MacRumors

Over the weekend, security site Palo Alto Networks detailed a new iOS malware that's able to infect non-jailbroken Apple devices using enterprise certificates and private APIs. It originated in Taiwan and China and was installed through several methods, including hijacking traffic from ISPs, an SNS worm on Windows, and offline app installation.

Called YiSpecter, the malware is able to download, install, and launch apps, doing things like replacing existing apps, displaying advertisements in legitimate apps, changing Safari's default engine, and uploading user information to remote servers.

"This issue only impacts users on older versions of iOS who have also downloaded malware from untrusted sources. We addressed this specific issue in iOS 8.4 and we have also blocked the identified apps that distribute this malware. We encourage customers to stay current with the latest version of iOS for the latest security updates. We also encourage them to only download from trusted sources like the App Store and pay attention to any warnings as they download apps."

Apple implemented fixes for YiSpecter in iOS 8.4, so iOS 8.4.1 and iOS 9 are immune to the malware. Users who want to avoid being targeted by YiSpecter should make sure to upgrade to the latest version of iOS and as always, should avoid downloading apps from unverified sources.

Apple has begun selling official Apple Watch lugs through authorized distributor Avnet that may only be used in third-party bands that adhere to the company's Band Design Guidelines for Apple Watch. Apple-designed stainless steel lugs are each marked with "Made for Apple Watch" laser etching to verify their authenticity.

The stainless steel lugs are available in 38mm and 42mm sizes and are compatible with all Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition models. However, at the time of publication, Space Gray, Space Black, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold lugs are not listed for sale.

Apple has published Apple Watch Lug Assembly Guidelines that provide accessory makers with step-by-step instructions and a list of required tools for assembly, including a Pentalobe 1.1 screwdriver bit and clamping device. The document also outlines proper screw installation for the lugs.

Avnet is selling Apple Watch lugs in sets of 25 or 200 in both 38mm and 42mm, with prices ranging between $278.75 and $1,866.00 per package and between $9.18 and $11.33 per individual set. The distributor is also selling the Pentalobe 1.1 screwdriver bit required for lug assembly for $12.65. All prices are listed in U.S. dollars.

Apple Watch Lugs - 38mm (25 sets)

Since OS X El Capitan was released to the public last week, Microsoft Office users have noticed some serious bugs when attempting to use the software. MacRumors has received multiple emails from people having issues with Office 2016, and there are several threads about the problem on our forums.

Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint are crashing for many Microsoft users who have installed Office 2016, and Office 2011 users are also noticing problems with Outlook.

Microsoft is aware of the problems with its software and has been responding to customer complaints. In a thread on the Microsoft forums, Microsoft Program Manager Faisal Jeelani said the company is working with Apple to resolve the issues, but said there is no timeline for a fix. Microsoft also gave Computerworld a similar statement:

"We know that some users may be experiencing issues with Office 2016 for Mac running on El Capitan," the statement read. "We are actively investigating the matter with Apple. Until there is a fix, we recommend people install the latest updates to Office 2016 for Mac using Microsoft AutoUpdate."

Customers who are running Office 2016 are running into a wide variety of problems. Some are seeing only occasional crashes with the software, while others are unable to open any Office 2016 apps at all. Many who use Outlook for email are unable to access their inboxes, and this particular issue affects both Office 2016 and Office 2011.

I even did a fresh install of El Cap and then did a fresh install of 2015 Office. The whole office suite just bounces when I try to load a file. The programs freeze when using them and then crazy. I just keep sending the crash reports to Microsoft. I thought it was more widespread but apparently it is just me. I uninstalled 2016 office and went back to 2011.

Microsoft's first support replies came shortly after OS X El Capitan was released, which means the company has been working on a fix for several days now, but it is not clear when a patch might be released. Many customers on the Microsoft forums are growing angry with the company because Microsoft had several months to work out crashing issues ahead of OS X El Capitan's release. Crashes and Office 2016 problems were first reported during the beta testing period but remain unresolved.

Update: A Microsoft spokesperson has told MacRumors that a fix is in the works.

"We know that some users of Office 2016 for Mac are experiencing issues as a result of upgrading to Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan. We are actively working with Apple towards resolution."

Apple today officially launched the Apple Watch Hermès collection, which the two companies announced at the September 9 "Hey Siri" event. The collection includes three different strap options for customers -- Single Tour, Double Tour, and Cuff -- alongside a stainless steel Apple Watch casing. None of the new Hermès bands are available to purchase separately, however, and are only included in one of the collection's ten available models.

Hermès offers four different colored versions of the Double Tour band, including Bleu Jean and Etain gray, but only in 38 mm sizes. Those interested in the Single Tour can choose between three different colors, two of which come in both 38 mm and 42 mm, but one -- the red-tinted Capucine Leather band -- is only offered in 38 mm. Alternatively, the Cuff option is a bit more simplistic for buyers, due to its availability in one single color and size option: a Fauve Barenia Leather Band with a 42 mm casing size.

Anyone interested can expect to pay above the average price point for the Apple Watch's mid-tier stainless steel range: the Single Tour starts at $1,100, the Double Tour costs $1,250, and the Cuff comes in at the most expensive with a $1,500 price tag. No models in the collection will be made available online, but instead are set to be offered at select Apple Store and Hermès retail locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has sent an internal email to employees (via The Telegraph) to commemorate the fourth anniversary since the death of late Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs, who passed away October 5, 2011 following a lengthy illness.

Cook described Steve as a "brilliant person," encouraging Apple employees to ask their co-workers about "what he was really like," and reminded his staff about the "privilege and responsibility" of continuing the work that he "loved so much."

Team,

Today marks four years since Steve passed away. On that day, the world lost a visionary. We at Apple lost a leader, a mentor, and many of us lost a dear friend.

Steve was a brilliant person, and his priorities were very simple. He loved his family above all, he loved Apple, and he loved the people with whom he worked so closely and achieved so much.

Each year since his passing, I have reminded everyone in the Apple community that we share the privilege and responsibility of continuing the work Steve loved so much.

What is his legacy? I see it all around us: An incredible team that embodies his spirit of innovation and creativity. The greatest products on earth, beloved by customers and empowering hundreds of millions of people around the world. Soaring achievements in technology and architecture. Experiences of surprise and delight. A company that only he could have built. A company with an intense determination to change the world for the better.

And, of course, the joy he brought his loved ones.

He told me several times in his final years that he hoped to live long enough to see some of the milestones in his children’s lives. I was in his office over the summer with Laurene and their youngest daughter. Messages and drawings from his kids to their father are still there on Steve’s whiteboard.

If you never knew Steve, you probably work with someone who did or who was here when he led Apple. Please stop one of us today and ask what he was really like. Several of us have posted our personal remembrances on AppleWeb, and I encourage you to read them.
Thank you for honoring Steve by continuing the work he started, and for remembering both who he was and what he stood for.

Tim

Cook replaced Jobs as Apple CEO on August 24, 2011 and introduced the iPhone 4S, alongside the launch of iOS 5 and iCloud, on the day prior to Jobs' death. He has shared similar tribute messages for Steve over the past three years.

Apple has retained the number one spot in Interbrand's annual ranking of the world's most valuable brands, a position it has held onto since 2013 when it knocked Coca-Cola out of the top spot. Following close behind the Cupertino-based company are brands like Google, Microsoft, and Samsung in second, fourth, and seventh place, respectively.

Since last year's ranking, Apple has grown in brand value a total of 43 percent, earning it one of Interbrand's "Top Riser" designations. Overall, the company increased from $118.9 billion last year to $170.3 billion in this year's survey, up a total of about $51.4 billion in brand valuation from 2014 to 2015. Other companies like Amazon and Facebook, which saw increased growth in 2015, also earned a "Top Riser" spot.

A handful of big launches helped make Apple's 2015 a notable one, including the Apple Watch's release in April and the announcement and launch of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus just a few weeks ago in September. In their opening weekend alone, the new iPhones sold a record-breaking thirteen million units, beating out last year's ten million units for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The company also announced the iPad Pro, all-new Apple TV, and a handful of new Apple Watch features and bands at its "Hey Siri" event on September 9.

Adobe is hosting its annual Adobe MAX creativity conference today, where the company is announcing new mobile apps, updates to a number of Creative Cloud products, and unveiling new services.

The two new mobile apps Adobe is releasing today include Photoshop Fix and Capture CC. Photoshop Fix was highlighted on stage at Apple's recent iPad Pro unveiling, where it was used on the new 12.9-inch tablet. Photoshop Fix [Direct Link] is an image retouching and restoration-focused app that includes powerful Photoshop tools like the Healing Brush and Liquify.

Capture CC [Direct Link], Adobe's second new mobile app, combines the capabilities of several existing Adobe apps including Adobe Brush, Adobe Shape, Adobe Color, and Adobe Hue, making the tools from each of these apps accessible in a single app. Several other Adobe apps like Lightroom for iPhone and iPad, Photoshop Mix, Photoshop Sketch, Illustrator Draw, Premiere Clip, and Comp CC are also receiving minor updates today.

Each of Adobe's apps interfaces with its range of Creative Cloud desktop apps via CreativeSync technology, allowing files to be transferred and worked on between mobile and desktop devices.

Most of Adobe's desktop apps are receiving new features today, with the changes for more popular apps listed below.

