Apple says it couldn't read your iMessages even if it wanted to

Could Apple really read your iMessages - or hand them to authorities?

Research firms QuarksLab claimed on Thursday that Apple can theoretically intercept users' iMessages and read them or hand them over to authorities, but Apple responded that that's simply not true.

"iMessage is not architected to allow Apple to read messages," an Apple spokesperson told AllThingsD.

"The research discussed theoretical vulnerabilities that would require Apple to re-engineer the iMessage system to exploit it, and Apple has no plans or intentions to do so," the spokesperson continued.

QuarksLab presented its findings at the Hack in the Box conference that took place this week in Malaysia.

The group said that while Apple's end-to-end encryption is secure, Apple "can change a key any time they want, thus read [sic] the content of our iMessages."

The security and hacking community so far has reportedly found few faults with QuarksLab's theory, which is apparently quite complex.

However, the researchers emphasized that they're not claiming Apple does read your iMessages; only that it can if it chooses to.

iMessages are messages sent between iOS devices that Apple has long claimed are more secure than standard SMS messaging.

The iMessaging service supposedly even thwarts U.S. law enforcement agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Then again, the service clearly isn't foolproof.

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Apple recalling MacBook Air laptops with faulty flash drives

Apple promising to replace faulty drives in a flash

Apple has admitted a fault with the flash drives in some Macbook Air notebooks purchased between June 2012 and June 2013 and is offering free replacements to affected users.

The company has issued a product recall for 64GB and 128GB models experiencing hard drive problems and has released a firmware update allowing owners to check if their storage space is on the blink.

If after running MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.1 (available to download from the Mac App Store), users will be redirected to the replacement program website if a problem exists.

They can then use the webpage to schedule an appointment at their local Apple Store or with an authorised service provider for a free drive replacement.

"If your drive is affected, we strongly recommend that you do not install any operating system updates or new applications. We also recommend backing up your data on a regular basis until you receive a replacement drive," read a post on the Apple support website."

The company says if users have paid for a refund relating to the issue they can get in touch regarding a refund.

Via Mashable

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Cook cops an earful as man sues Apple over iOS 7 auto-downloads

Tim Cook labelled a 'corporate thug' by claimant

Apple CEO Tim Cook is being sued by a California man annoyed about the automatic downloads of the iOS 7 software to his family's iPhones and iPads.

Mark Menacher wants a mere $50 (About £31, AU$52) from Apple, plus a way to get rid of the iOS 7 install file on his devices so he can use the space for other apps and content, CNET reports.

Regardless of whether iOS device owners wish to install the new operating system, the large install file downloads by itself and requests users install each time they restart their device.

However, those, like Mr Menacher, who don't wish to upgrade to the colourful new OS, are lumbered with the sizeable file, rending the once-available storage space unavailable.

Apple's policy is partly why there's always such a speedy adoption of its annual software tweak, with iOS 7 usage reportedly up to 72 per cent at the time of writing.

In his submission to the Superior Court of California, the claimant reserved some choice words for Apple's boss when it comes to customer service.

He wrote: "Apple's disregard for customer preferences in relation to iOS7 is corporate thuggery. Steve Jobs was reportedly rough on company employees in pursuit of happy customers, but Tim Cook apparently cultivates a culture of contempt for customer satisfaction in pursuit of corporate profits. It is a policy that will eventually fail."

According to the report Mr Menacher is considering taking the case to a higher court as well as establishing whether there are grounds for a class action suit.

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Apple Board pushing Tim Cook towards faster innovation

According to Fox Business News correspondent, Charlie Gasparino, the board over at Apple are "deeply concerned" about Tim Cook's pace of innovation.

Gasparino states: "that concern is manifesting into pressure on Tim Cook to basically innovate - do something fast."

During a report on FBN, it was expressed that no notable products had been produced since Steve Jobs held the reins of the company, with the introduction of the iPad in 2010.

The end of last year did bring the iPad mini, but this is another product for the iPad line rather than a standalone innovation. Rumours have circulated surrounding a possible iWatch, or Apple TV, but the timeline for these products is unclear, as is whether they will actually ever come in to fruition. There has also been talk of an iPhone 5c that's keeping Apple busy.

Although, interestingly When the new Mac Pro was unveiled earlier this year, Phil Schiller proclaimed: "Can't innovate any more, my ass".

Gasparino doesn't quite see it that way though, noting: "the stock price is down 35% from it's all-time high".

According to the FBN report, Cook's job is not up for revision but the Board of Directors, including the likes of Al Gore, are concerned. Whether the concern accumulates into anything is yet to be seen.

With Cook's recent announcement that no new Apple products would hit the shelves this summer, it is unclear when the next new products will arrive.

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How to Jailbreak iPad on iOS 5.1.1 Using Redsn0w

iPhone Dev team has just released Redsn0w 0.9.12b1 that includes support for untethered iOS 5.1.1 for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3, iPad 2, iPad 1, iPod touch 4G and iPod Touch 3G.

In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step procedure to jailbreak your iPad on iOS 5.1.1 using Redsn0w for both Mac and Windows users.

Here are some important points to note before you proceed.

• This guide is meant for iPad users.
• Redsn0w 0.9.12b1 supports 5ntethered jailbreak.
• Redsn0w 0.9.12b1 supports iPad 3, iPad r, iPad 1 running on iOS 5.1.1 .
• Please ensure your iPad is on iOS 5.1.1 (Settings –> General –> About –> Version should be