Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs

Apple on Wednesday announced that they have uncovered serious security vulnerabilities in their iPhones, iPads and Macs, and recommended all users update their software to block potential intrusion.

The software flaws could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices, Apple said in two security reports.

The company said it is 'aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.'

The two vulnerabilities were found in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari and other apps, and the kernel, essentially the core of the operating system. 

TechCrunch said the flaw means someone can have full access to the device. 

Security experts have advised users to update affected devices - the iPhones6S and later models; several models of the iPad, including the 5th generation and later, all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2; and Mac computers running MacOS Monterey.

It also affects some iPod models.

Apple said the WebKit bug could be exploited if a vulnerable device accessed or processed 'maliciously crafted web content [that] may lead to arbitrary code execution,' TechCrunch reported.

The second bug allowed a malicious application 'to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges,' which means full access to the device. 

The two flaws are believed to be related. 

Apple's explanation of the vulnerability means a hacker could get 'full admin access to the device' so that they can 'execute any code as if they are you, the user,' said Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security.

Those who should be particularly attentive to updating their software are 'people who are in the public eye' such as activists or journalists who might be the targets of sophisticated nation-state spying, Tobac said.

The company has not commented on the flaw, besides warning people it had been detected. 

Apple targets September 7 for launch of iPhone 14, three Apple Watch models and new iPads but firm may raise iPhone prices by 15 percent compared with previous model

Apple is aiming to hold its next launch event on September 7 to unveil the iPhone 14 line - as well as low-end and high-end iPads, and three new Apple Watch models - people with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg.

The Cupertino-based tech giant is revamping its flagship product - and potentially increasing its price - during a time of high inflation as its Silicon Valley peers Google and Meta face advertising pullbacks, users defecting to other platforms and regulatory headwinds.

Even so, the iPhone accounts for more than half of Apple's sales and sales were better than analysts expected for the quarter that ended June 25. Apple's total revenue rose 2 percent to $83 billion in that quarter - with the iPhone accounting for $40.7 billion of that. 

Bloomberg reports that some retails store employees have been told to prepare for a major new product release on Sept. 16, as the company usually releases the new iPhone in stores about a week and a half after it's unveiled. 

Although Apple is famously tight-lipped about new releases, here's what we know from company watchers and rumors regarding the iPhone 14.

As always, the camera is a key focal point for the millions of iPhone users looking to upgrade. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, there will be dramatic improvements to the iPhone's front-facing camera that include better auto-focus features. In addition, Kuo says the rear camera will be upgraded to 48 megapixels from the 12-megapixel sensor in iPhone 12. 

Kuo revealed last week that it's likely that the average selling price of the iPhone 14 lineup as a whole will increase by about 15 percent compared with the iPhone 13 lineup. In the U.S., the iPhone 13 Pro starts at $999 and the iPhone 13 Pro Max starts at $1,099. 

A 15 percent increase would raise the cost to $1,148.85 and $1,263.85, respectively, however it should be pointed out that we don't know the exact price for the new models yet. Price increases could be a result of inflation or the new features that will be included in the iPhone 14 lineup.

9to5Mac and analyst Ross Young have both said that the new models will be slightly larger in size - with the iPhone 14 Pro running at 6.12' and the iPhone 14 Pro Max at 6.69'. That compares with 6.06' and 6.68' for the previous models. 

The biggest change as far as appearance - again according to Kuo - is the removal of the notch cutout at the top of the phone. That area is where Apple houses sensors for things like Face ID, as well as the infrared camera, the speaker, microphone, front camera, ambient light sensor and proximity sensor. 

9to5Mac reports that Apple will replace the notch with a new 'pill hole' design that will allow the company to have room for the front-facing camera and Face ID hardware, while still upping the amount of available screen real estate.  

For the tech-savvy, the iPhone 14 lineups is expected to mark a big change in how Apple updates the models' processors. Analysts expect the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max to have the company's new A16 chip, while the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will keep the same A15 chip that's inside the iPhone 13 lineup.