Both InDesign CC and Illustrator CC are being updated with new Touch workspaces. Illustrator CC is also gaining a new Shaper tool that combines 12 tools and panels in one, non-destructive Live Shapes, and improved Smart Guides, while InDesign CC is getting new online publishing features. Premiere Pro CC includes expanded UltraUD support for editing 4K to 8K video footage, plus it will gain support for HDR workflows.

Photoshop CC is gaining Artboard features for better visualization of design layouts. Adobe's Design Space design-centric Photoshop layout is also now available to all customers. Lightroom CC is gaining improved importing tools and integrated training content for beginners, while Lightroom for web is being enhanced, adding Photoshop editing capabilities for adjusting exposure, temperature, white balance, and more.

Several of Adobe's apps, including Photoshop CC, Lightroom CC, Illustrator CC, InDesign CC, and Premiere Pro CC are being updated with new Touch capabilities usable on Windows tablets and Apple trackpad devices. Adobe Fuse CC is being added to existing Creative Cloud plans.

On the services side, Adobe is adding video support to its Adobe Stock feature, allowing users to download and purchase video content right within the CC desktop apps. Adobe is also announcing Adobe Portfolio, which is free with any Adobe Creative Cloud plan. With Adobe Portfolio, Adobe customers can create simple portfolio websites that are powered by Behance.

Adobe will also be debuting a new CC desktop app that's being developed under the codename "Project Comet." Details on Project Comet will be available at the MAX conference.

Adobe's mobile apps are all available for free beginning today and updates to Creative Cloud desktop software will ship to Creative Cloud members before the end of the year. Adobe's software is available from its website, and pricing can be found here.

Philips today announced its first HomeKit-enabled product, debuting the Hue Bridge 2.0, an updated version of its original Hue Bridge. With the Hue Bridge 2.0, its line of Philips Hue lights are able to work with Apple's home automation platform, allowing all existing and future Hue bulbs to be controlled with Siri voice commands.

Commands like "Turn lights red" can be used for specific colors, while commands like "Set the lamp to 30 percent" can be used for dimming. Lighting scenes that have long been available in the Philips Hue app can now be turned on using Siri. With HomeKit integration, an entire household of lights can be manipulated with a single command.

While most HomeKit apps support other HomeKit products, the Hue app will work differently. It can be used to control the Hue line of lights and set up light-specific scenes, but it is not able to incorporate other HomeKit products. Hue lighting scenes will be made available in other HomeKit apps, however, so it is possible to group the Hue lights with other products, using one command to do things like unlock a door and turn on the lights at the same time.

"Lighting is the most accessible aspect of the connected home, and as the lighting expert for the Internet of Things we are taking connected lighting to the next phase," said Eric Rondolat, Chief Executive Officer at Philips Lighting. "By integrating Philips Hue with Apple HomeKit, we are broadening people's experience of light beyond what has been previously possible, providing seamless interoperability with other connected home devices."

The new Hue Bridge 2.0 looks similar to the existing Hue Bridge, but it is square like the Apple TV rather than round. Along with the new bridge, Philips is also debuting a new set of lights. The new Hue bulbs are somewhat brighter at 800 lumens instead of 600 lumens.

The original Hue Bridge will not be updated with HomeKit compatibility as it does not have the necessary hardware, but Philips plans to continue to support it with software updates. Original Hue Bridge owners will need to purchase a Hue Bridge 2.0 to access HomeKit, but will get a discount of $20 on the product.

The new Hue Bridge 2.0 is priced at $60, but customers who own an existing Hue Bridge can get it for $40. The full lighting kit with new bulbs and the new bridge is priced at $200. All new Hue products are available beginning October 6 from Apple retail stores, Best Buy, and Amazon.

One of the key features of the new Apple TV set to launch later this month is universal search, which allows users to find content across a number of different services using text entry or, in some countries, Siri voice search. Universal search will work across iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Showtime at launch, but it was initially unclear whether the feature would be expanded to include additional content sources over time.

In a follow-up story on his interview with Tim Cook last month, BuzzFeed's John Paczkowski relates some additional details on Apple TV shared by Cook, including word that developers will indeed be able to make their content available to universal search via an API.

“At launch we’ll have iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, and HBO — so we’ll have five major inputs into universal search initially,” Cook said. “But we’re also opening an API, so that others can join in.”

And Apple’s confident that they will do just that. “I think that many, many people will want to be in that search,” Cook said. “And that’s great for users. Think about your experience today. Even if you’re fortunate enough to have the content you want to watch in an app, you sometimes don’t remember exactly where that show is, so you’re going to Netflix or Hulu or Showtime. You shouldn’t have to do that. It should be very simple.”

Cook went on to note that universal search will be intelligent enough to know which services the user is subscribed to, highlighting which sources are available free or with existing subscriptions. This is true even when different services offer only a portion of a television series' seasons, such as a show where older seasons are available through Netflix with an existing subscription but newer seasons may need to be purchased through iTunes or through a new HBO subscription.