Category: Hardware

Multiple active exploits could affect iPhone use of Bluetooth.

Flipper Zero hacker tool could be used to trigger iPhone DDoS attack using Bluetooth signals by AirPods, HomeKit accessories, etc. These signals usually trigger popup on iPhone allowing to connect to headphones or perform other actions. Crafting these signals in a specific way could result in iOS restart.

Newly discovered BLUFFS attack could be used to impersonate devices and trigger disclosure of private information. It is not yet clear, if AirDrop is affected by this attack as it uses more than just Bluetooth to authenticate the device. However, it is still possible to hijack audio or other Bluetooth connection. Fix would require device manufacturers to modify security mechanisms of Bluetooth stack.

References:

• Flipper Zero can still crash iPhones running the latest version of iOS 17
• Bluetooth security flaws allow connections to be hijacked; AirDrop unlikely to be affected [U]

Bloomberg reports that Apple Vision Pro development is not yet done and headset is expected to ship no earlier than March 2024.

Another report claims that Apple is expected to ship 400k units in 2024 and up to 10 million by 2026. Next generation device is expected to be available in 2025 with reduced price.

Beware, these rumors are not fully verified and should not be considered as facts.

References:

• Apple Vision Pro now expected to ship in March
• Apple’s In-House Technologies Team Still Has Plenty of Work to Do
• Sketchy report says 400,000 Apple Vision Pro units to ship initially, 10 million by 2026
• Report: Work on Multiple Next-Gen Vision Pro Headsets Ongoing, Including Cheaper Model

There are reports that wireless charges in some of GM cars are not charging iPhone 15 models. It seems also to be related with iOS 17.1 update.

References:

• iPhone 15 wireless charging apparently broken in many GM cars with iOS 17.1
• Some iPhone 15 Owners With GM Cars Experiencing Wireless Charging Issues

Apple introduced HomeKey several years ago, and now The Connectivity Standards Alliance (Apple is a part of it) introduced Aliro – new open standard for electronic keys. CSA is also responsible for Matter standard.

The standard will include definitions for Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth^® Low-Energy (LE), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) experiences, as well as asymmetric cryptography and credential data.

CSA

CSA:

• The Connectivity Standards Alliance Announces Aliro, A New Effort to Make Mobile Devices & Wearables Central To A Digital Access Future
• Aliro

Reference: New 'Aliro' Standard Aims to Simplify Unlocking Doors With Smartphones

High Power mode is now available on MacBook Pro with M3 Max chip. Previously, feature was only available for 16" model.

High Power mode increases cooling system efficiency (which might result in higher fan noise levels) to provide maximum performance for CPU and GPU hungry tasks.

References:

• High Power Mode Expands to 14-Inch MacBook Pro With M3 Max Chip
• macOS ‘High Power Mode’ expands to 14-inch MacBook Pro for the first time

Apple to issue immediate macOS update for new M3 Macs.

The Macs will ship with a custom version of ‌macOS Sonoma‌ 14.1 with a build number of 23B2073, but new users will need to download and install a new version with a build number of 23B2077.

MacRumors

References:

• New M3 MacBook Pro and iMac Models to Get Day One macOS Sonoma Update
• Buying one of the new M3 Macs? There’s a new macOS Sonoma build waiting for you

During 'Scary fast' Special Event Apple unveiled new Apple Silicon chips – M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max. First Macs to get these – MacBook Pro and iMac. No updates for Mac mini, Mac Studio, MacBook Air or iPads were announced so far.

Some users reporting rapid battery drain on Apple Watch after updating to watchOS 10.1.

It is not yet determined how widespread the issue is or which models are affected.

Reference: Apple Watch users complain of rapid battery drain and overheating with watchOS 10.1

Multiple reports claiming iPhone sales decline of about 10 percent year-over-year. This might be caused by increased competition by Huawei and China government iPhone sales ban.

References:

• Chinese iPhone sales fell 10%, as Huawei reemerges as competitor
• Piper Sandler reduces Apple's Q1 2024 earnings estimates, citing weak demand in China

Apple acknowledged issue with some car wireless chargers causing NFC temporary disfunction on iPhone 15 models. Apple promises software update to address this issue.

At this moment it is not known how widespread the issue is. No further details are provided so far.

References:

• Apple Admits to BMW Wireless Charging Issue With iPhone 15 Lineup, Promises Fix Later This Year
• Apple acknowledges iPhone 15 charging problem with BMWs, Toyota Supras