MacRumorsModify

Apple to Issue Rare iOS 18 Software Update for DarkSword Exploit

2026-04-01 18:04:25

Apple on Wednesday will issue software updates to devices still running iOS 18 to protect them from an exploit called DarkSword, which can silently take over an iPhone if it visits a website infected with the malicious code.


Devices on iOS 26 are already protected against DarkSword, but in a surprising move for Apple, its latest critical update is designed to specifically protect vulnerable iOS 18 users who have consciously decided not to update to iOS 26, even though their iPhone model supports it. Some users may be hesitant to upgrade to ‌iOS 26‌ because of the Liquid Glass design overhaul that makes major changes to the iPhone interface.

"Tomorrow we are enabling the availability of an iOS 18 update for more devices so users with auto-update enabled can automatically receive important security protections," an Apple spokesperson told Wired. "We encourage all users with supported devices to update to iOS 26 to receive our most advanced protections."

iPhone users can install the updates by opening up the Settings app, going to General, and selecting the Software Update option. Those with automatic updates turned on will see the new software installed automatically.

It's the second time in the last few weeks that Apple has pushed a critical update to iPhones running out-of-date software. On March 11, Apple issued a patch to protect users from a different iOS hacking toolkit known as Coruna. The patch was for older devices that can't run iOS 26. Apple recommended that everyone else update to the latest OS version that their device supports.

The practice of protecting an older operating system version is known in the cybersecurity industry as "backporting," but it's not something that Apple typically does if a newer, compatible version of iOS has the same protections already baked in.

According to Google, DarkSword has been used by various hacker groups to break into the iPhones of users in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Last week, the exploit kit was posted to open source code repository GitHub, making it even more likely to be used by bad actors.
This article, "Apple to Issue Rare iOS 18 Software Update for DarkSword Exploit" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Engineer Brings Lightning Port to iPhone 17 Pro

2026-04-01 16:00:00

The Swiss robotics engineer behind a commercial case that adds USB-C to Lightning iPhones has now built a reverse version: A case that adds a fully functional Lightning port to the iPhone 17 Pro.

Ken Pillonel describes the project as a tongue-in-cheek response to reader requests, and says he has no plans to sell it. "It's part hack, part mod, and one of the most cursed things I've ever built," he wrote in the video description, "Be careful what you wish for."

The build involved designing custom PCBs for precise connector placement, 3D printing a flexible TPU case on a Formlabs SLS printer, and fabricating a magnet installation jig on a Prusa printer. The finished case is slim and flexible, with MagSafe alignment and a snap-fit assembly.

Pillonel set himself a deadline of April Fools' Day to complete the prototype. The project builds on his long history of connector-swapping work, which includes adding USB-C to an iPhone X in 2021 and a USB-C conversion kit for AirPods Max in 2024.
This article, "Engineer Brings Lightning Port to iPhone 17 Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Releases First Firmware Update for AirTag 2

2026-04-01 06:08:59

Apple today released new firmware for its second-generation AirTag item trackers. The firmware has a 3.0.45 version number, up from 3.0.41, and it is the first firmware update that Apple has provided for the ‌AirTag‌ 2 that launched in January 2026.


‌AirTag‌ updates are infrequent, and there is no word yet on what's included in the new firmware. Apple has shared release notes in the past, and software updates are usually bug fixes and improvements.

In the past, new ‌AirTag‌ firmware was distributed on a rolling basis over two weeks, but it appears the latest firmware is available for all ‌AirTag‌ 2 users immediately.

You can check your ‌AirTag‌ firmware by opening up the Find My app, going to the Items tab, tapping on an ‌AirTag‌ in the list, and tapping on the ‌AirTag‌'s name to see its firmware version.

There is no way to force an ‌AirTag‌ update, and firmware is installed over the air via a connected iPhone. To get new firmware, make sure your ‌AirTag‌ of your iPhone, and then wait for the firmware to roll out.

This article, "Apple Releases First Firmware Update for AirTag 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Turns 50 Today: Reflecting on Each Decade's Biggest Moments

2026-04-01 04:15:51

Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, meaning the company is officially 50 years old as of today. To honor the occasion, we have reflected on some of Apple's biggest moments of each decade, from the 1970s through to the 2020s.


Apple has an extensive history, so this list is far from comprehensive, but it captures some of the pivotal events over the company's first 50 years.

1970s

While the Apple-1 was released in 1976, it was the Apple II in 1977 that became the company's first successful, mass-market computer.


Unlike the Apple-1, the Apple II came fully assembled in a plastic case with a keyboard, and Apple sold millions of units of the computer over the years. This product gave Apple sustained cash flow, allowing it to become a major company.

1980s

In 1984, Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh, the world's first successful mass-marketed computer with a graphical user interface (GUI).

The original Macintosh popularized the computer mouse, allowing users to control an on-screen pointer. This point-and-click method of computer navigation was still a novel concept to most people at the time, as personal computers in this era typically had text-based command-line interfaces controlled with a keyboard.


Apple said the Macintosh typically took "only a few hours to learn," and it touted what are now basic computer features, such as a desktop with icons, the ability to use multiple programs in windows, drop-down menus, and copy and paste.

