In today's hyperconnected world, personal data has become a valuable commodity, and protecting it is more crucial than ever. Apple has emerged as a leading voice in the fight for user privacy, implementing innovative features and policies that aim to shield its customers from a constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats. This article delves into Apple's commitment to data privacy and security, exploring its key initiatives and examining their effectiveness in the face of emerging threats. (more…)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed this week that WhatsApp has surpassed 100 million monthly active users in the United States. The messaging app has seen rapid growth in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Seattle. Additionally, WhatsApp reports substantial growth in Southern states, with Texas boasting over 10 million users. Sheena Vasani for The Verge: ‎ “This is the first time data pertaining to users has been released since Meta’s acquisition of the messaging app and demonstrates how the messaging platform, already the biggest messaging app in the world, has experienced tremendous growth in the U.S.,” WhatsApp spokesperson Ashley O’Reilly wrote in a press release. Since purchasing WhatsApp for $16 billion in 2014, Meta has put a…

The UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) claimed Monday that Apple is failing to effectively monitor its platforms or scan for child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Katie McQue for The Guardian: ‎ The UK’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) accuses Apple of vastly undercounting how often child sexual abuse material (CSAM) appears in its products. In a year, child predators used Apple’s iCloud, iMessage and Facetime to store and exchange CSAM in a higher number of cases in England and Wales alone than the company reported across all other countries combined, according to police data obtained by the NSPCC. Through data gathered via freedom of information requests and shared exclusively…

Apple’s Messages app adds support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging in iOS 18 developer beta 2. This means iPhone users can now bypass the limitations of SMS and MMS when communicating with Android devices. RCS utilizes the internet for richer features like high-quality photos, typing indicators, read receipts, and group chats. Previously, these features were exclusive to iMessage conversations between Apple users. Android messages still appear in green bubbles. Ivan Mehta for TechCrunch: ‎ Support for RCS seems to be limited to U.S. carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon for now. While users can see the toggle if they have installed the iOS 18 developer beta, the feature will only work if their mobile carrier supports RCS and has…

Some iPhone users in the US running iOS 18 beta 2 report RCS messaging has gone live for them in the Messages app for them. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Here's why Apple's support for RCS messaging in the iOS 18 Messages app will result in enhanced texting between iPhone and Android users. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)