The backlash against Apple's plan to scan iPhones and iPads for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is growing.

A coalition of 90+ organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Electronic Freedom Foundation, have penned an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook urging him to drop the plan.

The signatories are a who's who of civil and humans rights organizations, and they're concerned about the prospect of surveillance tech being built into the heart of iOS -- and it's potential for misuse and abuse.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

90+ organizations urge Tim Cook to drop Apple’s photo scanning plan — www.cultofmac.com

An international coalition of more than 90 policy and rights groups is urging Apple to drop plans to scan user photos for child abuse material (CSAM). In an open letter addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook, published on Thursday, the coalition said it is concerned the feature “will be used to censor protected speech, threaten the privacy and security of people around the world, and have disastrous consequences for children.”

Netflix gets more immersive with Spatial Audio support — www.cultofmac.com

Netflix has begun rolling out Spatial Audio support. This lets the streaming service offer a surround sound-like experience but without all the speakers. Currently, it requires AirPods Pro or AirPods Max but that’ll change soon.

24-inch M1 iMac refurbs hit the Apple Store with up to $320 off — www.cultofmac.com

Apple is now offering 24-inch M1 iMac refurbs in a number of markets, including the United States. Prices start at $1,099, with customers able to save up to $320 on the range of models currently available.

Explosion-packed Foundation trailer will get fans excited for Apple TV+ series — www.cultofmac.com

The first full trailer for Foundation shows that no expense was spared making the sci-fi epic. The gorgeous Apple TV+ series premieres in September and it’s clearly going to be action-packed eye candy.

MagStand elevates your iPhone and adds MagSafe compatibility — www.cultofmac.com

MagStand is a slim, sturdy, and foldable stand that sticks onto the back of your iPhone and is always ready to go when you need it. It’s great for watching movies and hands-free FaceTime calls — and it’s affordable. What’s more, MagStand makes your older iPhone compatible with MagSafe accessories.

Top up your iPhone 12 and AirPods with Anker’s new PowerWave Sense — www.cultofmac.com

Anker is back again with another new accessories charger after some recent releases. Now you power up your iPhone 12 and AirPods at the same time with the new Anker PowerWave Sense 2-in-1 Station. Better yet, it’s currently a few dollars off the regular price.

Kanye West plans third Donda listening event for Apple Music — www.cultofmac.com

Kanye West is planning to host a third Donda listening event ahead of the album’s much-anticipated release this month. It will take place at the Soldier Field stadium in Chicago and stream exclusively on Apple Music.

Apple Card tops the chart for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power rankings — www.cultofmac.com

Apple Card ranked highest in the Midsize Credit Card segment of the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study.

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"I've always wanted to own and control the primary technology in everything we do." -- Steve Jobs.