Are you using an iPhone right now? It might be in your device’s best interests to be wary of certain wifi connections that could restrict certain functionalities.

A security researcher has discovered a vulnerability in iPhones' connectivity mechanism which could paralyse its wifi connectivity.

What is going on?

In June, Carl Schou found that when he attempted to connect to a wifi network called “%p%s%s%s%s%n”, his iPhone immediately lost the functionality to connect to any wifi connections.

But this had a quick fix. Schou was able to bypass the blockage by simply resetting all network settings.

What seemed to be the end of a weird chapter in iPhone connectivity issues has spiralled out of control. On July 4, Carl Schou gave it another try. He connected to a fishy sounding network called “%secretclub%power”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-pics-smart-foam-helps-robotic-arm-sense-nearby-objects-and-repair-self-396181" hreflang="en">'Smart foam' helps robotic arm sense nearby objects and repair self</a>

It gets worse. If Schou is to be believed, being around a wifi connection with this name can permanently disable wifi functionality on your iPhone.

“You can permanently disable any iOS device’s WiFI by hosting a public WiFi named %secretclub%power,” Schou wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;“Resetting network settings is not guaranteed to restore functionality”, he added.

How do you regain functionality?

To Schou’s dismay, getting back wifi functionality wasn’t a cakewalk the second time around. Resetting network settings did not help, nor did a hard reset.&nbsp;

Eventually, he had to reach out to Apple. But before pursuing that, Twitter came to his rescue. A user advised Schou to manually edit his iPhone’s backup to remove malicious entries that were logged into the phone’s networks “plist files”.

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WION has not independently verified this method. So if you get stuck in a situation like this one, these steps may help you find solace. But your best bet is to keep wifi off if you’re in a public setting and to avoid linking to connections whose names suggest malicious intent.

Apple could fix the bug in its upcoming updates. But until that time comes, exercise caution!

Are you using an iPhone right now? It might be in your device’s best interests to be wary of certain wifi connections that could restrict certain functionalities.

Are you using an iPhone right now? It might be in your device’s best interests to be wary of certain wifi connections that could restrict certain functionalities. A security researcher has discovered a vulnerability in iPhones' connectivity mechanism which could paralyse its wifi connectivity. What is going on? In June, Carl Schou found that when he attempted to connect to a wifi network called “%p%s%s%s%s%n”, his iPhone immediately lost the functionality to connect to any wifi connections. But this had a quick fix. Schou was able to bypass the blockage by simply resetting all network settings. What seemed to be the end of a weird chapter in iPhone connectivity issues has spiralled out of control. On July 4, Carl Schou gave it another try. He connected to a fishy sounding network called “%secretclub%power”. Also read: 'Smart foam' helps robotic arm sense nearby objects and repair self It gets worse. If Schou is to be believed, being around a wifi connection with this name can permanently disable wifi functionality on your iPhone. “You can permanently disable any iOS device’s WiFI by hosting a public WiFi named %secretclub%power,” Schou wrote on Twitter. “Resetting network settings is not guaranteed to restore functionality”, he added. How do you regain functionality? To Schou’s dismay, getting back wifi functionality wasn’t a cakewalk the second time around. Resetting network settings did not help, nor did a hard reset. Eventually, he had to reach out to Apple. But before pursuing that, Twitter came to his rescue. A user advised Schou to manually edit his iPhone’s backup to remove malicious entries that were logged into the phone’s networks “plist files”. Also read: Twitter will let you laugh soon with Facebook-like 'reactions' WION has not independently verified this method. So if you get stuck in a situation like this one, these steps may help you find solace. But your best bet is to keep wifi off if you’re in a public setting and to avoid linking to connections whose names suggest malicious intent. Apple could fix the bug in its upcoming updates. But until that time comes, exercise caution!

iPhone users, connecting to this open wifi network could paralyse your device

On June 29, 2007 Apple Inc&nbsp;commanded the world’s attention with the release of the first-ever iPhone.&nbsp;

With a modest storage capacity of 4-8 GB, the phone wouldn’t stand a chance against advanced successors from the ongoing generation of iPhones. Even then, the release date of the first iPhone marks a historic moment in the smartphone industry which propelled the development of applications, the process of smartening phones, and to improve computer-like processing on small devices.

