Quanta to make next-generation Apple Watch in third quarter of 2017

“Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation Apple Watch that is Apple Watch Series 3 in the third quarter of 2017 and the wearable device will be manufactured by Quanta Computer and features better performance and longer battery life, according to a Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) report citing market watchers”.

Read More – Digitimes 

This is an isolated report, of course, so don’t take it as gospel just yet. Unlike new iPhone 8 rumors, attention on Apple Watch is lower and manufacturers do not have to scale production as aggressively. This means the product is generally less likely to leak out from the supply chain.

What the report suggests, though, is that Apple will keep the same design of Watch for another generation. It is worth noting, though, that the Apple Watch Series 2 looked the same as the first-generation model … but still added features like GPS, waterproofing, and a brighter display.

Other previous rumors have claimed Apple plans to add cellular connectivity to the next Apple Watch after battery life concerns prevented the feature from being included in the Series 2 device. Also suggested is a potential switch to micro-LED displays, which are thinner and lighter than current screens and offer improved color gamut and brightness. 

Perhaps Apple Watch is considered a ‘timeless item’ where exterior changes are not as necessary as the constantly-evolving phone. The iPad has also ‘looked the same’ for longer a period of time than the iPhone has, although the tablet is expected to see major updates in the spring.

It also lessens the idea that Apple will add new health and fitness sensors over time; the report plainly says “improving battery efficiency is Quanta’s main task for the new Apple Watch and its other hardware will not see much change”.

Apple Stops Signing iOS 10.1 and 10.1.1 Following the Release of iOS 10.2

Following the release of iOS 10.2 in December 2016, Apple has stopped signing iOS 10.1 and iOS 10.1.1 for all devices. This means that users are now no longer able to downgrade to the operating system if they are having some sort of issue with the latest iOS 10.2 releases.

Because Apple has stopped signing the two operating systems, users will no longer be able to downgrade to the operating system after updating to iOS 10.2. This means that once you update, you’re permanently committed to the new version.

Generally, Apple stops signing older iOS releases to prevent users from downgrading and being vulnerable to security holes that have since been patched. This primarily affects jailbreak users the most, but there was never a jailbreak available for iOS 10.1 or iOS 10.1.1.

Read more about what is there in Apple iOS 10.2 releases.

Apple has released iOS 10.2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10.2 includes several new features like Unicode 9.0 emoji, three new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus wallpapers, a new TV app, additional camera features, new Messages screen effects, and more.

These are the changes discovered during iOS 10.2 beta:

• Three new wallpapers in iOS 10.2 beta (only for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus)
• New widget for Videos app
• New Preserve Camera setting
• New emoji (looks like Unicode 9.0 update/also on macOS 10.12.2, watchOS 3.1.1)
• New ‘Press and Hold to Speak’ menu under Home Button Accessibility settings
• New ‘Celebration’ Messages screen effect
• New ‘Show Star Ratings’ option under Music Settings
• New headphone icon in status bar for Bluetooth audio devices (previously seen with the Beats Solo3)
• TV app now included on iOS 10.2 beta, Videos app still present
• TV widget joins Videos widget
• SOS feature similar to Apple Watch when clicking power button 5x (which may be a requirement in India next year)
• Music now points to relocated shuffle and repeat controls (which have a button look now)
• TV app totally replaces Videos app on beta 3
• Feedback app returns in beta 3
• Previously seen SOS feature now only available in India (due to upcoming requirement)
• New ‘Love’ screen effect joins ‘Celebration’ in Messages

iOS 10.2 introduces new features including the TV app (US Only), a new and unified experience for accessing your TV shows and movies across multiple video apps. Emoji have been beautifully redesigned to reveal even more detail and over 100 new emoji have been added including new faces, food, animals, sports, and professions. This update also includes stability improvements and bug fixes.

