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Apple Deletes ICEBlock from App Store Following DOJ Pressure

ICEBlock, a mobile application created to alert users about sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, has been taken down from the App Store following a request made by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. The app garnered significant attention and popularity after it was condemned by the White House, raising concerns about its effect on law enforcement.

The debate over ICE activities has escalated, especially after a recent event in Dallas where an ICE detainee was killed and two others were seriously injured during a raid. Authorities stated that the suspect, Joshua Jahn, had looked up ICEBlock on his phone just before the shooting, adding to the pressure on Apple to eliminate the app.

Bondi remarked that ICEBlock posed a danger to law enforcement officials, claiming that violence against them is intolerable. In light of law enforcement’s worries, Apple affirmed the app’s removal, highlighting its dedication to ensuring a secure environment within the App Store.

Joshua Aaron, the creator of ICEBlock, condemned the decision, contending that yielding to government pressure diminishes freedom and that the app was designed to shield communities from what he referred to as the administration’s oppressive actions.

The removal of ICEBlock has ignited conversations about the equilibrium between public safety, law enforcement, and individuals’ rights to obtain information.

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New Film “The Lost Bus” Featuring Matthew McConaughey Now Streamable

**The Lost Bus: An Engaging Story of Valor and Resilience**

The latest film *The Lost Bus*, now available to stream for free on [Apple TV+](https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus), showcases Matthew McConaughey in a compelling role based on the real-life account of school bus driver Kevin McKay. The movie draws inspiration from the book *Paradise*, which details the gripping events of how McKay rescued 22 school children during the most devastating California wildfire in a hundred years.

In *The Lost Bus*, McConaughey embodies McKay, whose experiences are pivotal to the story as he confronts the treacherous circumstances of the fierce blaze. The cast also includes America Ferrera as Mary Ludwig, a committed school teacher.

Set against the backdrop of the disastrous 2018 wildfire, the film delves into themes of heroism and altruism. Initially, McKay’s first thought is to locate his family amid the turmoil. Yet, after discovering the stranded children, he bravely decides to reverse course with his bus to attempt a rescue.

Directed by Paul Greengrass, recognized for his gripping and immersive storytelling approach, *The Lost Bus* has garnered favorable reviews, especially for its remarkable visual effects that illustrate the consuming flames. The film currently boasts a remarkable 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its favorable reception among both audiences and critics.

### How to Watch *The Lost Bus*

To view *The Lost Bus*, audiences can access it via the Apple TV app with an Apple TV+ subscription. New subscribers can benefit from a [seven-day free trial](https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus). The service supports Family Sharing, allowing one account to be shared with six individuals.

The Apple TV app is compatible with numerous platforms, such as iOS, Android, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, PlayStation, and Xbox. Apple TV+ presents its original programming in 4K HDR format with Dolby Atmos surround sound, providing a superior viewing experience. For the best streaming quality, it is advised to use Apple TV 4K or applications on gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. Although the film can also be streamed through a web browser at [tv.apple.com](https://tinyurl.com/getappletvplus), the resolution and bitrate could be restricted.

*The Lost Bus* contributes to Apple’s growing lineup of original content. Recently, the platform also debuted the well-received film *All of You* and the children’s series *The Sisters Grimm*, both available for streaming.

Looking forward, Apple TV+ has numerous significant releases planned, including the new drama series *The Last Frontier*, a sequel to *Slow Horses* titled *Down Cemetery Road*, and the sci-fi series *Pluribus*, crafted by the creators behind *Breaking Bad*.

For a detailed guide to all content available on Apple TV+, visit

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How to Resolve iMessage Activation Problems in iOS 26, as per Apple

Calendar glitch that complicated the search for specific terms or the issue of some users being unable to download Apple Intelligence has presented a few challenges for Apple to resolve. Nevertheless, it appears yet another glitch has emerged, and this one is even more significant.

This glitch is connected to iMessage, which is Apple’s exclusive instant messaging platform for iPhone users, and it has sparked a number of discussions about the significance of blue bubbles versus green bubbles. However, this particular glitch is related to the phone number used to register for iMessage.

As per Apple’s support documents, it seems certain individuals have encountered a problem where they cannot activate iMessage with their phone number. This effectively prevents them from utilizing iMessage, isolating them from Apple’s enhanced privacy features that are inherently integrated into the iPhone.

What’s going on?

Apple Plans to Announce Q4 2025 Financial Outcomes on October 30

Apple is preparing to announce its Q4 2025 financial results on Thursday, October 30, offering investors an overview of the performance of its latest iPhone and Apple Watch devices. This announcement will also mark the end of Apple’s fiscal year. The quarterly results conference call is set for 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET, with a webcast available for interested parties.

