Key Features of iOS 18.1 Unveiled

The new iOS 18.1 is set to transform how users interact with their iPhones, thanks to the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This technology aims to integrate more intuitive and responsive features into the iPhone, elevating user experience with smarter functionalities tailored to individual needs.

When Can You Download iOS 18.1?

Officially, Apple releases most software updates at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. For users across the globe, this means adjusting for local time zones. Today, the iOS 18.1 update becomes available to all compatible iPhone models, including the newly released iPhone 16. Users are advised to prepare their devices in advance to ensure a smooth update process.

Global Release Schedule for iOS 18.1

To assist users in different regions, Apple has outlined the release times across various time zones. For those outside the listed regions, a quick visit to the timeanddate website will provide the exact release time in your local area. This global rollout strategy ensures that all users have access to the update as soon as it’s available.

Potential Delays and What to Expect

Given the breadth of this update, initial download speeds may vary as Apple’s servers handle the high demand. If you encounter delays, a brief waiting period before retrying could prove beneficial.

Comprehensive Coverage and Future Releases

Beyond iOS 18.1, Apple is also set to update its wider ecosystem. Updates for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS are expected to launch simultaneously, featuring stability enhancements and new capabilities. Notably, the introduction of the M4 chip in upcoming Macs signifies Apple’s continued commitment to innovation.

Stay tuned for detailed analyses of iOS 18.1 and further announcements from Apple, as today marks a significant enhancement in how users experience their Apple devices.

Selfie Check simplifies the banking process by using advanced facial biometrics for identity verification. This cutting-edge technology scans and measures distinct facial features to ensure the security of transactions. Recognized as one of the most secure authentication methods, facial biometrics could soon become the standard for online banking.

To utilize this feature, AIB advises customers to snap their verification selfie in a well-lit area against a neutral backdrop, without any background distractions such as windows. Phones should be held upright, around 30 cm from the face, making sure nothing covers the facial features.

Currently, this service is available exclusively to AIB customers who are over 16 years of age and residing in the Republic of Ireland. While this new technology promises a smoother banking experience, AIB still recommends that users of its internet banking service keep their card readers handy for now.

As AIB plans to extend ‘Selfie Check’ to other banking services, this innovative approach could set a new trend in how financial transactions are handled across the industry.

Sky Mobile is taking a bold approach by introducing its ‘Price for Life’ plan, promising new users unlimited calls, texts, and 5G data for a flat rate of €15 per month, guaranteed for the subscriber’s lifetime. This offer not only provides exceptional value but also positions Sky as a formidable competitor in the Irish market. Additionally, customers will enjoy comprehensive roaming capabilities in over 150 countries, with the ‘Roam Like Home’ feature extending to 44 countries, including the UK and across the EU, thus catering to the needs of international travelers.

JD Buckley, the CEO of Sky, emphasized the transformative impact of Sky Mobile’s launch, stating, “This is a key milestone for Sky in Ireland. Our aim is to redefine the mobile experience by centering it around fairness, flexibility, and transparency. Irish consumers deserve a better choice, and Sky Mobile is here to provide just that.”

In an effort to cater to varying consumer needs, Sky Mobile offers both sim-only plans and options that include handsets. Customers opting for handset plans can either pay upfront or choose installment plans spanning 24 or 36 months, thanks to a credit sale agreement. A unique feature for handset buyers is the ability to upgrade to the newest model a year before their contract ends, without additional costs.

Aideen Chambers, Sky Mobile’s director, further explained the customer-centric philosophy behind their offerings, “We are committed to transparency and fairness. Our pricing model separates the handset costs from airtime plans, ensuring that once the handset is fully paid, the monthly bill reduces significantly. At Sky Mobile, we understand that everyone uses their phones differently, and we have tailored our services to meet these diverse needs.”

Sky Mobile’s entry into Ireland is poised to introduce more competitive pricing and flexible service options, compelling existing providers to innovate and possibly adjust their own pricing structures and service offerings.

The ECJ’s ruling came unexpectedly close to Apple’s announcement of its latest enhancements to the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods range. This legal blow contrasts sharply with the company’s attempt to capture consumer interest with its upgraded technology offerings.

The conflict began in 2014 when the European Commission initiated an inquiry into Apple’s tax arrangements in Ireland, where its European operations are based. In 2016, the Commission concluded that Apple had benefited from illegal tax breaks that significantly reduced its taxable profits over two decades. However, Apple contested this decision, arguing that it complied with international tax laws and that its profits were already taxed in the United States.

