iOS 7 Beta 4 Contains Fix For Malicious Charger Hack

Earlier this year, a trio of computer scientists discovered a flaw in iOS 6 that would theoretically allow an iPhone or an iPad to be hacked using a "malicious USB charger." 

The researchers demonstrated the hack at the Black Hat Convention in Las Vegas today, showing off a custom built charger that was plugged into an iPhone. The charger, which took a week to design and cost just $45 in components, contained a small Linux computer programmed to launch an attack on iOS devices.

In this presentation, we demonstrate how an iOS device can be compromised within one minute of being plugged into a malicious charger. We first examine Apple’s existing security mechanisms to protect against arbitrary software installation, then describe how USB capabilities can be leveraged to bypass these defense mechanisms. To ensure persistence of the resulting infection, we show how an attacker can hide their software in the same way Apple hides its own built-in applications.

According to a report from Reuters, the security flaw that could allow a fake charging station to potentially hack an iOS device has already been repaired in iOS 7.

Apple said the issue had been fixed in the latest beta of iOS 7, which has already been released to software developers. 

"We would like to thank the researchers for their valuable input," Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said.

During the convention, the researchers successfully used the device they had constructed to hack into an iPhone, programming it to dial another phone. The group, worried that criminals might use the hack in malicious ways, publicized the issue in the spirit of "white hat" hacking. 

iOS 7, which is already in the hands of developers, is expected to be released to the general public this fall. Along with a fix for the charger hack, it also includes a number of new features like an overhauled Notification Center, a new Control Center, and a complete redesign. Apple continues to regularly release beta updates for the operating system, adding additional minor performance boosts and changes ahead of its official release.

Code in iOS 7 Suggests Upcoming A7 iPhone Chip Will Include Samsung Components

According to developer Nick Frey (via 9to5Mac) code within iOS 7 hints at a new upgraded processor, likely the A7 processor expected to be included with the iPhone 5S. The code includes a reference to an s5L8960x application processor, which is a higher iteration than the s518950x and the s518955x numeration found on the A6 and A6X processors used in the iPhone 5 and the fourth generation iPad. 

As noted by 9to5Mac, it appears that the upcoming system-on-a-chip will include Samsung components.

Interestingly, it appears that Apple will again work with Samsung for this new chip. The main system-on-a-chip will include some Samsung components- at least to power the display, according to analysis of the above code by a person familiar with Apple’s chip design process. 

This source also says that over the past couple of years, Apple has hit roadblocks (in relation to processing speed) with both the upcoming A7 and A8 chip, but it appears those that issues have been resolved.

While the appearance of next generation Samsung components in iOS 7 confirms reports that Apple will stick with Samsung for its 2013 product line rather than switching exclusively to TSMC, it remains unclear whether or not TSMC is also involved in the chip production. A March rumor suggested that Apple might use both Samsung and TSMC to produce its 2013 chips, and a prototype iPhone 5S revealed a K1A0062 identifier on the main A7 chip, suggesting that it could potentially be manufactured by TSMC. 

Apple has been reportedly aiming to reduce its reliance on Samsung, and in June, the company signed a three year deal with TSMC that will see TSMC producing Apple’s A8 chips and potentially its A9/A9X chips as well. Apple did, however, backtrack and sign asecond deal with Samsung that will see Samsung producing 14-nm chips for the company beginning in 2015, indicating that Apple plans to continue working with both companies.

Open Road Films Launches New 'JOBS' Featurette, Live YouTube Event Coming Friday

An official website promoting the upcoming Steve Jobs movie starring Ashton Kutcher launched earlier this week, featuring a number of short video clips and reviews. Open Road Films has also released a new featurette today, which offers commentary on the filming of “JOBS” along with new clips from the movie. 

As part of a social media blitz, Ashton Kutcher has explained why he took the role, shared his thoughts on Jobs, and outlined the work that he put into becoming Steve Jobs multiple times, sharing information in an answer on Quora, a lengthy interview with The Verge, and at a special screening of the movie in San Francisco. 