Source: 9to5mac

Why App Transport Security Can’t Get Here Soon Enough

App Transport Security (ATS): Good for Security and Privacy

In practice, the change is more procedural than technical: By default, ATS is enabled for apps linked against iOS 9 and newer SDKs, though developers could disable it or create exemptions for specific domains or types of traffic. The announcement made in June 2016 during the annual Apple WWDC does not change the behavior or implementation but does create a new requirement for admission to the App Store. Previously, there was no penalty if an app developer chose to bypass security best practices. But when the new review procedures go into effect at the beginning of next year, apps that are submitted with ATS disabled will be rejected. Of course, developers can apply for exceptions but that process will almost certainly delay the approval process.

The policy is a security and privacy win for both consumers and enterprises because the new requirement will go a long way toward protecting data in transit. This is especially important considering mobile users are notorious for using whatever Wi-Fi hotspot is available to them (protected or otherwise) and since native mobile apps often lack the typical visual indicators present in web browsers to denote secure connectivity. As beneficial as ATS will be, it is unfortunately not a silver bullet. It’s important to note that the change affects only apps submitted for App Store review after January 1, 2017 and that apps without ATS submitted before the deadline will not be removed. For enterprises - especially those who rely on third party developers- it’s also important to remember that in-house apps are not subject to the same policies and code reviews as App Store apps and may, therefore, not conform to best practices.

This is not to say that the mandate is a trivial change for developers. A cursory examination of developer forums reveals a great deal of reticence and confusion. Meanwhile, MobileIron partner, Appthority, recently published research suggesting that the overwhelming majority of apps disable ATS or permit insecure connections. These alarming statistics, combined with broader findings about the disappointing state of server-side security configurations (such as failing to address basic OWASP recommendations) echo the findings from the MobileIron 2Q2016 Mobile Security and Risk Review evincing a troubling-- and continued-- lack of basic security hygiene. Organizations shouldn’t wait to assess the state of their mobile apps.

ATS is a great step forward, but it’s only one part of a larger whole in cyber security that remains our shared responsibility. Take advantage of this important advancement but don’t forget to do your part too.

Source: AppTech News

Apple Extends Developer Deadline for Mandatory App Transport Security Support

Apple on Wednesday informed developers that it has extended the deadline by which apps submitted to the various App Stores will required to use App Transport Security (ATS), a standard introduced in iOS 9 and OS X 10.11.

According to Apple Developer, ATS, first introduced in iOS 9 and OS X v10.11, will now not become mandatory for apps to support by the 1 January 2017. Instead, Apple has decided to give developers "additional time to prepare" for the switch and so has extended the original deadline.
Although ATS is switched on by default in Apple's development toolset, developers currently have the option of deactivating the feature. During this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, however, the company said it would begin enforcing ATS support starting Jan. 1, 2017.

ATS is a feature of Apple's iOS and OS X operating systems which ensure that applications do not load resources over HTTP connections, which are not secure and may be eavesdropped on by attackers. Instead, ATS requires that resources are loaded through HTTPS, a secure communication protocol often used by other services including online banks and e-commerce websites which encrypts data through Transport Layer Security Layer (TLS).

Currently, ATS is enabled by default but app developers do have the option of disabling the feature.

Apple has not announced an expected timeline for ATS integration, saying only that developers will be updated when a new deadline is confirmed. No new deadline has been set for developers to utilize ATS, but the iPad and iPhone maker has promised an update when a new date has been confirmed.

Source : Apple Developer

Apple Seeds watchOS 3.1.3 beta (14S958) to Developers

Apple on 21st December seeded the First Beta of watchOS 3.1.3 Update Build 14S958 to registered developers for testing purpose, the release is a test version of the upcoming update to their Apple Watch Operating System

This can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch App on the iPhone running iOS 10 or higher by going to General > Software Update.

What is required?

This can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch App on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.