Here’s a look at how iPhones have evolved since 2007

<img alt="iPhone 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9499c3a5-3666-4112-a31b-fb6547e4254a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_68.jpg" />

The iPhone 1, simply known as iPhone was announced in January 9, 2007 but was released on June 29, 2007, by the trailblazing CEO Steve Jobs. With a 3.5 inch screen and a 2-megapixel camera, the phone solidified the potential of pocket-size computers.&nbsp;

On July 11, 2008, Apple released the iPhone 3G, which built on the first-generation device. It offered more storage extending upto 16 GB and faster speeds with 3G connectivity. Location services were introduced in this model, which Jobs had once claimed were going to be&nbsp;the basis of what iPhones intended to achieve in the tech world.

<img alt="iPhone 3GS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11dfba95-4ccf-46f4-b991-4668263ac6a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_54.jpg" />

A smaller update showed up a year later with iPhone 3GS, which offered storage upto 32 GB. It&nbsp;may seem like an insult to current device capabilities but signified a big step for miniature technology back in the day.

<img alt="iPhone 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edcfc26f-a80f-4dbb-9ddc-c224540f4d5d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_43.jpg" />

In 2010, Apple was looking for ways to refine the iPhone experience and released the iPhone 4&nbsp;on June 24. The famous feature called FaceTime, which has come to define Apple devices was first offered on this iteration of the device. Apple’s Retina Display also made its debut on iPhone 4. A year later, iPhone 4S&nbsp;showed up, extending storage upto 64 GB.&nbsp;

<img alt="iPhone 5" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7df830d3-115e-4d7f-92ba-041ba155a596" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_14.jpg" />

But the company stepped up its game by releasing iPhone 5 on September 15, 2012. Slimmer, faster, and better looking, Steve Jobs called it the best thing to happen to iPhone since the original iPhone. A year later, smaller updates manifested in the iPhone 5S, which introduced us to fingerprint security and the modestly priced iPhone 5C.

<img alt="iPHone 6" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="96e8891e-2faa-4e7a-a0f7-824302d2dbed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5_8.jpg" />

With big screens dominating the market and Android phones boasting similar and sometimes better features on richer screens in 2014, Apple announced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The latter was the company’s first large-screen phone with pure Apple joy spread across 5.5 inches.&nbsp;

Then appeared iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus in 2015 with a groundbreaking touch technology called 3D Touch&nbsp;which earned praise from users but was discontinued eventually.&nbsp;

<img alt="iPhone 7" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="788a33ad-e2c8-4a57-9ace-db03b6340ca2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6_1.jpg" />

In 2016, Apple pushed the boundaries again when it announced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus series, which eliminated the audio jack, removed the home button,&nbsp;and introduced a dual camera.

Building on the risk-laden success of iPhone 7 series, Apple introduced the iPhone 8 series on September 12, 2017 which brought wireless charging to the smartphone line. In addition, the series also came with glass front and backs, similar to the design of iPhone 4 and 4S.&nbsp;

<img alt="iPhone X" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fda77db6-d41e-4790-af2b-5cec151f35cc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/7_0.jpg" />

But all that wasn’t enough. On the same day, the company announced iPhone X, an homage to&nbsp;company’s 10-year-long&nbsp;in the smartphone industry. With storage running upto 256 GB and an edge-to-edge display, the iPhone X gifted users with a richer experience courtesy of Super Retina Display. With it came a plethora of new features like Face ID, which replaced the Touch ID and used biometric facial data to unlock phones.

In between 2017-2021, Apple has released iPhone XR, iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max which is largely built on the design and radical capabilities of the iPhone X.

<img alt="iPHone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4638c72-af8b-435f-9a17-b48f2572803f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/8.jpg" />

The latest generation Apple smartphone is called iPhone 12, which also comes with a mini iteration called iPhone 12 Mini. The flagship packs Super Retina XDR display and introduced 5G connectivity to iPhones. Complementing these devices were iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which come with a&nbsp;super size screen measuring 6.7 inches.

The company has made great strides in packing life-size features in pocket-size devices that has in turn driven development of technology thought unimaginable less than a decade back.

Do you think Apple will keep the momentum going with its next generation of iPhones?

(Images 1-7:&nbsp;Wikimedia Commons, Image 8: AFP)

On June 29, 2007 Apple Inc commanded the world’s attention with the release of the first-ever iPhone. With a modest storage capacity of 4-8 GB, the phone wouldn’t stand a chance against advanced successors from the ongoing generation of iPhones.

