Checklist 386: Privacy, Security, Updates, and Apple Intelligence
Apple Unveils First Intelligence Features in Developer Betas
As the tech world eagerly anticipates the full release of iOS 18, Apple has rolled out the first developer betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. According to a report from MacRumors, these updates come as developers and public testers continue to work on the initial versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15.
Apple Intelligence Options
Developers now have the option to choose between the standard beta tracks or opt into the new Apple Intelligence betas. However, this option is only available to devices with M-series Apple Silicon or the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, limiting some users’ choices.
Missing Features
Several anticipated consumer-friendly features are still absent from the current betas. These include:
- Image Playground
- Genmoji
- ChatGPT integration
- Object erasure in Photos
- Priority Notifications
- Enhanced Siri capabilities, such as deeper app integration and on-screen awareness
Image Playground: Security Considerations
One debated feature is Image Playground, which will allow users to prompt Apple Intelligence to create images in styles like Animation, Illustration, and Sketch. Notably, Apple Intelligence will not produce photorealistic images, potentially to avoid the risks associated with deepfakes. This conservative approach may be intended to familiarize users with the feature while maintaining security.
New Features in Developer Betas
The developer betas released this week introduce several new Apple Intelligence features, including:
- Advanced writing tools
- Updated Siri design
- Seamless transition between voice commands and typing for Siri
- Call recording and transcribing
- Summarization for transcripts and other content
- New Mail categories
- Smart replies for Mail and Messages
Call Recording and Transcribing: Legal and Ethical Implications
The call recording feature, in particular, raises concerns about privacy and legality. When a call is being recorded, an audible message notifies all participants. Despite this warning, the only way to avoid being recorded is to hang up, which some may find unsettling.
As Apple continues to refine these features, the tech community watches closely, awaiting further updates and the eventual public release of these innovative tools.
Sources: MacRumors
Apple Rolls Out Beta Versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 with Intelligence Features
While the official releases of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15 are still pending, Apple has introduced the first developer betas of their subsequent versions: iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. These betas come with new Apple Intelligence features, enabling developers to begin testing and developing for both versions in advance.
Apple Intelligence and Developer Flexibility
These updates are significant, as developers can now choose to develop either for the standard versions or the versions with Apple Intelligence features. This flexibility allows developers to cater to different device capabilities, particularly since only iPads and Macs with M-series Apple Silicon and iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max can support the Apple Intelligence betas.
Future Integration with ChatGPT
One of the most anticipated features, ChatGPT integration, is expected to roll out in the spring, launching initially in beta. Apple aims to ensure users are comfortable with this feature, emphasizing privacy and security.
Privacy and Security Measures
According to a report from 9to5Mac, Apple is taking extensive measures to protect user privacy when interacting with Apple Intelligence. Most interactions are kept on-device, but when off-device processing is needed, Apple’s Private Cloud Compute (PCC) ensures that personal data remains secure. PCC, described as the most advanced security architecture for cloud AI compute at scale, ensures that user data sent to the cloud is inaccessible to anyone other than the user.
Detailed Privacy Reports
To further reassure users, Apple is providing detailed privacy reports. Compatible devices running iOS 18.1 or macOS 15.1 beta feature an “Apple Intelligence Report” menu within the Privacy & Security settings. Users can export a report on their interactions with Apple Intelligence, which includes sensitive data and requires Face ID or Touch ID for access.
These reports are generated by default and stored on the device for only 15 minutes. Users can opt to keep the report for up to 7 days or turn off the feature entirely.
Apple Releases Bug and Security Updates for Current Operating Systems
While much of the tech world is focused on the forthcoming iOS 18 and its counterparts, Apple has not neglected its current operating systems. On Monday, the company rolled out a series of updates, including iOS and iPadOS 17.6, macOS Sonoma 14.6, watchOS 10.6, tvOS 17.6, and visionOS 1.3, as reported by MacRumors.
Feature Addition for macOS Sonoma
Although these updates primarily focus on security, macOS Sonoma 14.6 introduced a notable new feature. According to 9to5Mac, this update enables multi-display support for the M3 MacBook Pro, allowing users to connect two external displays with the laptop lid closed. This is a significant enhancement for professionals who require extensive screen real estate both at the office and at home.
Comprehensive Security Updates
The bulk of the updates, however, address numerous vulnerabilities across the various operating systems. Apple’s security page details the extensive fixes provided:
- iOS and iPadOS 17.6: Addressed 30 vulnerabilities. Older versions received updates too, with iOS and iPadOS 16.7.9 fixing 20 security issues.
- macOS Sonoma 14.6: Fixed 54 vulnerabilities. Previous macOS versions were also updated, with macOS Ventura 13.6.8 addressing 36 issues and macOS Monterey 12.7.6 resolving 32.
- watchOS 10.6: Resolved 24 security issues.
- tvOS 17.6: Fixed 16 security vulnerabilities.
- VisionOS 1.3: Addressed 15 security issues, enhancing the safety of the Apple Vision Pro headset.
These updates ensure that users’ devices remain secure while waiting for the next major software releases.
