iOS 26 beta is freezing FaceTime when it detects nudity — what we know so far
Apple did announce this, sort of. iOS 26 comes with a bunch of new tools for child accounts, and one of them is designed to "intervene" whenever nudity is detected in FaceTime video calls — alongside a similar feature that blurs out any nudity detected in Shared Albums. But as it turns out, this feature is also affecting adult accounts.
As discovered by iDeviceHelp on X, FaceTime will freeze all video and audio if it detects any kind of nudity. This is followed by a warning message stating that "Audio and Video are paused because you may be showing something sensitive. If you feel uncomfortable, you should end the call."
Users are then given the option to hang up, or resume the audio and video feed.
It's not clear whether this is a bug, since iOS 26 is still very firmly in beta, or if Apple is deliberately turning on sensitive content warnings without user input. Since the Sensitive Content warning is an option in FaceTime's app settings, but is switched off by default, I'm guessing it's the former.
For those worried about corporate snooping, Apple's support pages do claim that the Communication Safety uses on-device machine learning to analyze photo and video attachments and determine if a photo or video appears to contain nudity," while also noting that this is built for child accounts rather than everyone.
Apple also notes that "because the photos and videos are analyzed on your child's device, Apple doesn't receive an indication that nudity was detected and doesn't get access to the photos or videos as a result." Meaning Apple doesn't actually see the contents of the call.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
It's not clear what the threshold for the sensitive content warnings are, but since this is designed to protect children my guess is that they'll be pretty strict. Which is a shame if you're an adult caught up in the bug, trying to show off whatever body parts you feel the need to show. Even if it's something as relatively innocent as a new tattoo or flexing after the gym.
Hopefully this will be fixed in a future version of the iOS 26 beta, ahead of the official launch later this year. But in the meantime, if you're affected by this, maybe switch to another one of the best video chat apps.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
25 minutes ago
- Newsweek
iPhone Users Are More Likely To Fall For Scams Than Android Users
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. iPhone users are more likely to fall victim to online scams and less likely to practice safe online habits compared to Android users, according to new research from cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes. The survey, released Thursday, surveyed 1,300 adults across the U.S, U.K, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland and highlighted a consistent pattern of riskier online behavior among iPhone owners. Why it Matters This survey results challenge the long-standing perception that Apple devices are inherently safer, revealing a worrying trend for millions of iPhone users in the U.S. and globally. As cyber threats and scams become increasingly sophisticated, both consumers and businesses must recognize that device choice does not guarantee immunity from online risks. Model and influencer Sonia Lyson with an iPhone, and white wired ear pod headphones from Apple in Berlin, Germany. Model and influencer Sonia Lyson with an iPhone, and white wired ear pod headphones from Apple in Berlin, to Know The Malwarebytes survey revealed that 53 percent of iPhone users have fallen victim to an online scam, compared to 48 percent of Android users. The also study found iPhone owners are more likely to trust their device's built-in security, potentially leading to less cautious behavior. "iPhone continues to dominate market share in the U.S., and with that popularity comes more targeting," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "Scams are everywhere—from fake USPS or TollTag texts to those suspicious 'Hey' messages. They all want one thing: for you to respond." Risk-taking behavior was also higher among iPhone users: 47 percent reported buying from unknown sources for the best price, compared to 40 percent of Android users. Additionally, 41 percent of iPhone users admitted to sending a direct message to a seller or company on social media seeking discounts, in contrast to 33 percent of Android users. Only 21 percent of iPhone users said they use mobile security software, compared to 29 percent of Android users. Similarly, 35 percent of iPhone owners reported using unique passwords for each online account, while 41 percent of Android users did the same. "The iPhone is the most widely used smartphone worldwide, and it's naive to think individuals who commit cybercrimes wouldn't work constantly to find workarounds to take advantage of owners," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. "Unless notified directly through Apple, don't click on links or