Initially, Apple found favor in the EU General Court, which in 2020 annulled the Commission’s order. The court argued that the Commission had not adequately demonstrated that Ireland had provided Apple with favorable tax treatment. Nevertheless, this was overturned on appeal, with the ECJ ruling in favor of the European Commission’s original findings.

This tax ruling is part of a broader crackdown by the EU on what it perceives as unfair practices by tech giants, including issues related to antitrust, data protection, and taxation. Earlier this year, Apple was also fined 1.8 billion euros for monopolistic practices related to music streaming apps. Moreover, the EU’s Digital Markets Act has prompted significant changes in how tech companies operate within Europe, impacting giants like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta.

How to Control Media Visibility on WhatsApp

By default, media files downloaded from WhatsApp are stored in a specific folder within your phone’s Gallery through the “Media Visibility” feature. While this ensures easy access to photos and videos, it can clutter your storage with unneeded files.

Disabling Media Visibility for All WhatsApp Chats

To prevent all WhatsApp media from being saved automatically:

1. Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
2. Tap the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner to access More options.
3. Go to Settings, then Chats.
4. Disable the Media visibility option by toggling it off.

With Media Visibility off, new downloads will not be stored in your Gallery. Note that this will not affect files already downloaded.

Customizing Media Storage for Specific Chats

If you wish to save media from certain chats while excluding others:

1. Open the chat or group from which you want to exclude media.
2. Tap the three vertical dots for More options, then select View contact or Group info.
3. Choose Media visibility, select No, and confirm by tapping OK.

This setting will stop new media from being saved from that specific chat or group to your Gallery, allowing other chats to save media as normal.

Impact on Airports and Airlines

The outage has severely affected several airports, causing extensive delays and grounding flights. Airports like Berlin’s Brandenburg and India’s major hubs in Delhi and Mumbai have resorted to manual check-ins. American Airlines, among other carriers, apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the technical difficulties​.

Business and Banking Disruptions

The outage has also impacted banking services, with users in Australia, Asia, and the UK experiencing issues. Visa card payments have been particularly affected, causing problems for both consumers and businesses. Several retail stores, including chains like Gail’s, have put up signs notifying customers of their inability to process card payments.

Broadcasting and Media Outages

Broadcasters, including Sky News, faced significant disruptions, with some going off-air temporarily. The London Stock Exchange also reported issues with its regulatory news service, further illustrating the widespread impact of this outage on critical services.

Microsoft and CrowdStrike’s Response

Microsoft has been actively working to mitigate the issues, stating that continuous improvements are being made. CrowdStrike identified problems related to its Falcon sensor, which contributed to the widespread crashes on Windows operating systems. Both companies are collaborating to resolve the situation as quickly as possible​

Global Repercussions and Expert Opinions

Experts are calling this the largest IT outage in history, likening it to the feared Y2K bug that never materialized to such an extent. The outage tracker Downdetector has been inundated with reports from affected users worldwide, highlighting the massive scale of the problem​.

As companies and services strive to restore normalcy, the global IT outage serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our increasingly digital world.

Google Investigates Gmail Outage

Google acknowledged the disruption on its Workspace status dashboard, stating that it had received “reports of an issue with Gmail.” Despite this acknowledgment, the tech giant has yet to release detailed information about the cause or extent of the outage. Google has assured users that it will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Widespread Impact

According to Downdetector, a website that monitors online service outages, users are experiencing a variety of problems with Gmail. These issues include difficulties with server connections and the ability to send and receive emails. However, the exact number of users affected by the Gmail outage remains unclear at this time.

User Frustration Mounts

As the outage continues, frustration is mounting among Gmail users who rely on the service for personal and professional communication. Many have taken to social media to express their concerns and seek updates from Google.

Awaiting Google’s Response

LocalEurope.News has reached out to Google for comment regarding the Gmail outage but has not yet received a response. Users are advised to monitor the Workspace status dashboard for the latest updates and information on the resolution of the issue.

Meta had planned to use both public and non-public user data from its platforms to develop its AI. However, the DPC’s intervention has led to a delay, as the company needs to address these privacy issues. The DPC’s concerns center around the potential misuse of personal data without explicit user consent, which could violate European data protection laws.

Ireland plays a significant role in this situation because Meta’s European headquarters are located in Dublin. This makes the Irish DPC the lead regulator for Meta under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPC’s actions reflect its commitment to enforcing strict data protection standards and ensuring that companies comply with GDPR requirements.

Meta expressed disappointment with the delay, stating that it hampers innovation and competition in AI development in Europe. The company emphasized its commitment to working with regulators to address these concerns and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
Users in Europe have the right to object to their data being used for AI training, and Meta has provided tools for users to manage their data preferences. This development highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation and privacy protection in the digital age.