Both Ashton Kutcher and Josh Gad, who plays Steve Wozniak in the movie, will participate in a live YouTube event on Friday, beginning at 11am PST, to share more information on the upcoming film. 

JOBS is set to hit theaters next month, on August 16.

Apple has A6-based iPad mini without Retina display in the works

Apple is testing a new iPad mini that includes a faster processor but not a Retina display, according to references in the iOS 7 SDK sent to us by a developer.

The references were located inside of a hidden file that lists all supported iOS 7 devices, and the information has been corroborated with details found within the iOS 7 beta operating system itself…

According to the provided information, Apple is considering three new iPad mini models: iPad “2,8,” iPad “2,9,” and iPad “2,10.” The respective code names for the devices are J75, J76, and J77. This points to one WiFi-only model and two cellular-compatible models (just like the current iPad minis).
The internal nomenclature for these iPads follows the current iPad minis, which are iPad “2,5,” iPad “2,6,” and iPad “2,7.”


As for what these new iPad minis will feature, the references state that the devices include the “s5l8950x” processor. This is the same A6 system-on-a-chip inside of Apple’s iPhone 5, and this would offer significant speed improvements for the iPad mini compared to the current A5-based model. The A6 chip will mean that users could move around the operating system at a quicker pace, load up movies more quickly, and see better performance and frame-rates while playing games.
From the references, we can also infer that this potential iPad mini model will lack a Retina display. The versions of these references for Apple’s Retina display devices, such as the iPhone 5 and fourth-generation iPad, include hooks to images at a “@2x” mode. “@2x” is how developers reference app artwork that is built for a Retina display device. However, these new iPad minis lack the “@2x” hook, including only references to non-Retina images. Perhaps corroborating this is that the rumored Retina display iPad mini codename is “J85,” while the iPad mini model we have learned about is “J75.”
From the references, which were spotted and submitted by developer Nick Frey, we can also understand that these newer iPad mini models include the same cellular technologies and baseband chip as the current iPad minis.
While it appears, based on these references, that Apple is considering and testing a new iPad mini with a spec-bump and no Retina display, we cannot confirm that Apple will actually ship this device as a product.
Several rumors have pointed to Apple preparing a new version of the iPad mini with a Retina display for 2014, so perhaps the aforementioned faster model is an update to hold consumers until the higher-resolution version debuts. Other possibilities include these new iPad models remaining as an internal-only variant or a silent update (perhaps when the iPad minis are repackaged with iOS 7 marketing materials in the fall?).
As for other hints of a 2013 non-Retina iPad mini update, there has been mixed chatter about such a device out of the Asia supply chain.

What Chromecast? Apple drops refurb Apple TV $10 to $75

From 9to5Toys.com:

One of the most highly touted features of the new Google Chromecast is its price tag, coming in at just $35. The Apple TV retails for $99 (Amazon sells it for $96) but includes a more expansive feature set including full mirroring capabilities, a beautiful user interface, physical remote and an abundance of compatible streaming services. In a possible reaction to the low Chromecast price, Apple has dropped a refurbished Apple TV 12% down to just $75 with free shipping. Although, this could be a planned price drop as Apple typically re-evaluates their refurb prices as products go through their life cycle. No matter the reason for the drop, at $75 with a 1-year Apple warranty this is our pick for the best current Apple TV deal.

Apple Filling Out its 'Ground Truth' Mapping Team with New Regional and Local Job Listings

As revealed in dozens of new job postings on its website, Apple is once again looking to improve its much-criticized Maps application by increasing the size of its team dedicated to verifying mapping data. The postings are for "ground truth" local experts and regional managers in a number of different locations around the world, including several in the United States, Brazil, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Europe. 

