Mac Ninjas

Apple just released iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6 and macOS 14.6. Please do these updates ASAP as they have security updates in them as well as bug fixes.

iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 are now available, here’s what’s new - 9to5Mac Apple has released the latest software updates for the iPhone and iPad. iOS 17.6 and iPadOS 17.6 bring a brand new Catch Up feature and more.

Apple's iOS 18 is coming in September and brings many new features. Users will see changes that make their iPhones more useful and fun. As you probably know, Apple cares a lot about its user’s privacy and wants to keep your data safe. iOS 18 has more tools to control who sees your info. There are new ways to manage app permissions and new alerts to tell you when an app is tracking you.

The Messages app also gets better in iOS 18. You can now send RCS messages back and forth with Android, so text communication is improving dramatically. Also, group chats will be easier to manage with improved organization tools. For those who love photos, the Photos app now has more editing tools and smarter search features to find pictures faster.

Health and fitness features will get a boost in iOS 18. The Health app tracks more data, and there are new workout types for Fitness+. The Sleep app also has new tools to help you get better rest. These updates will make it easier to stay healthy and fit.

Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is going to be smarter in iOS 18. It will understand more commands and can do more tasks for you. This makes using your iPhone hands-free even better.

Overall, iOS 18 aims to make your iPhone more personal, helpful, and secure. It’s packed with updates that improve your daily experience. Whether you care about privacy, messaging, photos, or health, iOS 18 has something new to offer. The update will be available in September and looks like it will be worth the wait.

How concerned are you about your security online? Recently, security has become a major concern for everyone using technology. A recent incident involving AT&T highlights the importance of being vigilant. Hackers were able to breach AT&T's security, gaining access to customer information. This event reminds us of the importance of safeguarding our data.

iOS devices are known for their strong security features. Apple consistently updates its software to fix vulnerabilities and keep users safe. However, even with these measures in place, no system is completely immune to attacks. The AT&T breach shows that even large companies with advanced security measures can be targeted by hackers.

For iOS users, there are a few simple steps to enhance security. First, always keep your device and apps updated. These updates often include important security patches.

Second, use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Third, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. I’d suggest using an app such as 1Password or at least Apple Keychain to create strong passwords and save them automatically.

The AT&T breach is a wake-up call for users. Users would be smart to take proactive steps to protect their data. By staying informed and adopting good security practices, we can reduce the risk of falling victim to such breaches.

Do you have questions? Let’s schedule a call to talk about them.

Have you considered the security risks of using the same password or similar passwords for everything? Since the start of the Covid pandemic, hacking has gone through the roof. Over the last 6 months, I’ve been seeing 4-5 people per month who have had their email accounts hacked and all messages deleted, then the hacker used the same email and password combination to hack their bank, Paypal and Amazon, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars each time.

How do you manage your passwords? The best option to use, which I recommend to people every day, is a password manager such as 1Password. 1Password can help you set randomly generated passwords that are very difficult to hack and allows randomly generated passwords for each and every site as well as having Passkey support. In my personal experience, the best of them for Apple users is 1Password. If someone is all in on Apple devices and only uses Safari as a web browser, Keychain works fine. If you use other browsers like Firefox and Chrome, then use a password manager like 1Password. Once you set secure passwords also turn on 2-factor authentication on EVERY site that offers it.

There are many options for Password managers. I personally prefer those that are secure, straightforward to use, and work everywhere. Some other options are Keeper, LastPass, NordPass, and BitLocker. I generally favor those with a long history of being secure and easy to use.

Would you like to talk about passwords, password managers, etc? Let’s have a conversation about what might be the best option for you.

Apple just released iOS 17.4.1. This update is all about bug fixes, so if you have iOS 17.4 or earlier, it would be wise to do this update sooner rather than later.

Apple releases iOS 17.4.1 for iPhone users, more - 9to5Mac Apple has officially released iOS 17.4.1 for iPhone users today. The update comes two weeks after Apple released iOS 17.4...

On Tuesday March 5, Apple released iOS 17.4, including many fixes as well as new features. There are changes for those of you in the EU, including alternate app stores and changes. These do not apply to those of us in the US.

There are also security updates and features such as Apple Pay, new emojis, and other general updates such as the transcription of podcasts, and an update to CarPlay.

There are at least 4 security updates in this release of which, two of them were being actively exploited. I highly recommend updating all your Apple products to this new version of iOS.

If you have any questions regarding this update or other Apple concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Have you heard recently about the new journaling app on iPhone compromising your security? I certainly have. It seems like that scare tactic is not all we thought it was.

No, your iPhone isn’t suddenly sharing personal info with strangers A new social media scare doesn’t have all the facts.