On June 29, 2007 Apple Inc commanded the world’s attention with the release of the first-ever iPhone. With a modest storage capacity of 4-8 GB, the phone wouldn’t stand a chance against advanced successors from the ongoing generation of iPhones. Even then, the release date of the first iPhone marks a historic moment in the smartphone industry which propelled the development of applications, the process of smartening phones, and to improve computer-like processing on small devices. Here’s a look at how iPhones have evolved since 2007 The iPhone 1, simply known as iPhone was announced in January 9, 2007 but was released on June 29, 2007, by the trailblazing CEO Steve Jobs. With a 3.5 inch screen and a 2-megapixel camera, the phone solidified the potential of pocket-size computers. On July 11, 2008, Apple released the iPhone 3G, which built on the first-generation device. It offered more storage extending upto 16 GB and faster speeds with 3G connectivity. Location services were introduced in this model, which Jobs had once claimed were going to be the basis of what iPhones intended to achieve in the tech world. A smaller update showed up a year later with iPhone 3GS, which offered storage upto 32 GB. It may seem like an insult to current device capabilities but signified a big step for miniature technology back in the day. In 2010, Apple was looking for ways to refine the iPhone experience and released the iPhone 4 on June 24. The famous feature called FaceTime, which has come to define Apple devices was first offered on this iteration of the device. Apple’s Retina Display also made its debut on iPhone 4. A year later, iPhone 4S showed up, extending storage upto 64 GB. But the company stepped up its game by releasing iPhone 5 on September 15, 2012. Slimmer, faster, and better looking, Steve Jobs called it the best thing to happen to iPhone since the original iPhone. A year later, smaller updates manifested in the iPhone 5S, which introduced us to fingerprint security and the modestly priced iPhone 5C. With big screens dominating the market and Android phones boasting similar and sometimes better features on richer screens in 2014, Apple announced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The latter was the company’s first large-screen phone with pure Apple joy spread across 5.5 inches. Then appeared iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus in 2015 with a groundbreaking touch technology called 3D Touch which earned praise from users but was discontinued eventually. In 2016, Apple pushed the boundaries again when it announced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus series, which eliminated the audio jack, removed the home button, and introduced a dual camera. Building on the risk-laden success of iPhone 7 series, Apple introduced the iPhone 8 series on September 12, 2017 which brought wireless charging to the smartphone line. In addition, the series also came with glass front and backs, similar to the design of iPhone 4 and 4S. But all that wasn’t enough. On the same day, the company announced iPhone X, an homage to company’s 10-year-long in the smartphone industry. With storage running upto 256 GB and an edge-to-edge display, the iPhone X gifted users with a richer experience courtesy of Super Retina Display. With it came a plethora of new features like Face ID, which replaced the Touch ID and used biometric facial data to unlock phones. In between 2017-2021, Apple has released iPhone XR, iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max which is largely built on the design and radical capabilities of the iPhone X. The latest generation Apple smartphone is called iPhone 12, which also comes with a mini iteration called iPhone 12 Mini. The flagship packs Super Retina XDR display and introduced 5G connectivity to iPhones. Complementing these devices were iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which come with a super size screen measuring 6.7 inches. The company has made great strides in packing life-size features in pocket-size devices that has in turn driven development of technology thought unimaginable less than a decade back. Do you think Apple will keep the momentum going with its next generation of iPhones? (Images 1-7: Wikimedia Commons, Image 8: AFP)

iPhone celebrates 14 years: Take a look at the journey of Apple's smartphone devices

Apple iPhone 12 launch event: What to expect!

The US giant Apple is expected to release new iPhones later today - October 13. The launch event is set to begin at 10 AM California time (10.30 PM IST). The tag line for today’s event is “Hi, Speed”.

Even though the company hasn’t revealed official details of any anticipated releases yet, the features and specs of the upcoming iPhones have been making the rounds on portals for a while now.

4 new iPhones?

If leaks and rumours are to be believed, Apple is launching not 3, but 4 phones this year!

The devices slated for release are as follows: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and a new spin to the device - iPhone 12 Mini, which will boast a 5.4 inch screen.

To cater to varying user needs, the company is releasing phones with different sizes, ranging from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches. The devices will come with OLED displays, and will also support 5G technology, paving way for it to become the standard in new phones now.

Apple is going to equip the new devices with its high-performance A14 chipset, and an improved camera.