In the same quarter last year, Apple posted unprecedented earnings, revealing $95 billion in revenue and a net income of $14.74 billion. Importantly, iPhone revenue rose by 5.5% compared to Q4 2023, while other product segments displayed mixed results: Mac revenue increased by 1.71%, iPads grew by 7.87%, Services saw an uplift of 11.91%, and Wearables, Home, and Accessories experienced a decline of 3%.

A key element impacting the upcoming results is the influence of tariffs. During the Q3 2025 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook mentioned that Apple expected a $1.1 billion rise in expenses due to tariffs, based on the assumption that global tariff rates remain unchanged and no new tariffs are introduced.

Moreover, the sales success of the newly released iPhones will be critical, as this quarter’s results will capture their first sales phase. Analysts and investors are eagerly waiting for these numbers to assess Apple’s market standing and financial well-being.

As the date nears, 9to5Mac will offer extensive coverage of the results and major insights from the conference call.

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Audio-Technica’s Premium Headphones Now Offered for Below $30 on Amazon

Alternatives to AirPods Pro boasting impressive battery longevity, for example.

If you’re seeking a quality pair of headphones without exceeding your budget, pay attention. For a short while, the Audio-Technica ATH-AVC200 SonicPro Over-Ear Headphones are marked down to only $30 on Amazon — originally $40. They encapsulate all the distinctive features that Audio-Technica is known for, including a modern aesthetic, paired with exceptional sound quality that would satisfy audiophiles everywhere. A brief glance at the top budget headphones or the finest on-ear headphones reveals that most aren’t as affordable even when discounted.

What sets them apart? Aside from the price, they come equipped with 40mm drivers that deliver crisp, impactful sound with accuracy in mid to low frequencies. Additionally, the frequency response range of 20Hz to 22,000Hz signifies their capability to effectively reproduce and enhance sound. That’s music to an audiophile’s ears, and for others, just know they provide a harmoniously balanced audio experience. They are wired, not wireless, so remember that you will require a 3.5mm or 1/8-inch port — which some newer smartphones lack. The contoured earpads and adjustable headband assist in achieving a comfortable fit, ensuring they don’t become uncomfortable on your head or ears during extended listening periods.

Additional advantages of Audio-Technica’s headphones

Without revisiting the list of features, it’s worth noting the number of people who have reviewed and appreciate these headphones. While it’s unwise to rely solely on Amazon ratings, the ATH-AVC200 headphones have more than 2,200 reviews as of this writing, boasting an average rating of 4.2 stars. Numerous customers have commented on the exceptional sound quality offered at a budget-friendly price, with many mentioning they utilize this pair for audio and voice recording, which typically requires high-fidelity gear.

With over-ear headphones like these, numerous features warrant consideration, but comfort is consistently a top priority. The headband, cups, and other components will rest against your head and ears. If the band lacks adequate cushioning, and the ear cups induce discomfort, you’re in for an uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, that’s not the case here.

The contoured earpads also function to create a seal around your ears for an enhanced listening experience. While it’s not active noise cancellation, it significantly improves the overall experience, particularly if user feedback is to be trusted. Ultimately, that $30 price point is quite reasonable for the value provided with the <

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9to5Mac Daily: October 2, 2025 – News on Fresh Product Speculations and Vision Pro Progress

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Everyday Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest news is essential, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily offers a streamlined way to get up to speed on the most significant stories connected to Apple and its ecosystem. This daily podcast caters to those who wish to remain informed without wading through countless articles or news outlets.

**Podcast Accessibility**

9to5Mac Daily is available on a variety of platforms, making it easy for listeners to access it through their favorite app. You can locate it on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Tailored RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications

**Daily Episodes and Topics**

Fresh episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are produced each weekday, providing listeners with prompt updates on Apple news. The podcast delves into a variety of subjects, ranging from product launches and software updates to market trends. By subscribing, you guarantee that new episodes are sent straight to your device as soon as they release.

**Sponsorship and Offerings**

The podcast is backed by Calory Ai, a calorie counter and tracker application for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The app has been thoroughly updated with new features in iOS 26, making it a handy tool for health-conscious individuals.

**Subscriber Advantages**

Listeners can back the podcast by subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus. This subscription provides access to several perks, including:

– Versions of each episode without advertisements
– Additional content that offers deeper insights into the discussed stories

**Interaction and Comments**

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener interaction. You can convey your opinions by emailing the team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Furthermore, listeners are encouraged to rate the podcast on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and

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OpenAI’s Sora Secures Third Place on the App Store

OpenAI is presently featuring two applications in the App Store’s top 3, although it remains behind Gemini, largely due to the ongoing success of Google’s Nano Banana image model. Here’s why that is significant.

On September 30, OpenAI launched Sora, a social application fueled by a much-anticipated updated version of its initial generative video model. Even though it is invite-only, the app has been gaining significant traction, recording 56,000 downloads in the US on its launch day and 108,000 on its second day, as reported by AppFigures.

