Beyond antivirus: Other essential tools to protect your Mac

Beyond antivirus: Other essential tools to protect your Mac

Macs were once thought to be nearly invincible from a cybersecurity perspective, but now face more threats than ever. Just a few years ago, Mac-specific malware was a rarity. In 2021, security specialist Patrick Wardle discovered eight new malware families that targeted the platform. By 2023, that number grew to 21. While this may seem small next to the number of CVEs that affect Windows, It's a reminder that Macs aren't as immune as were once believed.

With macOS gaining...

31 October 2024 | Developer

Epic Store debuts on EU iPhones

Epic Games has launched its own app store on iPhones in the EU. The launch comes in the wake of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which has compelled Apple to open its platform to third-party app marketplaces.

EU iPhone users can now access the Epic Games Store by visiting Epic's website on their devices, provided they are running iOS 17.4 or later. The store's initial offering is limited, featuring Epic's own titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe, with plans to expand...

16 August 2024 | App Stores

App Store policies spark Patreon backlash

Patreon, the platform empowering creators to build sustainable income through direct fan support, finds itself at odds with Apple over the tech giant's stringent App Store policies.

The latest dispute over App Store rules centres on Apple's requirement for all iOS app transactions to be processed through their in-app purchase system, a move that Patreon argues undermines their creator-centric philosophy.

In a statement, Patreon explained:

"Patreon exists to...

13 August 2024 | App Stores

Apple, the EU, and the threat of sideloaded applications

A huge shift has just happened in the mobile security landscape: Apple’s release of iOS 17.04 in March 2024 has allowed users to sideload apps and use third party app stores. This has largely been done in an effort to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA was introduced by the European Commission in order to help mitigate the domination of silicon valley giants – which the DMA calls “gatekeepers” – over digital markets.

Specifically, the DMA states...

13 August 2024 | App Stores

CocoaPods flaws highlight growing supply chain risks

Security researchers at E.V.A Information Security have uncovered several critical vulnerabilities in CocoaPods, a popular dependency manager for Swift and Objective-C projects. These vulnerabilities potentially expose millions of Apple devices to supply chain attacks, highlighting the growing risks associated with open-source software dependencies.

CocoaPods, used in over three million mobile apps, plays a crucial role in the iOS and macOS development ecosystem. The discovered...

2 July 2024 | Developer

Apple updates Developer app ahead of WWDC 2024

Apple has released an update to its Apple Developer app in preparation for WWDC 2024, scheduled to commence next Monday.

The revamped Developer app will serve as the hub for 2024 session videos, 1-on-1 labs with Apple engineers and designers, and additional resources. Apple will stream the WWDC keynote event, the Platforms State of the Union, and other developer sessions throughout the week via the app.

With the update, Apple has introduced new features and enhancements...

4 June 2024 | App Stores

EU classifies iPadOS as a ‘gatekeeper’ subject to DMA rules

The European Commission has classified Apple's iPadOS as a “gatekeeper" under the EU's new tech competition rules, subjecting it to strict requirements aimed at promoting fairness and expanding consumer choice.

"The Digital Markets Act is a dynamic tool which allows us to tackle the realities of digital markets," said Margrethe Vestager, the EU's competition chief

In a press release on Monday, the Commission stated that its investigation found Apple "presents the...

29 April 2024 | App Stores

Apple enables web distribution for iOS developers targeting EU users

Apple has announced that iOS app developers targeting EU users are now able to directly offer downloads from their own websites. This shift comes as a response to the EU's new Digital Markets Act (DMA), requiring major tech platforms to open up their ecosystems and ensure a more competitive market.

Historically, Apple has maintained a notorious "walled garden" for its iOS ecosystem, with the App Store being the sole gateway for downloading apps on iPhone devices. However, the new...

17 April 2024 | Developer

IDC expects Android to grow at ‘twice the pace of iOS’

IDC predicts that Android is set for significant growth in 2024, outpacing Apple's iOS by a considerable margin. Amid shifting market dynamics, Android is expected to expand at "twice the pace" of iOS.

The iPhone has always performed strongly in the US but its growth internationally has contributed to Android's squeezed marketshare in recent years, despite Android maintaining a majority on a global scale. Nonetheless, IDC's latest projections indicate a robust rebound for Android,...

16 April 2024 | Android

Apple responds to accusation of skirting antitrust ruling

Apple has requested that a judge dismisses a new complaint by Epic Games, which accuses the Cupertino-based company of failing to adhere to an earlier antitrust ruling.

The dispute initially ignited when Epic Games implemented its own in-app payment system within the iPhone platform, effectively sidestepping the App Store's standard 30 percent commission fee. Apple retaliated by expelling Epic from the App Store, citing a clear violation of its terms and conditions.

The...

15 April 2024 | App Stores