniversary,” Cook said. more…

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Tim Cook celebrates Apple's 50th in a heartfelt letter to staff
Tim Cook, in a memo to Apple staff worldwide reflecting on Apple's journey to 50, believes that the company's best years are yet to come.Tim Cook shares memo with staff in honor of 50th anniversary Apple officially turned 50 on Wednesday, with the company taking time to celebrate the achievements that have brought it this far. In honor of the occasion, Apple CEO Tim Cook sent a letter to his staff, reflecting on how the company has gone and where it may go in the future.He begins the memo with a quote from Steve Jobs. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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App Store Connect for iOS gains better accessibility and TestFlight features
Apple has released a new version of App Store Connect for iPhone and iPad. The new version includes accessibility improvements, support for 11 new languages, and more. more…

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Apple just changed AirTag 2’s anti-stalking feature
Apple shipped new AirTag firmware yesterday, the first update since AirTag 2 launched earlier this year. And now thanks to official release notes, we know that the new firmware improves AirTag’s anti-stalking feature. more…

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Tim Cook checks out Apple's archive, containing items he's not seen before
Apple has its own archives of product prototypes and important documents. As part of its 50th celebrations, CEO Tim Cook gave a sneak peek inside Apple's historical vault, including some items he had never seen before.Tim Cook closely inspecting a news clipping - Image Credit: Wall Street JournalApril 1 marks the 50th anniversary of Apple as a company, and the celebration has led to a lot of events and reports on the company. Continuing to mark the occasion, Apple CEO Tim Cook took time out of his schedule to explore the company's archives in an interview.The video, posted by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, showed a collection of prototypes, documents, and other materials from the company's history. Some of which Cook admitted he didn't know existed, admitting, "I'm guilty of that." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AirPods Max 2 arrive in stores with strong supply & no launch delays
AirPods Max 2 are available in Apple Stores worldwide, with online orders from March 25 arriving on schedule, and good stock at retail.AirPods Max 2Apple's retail rollout puts the updated over-ear headphones directly into stores alongside active deliveries. The company has enough inventory ahead of release to support that kind of immediate access, as there are no delays in shipping times.Availability across multiple regions reinforces that this is a broad, well-supplied launch rather than a staggered rollout. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV celebrates highly anticipated second season of ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’
Apple TV celebrated season two of “Your Friends & Neighbors” with a star-studded red carpet premiere at the New York Historical museum… The post Apple TV celebrates highly anticipated second season of ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Patch to protect iOS 18 holdouts from DarkSword is out
Apple has released another patch for iOS 18, protecting users that don't want to upgrade to iOS 26 from dangerous DarkSword attacks.Seriously, update your iPhone. The unscheduled patch for iOS 18 users is an unusual one for Apple. While it does patch older versions of its operating systems for various reasons, it is usually to help those who cannot update their iPhone's operating system to the current version.In this instance, Apple has created a so-called "backport" patch for iOS 18. This one is intended for those who use iOS 18 on their iPhone, but while they could upgrade to iOS 26, they refuse to do so. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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