Core Viewpoint - Apple will end security updates for the iOS 18 series on most devices by December 2025, requiring millions of iPhone users to upgrade to iOS 26 for security and functionality [1][2]. Group 1: Software Support Changes - Starting December 12, 2025, only iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will receive security patch support for iOS 18.7.3, while all other compatible devices must upgrade to iOS 26 for updates [2]. - This decision marks a significant reduction in the maintenance window for older operating systems, contrasting with Apple's previous practice of providing parallel security updates for several months after a new system release [2]. Group 2: Compatibility and Security - Devices compatible with iOS 26 include iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 to 16 series, second and third generation iPhone SE, and the newly released iPhone 16e. Upcoming iPhone 17 series and rumored iPhone Air will also ship with iOS 26 [2]. - The iOS 26.2 update includes critical security fixes, making it risky to remain on iOS 18 [2]. Group 3: New Features in iOS 26 - iOS 26 introduces several innovative features, including AI-driven call screening, a smart queue assistant, and a "Liquid Glass" visual design for the lock screen [3]. - Enhancements in the camera and photo applications, along with improved cross-platform compatibility, are also part of iOS 26 [3]. - Upcoming updates, such as iOS 26.3, will simplify data migration between iOS and Android devices, while iOS 26.4 is expected to bring significant upgrades to Siri [3]. Group 4: User Feedback and Recommendations - User concerns regarding interface adaptability, particularly from visually impaired individuals, have been alleviated with ongoing optimizations in iOS 26.2 [4]. - Experts recommend that eligible users promptly update their systems due to the accumulating risks of security vulnerabilities [4].

Core Viewpoint - Apple's recent decision to change its system update strategy has garnered significant attention, requiring millions of iPhones globally to upgrade their systems promptly to ensure security [1][4]. Group 1: System Update Strategy - Apple has adjusted its system update policy, allowing only three models to receive maintenance for the old iOS 18 series, while all other models must upgrade to iOS 26 for security [1][4]. - The iOS 26 was launched last year, replacing iOS 18, and typically, Apple provides several months of supplementary updates for older systems [4]. Group 2: Implications for Users - As of December 12, 2022, iPhone 11 and newer models must upgrade to iOS 26, as they will no longer receive security updates for the old system [4]. - iOS 26.2 includes multiple security patches, and failure to upgrade poses security risks for users [4]. - The rumored transitional patch iOS 26.2.1 has been canceled, with security optimizations now integrated into iOS 26.3, emphasizing the urgency of the upgrade [4]. Group 3: Recommendations - It is recommended that users of the XS series upgrade to iOS 18.7.3 immediately, while all other models should upgrade to iOS 26 as security protection takes precedence over usage habits [4].

Group 1 - Apple has accelerated its system upgrade strategy, requiring all iPhone 11 and newer users to migrate from iOS 18 to iOS 26 due to confirmed advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks targeting iPhones [1] - The originally planned iOS 18.7.3 update has been restricted to specific models like iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, leaving a significant user base, especially those with iPhone 11 and later models, without critical security patches unless they upgrade to iOS 26 [3] - Current adoption rates for iOS 26 are low, with at least 50% of compatible devices not yet upgraded, while less than 10% of users are still on outdated models that do not meet upgrade criteria [3] Group 2 - The mobile security company Zimperium has reported that over half of mobile devices globally are running outdated operating system versions, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks [3] - Apple's decision for a mandatory upgrade is based on multiple exploited vulnerabilities, highlighting a "real and urgent" risk in the current security landscape [3] - The next version, iOS 26.3, is expected to be released in late January 2026, likely on January 26, and will include routine security vulnerability fixes [3]

Apple Confirms iPhone Decision—You Must Upgrade iOS 18 To iOS 26.2 NowApple has warned devices are now under attack. But iOS 18.7.3 also fixed the vulnerabilities, and it seemed users would have a choice. But that’s not the case.https://t.co/g3HCcsgqmo (Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images) ...

