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Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Upcoming iOS 13 VoIP Change That Restricts Background Access to Impact Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp

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An upcoming change in iOS 13 that limits data collection practices using VoIP APIs will impact apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, forcing them to be redesigned, reports The Information.

Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp allow users to make calls over the internet, and to listen for those calls, the apps run in the background of an iPhone or iPad so calls can connect quickly. While running in the background, the apps are also able to collect data, something that Apple is putting a stop to in iOS 13.

Background access for apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp will be restricted solely to internet calls going forward, with no background data collection available.

Sources that spoke to The Information said that this change will force Facebook to redesign its messaging apps, and that it could have a "particularly heavy impact" on WhatsApp. WhatsApp apparently uses the internet calling feature for multiple other functions, including its end-to-end encryption.

Other messaging app developers that have used the internet calling feature to keep apps running in the background on iOS devices will also need to rebuild their apps. This will include apps like Snapchat, WeChat, and more.

Facebook told The Information that Facebook was not collecting data through its calling feature.

"The changes to the upcoming iOS releases are not insignificant, but we are in conversations with Apple on how best to address," the spokesperson said. "To be clear--we are using the PushKit VoIP API to deliver a world-class, private messaging experience, not for the purpose of collecting data."

Facebook says that it is having conversations with Apple on how to address the coming changes in iOS 13. Apple is making the change in iOS 13, but developers will have until April 2020 to comply with the new rules.

Apple says that the change will better protect user privacy and will result in performance improvements for iOS devices as background app usage for this purpose can drain system resources and shorten battery life.

Related Roundups: iOS 13, iPadOS

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Apple Card Doesn't Support Exporting Data to Financial Apps

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With the Apple Card now available in a preview capacity to some customers, Apple has released everything from tutorial videos to support documents, giving us more insight into how the card works.

We've had countless questions from people who use software and apps like Mint and Quicken about whether or not the Apple Card will support financial services, and the answer is no, not at this time.

In a support document on how the Apple Card works, Apple says exporting data from Apple Card is not a feature offered at this time. From the document: "Exporting data from Apple Card to a financial app like Mint is not currently supported."

As financial apps like Mint and software like Quicken are popular with many people, it's possible that Apple will add support for exporting data in the future. Right now, Apple Card data and transactions can be viewed and managed only on the iPhone and the iPad, with no web support available.

The support document also includes details about viewing spending activity, viewing your monthly balance, seeing total spending each week or month, reviewing transactions, and reporting issues. Apple also has a support doc covering applying for Apple Card.

For more on Apple Card, make sure to check out our Apple Card guide, which we're in the process of updating with the new information that we've learned today.

Apple Card is available in a beta capacity for some users and will see a wider rollout later this month.

Tag: Apple Card

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Deals Spotlight: Get the Mighty Mac Bundle With CleanMyMac X and Nine More Apps for $23.99

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A new bundle of Mac apps has been discounted on StackSocial this week, offering 10 total apps for just $29.99. Additionally, MacRumors readers can use the coupon code MAC6 to get an additional $6 off and bring the cost of the bundle to $23.99 for a limited time.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with StackSocial. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

StackSocial calls this the Mighty Mac Bundle, and it includes app like CleanMyMac X, WALTER 2, Dropshare, and VPNSecure. Check out every app in the bundle below, and be sure to head to StackSocial and claim the $6 off code before the sale ends on August 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

