INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
September is Apple hardware season, where we expect new iPhones, a new Apple Watch and more
But what makes the good stuff run is the software within.
First revealed earlier this year at the company annual WWDC developer event in
June, iOS 12 and macOS Mojave focus on a running theme: security and privacy for the masses.
Ahead of Wednesday big reveal, here all the
good stuff to look out for.
macOS Mojave
macOS Mojave will be the sixth iteration of the Mac operating system, named after a location in
California where Apple is based
It comes with dark mode, file stacks, and group FaceTime calls.
Safari now prevents browser fingerprinting and cross-site tracking
What does
it do Safari will use a new &intelligent tracking prevention& feature to prevent advertisers from following you from site to site
Even social networks like Facebook know which sites you visit because so many embed Facebook tools — like the comments section or the
&Like& button.
Why does it matter Tracking prevention will prevent ad firms from building a unique &fingerprint& of your browser, making it
difficult to serve you targeted ads — even when you&re in incognito mode or private browsing
That an automatic boost for personal privacy as these companies will find it more difficult to build up profiles on you.
Camera, microphone,
backups now require permission
What does it do Just like when an app asks you for access to your contacts and calendar, now Mojave will ask
for permission before an app can access your FaceTime camera and microphone, as well as location data, backups and more.
Why does it matter
By expanding this feature, it much more difficult for apps to switch on your camera without warning or record from your microphone without
That going to prevent surreptitious ultrasonic ad tracking and surveillance by malware that hijack your camera
But also asking permission for access to your backups — often unencrypted — will prevent malware or hackers from quietly stealing your
data.
iOS 12
iOS 12 lands on more recent iPhones and iPads, but will bring significant performance boosts to older supported devices, new
Maps, smarter notifications and updated AIKit .
Password manager will warn of password reuse
What does it do iOS 12 in-built password
manager, which stores all your passwords for easy access, will now tell if you&re using the same password across different sites and
apps.
Why does it matter Password reuse is a real problem
If you use the same password on every site, it only takes one site breach to grab your password for every other site you use
iOS 12 will let you know if you&re using a weak password or the same password on different sites
Your passwords are easily accessible with your fingerprint or your passcode.
Two-factor codes will be auto-filled
What does it do When you
are sent a two-factor code — such as a text message or a push notification — iOS 12 will take that code and automatically enter it into
the login box.
Why does it matter Two-factor authentication is good for security — it adds an extra layer of protection on top of your
But adoption is low because two-factor is cumbersome and frustrating
This feature keeps the feature security intact while making it more seamless and less annoying.
USB Restricted Mode makes hacking more
difficult
What does it do This new security feature will lock any accessories out of your device — including USB cables and headphones —
when your iPhone or iPad has been locked for more than an hour.
Why does it matter This is an optional feature — first added to iOS 11.4.1
but likely to be widely adopted with iOS 12 — will make it more difficult for law enforcement (and hackers) to plug in your device and
steal your sensitive data
Because your device is encrypted, not even Apple can get your data, but some devices —like GrayKeys—can brute-force your password
This feature will render these devices largely ineffective.
Apple event starts Wednesday at 10am PT (1pm ET).