Pricing for the original Macintosh started at $2,495, equivalent to nearly $8,000 today. Key specs and features included an 8 MHz processor, 128 KB of RAM, a 400 KB floppy disk drive for storage, and serial ports for connecting a printer and other accessories.

1990s

By the 1990s, Apple had largely lost its way. That changed when Jobs returned to the company in 1997, as part of Apple's acquisition of NeXT, another computer company founded by Jobs after he was ousted from Apple in the mid-1980s.


Apple did release some unique products in the 1990s, ranging from the Newton personal assistant to the Pippin video game console to the QuickTake digital camera, but Jobs' return was easily the company's pinnacle moment of the decade. Jobs quickly simplified and improved Apple's product lineup, starting with the colorful iMac in 1998.

2000s

Apple's renaissance continued into the 2000s with the launch of the iPod in 2001. The portable music player was extremely popular and helped turn Apple into a consumer electronics company rather than merely a computer company.


Six years later, Apple combined an iPod with a mobile phone. Enter the iPhone.

Jobs famously introduced the original iPhone as if it were three separate products: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device. The crowd at Macworld San Francisco erupted with cheerful applause upon realizing that Jobs was referring to a single device.


While the iPod was hugely successful, the iPhone is absolutely massive, and it is now one of the most successful products of any kind ever released. Last year, Apple announced that it had shipped its three billionth iPhone. That is 3,000,000,000.

2010s

Three major Apple products launched throughout the 2010s, including the iPad in 2010, the Apple Watch in 2015, and the AirPods in 2016.


While the iPad was essentially just a large-screened iPhone when it first launched, the device has received significant advancements like trackpad support over the years, and it has since redefined what a personal computer is.

Millions of people wear an Apple Watch, and it has become one of the world's most popular fitness devices. With health and safety features like the ECG app, Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and more, the Apple Watch has even saved lives, which is a remarkable feat and something that Apple's CEO Tim Cook is very proud of.


As for AirPods, Apple says they are the world's most popular wireless headphones. Enough said.

2020s

In 2020, the Mac's transition from Intel processors to Apple silicon began, resulting in industry-leading performance-per-watt to this day.


After years of rumors, Apple unveiled its plan to transition the entire Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own custom-designed chips at WWDC in June 2020. Later that year saw the release of the first three Mac models powered by Apple silicon, including a 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. The transition was completed in 2023 when the Mac Pro—which was recently discontinued—received the M2 Ultra chip.

Apple said macOS Tahoe is the final macOS release that will support Intel-based Macs.
This article, "Apple Turns 50 Today: Reflecting on Each Decade's Biggest Moments" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

OpenAI Brings ChatGPT to CarPlay for Hands-Free Voice Conversations

2026-04-01 03:34:20

OpenAI has updated ChatGPT with support for CarPlay, which means ‌CarPlay‌ users can now ask ChatGPT questions and make requests directly from their vehicle dashboard.


Apple began allowing third-party voice-based conversational apps to interface with ‌CarPlay‌ in iOS 26.4, but apps need to implement the feature and get a special entitlement from Apple.


For the ChatGPT app and other apps that implement ‌CarPlay‌ support, voice has to be the primary method of interaction. Apple says that chatbot apps should not show text or imagery in response to queries.


Apple has a voice control template that apps are required to use. Apps have to display the voice control screen while voice-based services are active, and apps are able to have up to four action buttons. To use ChatGPT with ‌CarPlay‌, an iPhone running iOS 26.4 or later is required.

‌CarPlay‌ has supported third-party apps for years, but Apple limits the types of apps that are available to cut down on driver distractions. Apple has a list of allowed app categories, which includes audio apps, communication apps, EV charging apps, and navigation apps.

ChatGPT integration will let users ask questions hands-free, but the chatbot is not able to control vehicle or iPhone functions. There is no wake word, so users will need to open the ChatGPT app to use it.

This article, "OpenAI Brings ChatGPT to CarPlay for Hands-Free Voice Conversations" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Employee Gifts, Plans Finale Concert at Apple Park

2026-04-01 02:54:30

Apple is providing employees with a special gift in honor of its 50th anniversary, which takes place on Wednesday, April 1. Employees will receive a commemorative t-shirt, enamel pin, and limited-edition poster, all of which have the scribble-style rainbow Apple logo that Apple has been using for its 50th anniversary artwork.


An Apple Park sign says that products are "crafted by hand" and are available for employees to pick up until April 30.

Apple kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations in March, and has been hosting concerts and Today at Apple events around the world. There was an Alicia Keys concert in New York, a Li Yuchun performance in Chengdu, a Mumford & Sons concert in London, a meetup with professional figure skater Elladj Baldé in Vancouver, a light show with music composed by Bailey Pickles in Sydney, and more.

Apple plans to wrap up its 50th anniversary party with a special finale performance at its ‌Apple Park‌ campus for employees. The musical guest hasn't yet been announced, but rumors suggest that it will be Paul McCartney.
This article, "Apple Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Employee Gifts, Plans Finale Concert at Apple Park" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums