Night mode is an automatic setting which takes advantage of the new wide-angle camera that's in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models. It's equipped with a larger sensor that is able to let in more light, allowing for brighter photos when the light is low.
macOS Catalina Now Available
FaceTime Bug That Lets People Spy on Others Demoed in Video [Updated]
There's a major issue affecting FaceTime right now, which all MacRumors readers should be aware of. A bug with Group FaceTime can let someone force a FaceTime call with you, giving them access to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac's video and audio even when you don't accept the FaceTime call.
In the video below, we demonstrate how the bug works. We do not condone MacRumors readers invading peoples' privacy, and these video is meant to make it clear how simple it is to exploit this bug to emphasize its seriousness.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
As outlined in our original post on the issue, this FaceTime bug is very easy to exploit. All someone needs to do is call you and then add their own number to the FaceTime call to force a connection with you.
From there, they can hear your audio, even though on your end, it looks like the call wasn't accepted yet. If you hit the power button to make the call go away, it gives the person on the other end access to your camera. This bug can be initiated on an iPhone and it affects iOS and macOS devices running current software, including iOS 12.2.
This is a huge privacy issue and while Apple says a fix is coming "later this week," iPhone and Mac users concerned about spying should turn off FaceTime all together. Enabling Do Not Disturb also appears to work as a preventative measure.
Update: Apple appears to have temporarily addressed the issue by disabling Group FaceTime calls server side. On Apple's System Status page, Group FaceTime is listed as unavailable.
In the video below, we demonstrate how the bug works. We do not condone MacRumors readers invading peoples' privacy, and these video is meant to make it clear how simple it is to exploit this bug to emphasize its seriousness.
As outlined in our original post on the issue, this FaceTime bug is very easy to exploit. All someone needs to do is call you and then add their own number to the FaceTime call to force a connection with you.
From there, they can hear your audio, even though on your end, it looks like the call wasn't accepted yet. If you hit the power button to make the call go away, it gives the person on the other end access to your camera. This bug can be initiated on an iPhone and it affects iOS and macOS devices running current software, including iOS 12.2.
This is a huge privacy issue and while Apple says a fix is coming "later this week," iPhone and Mac users concerned about spying should turn off FaceTime all together. Enabling Do Not Disturb also appears to work as a preventative measure.
Update: Apple appears to have temporarily addressed the issue by disabling Group FaceTime calls server side. On Apple's System Status page, Group FaceTime is listed as unavailable.
Tags: FaceTime, FaceTime Listening Bug
[ 54 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
10 months ago
Why show a video of how to replicate this issue? Why is that necessary? We’re already aware of the problem; no need to show people how to replicate it. This is a security and a privacy problem.
It's not meant to be an instructional video, it's to show people who aren't aware how easy it is to exploit so they can understand the seriousness and disable FaceTime. Anyone who wanted to exploit it could easily find the steps on virtually any other site because it's absolutely everywhere now. There's no hiding the execution of a bug like this. Might as well spread awareness so MR readers can be safe.
10 months ago
Why show a video of how to replicate this issue? Why is that necessary? We’re already aware of the problem; no need to show people how to replicate it. This is a security and a privacy problem.
10 months ago
Massive failure after massive failure. Dissappointing, but Cook is in over his head. Not a visionary.
Massive failure after massive failure? Sure there isn't another company you are referring to or hyperbole for hyperboles sake?
10 months ago
It's a bug. Not exactly an earth shattering one like the chip design flaws from last year. A software bug. It'll be fixed. Calm down. Return to your previously planned activities.
It’s concerning to me that bugs of this severity not only occur but do so with some degree of frequency. They are not merely software bugs to calm down about. MacRumors describes it as serious. Every iPhone unlock or remote access/control exploit is a major failure.
10 months ago
It's a bug. Not exactly an earth shattering one like the chip design flaws from last year. A software bug. It'll be fixed. Calm down. Return to your previously planned activities.
10 months ago
Theoretical Android Flaw means end of the world, but this just got the "oh well" treatment from the faithful.
10 months ago
Massive failure after massive failure. Dissappointing, but Cook is in over his head. Not a visionary.
[ Read All Comments ]
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Plex to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a cord-cutting bundle that includes a lifetime Plex Pass, an antenna, and a TV tuner for...
Google Maps for iOS is gaining a new feature today that's designed to allow people to report crashes, speed traps, and traffic slowdowns right from their iPhones.
Reporting traffic accidents...
Apple this week introduced Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones in a new Camo Collection, available in either Forest Green or Sand Dune.
The Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones in the Camo Collection...
Apple Arcade gained a batch of new games today for the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac.
The latest titles available include real-time player-versus-player baseball game "Ballistic...
Apple today sent out emails for a new Apple Pay promotion, offering a $5 discount on groceries when you spend $35 or more through Instacart. To get the discount, you'll need to use Apple...
Luna Display today introduced a new Mac-to-Mac mode that allows any Mac released within the last decade to be used as a second display for another Mac. This includes any combination of Macs, ranging...
Apple has released a third trailer for the upcoming comedy series "Dickinson" ahead of its November 1 premiere on Apple TV+.
Dickinson is a half-hour comedy series starring...
Adobe remains committed to releasing Photoshop CC for the iPad by the end of 2019, and plans to provide an update on the app at its Adobe MAX creative conference in early November, according to...
