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Why those App Store 'nutrition labels' are suspect šŸ˜–

January 30, 2021

So-called App Store nutrition labels that detail exactly how an app handles your data sounded like such a fantastically simple idea when Apple described them last year.

Now that the feature is live, the devil is apparently in the details. As it happens, you can't just trust all app developers to tell you exactly how much data their software hoovers up -- or how they share it with potentially nefarious third parties.

Apple says it's working to police the problem, but it's a bit of a black eye for the privacy-conscious company.

That was probably the worst news for Cupertino this week.

On the other hand, Apple blew away Wall Street expectations with yet another record-setting earnings report. This time, the company raked in an astonishing $111.4 billion in quarterly revenue.

Apple also revealed that the number of iPhone users soared past 1 billion recently. Yep, you read that right -- 1 billion iPhone users. Just think about that staggering number, and what it means for Apple's continually growing services business.

So ... all in all, not a bad week for Apple. How was yours?

-- Lewis Wallace, managing editor

P.S. Don't miss our review of new Apple TV+ movie Palmer, which stars Justin Timberlake as an ex-con trying to look after a young boy. (Spoiler alert: The kid steals the show.)

News and opinion

Appleā€™s new privacy labels might not be as useful as hoped. Spot checks by a Washington Post writer turned up numerous apps with incorrect information. The basic problem is that Apple asked developers to describe their own privacy practices. And some of them were less than honest.

The results of each Apple financial quarter somehow keep topping the one before. This time, the big news is that revenue blew past $100 billion for the first time, buoyed by record-breaking sales of iPhone and other products. But thereā€™s more to Appleā€™s announcement than a parade of figures. Hereā€™s what all those number mean.

Apple released iOS 14.4 this week, along with the iPad equivalent. Here's what's new (and why you should upgrade immediately).

Plus, even more updates:

A YouTuber hacked a 17-year-old iPod Classic to let it stream Spotify tracks, successfully bringing a relic from the MP3 days into the modern era.

Their concerns, which are supposedly ā€œdimming the outlookā€ for a deal, apparently center on fears that Hyundai could become simply a contract manufacturer for Cupertino.

Plus, more on secret Apple projects:

How-tos

This week's update gives us the ability to classify Bluetooth gear for the first time. Doing so makes the devices work even better with iPhone and iPad. Weā€™ll explain why, and show you how to make it all happen.

Wouldnā€™t it be nice if you could strip out all the unnecessary bloat from your favorite websites so that theyā€™re easier to read and faster to load? Well with Safariā€™s built-in Reader mode on Mac, iPhone and iPad, you can.

Are you one of the many who have decided to ditch WhatsApp in favor of Telegram? If so, youā€™ll be pleased to know Telegramā€™s latest update makes it possible to import all your WhatsApp chat data so you donā€™t lose it when you switch.

Deals

Apple connoisseurs value minimalism. So do you really want to lug around a bunch of different chargers for your devices? Luckily, you donā€™t need to cart around a gaggle of adapters to be able to work on the go. The Mopoint Worldā€™s Smallest 65W GaN PD Charger packs a ton of multitasking power into a very petite package.

This all-in-one solution is what you need to accomplish your goals in 2021.

All that time spent staring at your iPhone, iPad or Mac can take its toll on your eyesight and sleeping patterns. We've got sweet relief.

There are only so many starter sourdoughs and online courses you can take before you start considering other options to keep yourself entertained. It's karaoke time!

Plus, more handy software and services:

Reviews

SwitchEasy's new iPad stylus does most of what Apple Pencil does for a lot less money. It even magnetically clings to the iPad Pro, and works with a broad variety of Apple tablets.

The Elago Charging Tray Duo adds color to your MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers, and brings them together into a single unit for your office or bedside.

Apple TV+ makes an awards bid with the well-meaning Palmer, a drama of recovery, change and tolerance. It might not set the world on fire, but the film proves uniquely difficult to resist.

Plus, more Apple TV+ reviews:

If you plan to go traveling with your Apple Watch as soon as itā€™s safe to do so, youā€™ll want to take the handy Monowear Monochest with you. This book-like accessory securely carries your spare bands, and doubles as a stand that keeps your Apple Watch protected while itā€™s charging.