The job descriptions for the "Local Expert" roles are as follows:The Maps team is looking for people with a passion for mapping, great testing skills, and deep regional knowledge to help us build better and better maps. In this position, you will be responsible for the quality assessment of Apple Maps for your region, including both data and map services.  You will monitor changes to our maps, provide feedback on unique local map requirements, collect ground truth information, and evaluate competing products.
The roles call for someone with a bachelor's degree or equivalent, prior experience in quality assurance and a "detailed knowledge of the unique features of your local area, including preferred place names, prominent businesses, public services, seasonal events, driving routes, landmarks, and road names". The positions are clearly intended to help Apple improve the quality of its mapping service, which since its release has been plagued with problems, including mislabeled towns and cities, inaccurate driving directions, as well as establishments (such as restaurants and bars) which had been closed for years. MacRumors first noticed Apple specifically hiring a ground truth expert in Australia back in February, with the company moving to hire managers for the program in March. With this latest batch of job listings, Apple is clearly looking to fill out its team with a variety of regional and local positions. Apple's Maps issues in iOS 6 prompted an open letter by Tim Cook on the company's home page and are rumored to be one of the reasons why Scott Forstall, Apple's previous Senior Vice President of iOS Software, was ousted from the company back in October 2012. The company has acknowledged that it is working hard to improve its mapping services, which are coming to OS X Mavericks later this year. In just the past few weeks, Apple has been revealed to have acquired small mapping firms Locationary and HopStop as it seeks to improve its own services. 

Briefly: Apple set to open 13th Apple Store in Italy on Aug. 3

By AppleInsider Staff

Apple is preparing to open the doors to its latest retail outlet in Italy, the 13th Apple Store in the country and the first in the city of Remini, which is scheduled welcome in customers this Saturday.

As noted by MacRumors, Apple's Remini, Italy outlet will officially open on Saturday, Aug. 3, in the largest shopping mall in the region. 

The Le Befane location will reportedly cover over 10,000 square feet of retail and back-of-house space, and will feature a Genius Bar, workshops and One to One service. Apple's Remini store will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

While the Apple Store has yet to show up on Le Befane's official website, Apple's dedicated webpage says the grand opening will take place at 9 a.m. local time. Reservations for the Genius Bar are already being taken, while two workshops on iCloud and iOS 6 are scheduled for Saturday. 

During its quarterly conference call for the third fiscal quarter of 2013, Apple announced that it would be paring down the number of new Apple Stores it will open this year to 27, down from a planned 30 locations.

iPhone 5S & New Low-Cost iPhone To Launch On September 6 [Rumor]

The iPhone 5S and the new low-cost iPhone are expected to launch on Friday, September 6, according to a “very credible” source. That’s roughly two weeks earlier than the iPhone 5 went on sale last year, and it suggests Apple will announce the devices in late August.

We’re unable to vouch for the credibility of this rumor, which comes from German blog iFun — a site we’re not familiar with. But they claim the information is from a good source. Here’s the report, machine translated:

The next-generation iPhone will be according to our information on 6 September come on the market. In addition to that day, “two new types of devices” to be available – and thus are not two different color variations or memory meant. This information can reach us from a very credible and serious source.

Although the report doesn’t mention the iPhone 5S and the low-cost iPhone specifically, we’re fairly confident both devices will go on sale alongside each other. We’re also confident that that will happen this fall, but September 6 seems a little early for the launch.

Apple has said it will announce new products this fall, but if the iPhone launch is scheduled for September 6, it’ll have to announce the device on August 28 or August 29 at the latest, before kicking off pre-orders on August 30. Instead, we’re expecting an announcement in mid-September, ahead of a launch around September 20 or September 27.

Update: Nothing to see here. This rumor has been officially noped

SourceiFun

Apple Support Document Unveils iMessage Spam Reporting Tool

A new support document has emerged on Apple's website today, revealing a way for iMessage users to report unwanted messages, or spam, directly to Apple. 

To report unwanted iMessage messages to Apple, please send an email with the following details to: imessage.spam@icloud.com 

Include a screenshot of the message you have received. 
Include the full email address or phone number you received the unwanted message from. 
Include the date and time that you received the message.

In late March it was reported that a group of iOS developers had been hit with denial-of-service attacks via iMessage that saw them receiving a series of rapid-fire messages. Previously, it was not possible for users to take action against possible spam attacks. Now users can alert Apple to any possible problems directly. 