The download figures for the first day, noted by TechCrunch, place Sora’s introduction “on par with xAI’s Grok launch,” yet still behind ChatGPT and Gemini, which achieved 81,000 and 80,000 downloads on their debut days, respectively.

### What AI Fatigue?

In spite of persistent claims and hot takes asserting that “regular people don’t care about AI,” the ongoing success of Gemini at the App Store’s summit, with OpenAI closely trailing behind with two apps, implies a different narrative.

Interestingly, two of the current top 3 applications in the App Store heavily depend on multimodality, moving beyond the text-first strategy of ChatGPT, which indicates that typical users may be more inclined to engage with image and video-oriented AI features instead of models focused primarily on text. At least when they’re on their phones.

Regardless, while Elon Musk takes legal action against Apple and OpenAI due to the apparent lack of enthusiasm from users regarding Grok, Google and OpenAI appear to be connecting with users more effortlessly.

Gemini continues to attract attention for its capacity to produce images that closely align with references, while Sora’s combination of social features and hyper-realistic video creation is likely to propel both its momentum and the (very real) increasing controversy surrounding trademark infringement and AI slop.

Have you had a chance to use Sora? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Samsung Aims to Launch China’s Leading Android Privacy Feature Worldwide

leaks concerning what Samsung’s forthcoming flagship device, the Galaxy S26, might include. While it appears that Samsung will not be incorporating silicone-carbide batteries just yet, the upcoming version of Samsung’s operating system, One UI 8.5, could introduce one of the most outstanding privacy features the company provides to a broader array of its devices globally. Presently, this feature is exclusively available in China.

The feature in question is referred to as Privacy Protection, and from what we’ve observed of One UI 8.5 thus far, it seems the feature might extend to Galaxy devices outside of China as well. Although the title of the feature may not elicit significant excitement, Privacy Protection serves as a comprehensive solution for safeguarding your sensitive information when sharing pictures with others.

As per a leak reported by SamMobile, Privacy Protection has the capability to obscure and delete sensitive details in images when you prefer not to share them with others. The feature does not activate automatically, but it is accessible through the sharing menu.

A significant enhancement for Android privacy

Apple TV+ Leading Global Films and Series in September: Findings from JustWatch

### Apple TV+’s September Film Rankings

Each month, JustWatch determines the most-viewed titles among its users, offering a glimpse into the trending offerings on Apple TV+ across the globe. In September, Apple TV+ introduced two notable premieres that swiftly rose to the forefront of the rankings. Particularly, *The Gorge* claimed the third spot, sustaining its appeal after receiving an Emmy nomination in August. Furthermore, *Palmer* reappeared in the rankings, while *Echo Valley*, *CODA*, and *Fly Me To The Moon* filled out the lower end of the list. Here’s the complete Top 10 films:

1. [Highest 2 Lowest](https://apple.co/4kzlZLc)
2. [All of You](https://apple.co/4mQg71I)
3. [The Gorge](https://apple.co/3SxMT9Z)
4. [Killers of the Flower Moon](https://apple.co/4mrcxuF)
5. [The Family Plan](https://apple.co/44N85zG)
6. [Napoleon](https://apple.co/3GwPn61)
7. [Palmer](https://apple.co/3GaKxvj)
8. [Fountain of Youth](https://apple.co/3Ztnli4)
9. [Tetris](https://apple.co/3I6SbaA)
10. [Wolfs](https://apple.co/44TSjlF)

### Apple TV+’s September Series Rankings

In spite of a remarkable Emmy achievement, *The Studio* only moved up from seventh position in August to third place in September, falling behind *Foundation* and *Slow Horses*, the latter enjoying a much-anticipated season 5 launch. In comparison to the last month, *Smoke*, *Murderbot*, and *Stick* were excluded, while *Ted Lasso*, *Silo*, and *The Morning Show* made a comeback in the rankings. Here’s the full Top 10 series list:

1. [Slow Horses](https://apple.co/4l0Op0G)
2. [Foundation](https://apple.co/4kXH8yt)
3. [The Studio](https://apple.co/3H0ycKh)
4. [Invasion](https://apple.co/3ZZzBah)
5. [Chief of War](https://apple.co/4kw2tyH)
6. [The Morning Show](https://apple.co/44YhOUn)
7. [Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey)
8. [Platonic](https://apple.co/4kvSoSt)
9. [Silo](https://apple.co/4ns8SgJ)
10. [Ted Lasso](https://apple.co/4mNvk3R)

Apple TV+ is offered at $12.99 per month and showcases popular programs and films such as [Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey), [The Studio](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52&at=1000l3cFK), [The Morning Show](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-morning-show/umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m&at=1000l3cFK), [Shrinking](https://tv.apple.com/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs&at=1000l3cFK), and

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