Developers can download the watchOS configuration profile from the link Download and install the build via the Watch app on the iPhone. But to install the update, the Apple Watch must have 

• 50% battery, 
• It must be placed on the charger and 
• It must be in the range of the iPhone. 

watchOS 3.1.3 requires an iPhone running iOS 10 to install.

The watchOS 3.1.3. beta comes shortly after Apple pulled the watchOS 3.1. release after it was found to be bricking some Apple Watch Series 2 devices. Apple has not re-released an updated version of watchOS 3.1.1 that fixes the bug, So many users are still running watchOS 3.1.

Like tvOS, there is no Public Beta for watchOS. If you want access to watchOS 3.1.3 build, you will need to be a registered developer. Once you are, you can download the configuration profile from Apple Developer to your Watch, and then update through the Watch app on your iPhone.

Source: Apple Developers

Apple Launches Beta 2 of iOS 10.2.1 and macOS Sierra 10.12.3

iOS 10.2.1 Beta 2 (14D15) to Developers

Apple announced that it has released iOS 10.2.1 beta 2 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to developers with build number 14D15 for developers. This update follows the public release of iOS 10.2.

iOS 10.2 included newly redesigned emojis, the TV app for US users, a couple of new screen effects in Messages, amongst other enhancements. iOS 10.2.1 is also available for public beta testers with a release usually a few days behind developer releases. Right now this is available for Registered users of Apple Developer Program.

macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Beta 2 (16D17a) to Developers

Apple seeded the second beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 update to developers, one week after releasing macOS Sierra 10.12.2 

Sierra 10.12.2 brought in new emoji, wallpapers, graphics and System integrity protection fixes and the removal of the system battery's estimated 'time remaining' feature.

This second seed of macOS Sierra 10.2.3 beta is available on the developer center and rolling out to the Mac App Store now with a size of 1.04GB.

According to Apple's release notes, the 10.12.3 update "improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac." No specific changes, bug fixes, or feature additions were discovered in the first beta, but we'll update this post should any new features be found in the second beta.

iOS 10.2.1 Beta 2 (14D15) and macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Beat 2 (16D17a) are now available to install over-the-air via Settings-General-Software Updates on iOS devices and under the Mac App Store's Updates tab on the Mac.

Source: Apple Developers Blog

Apple to Add Grade Crossings to Maps

Apple to Add Grade Crossings to Maps After Federal Recommendation. Apple will add grade crossings to Apple Maps after a safety recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Reports The New York Times. The recommendation comes after a two-year investigation into an accident that occurred after a driver got his truck stuck on railroad tracks while following directions from Google Maps.

Grade crossings, or level crossings, are defined as intersections where a rail line meets a roadway, and have become increasingly dangerous areas thanks in part to the rise of digital mapping services.   The case the NTSB cites in its recommendation is that of Jose Alejandro Sanchez-Ramirez, who misinterpreted directions from Google Maps and wound up on a poorly marked grade crossing. His truck, which was hauling a trailer, got stuck on the tracks. While Sanchez-Ramirez was able to abandon his vehicle, a train struck it and resulted in the death of an engineer and injuries to 32 others. There were more than 200 fatalities at grade crossings last year in the U.S. 

Read More

At the time, Google's mapping application did not incorporate grade crossing data, according to NTSB findings. The federal safety agency argues that had Google Maps included such information, and perhaps a warning, Sanchez-Ramirez would have been less likely to mistakenly turn onto the tracks. 

Today, the NTSB issued a safety recommendation that Google and other map providers, like Apple, Should add exact locations of more than 200,000-grade crossings to their mapping data. The Federal Railroad Administration has been lobbying Apple and other tech companies to add the data for the past 18 months.

Along with Apple and Google, the NTSB is calling on Garmin, HERE, TomTom, INRIX, MapQuest, Microsoft Corporation, Omnitracs, OpenStreetMap US, Sensys Networks, StreetLight Data, Teletrac, and United Parcel Service of America to integrate the grade crossing and other rail data into their respective digital services. 

Source: MacRoumors