In a post on its developer news website today, Apple announced that it will be introducing "additional controls" for the "Full Disk Access" setting on macOS due to new risks posed by AI agents. This announcement comes amid the rise of always-on AI agents like Meta's Muse and OpenAI's Dots, which have prompted privacy concerns.


"Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding," said Apple.

"As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially," it added.

Here is the full text of Apple's announcement:

We give developers powerful APIs to build incredible capabilities into their apps for Apple products, backed by a set of controls designed to protect users' private data. Full Disk Access largely sidesteps these controls in order to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac. Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users' full knowledge and understanding. For communication apps, this can also compromise the privacy of the people users are communicating with.

Going forward, we will introduce additional controls to ensure that users who genuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access can only do so with very explicit user action. Addressing this is critical. As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially. We are committed to ensuring users clearly understand these risks before granting such access, so they can make informed decisions about their own data and privacy.

Apple did not say when the new "Full Disk Access" controls will be implemented.
This article, "Apple Announces 'Full Disk Access' Changes on macOS Due to AI Agents" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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AT&T and Apple are taking action today as they try to resolve iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.


Thousands of iPhone 18 Pro Max users have been unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, and data. The underlying cause has yet to be disclosed, but AT&T and Apple continue to work toward a resolution.

First, Apple today released an AT&T carrier settings update (version 72.1, up from 72.0.2) for iPhones. Given the timing of this update, it presumably includes some optimizations related to iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular connectivity, but it is unclear if AT&T has fully resolved the issues or if further tweaks will be necessary.

When a carrier settings update is available on your iPhone, you will be prompted to install it. If you dismiss the notification or do not see it, open the Settings app, tap General → About, and the update should appear there. You can see your iPhone's current carrier settings version in the same About menu, next to your carrier's name.

Second, Apple today started requiring iPhone 18 Pro Max users to install iOS 27.0.1 in order to set up the device, even though most if not all affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. A leaked AT&T email said iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, so it may still help in some way.

In a statement shared with MacRumors today, AT&T said it is "working with Apple" on this.

Apple did not respond to our request for comment.

It is not yet clear if a follow-up update like iOS 27.0.2 will be required as part of a fix, or if the carrier update alone will be sufficient.
This article, "AT&T and Apple Just Took Steps Toward Fixing iPhone 18 Pro Max Issue" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In a statement shared with MacRumors today, AT&T said it is "working with Apple" to resolve iPhone 18 Pro Max cellular issues.


"Apple has released a software update to address an issue that may affect calls, data, texts, and 911 calls on a small number of Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max phones," an AT&T spokesperson said. "AT&T customers with an iPhone 18 Pro Max should update their phones now to the latest available software. Our top priority is ensuring customers can stay connected when they need it most, and we are working with Apple to make it right."

As we reported last week, affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users are unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, or data either persistently or intermittently, and their devices typically enter SOS mode as a result. The underlying cause has not been confirmed, and Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Thousands of users have experienced this problem since the iPhone 18 Pro Max launched on September 18, according to discussion threads across the Apple Support Community, Reddit, MacRumors Forums, and other online platforms.

Notably, the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only new iPhone unveiled last month that is equipped with a Qualcomm cellular modem. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo are equipped with Apple's C2 modem worldwide, as is the iPhone 18 Pro Max in all other countries. However, it is unclear if this is a contributing factor.

AT&T said iPhone 18 Pro Max users who have experienced or continue to experience issues can return to an Apple or AT&T store for additional support.

Yesterday, AT&T sent a text message to some customers advising them to update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately, even though that update does not appear to resolve the issues, according to comments shared by affected users.

In an alleged internal email shared on Reddit today, AT&T clarified that its guidance about updating to iOS 27.0.1 is meant to help mitigate future impacts, but it is unclear if or how the update actually helps. Apple's release notes for iOS 27.0.1 only mentioned fixes for other bugs, including a Face ID issue affecting iPhone 18 Pro models.