Similarly, users with iOS 7 wanting to fight potential spam will have the ability to block contacts in the Messages, Phone and FaceTime apps, but users with previous versions of iOS will not be able to use that feature.

11" MacBook Air Owner Connects High-End Graphics Card With Complex Thunderbolt Setup

Larry Gadea, a user on the Tech Inferno forums, has shown off a unique setup whereby he connects a graphics card to the 11" MacBook Air via a series of adapters.

He uses a Thunderbolt to Express Card adapter, then connects an ExpressCard to PCI-Express adapter, and finally to a Windows-compatible video card. The final result is somewhat bulky but seems to provide an excellent gaming experience.

It has become very clear that gaming is not only high-performance, but super practical on an 11" Macbook Air. There's so much going against it: this hodgepodge of adapters, it has a low voltage CPU, disaster of wiring and exposed sensitive parts, crazy boot-time chainloading software, Intel killing companies producing adapters and products left right and center via legal threats, etc. but somehow, with the right parts and some patience, it works spectacularly. And is quite cheap too!

The full article goes deep into frame rates and benchmarking a variety of games, noting that -- though users need to use Boot Camp to run Windows because of graphics card driver requirements -- advanced PC gaming on the MacBook Air is workable with a little technical know-how.

Because his setup can be easily unplugged, it is especially useful for gamers who want to play games on a desktop-screen but still have a lightweight notebook for traveling. It could also conceivably be used on other Thunderbolt-equipped Macs, including the iMac and the upcoming Mac Pro.

Thanks Eli!

Tim Cook Visits China to Discuss Market Growth, Low-Cost iPhone with Carriers?

According to a Chinese media report [Google translation] pointed out by 9to5Mac, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited China recently, possibly to discuss mobile growth after Apple announced a decline in growth within the market during its recent quarterly conference call. The article also claims that Cook may have met with the Chinese carriers to discuss the impending launch of the heavily rumored low-cost iPhone in the region, potentially named the iPhone 5C. 

It is speculated that with the previous high-level meetings with China Telecom Cook similar, the two sides level will mainly focus on the issues discussed at the strategic level, may also be involved in co-generation iPhone and sales. 

Insiders pointed out that China and the Cook high-level talks with China Telecom, may mean that the new generation iPhone will likely be listed in China through China Telecom first sale. 

It is understood that since Apple CEO Cook served as third visit to China since it is unclear the specific time of Cook's visit and travel arrangements, Cook is expected to be in the next few days, respectively, in China Unicom and China Mobile executives meeting. Early January 2013 and mid-March 2012, Apple CEO Cook to the identity of the first visit to China, one after another with the Ministry of Industry executives and China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom's top leaders met. 

Since Cook served as Apple CEO, Apple's emphasis on the Chinese market gradually improved. At present, through China Unicom and China Telecom, Apple covers China's 350 million users.

The news of the visit comes after a Chinese labor group alleged poor working conditions at Pegatron, a main Apple supplier in China earlier this week. Earlier this year, Cook visited China to discuss "cooperation" with China Mobile, and also met with various government officials during his prior trip.

Apple and Motorola Agree to Drop 14 Patents From Impending Trial

Google-owned Motorola Mobility and Apple have agreed to drop a combined total of 14 patents from litigation that were part of a Florida lawsuit scheduled to go to trial in 2014. Apple dropped 6 patents in the pending case, while Motorola dropped 8, leaving 8 total patents to be tried in court, reports FOSS Patents.

Yesterday (Monday, July 29 2013) Apple and Motorola filed a stipulation to dismiss a total of 14 patents from the Miami case. Apple had previously dropped two patents (though it reserved some rights subject to what happens on appeal), so the case was down from 24 to 22 patents. Under yesterday's stipulation, Motorola drops eight patents and Apple withdraws six, restoring parity. Subject to the court's (very likely) approval of this stipulation, either party will be asserting four patents going forward.

The lawsuit history between the two companies started in October 2010 after Motorola filed a complaint with the ITC accusing Apple of patent infringement, with Motorola seeking to bar Apple from importing, promoting, and distributing its products. 