respond to messages claiming to be from the company. And when in doubt, reach out to the company directly, not to the number that sent you a link." Researchers pointed out that iPhone users may be lulled into a false sense of security by the device's reputation. Roughly 55 percent of iPhone users expressed trust in their phone's security to keep them safe, which was slightly higher than the 50 percent rate among Android users. This trust could discourage adoption of additional security tools or best practices. "Too many iPhone users rely on the device's reputation for security without taking basic steps to protect themselves, leaving them vulnerable to today's realistic scams and silent threats like infostealers," Michael Sherwood, VP of product at Malwarebytes, said in a statement. "We can no longer rest on our laurels no matter how we choose to browse, bank or chat. Cybercriminals know that mobile devices are a fruitful gateway to scams and threats. We need to be aware and skeptical of everything from text messages and search results to email attachments and links." On its website, Apple encourages users to never share personal information or passwords and to consider using two-factor verification for added safety. "If you're suspicious about an unexpected message, call, or request for personal information, such as your email address, phone number, password, security code, or money, it's safer to presume that it's a scam—contact that company directly if you need to," Apple said on its website. Google encourages Android users to get the latest Android updates for your device, remove untrusted apps and perform a security check. Google also says on its help center site: "To help remove harmful software from your device, you may want to reset your Android device to factory settings. To learn more about how to remove harmful software from your device, contact your device manufacturer." What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "These scams often succeed because they prey on urgency and trust, especially when someone's expecting a package. A single response or download can let malware slip through the cracks. And let's be honest, a lot of iPhone users tend to skew older, making them more susceptible to these tactics." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "For decades, Apple had the edge on competitors in the digital virus space, as their devices gained a good reputation for being less susceptible to malware. This same reputation, unfortunately, has led some to believe devices like iPhone are safer from these attacks and as a result, some users are more likely to click on links they receive assuming Apple has thoroughly protected their device." What Happens Next The Malwarebytes survey points to an urgent need for enhanced online safety education and awareness, particularly among iPhone users. Thompson said all phone users should not respond to texts from unknown senders. "If you're expecting a package, go straight to the carrier's website, don't click the link," Thompson said. "The same goes for emails. Always navigate directly to the site, not through a message. One click can be the difference between secure and compromised."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Apple (AAPL) Isn't Going To Buy Perplexity, Says Jim Cramer
We recently published . Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s shares have lost 12% year-to-date as investors remain concerned about the firm's iPhone sales, lack of an AI product, and the impact of trade tensions between the US and China on its smartphone supply chain. In his previous comments about Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Cramer has asserted that CEO Tim Cook has to spend in America to build factories and infrastructure to boost local production. He discussed whether Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would acquire Perplexity this time around: '[On Morgan Stanley reiterates $235 and saying Services might be better than it thinks] Ben Reitzes is out there saying look the 200 dollar subscription if he buys Perplexity. Now, I was listening to my great friend Jeff Sonnenfield talk about how how unreliable these are and his conclusion was, well, you know you gotta be careful. You gotta look at them all. My conclusion is, why do you think they're building so many data centers? Because they're not scraping enough. People are building data centers because they want to line the pockets of GE Vernonva? I mean come on. They need more data centers because they're not accurate enough. But they will get accurate. And the idea of Apple buying Perplexity and doing subscription, they're not going to do it. They're not going to do it because they don't buy anybody. But you know that is the hobgoblin of little [inaudible] there. You gotta buy, you need AI.' While we acknowledge the potential of AAPL as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the . READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Should You Buy an iPhone 16 or Wait for the iPhone 17?