The alleged email added that customers can visit an Apple or AT&T store for a replacement device, but some customers said their request for a replacement under warranty was declined. With this issue becoming more widespread, hopefully Apple and AT&T are working to inform employees about the issue and implement a formal process.

iPhone 18 Pro Max users should be aware that today is the final day to return the device to Apple under the company's standard 14-day return policy in the U.S., for customers who purchased or received it on September 18 launch day.

Typically, Apple is able to address issues like these with software updates, so hopefully it will be able to fix the issue in iOS 27.0.2 or later. Hardware issues are more rare, but when they do happen, Apple sometimes launches a free repair program. We will continue to provide further updates on this topic as more information becomes available.
This article, "AT&T on iPhone 18 Pro Max Issues: 'We Are Working With Apple'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Following more than three months of renovations, the Apple SouthGate store in Bath, England will be reopening on Friday, October 23, just in time for iPhone Duo launch day.

Last year, Apple permanently closed its store in the heart of nearby Bristol, but Apple Cribbs Causeway remains open inside a shopping center on the outskirts of the city. In other UK store news, Apple Lakeside in Essex was also renovated and reopened in September.
This article, "Apple Store in UK Reopening on iPhone Duo Launch Day" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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In a text message sent to customers today, AT&T acknowledged that some iPhone 18 Pro Max devices on its network are experiencing cellular issues.


AT&T said that customers should immediately update to iOS 27.0.1, despite the fact that many affected users have said that the update does not resolve the issues. There are now at least thousands of users that have experienced this problem, according to discussion topics across the Apple Support Community, Reddit, and MacRumors Forums.

Here is what the text message says:

Hi, it's AT&T. Action needed: An important Apple software update for your iPhone 18 Pro Max is available. Some phones may be unable to complete calls/text/data, including to 911. Update to iOS 27.0.1 immediately — Settings > General > Software Update. Please contact AT&T or Apple if you have questions.

Apple's release notes for iOS 27.0.1 did not mention a fix for AT&T cellular issues. Rather, the update fixed a Face ID issue on the iPhone 18 Pro models.

As we reported last week, affected iPhone 18 Pro Max users are unable to connect to the AT&T network for phone calls, text messages, or data either persistently or intermittently, and their devices typically enter SOS mode as a result. The underlying cause has not been confirmed, and Apple has yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Notably, the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only new iPhone unveiled last month that is equipped with a Qualcomm cellular modem. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo are equipped with Apple's C2 modem worldwide, as is the iPhone 18 Pro Max in all other countries. However, it is unclear if this is a contributing factor.

If a software issue is identified, then another update such as iOS 27.0.2 may be required. If there is a hardware issue, though, then this would obviously be a much bigger problem. We will provide further updates as new information becomes available.
This article, "AT&T Acknowledges iPhone 18 Pro Max Issues: Update 'Immediately'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Twelve South, a well-known accessory maker for Apple products, has released a new AirFly Drive accessory that turns wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay.


AirFly Drive uses Wi-Fi to establish a connection between your iPhone and vehicle, eliminating the need to use a USB-C cable for CarPlay.

Priced at $39.99 in the U.S., the AirFly Drive plugs into a USB data port in your vehicle. The accessory is essentially a compact aluminum cube with a USB-A port on it, with a USB-C adapter included in the box. It is designed to stay plugged in, so that you can get in your vehicle and use wireless CarPlay right away every time.

You only need to pair your iPhone with the AirFly Drive once, and then it will offer fast automatic reconnection every time the vehicle starts, with no app, account, or charging required. A button on the accessory allows for one-press switching between two paired iPhones, which is useful if two people share the same vehicle.


Before first-time setup, you must disconnect your iPhone from your vehicle by choosing "Forget This Device" in the vehicle's Bluetooth settings.

Twelve South says the AirFly Drive works with any iPhone running iOS 10 or newer and any vehicle that already has factory support for wired CarPlay.

Similar wired-to-wireless CarPlay dongles from other brands are available on Amazon, but Twelve South is a reputable maker of accessories for Apple products. AirFly Drive is available to order now in white or black.
This article, "New 'AirFly Drive' Accessory Turns Wired CarPlay Into Wireless CarPlay" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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