How much will iPhone 12 cost?

In terms of pricing, the iPhone 12 series is set to begin pricing at $699 and go up to $1099 for the iPhone 12 Pro.

The launch event will take place in Apple Park, California at 10 AM local time. To stream the event live, one may go to the Apple website, or their official YouTube channel.&nbsp; Apple TV users can stream the event live!

According to reports, the company could also release “Air Tags” - a bluetooth tracker, a new HomePod smart speaker, a brand new Apple TV box, and new headphones that go over one’s head!

Apple iPhone 12 launch event: What to expect! The US giant Apple is expected to release new iPhones later today - October 13. The launch event is set to begin at 10 AM California time (10.

Apple iPhone 12 launch event: What to expect! The US giant Apple is expected to release new iPhones later today - October 13. The launch event is set to begin at 10 AM California time (10.30 PM IST). The tag line for today’s event is “Hi, Speed”. Even though the company hasn’t revealed official details of any anticipated releases yet, the features and specs of the upcoming iPhones have been making the rounds on portals for a while now. 4 new iPhones? If leaks and rumours are to be believed, Apple is launching not 3, but 4 phones this year! The devices slated for release are as follows: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and a new spin to the device - iPhone 12 Mini, which will boast a 5.4 inch screen. To cater to varying user needs, the company is releasing phones with different sizes, ranging from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches. The devices will come with OLED displays, and will also support 5G technology, paving way for it to become the standard in new phones now. Apple is going to equip the new devices with its high-performance A14 chipset, and an improved camera. How much will iPhone 12 cost? In terms of pricing, the iPhone 12 series is set to begin pricing at $699 and go up to $1099 for the iPhone 12 Pro. The launch event will take place in Apple Park, California at 10 AM local time. To stream the event live, one may go to the Apple website, or their official YouTube channel. Apple TV users can stream the event live! According to reports, the company could also release “Air Tags” - a bluetooth tracker, a new HomePod smart speaker, a brand new Apple TV box, and new headphones that go over one’s head!

Apple iPhone 12 launch event today: What to expect, when to watch, and more!

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd plans to launch a programme to sell refurbished used versions of its premium smartphones as early as next year, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. 
 
The South Korean technology firm is looking for ways to sustain earnings momentum after reviving its mobile profits by restructuring its product line-up. As growth in the global smartphone market hits a plateau, Samsung wants to maximise its cost efficiency and keep operating margins above 10 percent. 
 
The world&#39;s top smartphone maker will refurbish high-end phones returned to the company by users who signed up for one-year upgrade programmes in markets such as South Korea and the United States. 
 
Samsung would then re-sell these phones at a lower price, the person said, declining to be identified as the plan was not yet public. 
 
The person declined to say how big a discount the refurbished phones would be sold at, which markets the phones would be sold in or how many refurbished devices Samsung could sell. 
 
A Samsung spokeswoman said the company does not comment on speculation. 
 
It was not clear to what extent the phones would be altered, but refurbished phones typically are fitted with parts such as a new casing or battery. 
 
Rival Apple Inc&#39;s iPhone has a re-sale value of around 69 percent of its original price after about one year from launch, while Samsung&#39;s flagship Galaxy sells for 51 percent of the original price in the U.S. market, according to BNP Paribas. 
 
Refurbished phones could help vendors such as Samsung boost their presence in emerging markets such as India, where high-end devices costing $800 or so are beyond most buyers. 
 
Apple sells refurbished iPhones in a number of markets including the United States, but does not disclose sales figures. It is trying to sell such iPhones in India, where the average smartphone sells for less than $90. 
 
Selling used phones could help Samsung fend off lower-cost Chinese rivals that have been eating into its market share, and free up some capital to invest elsewhere or boost marketing expenditure. 
 
Deloitte says the used smartphone market will be worth more than $17 billion this year, with 120 million devices sold or traded in to manufacturers or carriers - around 8 percent of total smartphone sales. Some market experts expect the used market to grow fast as there are fewer technology breakthroughs. 
 
&quot;Some consumers may prefer to buy refurbished, used premium models in lieu of new budget brands, possibly cannibalising sales of new devices from those budget manufacturers,&quot; Deloitte said in a report. 
 
Cannibalisation risk 
 
Samsung&#39;s refurbishment programme, details of which the person said could be finalised as early as 2017, could help the firm generate revenue from dated high-end smartphones returned by users upgrading to newer versions. 
 