Software Updates - iOS 26.2 is a highly recommended update for users still on iOS 18 [1] Recommendation - Encourages users to update to iOS 26.2 [1]

Core Insights - Apple has updated its executive leadership page, removing information about John Giannandrea, who will officially retire in Spring 2026, having previously stepped down as head of AI operations [1][3] - Amal S. Subramaniam, former VP of AI at Microsoft, will take over as Apple's VP of AI, reporting to Senior VP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi [3] - Giannandrea joined Apple in 2018 and was responsible for key AI projects like Siri and Core ML, previously serving as Senior VP of Engineering at Google [3] AI Strategy and Management Changes - The teams previously managed by Giannandrea, including AI infrastructure, search, and knowledge, have been reassigned to Sabih Khan and Eddy Cue [3] - The launch of the new "Apple Intelligence" Siri feature, initially scheduled for Spring 2025, has been postponed by a year, now set for 2026 [3] - Reports indicate that the delays in the Siri project are linked to leadership management issues, privacy policy constraints, and team collaboration challenges [3]

Core Insights - Apple is potentially moving closer to introducing Apple Intelligence in mainland China, as indicated by a feedback form requiring +86 phone numbers, suggesting it is designed for mainland Chinese users rather than just Chinese-speaking individuals [2] - The feedback platform allows users to provide input on various features of Apple Intelligence, including writing tools, photo clearing functions, notification summaries, focus mode, prioritized email messages, smart replies in emails and messages, and summaries in Safari, call recordings, and memo translations [2] - Currently, Apple Intelligence is not available in mainland China, and Apple has been working to expand its capabilities there since the release of iOS 18, which requires collaboration with local AI companies [2] - Reports suggest that Apple may partner with Alibaba to provide AI functionalities in China [2] iOS Update - iOS 26.2 is expected to be the last iOS version released by Apple before the end of the year, and if approved in mainland China, it may support Apple Intelligence [3] - However, there are no indications in the iOS beta version that Apple Intelligence will be supported in mainland China [3] - Neither Apple nor Alibaba has provided a potential release timeline for the introduction of these features [3]

Functionality Overview - iPhone mirroring allows users to seamlessly transfer files, videos, and photos between their iPhone and Mac using supported apps, eliminating the need for AirDrop [4] - Users can access and utilize iPhone apps on their Mac, offering a better experience compared to website versions, as demonstrated with the Alltrails app [5][6] System Requirements and Setup - The iPhone mirroring feature requires macOS Sequoia on the Mac and iOS 18 or iOS 26 on the iPhone; specific compatible devices are listed [1] - Users need to be logged into the same Apple account on both devices with Bluetooth enabled to use the iPhone mirroring app on Mac [2] - The initial connection requires entering the device passcode and approving the connection on the iPhone, but this security prompt can be bypassed in settings [2][3] Alternative Solutions - For users with Windows PCs, outdated Macs, or outdated iPhones, alternative methods exist to utilize the mirroring feature, though they may require more steps [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The article presents a critical diagnosis of the current state of software quality, highlighting a systemic collapse exacerbated by increasing abstraction layers, AI automation, and energy consumption issues. It questions whether the current engineering quality can support the future digital world. Group 1: Software Quality Decline - Software quality is experiencing an exponential decline rather than a linear one, with many software incidents indicating that memory consumption metrics have lost their significance due to unaddressed memory leak bugs [7][8] - System-level crashes have become commonplace, with examples including Windows 11 updates causing failures and macOS Spotlight writing 26TB to SSDs in one night, exceeding normal levels by 52,000% [9][10] - A notable incident involved CrowdStrike, where a simple bug led to a global outage affecting 8.5 million Windows computers, resulting in at least $10 billion in economic losses [11][12] Group 2: AI's Role in Software Quality - The introduction of AI coding assistants has worsened the already precarious software quality situation, with AI-generated code exhibiting a 322% higher rate of security bugs compared to human-written code [21] - AI tools are amplifying the issues, as developers increasingly trust AI outputs over their own coding skills, leading to a potential crisis in the developer ecosystem [28][30] Group 3: Underlying Causes - The article identifies two main physical constraints affecting software quality: the "exponential tax" of abstraction layers, which can increase performance loss by 2 to 6 times, and the reality of energy consumption, with data centers consuming over 200 terawatt-hours annually [18][20] - Companies are spending 30% of their revenue on infrastructure to cope with these issues, a significant increase from the historical average of 12.5%, indicating a retreat rather than a proactive investment in quality [24] Group 4: Development Culture and Future Implications - The development culture has shifted to a mindset of "release first, fix later," leading to a lack of accountability and a growing gap in the developer ecosystem as junior developers are replaced by AI [11][28] - The article emphasizes the need for a return to fundamental engineering principles, such as proper memory management and algorithm complexity, to ensure sustainable software development practices [35][36]

I have a screen time problem. I look at this iPhone way too much. And you know what.My iPhone actually says that it can help with that. Okay, sure. Apple, can you prove it.iOS 18 has some wellness features that are meant to help curb your screen time, but I've never actually turned them on, and that's going to change today. And I know iOS 26 is out now, but I'm rocking an iPhone 12 mini with little storage left. So, I'm choosing to live in the past.But before we get into making any changes, we're going to p ...