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WhatsApp for iOS Introduces ‘Drafts’ Label for Unread Messages and New Home Screen Widget

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WhatsApp for iOS has introduced a new feature designed to make it easier for users to manage their drafts and unsent messages. With the latest update, a “Draft” label now appears next to chats containing incomplete or unsent messages. This update allows users to quickly identify conversations with pending drafts without the need to open each individual chat, saving time and reducing the hassle of scrolling through lengthy chat lists. The feature is available in the WhatsApp app version 24.22.83, and it aims to streamline the messaging experience for iPhone users.

The new Drafts label, first spotted by WABetaInfo, was initially rolled out in WhatsApp’s iOS beta version 24.18.10.72, exclusively for users participating in the Apple TestFlight program. Since then, WhatsApp has expanded the feature, making it available to all iOS users with the latest stable release. The addition of this label significantly enhances the user interface, as it removes the need to manually search for unsent messages or check each conversation for incomplete text.

This new update is part of WhatsApp’s continued effort to improve user experience and efficiency within its app. With the Drafts label, users can instantly spot messages that were started but not yet sent, making it easier to resume conversations. This small but useful feature eliminates the confusion that can arise from forgetting about unfinished messages, especially in busy chat threads.

In addition to the Drafts label, WhatsApp has also launched a new widget for iPhone home screens. This widget categorizes chats, making it even simpler for users to access their most important conversations. With the widget, users can find and manage chats quickly based on specific categories, such as unread messages or pinned chats, adding another layer of convenience to the app’s functionality. These updates reflect WhatsApp’s commitment to improving usability and providing more efficient tools for its user base.

Apple’s New ‘Inactivity Reboot’ Feature on iPhones Could Affect Thieves and Law Enforcement

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Apple’s recent iOS 18.1 update, which was released to users on October 28, introduced a new security feature that could complicate matters for both thieves and law enforcement. The update includes an “Inactivity Reboot” feature, designed to reboot the iPhone automatically after a period of inactivity. This update has caused concerns among police departments in the US, as it has made it more difficult for officials to bypass the security of seized iPhones, particularly when they are waiting for forensic examination. This feature presents a challenge when attempting to unlock the devices using specialized tools designed for this purpose.

The issue came to light when police in Detroit noticed that some iPhones stored for forensic examination were unexpectedly rebooting. These devices, which were meant to be accessed later, were automatically restarting, disrupting the process of unlocking them. As reported by 404 Media, this behavior is directly tied to the new feature in iOS 18.1, which is designed to enhance user security by preventing unauthorized access to the device after a period of inactivity. This means that even if a thief or someone trying to access a seized phone leaves it unused for a while, the automatic reboot could hinder efforts to unlock or decrypt the device.

This development has raised questions about the balance between protecting users’ privacy and allowing law enforcement to access crucial evidence on smartphones. While the reboot feature strengthens security for legitimate users, it creates obstacles for investigators, who may need to access data from seized devices quickly before they are automatically reset. In particular, law enforcement officials use sophisticated tools to extract information from phones during criminal investigations, but the “Inactivity Reboot” could interfere with this process by rendering the devices inaccessible after the automatic restart.

For thieves, this feature could act as an additional layer of protection, as it prevents the phone from remaining static and accessible for too long after being stolen. The reboot could limit the time available for any unauthorized attempts to unlock the phone or tamper with its data, effectively enhancing security for iPhone users but complicating efforts to recover stolen devices or extract evidence from seized ones. This change highlights the growing challenge of balancing privacy and security, especially as Apple continues to enhance the privacy features of its devices.

Apple Reportedly Facing Fine Under EU’s Digital Markets Act

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Apple Poised to Face First Fine Under EU Digital Markets Act
Apple is reportedly on track to become the first company fined under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation. The EU antitrust regulators are expected to impose the penalty within weeks, marking a significant milestone in the bloc’s efforts to curb the dominance of Big Tech. This enforcement highlights the EU’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and holding major tech firms accountable.

EU’s First Charge Under the Digital Markets Act
In June, EU regulators accused Apple of breaching the DMA, which aims to create a level playing field by targeting gatekeeper companies that exert significant control over digital markets. The charge represents the first case brought under this landmark legislation, underscoring its potential to reshape the regulatory landscape for tech giants operating in Europe.

Mounting Antitrust Challenges for Apple
If finalized, this fine will add to Apple’s growing list of antitrust issues in the EU. Earlier this year, in March, the European Commission fined Apple €1.84 billion ($2.01 billion) for allegedly stifling competition from music streaming services by imposing restrictive policies through its App Store. That penalty was a historic moment for Apple, marking its first major punishment under EU rules. The upcoming fine further intensifies the regulatory scrutiny surrounding the company.

Potential Financial and Strategic Impacts
Beyond the immediate financial penalty, the latest case against Apple could have broader implications for its business practices. Under the DMA, violations can lead to fines as high as 10% of a company’s global annual revenue. With Apple also under investigation for new fees targeting app developers, the enforcement of DMA rules signals the EU’s growing resolve to rein in practices it views as anti-competitive. For Apple, these regulatory challenges may necessitate significant adjustments to its operations in Europe and beyond