The company&#39;s latest premium phones, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7, have received favourable reviews, suggesting cheaper, refurbished versions could be popular. At U.S. carrier Verizon Communications, the Galaxy S7 edge with 32-gigabyte storage retails for $792 without subsidies, while the Note 7 costs $864. 
 
The programme could help Samsung defend market share in emerging countries by bolstering mid-tier sales. Refurbished phones could also appeal to enterprise clients who want certain security or software products pre-installed on phones to give to their employees, the source said. 
 
The risk of offering refurbished devices is that they could potentially cannibalise sales of Samsung&#39;s other mid-tier devices. 
 
Expectations for solid smartphone sales helped Samsung shares to a record 1.675 million won each on Friday, taking two-day gains to 7 percent and adding $15 billion in market value. The shares traded down 0.36 percent in Seoul on Monday.

($1 = 1,116.2700 won)

(Reuters) 
 
&nbsp;

The South Korean technology firm is looking for ways to sustain earnings momentum after reviving its mobile profits by restructuring its product line-up

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd plans to launch a programme to sell refurbished used versions of its premium smartphones as early as next year, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The South Korean technology firm is looking for ways to sustain earnings momentum after reviving its mobile profits by restructuring its product line-up. As growth in the global smartphone market hits a plateau, Samsung wants to maximise its cost efficiency and keep operating margins above 10 percent. The world's top smartphone maker will refurbish high-end phones returned to the company by users who signed up for one-year upgrade programmes in markets such as South Korea and the United States. Samsung would then re-sell these phones at a lower price, the person said, declining to be identified as the plan was not yet public. The person declined to say how big a discount the refurbished phones would be sold at, which markets the phones would be sold in or how many refurbished devices Samsung could sell. A Samsung spokeswoman said the company does not comment on speculation. It was not clear to what extent the phones would be altered, but refurbished phones typically are fitted with parts such as a new casing or battery. Rival Apple Inc's iPhone has a re-sale value of around 69 percent of its original price after about one year from launch, while Samsung's flagship Galaxy sells for 51 percent of the original price in the U.S. market, according to BNP Paribas. Refurbished phones could help vendors such as Samsung boost their presence in emerging markets such as India, where high-end devices costing $800 or so are beyond most buyers. Apple sells refurbished iPhones in a number of markets including the United States, but does not disclose sales figures. It is trying to sell such iPhones in India, where the average smartphone sells for less than $90. Selling used phones could help Samsung fend off lower-cost Chinese rivals that have been eating into its market share, and free up some capital to invest elsewhere or boost marketing expenditure. Deloitte says the used smartphone market will be worth more than $17 billion this year, with 120 million devices sold or traded in to manufacturers or carriers - around 8 percent of total smartphone sales. Some market experts expect the used market to grow fast as there are fewer technology breakthroughs. "Some consumers may prefer to buy refurbished, used premium models in lieu of new budget brands, possibly cannibalising sales of new devices from those budget manufacturers," Deloitte said in a report. Cannibalisation risk Samsung's refurbishment programme, details of which the person said could be finalised as early as 2017, could help the firm generate revenue from dated high-end smartphones returned by users upgrading to newer versions. The company's latest premium phones, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7, have received favourable reviews, suggesting cheaper, refurbished versions could be popular. At U.S. carrier Verizon Communications, the Galaxy S7 edge with 32-gigabyte storage retails for $792 without subsidies, while the Note 7 costs $864. The programme could help Samsung defend market share in emerging countries by bolstering mid-tier sales. Refurbished phones could also appeal to enterprise clients who want certain security or software products pre-installed on phones to give to their employees, the source said. The risk of offering refurbished devices is that they could potentially cannibalise sales of Samsung's other mid-tier devices. Expectations for solid smartphone sales helped Samsung shares to a record 1.675 million won each on Friday, taking two-day gains to 7 percent and adding $15 billion in market value. The shares traded down 0.36 percent in Seoul on Monday. ($1 = 1,116.2700 won) (Reuters)

Samsung to refurbish smartphones to maximise cost efficiency

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iPhone users, connecting to this open wifi network could paralyse your device

iPhone celebrates 14 years: Take a look at the journey of Apple's smartphone devices

Apple iPhone 12 launch event today: What to expect, when to watch, and more!

Samsung to refurbish smartphones to maximise cost efficiency