Today, Apple released iOS 17.2, bringing some cool improvements that make your iPhone experience even better and it is 100% safe to do the update.

First off, you'll notice your device running smoother. Apple worked on fixing bugs and enhancing performance, so everything should feel snappier and more responsive. This means fewer hiccups and a more enjoyable time using your iPhone. Your data is even more secure with enhanced encryption and better control over what each app can do. This means you have more say in what apps can access, keeping your personal information safer than ever.

iOS 17.2 also introduces some handy tweaks to make your daily tasks easier. The updated Maps app now provides more accurate directions, ensuring you reach your destination with less hassle. The Photos app has new editing tools, allowing you to enhance your pictures with just a few taps.

iOS 17.2 is all about making your iPhone experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. So, update your iPhone or iPad and explore iOS 17.2 for yourself.

If you have challenges or questions, please feel free to schedule a time for us to speak.

Manny Fu

Are you an iPhone user who loves your older iPhone? If you have an iPhone 8/X or earlier, it’s time to upgrade to a new iPhone.

One of the reasons many people refuse to upgrade is a desire to avoid FaceID because they don’t feel safe using facial recognition. Face ID simplifies unlocking your iPhone by using your face as the key. All it takes is a quick look at your device, and you're in – no need to fumble with codes or worry about forgetting them. Everything is stored locally on your iPhone or iPad in a secure part of your device, where no other services have access. This means your sensitive information is kept close, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. If you ever have to restore and set your phone up again, you also have to reset Face ID, as it isn’t saved in ANY backups.

Are you worried about security loopholes? Face ID comes equipped with anti-spoofing technology, ensuring that a real face is required for access. It can distinguish between your actual face and a photograph or a mask, providing an extra layer of protection against potential breaches. It also requires awareness and you looking at the camera for it to work. Trying to unlock a phone while not looking at it doesn’t work.

In essence, Face ID is a game-changer for those who want a secure yet straightforward way to access their iPhone/iPad. It's designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring that even those who aren't tech-savvy can enjoy the convenience of modern biometric authentication without worrying about how it works.

Do you have questions or concerns about how to upgrade safely and not lose anything? I’m happy to have a conversation and walk you through the process.

Are you an iPhone user who loves your older iPhone? If you have an iPhone 8/X or earlier, it’s time to upgrade to a new iPhone. The oldest iPhone still getting software updates is the iPhone XS/XR from 2018. Many people who don’t want to lose their home button, are scared of change or have problems updating as they fear losing their information when changing devices.

It’s a lot easier to move from old to new with no data loss today than it was in the past. The 2 best options for your data are to restore from an iCloud backup or do a direct transfer wirelessly between your old phone and your new one, which can be done during the setup of new iPhones very easily.

Take advantage of some of the many deals running for the holidays and do your update now instead of paying higher prices after the holiday season ends.

Do you have questions or concerns about how to upgrade safely and not lose anything? I’m happy to have a conversation and walk you through the process.

Brian Cohen

Earlier today, Apple released iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, macOS 14.1 and watchOS 10.1. If you have ANY Apple products, it would be a VERY wise idea to do these updates. If you were holding off updating until the .1 update came out, it's out today and is safe to do.

Apple Releases iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1 to the Public - Brings AirDrop Over the Internet, More Apple on Wednesday released iOS 17.1 for the iPhone, as well as iPadOS 17.1, for the iPad.

It’s September and Apple has some new updates: if you love your Apple devices and aren't exactly tech wizards, I've got some exciting news to share about the latest Apple updates: iOS 17, iPhone 15, and macOS Sonoma. 📱💻

🌟 iOS 17: Effortless and User-Friendly 🌟 Apple has done it again! iOS 17 is here to make our lives easier. The new home screen design means finding your favorite apps is a breeze. Plus, there's a focus mode to help us stay on track and cool privacy features that keep our data safe.

📱 iPhone 15: Your New Camera Companion 📱 Say cheese! 📸 The iPhone 15 comes with an amazing camera that takes stunning photos, even in low light. And guess what? It's super easy to use! Faster performance, longer battery life, and a durable design make it the perfect upgrade.

💻 macOS Sonoma releasing September 26: Your Mac's New Best Friend 💻 If you have a Mac, you'll love macOS Sonoma. It's like giving your computer a brain boost! The new interface is simple to navigate, and Universal Control lets you control multiple Apple devices with ease.

Should you update immediately if you’re not a lover of the latest and greatest? My answer is NO; let the early adopters find the bugs then you can update to a more stable version when the .1 update comes out in 3-4 weeks. If you're thinking/worrying about upgrading, let’s have a conversation and make the upgrade as painless as possible.