Apple claims that Lockdown Mode successfully defended against spyware attacks without leaving a trace.

      Apple's most robust defense is indeed proving effective.

      Apple asserts that it has not encountered a successful spyware attack on any iPhone that has Lockdown Mode activated, a statement shared with TechCrunch.

      Lockdown Mode was introduced in 2022 as an optional feature for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed as a more stringent security option for individuals at high risk of targeted attacks, such as journalists, activists, and government officials.

      What Lockdown Mode actually does

      Lockdown Mode obstructs many common attack methods employed by spyware. When activated, this security measure significantly limits your device's functionality. It prohibits the majority of message attachments, disables link previews, and restricts incoming calls and invitations from unknown contacts.

      Additionally, it prevents automatic connections to insecure Wi-Fi networks and blocks wired connections when the device is locked. Apple states that these restrictions reduce the "attack surface" that spyware typically relies upon.

      A rare success against advanced spyware

      An instance of Lockdown Mode thwarting a Pegasus attack. Citizen Lab

      Lockdown Mode boasts an unusually strong success record. Besides Apple's claim, Amnesty International's security lab reports no evidence of breaches and Citizen Lab has documented instances where Lockdown Mode successfully blocked sophisticated spyware attacks.

      However, this claim does not imply that iPhones are invulnerable to hacking. It only pertains to devices with Lockdown Mode enabled and is based solely on Apple's and researchers' observations thus far.

      Nevertheless, it represents a rare occasion where a security feature seems to withstand some of the most advanced attacks. For users who require it, Lockdown Mode is proving to be a formidable defense.

      Always keep your device updated

      Researchers often find that attackers focus on devices that have not been updated promptly. Recent reports indicated that iPhones running outdated iOS 18 versions were susceptible to the "DarkSword" exploit kit.

      This serves as a reminder that although features like Lockdown Mode provide significant protection, not all users enable it, making regular software updates even more crucial.

      Manisha enjoys covering technology that influences daily life, from smartphones and apps to gaming and streaming.

      The Dynamic Island may become smaller on the iPhone 18 series, and not exclusively on the Pro models.

      One leaker made a claim that raises a big question: is Apple truly ready to offer every iPhone buyer the same design changes as Pro users this cycle?

      Apple's Dynamic Island has been around long enough that most users have either accepted it or forgotten about it. In fact, some people now associate the pill-shaped notch with more recent iPhone models (launched in the last three years). A new leak suggests that the replacement for the notch is set to shrink, not just on the premium models.

      What did the leaker actually say?

      Apple Podcasts is finally making a serious move toward video, introducing multiple features inspired by YouTube.

      With offline downloads, Picture-in-Picture, and a dedicated video hub, iOS 26.4 transforms Apple Podcasts into a platform that creators can no longer overlook.

      For years, Apple Podcasts offered video functionality, at least in theory, but it saw minimal use. Creators largely ignored it, and listeners overlooked it. Meanwhile, platforms like YouTube and Spotify quietly expanded their empires around video podcasting. However, that may change with the iOS 26.4 update—at least that is Apple's hope.

      Video podcasting has surged in popularity recently, with audiences flocking to platforms that effectively support the format. Despite being an iPhone user, I personally prefer consuming podcasts on YouTube (I used to have a paid Premium membership as well).

      Instagram might soon allow users to watch Reels offline with automatic downloads.

      A new leak indicates that Instagram is developing automatic downloads for Reels, enabling users to keep watching even without an internet connection.

      Instagram could soon allow users to continue their Reels viewing sessions even when offline. This new leak suggests that the app is working on automatic downloads for short-form videos, moving it closer to YouTube, which already provides offline viewing options for Shorts. What is Instagram currently working on?