Apple's private Wi-Fi MAC addresses were security theater until iOS 17.1
Apple introduced a feature that would hide a user's permanent MAC address in 2020, but it's been virtually useless until iOS 17.1 thanks to a now patched vulnerability.
Wesley Hilliard always had an appreciation for modern technology, so he did the only natural thing and joined the military. He was selected for Nuclear Power training pipeline — the most academically challenging pipeline in the US military. Following two years of schooling, he served as a Nuclear Power Electrician for a total of 10 years in the US Navy.
In those 10 years of service, he learned the skills needed to research complex subject matter and relay that information in a digestible manner to untrained officers and civilians. While at the same time gaining an appreciation for things that "just work."
His training from start to finish relied on the idea that you need to have an intimate knowledge of something in order to know how it operates, so while in the Navy, he began applying this to his love of technology.
After owning a dozen Android devices and Windows laptops over the course of his early military career, Wesley landed on the iPhone and Mac. The concept of digital privacy, device ecosystems, and strong device security was new to consumer technology at the time, but he became captivated by the ideas Apple presented.
During his final years in the military, Wesley spent his free time studying the Apple ecosystem and what made it tick. He applied the same level of scrutiny he learned from studying nuclear power to learning about everything related to Apple and technology. This led to Wesley's desire to write and educate people about the technology that they use every day.
Wes can be heard on the AppleInsider Podcast every other week. He's also partly responsible for the large database of "Insider" pages that teach you everything you need to know about Apple.
Apple introduced a feature that would hide a user's permanent MAC address in 2020, but it's been virtually useless until iOS 17.1 thanks to a now patched vulnerability.
Apple announces a Scary Fast Mac event, iOS 17.1 is released, Apple Services prices go up, and more on the AppleInsider Podcast.
Masimo's patent lawsuit against Apple may end in an Apple Watch ban after an ITC order, but it's up to President Biden's administration and potential appeals that will follow.
Investment firm Piper Sandler suggests weak iPhone demand in China and economic headwinds will make Apple's December quarter weaker than expected.
The beta cycle has restarted with iOS 17.2 and the rest, which includes the long-awaited Journal app on iPhone, iMessage sticker reactions, and the rumored Apple TV app redesign.
The Bluetti AC300 & B300 home backup battery combo can be the first step in developing an expandable off-grid power solution.
Spectre can't stay dead despite numerous attempts by Apple to patch it, with iLeakage the latest attack vector to utilize speculative execution demonstrated by researchers.
The A17 Pro in iPhone 15 Pro is being promoted as a gaming powerhouse in Apple's latest ad.
The latest security patches in iOS 17.1, iPadOS 17.1, macOS Sonoma 14.1 and the other operating system updates cover a range of potential exploits and vulnerabilities.
Apple removed support for legacy camera and video system extensions in macOS Sonoma 14.1 — here's what to do if your webcam doesn't work after updating.
Just a week ago, the top leakers were expecting M3 Macs in 2024, but have changed their tune and are now expecting an updated iMac and MacBook Pro with M3 during the "Scary Fast" Apple Event — but some things don't add up.
Apple Pay Later is Apple's short-term financing solution that spreads payments over six weeks, and it is now available to all eligible users in the United States.
"The Problem With Jon Stewart" won't be returning to Apple TV+ for a third season due to alleged disagreements over topics, though details are sparse.
The ultra-fast, short range 6GHz band has mostly been restricted to licensed commercial use until now, with the FCC permitting companies like Apple to use more of the band for unlicensed consumer products.
Basic Apple Guy has built a couple of gorgeous wallpapers for AppleInsider's readers, and now there's a dedicated place to get them at full resolution. Here's how to get them.
Lumafield used a powerful X-ray CT scanner to determine why Apple's Thunderbolt 4 Pro cable is $129 compared to Amazon's cheaper USB-C offerings.
After the middling success of "Luck," Apple TV+ and Skydance Animation agreed that the upcoming "Spellbound" isn't a good fit as the studios part ways at the end of their contract.
An internal service memo suggests Apple is aware of a display flickering issue on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which should be fixed via a future update.
Apple has expanded its Apple Vision Pro developer labs to two more cities, New York City and Sydney, beginning in November.
Chile gains access to Apple Store online for product ordering and support ahead of October 20 iPhone 15 pre-orders in the country.
One of the less accurate leakers has joined the iPad rumor fray, and is claiming that there will be a minor update Tuesday despite pushback from more accurate leak veterans.
Photo and video recommendations for the iPhone 15 Pro, plus iOS 17.1 and the missing Journal app, rumors about OLED displays coming to iPads, and subscribers get an extended episode on the AppleInsider Podcast.
The IRS sent a surprise bill to Microsoft, hitting the company with a $28.9 billion bill for back taxes and penalties spanning a decade, starting in 2003.
A federal judge has ruled in favor of Google in the Sonos patent lawsuit, and Google is wasting no time after the win to aggressively roll out features it pulled from the speakers.
The right to repair bill SB 244 has been signed into law, which Apple has previously stated support for due to already complying with its requirements.
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