Apple this week issued an apology for a privacy mishap and addressed consumer criticism about where they could get their iPhones and Macs fixed. But it was the promise of a new iPhone that got most of the attention.
Apple sent out invitations to a press event at its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters on September 10. That event will likely feature new iPhone 11s, while other devices, including Apple Watch Series 5, may also premiere.
Apple’s invitations came just after the company unveiled a repair program that expanded where customers can get their devices fixed. Apple also apologized for having contractors listen to recordings of customers using its Siri digital assistant and said it would change that policy.
Meanwhile, Google revealed information about a serious hacking of iPhones.
Read below for all of the biggest Apple headlines:
Apple Readies iPhone 11
Apple is holding what’s expected to be the unveiling of iPhone 11 on September 10 at the Steve Jobs Theater at its Apple Park headquarters. Apple’s invitation to press outlets featured a colorful and semi-transparent Apple logo with a caption saying, “By innovation only.” Apple didn’t say what it will announce, but all signs point to three new iPhone 11 models. Apple may also unveil a new Apple Watch, AirPods wireless earbuds, and more. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
A New Way to Repair Your iPhone
After taking flak for a policy that complicated where iPhone owners could repair their batteries, Apple responded with a new Independent Repair Provider Program. The program will allow any repair shop to sign up to fix common Apple hardware problems, like a bad battery or cracked screen, with genuine Apple parts and tools. The move should dramatically expand where Apple device owners can go for fixes.
A Big Privacy Change to Siri
Apple this week said that it would no longer record users talking to Siri without first getting permission. The company also promised to only use Apple employees for the job and to quickly discard the recordings. Apple, like other tech giants including Google and Amazon, had used third-party contractors to listen to recordings to improve their assistants. While Apple anonymized the data, in some cases, the users in the recordings could be identified based on what they said and overheard in discussing sensitive topics. Apple is the first virtual personal assistant maker to switch its digital assistant recording program to opt-in. All others companies require users to opt-out.
Beware the MacBook Ban
Another airline has placed baggage restrictions on Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Pro. This week, Qantas Airways said travelers would only be allowed to stow them in the cabin and only they are switched off. The decision followed Virgin Australia’s saying this week that all Apple laptops would be banned from checked luggage. The new policies came after Apple recalled 15-inch MacBook Pros sold between September 2015 and February 2017 because a “limited number” of batteries in them could overheat and catch fire.
Google Finds iPhone Hack Attempts
Google’s security researchers this week revealed what they call “one of the largest attacks against iPhone users ever.” They found hacked websites infected with malware that specifically targeted iPhone users running iOS 10 through iOS 12. Google’s team told Apple about the problem on Feb. 1, and Apple patched it in iOS 12.1.4 on Feb. 9, according to the report. Those who haven’t updated to iOS 12.1.4 should do so now.
Big Pay Day for Tim Cook
Apple CEO Tim Cook earned $115 million in vested Apple stock this week, the company revealed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Apple granted Cook 280,000 shares for his work this year, and another 280,000 shares for meeting performance milestones.
One More Thing…
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was interviewed this week by Bloomberg about a variety of topics, including Apple Card, Apple’s Services business, and more. Check it out here.