So you're ready to purchase your next iPhone. You can take one of two routes: Buy an iPhone 16 right now, or wait a little longer and get Apple's next version, which is expected to make its debut in just over a month. What's the better choice? With the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 in September, it could be a good idea to hang tight and either purchase the new phone or get the iPhone 16 at a discounted price. Apple still hasn't confirmed the existence of the iPhone 17, and we don't have any official specs or features, but here's how it could compare to the iPhone 16, according to rumors and speculation. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17: Key rumored specs compared We still don't have any confirmed details about the iPhone 17, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning and purported leaks from making the rounds. Speculation extends across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, from the Pro models to what could be a thinner "Air" version (which may be Apple's answer to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge). But I'm going to focus on the baseline iPhone 17. Screen differences One of the most highly anticipated changes could be that the iPhone 17 adds a 120Hz display, which would be very welcome. Currently, only the iPhone Pro models have that higher refresh rate, while the baseline and Plus models are stuck with a 60Hz display. Bumping that refresh rate could also prompt Apple to bring the always-on display to the baseline model, making it easier to quickly glance at the time and your notifications without waking your display. There's been some back-and-forth on whether the iPhone 17 will have a scratch-resistant, antireflective display. But the most recent reports suggest that feature will only be available on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, not the baseline iPhone 17 (or the Air). So there may not be major discrepancies between the iPhone 16 and 17 on that front. Camera differences It's possible the iPhone 17's selfie camera will get a bump to 24 megapixels, instead of the current 12 megapixels found in the iPhone 16's front-facing shooter. Megapixels aren't the only determining factor for good-quality photos, but if it is an upgrade, that could make taking selfies or shooting videos for social media on the front-facing camera less of a compromise. There's also been some conversation about the camera bump on Apple's upcoming iPhone lineup. It's likely that only the Pro models' cameras will be nestled in a new, larger panel that stretches horizontally across the back of the phone (perhaps evoking the "Geordi Visor" on the Google Pixel 9) and that the baseline will maintain a similar camera arrangement to the iPhone 16. Only time will tell. Design differences Rumors suggest that like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 will have an aluminum frame. (In fact, it's possible that'll be the case for the entire lineup, apart from the iPhone 17 Air, which could have a titanium frame to make it lighter.) There have also been reports that the iPhone 17 will use a new compact "metalens" technology for the proximity sensor, which could reduce the size of the Face ID sensor and the Dynamic Island. That could give slightly more real estate to the top of the 17's display. Processor and RAM One key element that could remain unchanged across both phones is the processor. The iPhone 17 is rumored to pack an A18 chip, just like the iPhone 16. With Apple's plans to expand its Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities, it's possible the iPhone 17 lineup could come with 12GB of RAM, instead of the current 8GB -- or at least part of it could. In April, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the iPhone 17 Air and Pro models would sport 12GB of RAM but that Apple was still deciding whether to equip the baseline model with that higher amount too. In May, analyst Jeff Pu noted the baseline would remain at 8GB. We'll have to wait to see what Apple ultimately decides. Speaking of Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered Adaptive Power feature arriving with iOS 26 can help conserve battery by making "small performance adjustments," like "allowing some activities to take a little longer," according to Apple. The next iPhone is expected to arrive with the upcoming operating system onboard, but you'll also be able to download iOS 26 on the iPhone 16, as well as some older iPhones, once it becomes available publicly. That should help to stretch your battery life on either device. Color options What's on the inside may be most important, but people also want to know what fun colors the iPhone 17 could sport. Rumors suggest the upcoming device could come in black, blue, silver, purple and green. For comparison, the iPhone 16 is available in black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine. Everything we think we know about the iPhone 17 is still just speculation, so we'll have to see what Apple unveils this fall. Should you buy an iPhone 16 now or wait for the iPhone 17? If you're in desperate need of a new phone and can't wait any longer, who am I to stop you? But if you can hang tight until September, when Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17, you can either score the flashy new device or get a discount on the iPhone 16. (In previous years, the company dropped the price on older models by around $100.) It's likely the changes between the iPhone 16 and 17 will be relatively modest. Apple tends to debut newer features on its Pro models before eventually rolling them out across the full lineup, like it did with the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max and the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. So any shiny new capabilities will likely land on its more premium phones first, such as the rumored antireflective display and redesigned cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro models. But perhaps the biggest changes could arrive next year with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, for which Apple is reportedly "preparing a major shake-up" of the phone's design, according to Bloomberg. That includes a (long-rumored) foldable version and a "bold new Pro model that makes more extensive use of glass." The iPhone 17 may not even be announced yet, but it's never too early to be looking even further ahead.