The lawsuit ramped up after Google acquired Motorola, with the company further expanding its charges against Apple. As the scope of the lawsuit grew out of control, the U.S. District Judge in the case, Robert Scola, chastised Apple and Motorola for the dispute, calling it a "business strategy that appears to have no end." 

The two companies were given four months to streamline the case, under the threat of a hold. At this point in time, the two companies will each assert four patents in the Florida dispute, which is set to begin in August of next year.

iPhone 5C cases pop up on Amazon

(Credit: Screenshot by Lance Whitney/CNET)

Future buyers of Apple's rumored low-cost iPhone can potentially find a host of cases awaiting them on Amazon.

Available for preorder, the Elago S5C Slim Fit 2 cases specifically list the iPhone 5C as part of their names. A few of the cases promise to be in stock on August 23, while others show a date of August 26. The regular cases sell for $9.99, while the editions that include a screen protector go for $24.99.

Plastic packaging labeled iPhone 5C recently appeared on a Chinese discussion forum, providing a possible clue to the name of the low-cost iPhone.

Of course, the cases by themselves aren't evidence of any low-priced iPhone. Manufacturers often develop cases and other products ahead of time hoping to cash in if and when the rumored device hits the market. They also gamble that their products will fit or be compatible with the actual device.

The low-cost iPhone did receive some exposure on Monday from a report by China Labor Watch. Documenting labor violations at Apple supplier Pegatron, CLW's report specifically mentioned a low-priced, plastic iPhone being manufactured by Pegatron factory workers.

(Via MacRumors)

Apple slips upcoming Radio service into latest iTunes beta

Apple's Eddy Cue introducing iTunes Radio at WWDC in June.

(Credit: James Martin)

Apple's testing a new version of iTunes with its upcoming iTunes Radio service built in, and is now giving it to developers to test.

The feature was bundled inside a beta version of iTunes 11.1, which went up on Apple's developer site Monday.

iTunes Radio was introduced alongside iOS 7 at Apple's annual developer conference last month. The service lets users stream music stations for free, and with no advertising if they're a subscriber of Apple's iTunes Match service.

iTunes Radio will be available on just about every Apple device.

(Credit: Apple)

Initial beta versions of iOS 7 and iOS for the Apple TV already included iTunes Radio integration.

The new version of iTunes comes alongside a fourth beta of iOS 7, which went out to developers on Monday morning. It's unclear if the new iTunes will come out before that mobile software makes it to the public.

(via 9to5Mac)

Apple envisions three sensors to improve iPhone's color photos

A newly granted patent describes a mobile device equipped with three sensors to enhance the colors in your photos.

(Credit: Apple/USPTO)

Your iPhone of the future could deliver better color photos if equipped with three separate sensors.

Granted Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, an Apple patent dubbed "Image capture using luminance and chrominance sensors" envisions a way to include one sensor for luminance and two for chrominance as a way to better capture colors in your moble device's photographs.

Luminance measures the amount of light reflected from an object, while chrominance defines the color of an image. The technology built into the iPhone would combine the luminance from the first sensor and the chrominance from the other two sensors to form a single composite image. As such, the final image would more faithfully reproduce the actual colors, resulting in a higher quality and more accurate photo.

Each sensor may have a blind spot where it can't detect a certain region included in the photograph. The three-sensor approach would compensate for this by ensuring that the blind regions are all offset by other sensors. So, if one sensor doesn't "see" a certain region, another sensor would pick it up.

A multi-sensor technology has been on Apple's mind. A patent granted to the iPhone maker on July 23 described a way to combine two or more sensors in a mobile device to create better photos and videos.

(Via AppleInsider)

Netflix's Personalized User Profiles Begin Showing Up on Apple TV

According to multiple Twitter reports and a tipster who contacted MacRumors, individual Netflix profiles are now showing up on the Apple TV. The personalized profile feature, which is expected to be launched in August, will allow users of shared Netflix accounts to select a unique profile when accessing the service.

Netflix first debuted its personalized user profiles earlier this year at E3, giving select users beta access to the feature. With personalized profiles, each family member or Netflix user can have a separate profile with customizable avatars, individualized viewing histories, unique content recommendations, and parental control options.