The Mighty Mac Bundle

VPNSecure: Lifetime Subscription ($599 value) - Stay safe and secure while you browse the internet with lifetime access that supports either your iPhone or your Mac.
CrossOver 18 ($59.95) - Easily launch Windows apps from your Mac dock, like Microsoft Word or Excel, without having to reboot your Mac.
CleanMyMac X ($69.90) - Clean and optimize your Mac's performance with thorough scans of trash bins, Mail, iTunes, and more.
WALTR 2 ($39.95) - WALTR lets you transfer files wirelessly from your Mac to an iOS device, including music, video, and more.
Dropshare ($24.99) - Dropshare is a menu bar app that lets you upload files securely to your own server, which you can then share with friends and family members.
ActiveDock ($49.99) - ActiveDock replaces the basic Mac dock with added features like groups and folders, custom icon sets and themes, and more.
Folx Pro ($29.90) - Increase download speeds and browse torrents using Folx Pro.
Chronicle Pro ($19.99) - Chronicle Pro helps you organize your bills, warning you when upcoming bills are due and tracking your payment history in the process.
MacPilot 10 ($29.95) - MacPilot 10 includes over 1,000 features like custom dock spacing, system maintenance and optimization, and more.
The Complete Web Developer Bundle ($990) - This 10-course bundle includes lessons on how to create your own Mac and iOS apps, with 635 lectures all in one place.

Check out our full Deals Roundup for more information on new deals happening this week.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Is Siri listening to my conversations?

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We investigate Apple's Siri privacy claims, after it suspends its voice assistant's 'grading' system amid whistleblower claims. Is Siri on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and HomePod listening in on your personal conversations - and more?

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PS3 Game 'Journey' Launches on iOS App Store for $5

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Seven years after first launching on the PlayStation 3 to critical acclaim, thatgamecompany's "Journey" has today launched on the iOS App Store for $4.99 [Direct Link].

The iOS port includes touch controls, and supports the original game's feature that lets you anonymously interact with another player online.

In the game, you play as a character who is exploring the remnants of an unknown world, trying to reach a vast mountain peak. You can play the entire game alone, but if you have the multiplayer feature turned on, the game will randomly introduce companions that can aid you on your journey.

thatgamecompany is also behind "Sky: Children of Light" on iOS, which first premiered on stage at Apple's iPhone X event in 2017. Sky finally launched last month, and it shares many gameplay features with Journey.

You can download Journey on iOS for $4.99 [Direct Link].

Tags: App Store, thatgamecompany

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Apple Card Offers Benefits From Mastercard, Base APR Lowered to 12.99%

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Apple Card, Apple's credit card that began rolling out to some beta testers and members of the media this week, uses Mastercard for processing payments.

Since it uses Mastercard's network, the Apple Card is able to take advantage of benefits offered to Mastercard card holders, as pointed out by TechCrunch's Matthew Panzarino, one of the early testers.

Mastercard's website offers a list of benefits available to Apple Card users, including fraud protection, identity theft protection, and a free ShopRunner membership that offers free two-day shipping from some websites.

Other benefits include Mastercard's travel discounts and upgrades, Mastercard's exclusive "special events," Mastercard golf offerings, and home rental discounts via Onefinestay, all of which are available to all Mastercard users.

Purchase protection and extended warranties offered by some credit cards as benefits are not available with the Apple Card. Apple Card's main benefit is its Daily Cash program, which offers between 1 and 3 percent cash back on purchases, with money sent out each day shortly after a purchase is made.

Also of interest to potential Apple Card customers is a new base annual percentage rate (APR). When Apple Card was announced, Apple said that it would offer an APR between 13.24 percent and 24.24 percent based on credit score. Following the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates last Wednesday, the APR for Apple card has changed.

As noted by The Verge's Nilay Patel, the base APR for purchases is now 12.99%, while the maximum APR is 23.99%.

Btw, the lowest APR for Apple Card is 12.99 percent after Fed rate cut, seeing a few stories quoting a higher rate. But I just signed up and it is indeed 12.99. pic.twitter.com/mYbDpXskUw
— nilay patel (@reckless) August 6, 2019

For those who are applying to Apple Card and who may have frozen their credit, Goldman Sachs handles card approvals and uses TransUnion for credit checks. You'll need to unfreeze your TransUnion credit to be approved for Apple Card.

Apple Card customers should be aware that the Apple Card must be managed using an iPhone or iPad as there is no web component to the card.

A random selection of people who signed up to be notified about Apple Card are being invited to sign up for the Apple Card today, with a full rollout coming later this month. For more on how Apple Card works, make sure to check out our Apple Card guide.

Tag: Apple Card

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