While the feature is not yet available to the general public, the infrastructure has been launched on the Apple TV. According to a Netflix customer service representative, Netflix users who previously set up profiles when using the DVD service will now see those profiles show up on the Apple TV.

Profiles cannot be altered at this time, and additional users cannot be added, but users who already have profiles in place will see the option when opening the Netflix app. Netflix says that the official release will come to all users "later this summer," allowing individual profiles to be set up on the web and then accessed on the Apple TV. 

iOS 7 Beta 4 Tidbits: Lockscreen Redesign, Notification Center Improvements and New Search Options

Apple today released the fourth beta of iOS 7, which begins a number of improvements, changes, and bug fixes to the operating system, including a designed lockscreen, Notification Center improvements, an updated look for Safari’s bookmark menu, and more. 

iOS 7 beta 4 also brings a slew of minor interface tweaks and improvements that make the fourth version of the beta feel both faster and more polished. Our forum members have noted multiple enhancements that have been bundled into the release: 

Lockscreen - Slide to Unlock has been updated with a shifting highlight color and an arrow that draw attention to the area on the lockscreen. The arrow that denoted the Notification Center is now a line shape. 


Mail - Swiping to delete inbox messages from the Mail app is quicker thanks to a smoother delete animation that eliminates slight lag. 

Notification Center - The different sections of the Notification Center can now be switched between by swiping left and right. There is also a new notification for completed uploads. 

AirPlay - There are new AirPlay icons. 

Siri - Siri’s help menu now includes suggestions for question and answer queries. 


Apps - The camera includes a relocated HDR button and the Reminders app now offers Search functionality. 

Icons - Safari and Mail appear to have slightly tweaked gradient designs. 


Folders - The fade animation for folders located in the dock has been updated to function properly. 

Phone - The Call button has been slightly altered to take up less of the phone’s screen and the Answer/Decline buttons have also been updated. 


Messages - Messages app now uses the first name and last initial of a contact in a chat conversation rather than the full name. 

Search - The iPhone’s search functionality (initiated with a downward swipe on the screen) now includes a "Cancel" option. 


Safari - Buttons for Bookmarks, Shared Links, and Reading List have been redesigned with icons rather than labels. 

Screenshot API - As noted by 9to5Mac, iOS 7 Beta 4 includes a new screenshot detection API that solves an issue preventing Snapchat from detecting screenshots. 


Apple TV - iOS 7 includes a feature that allows an Apple TV to be automatically set up using an iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth. (Thanks, Ethan!) 


Additional features in iOS 7 beta 4 will be added here as they are discovered. Apple is likely to continue pushing regular updates for iOS 7, bringing minor performance boosts and changes ahead of the operating system’s public release, which is expected to come in the fall.

iOS 7 Beta 4 Code Points to Home Button Fingerprint Sensor for iPhone 5S

Following its 2012 acquisition of mobile security firm AuthenTec, which specialized in fingerprint sensors, Apple has been rumored to be looking to incorporate its technology into its future products. Rumors have indicated that such a sensor could be a differentiating feature for Apple's upcoming iPhone 5S, although there has so far been little in the way of solid evidence that such a feature is in the works. 

But as noted by Hamza Sood (via 9to5Mac), Apple's developer release of iOS 7 beta 4today has brought a significant clue that Apple is indeed planning to bring the technology to the iPhone later this year. 


The evidence arrives in the form of a new code bundle in the Accessibility portion of iOS 7. The bundle, named BiometricKitUI, contains text strings related to a tutorial on how to use a fingerprint sensor on an iPhone. The relevant strings include:

- Photo of a person holding an iPhone with their left hand while touching the Home button with their thumb
- Photo of a person holding an iPhone with their right hand while touching the Home button with their thumb
- A fingerprint that changes colour during the setup process.
- Recognition is %@ complete

Several reports have indicated that incorporating a fingerprint sensor into the iPhone 5S has proven difficult for Apple, potentially limiting launch supplies of the device as production bottlenecks are worked out.