Apple busts major iOS 17 leaker

Secrecy has always been a big deal at Apple. Steve Jobs loved to surprise Apple customers with last-minute “one more thing” product announcements, which obviously were spoiled if everyone knew what was coming.

Years ago, I interviewed Jon Rubinstein, the former head of Apple hardware when Jobs was in charge.

I asked him about leaks and espionage tricks like canary traps, where suspected leakers are given slightly different pieces of information, often false. If and when that false information is made public, the leaker is exposed.

Rubinstein said, yes, Apple took leaks seriously. Employees were siloed and told of plans only on a need-to-know basis, which helped keep information private, he said. But he denied that Apple ever used any tricky spycraft; employees were simply too busy to do it.

That seems to have changed.

Apple just busted a major leaker known as analyst941, who appears to have been getting inside information from his or her sister, an Apple employee.

In a post on MacRumors’ forums, analyst941 said Apple gave different details and launch dates to insiders. When stories appeared saying that Final Cut Pro for iPad would launch in 2024, and Logic Pro for iPad in 2025 (dates which we now know were incorrect), Apple was able to identify the source.

Now, analyst941’s sister has reportedly been fired, and the pair face a lawsuit from Apple.

As far as I know, this is the first time Apple has used such espionage tactics.

In recent years, Apple’s ability to keep secrets has waned as its footprint has grown. There are many new potential sources for leaks, especially in the company’s sprawling international supply chain. We know a lot about the upcoming iPhone 15, for example.

In 2021, Apple CEO Tim Cook promised to double down on secrecy and find and punish leakers. It looks like under Cook, Apple now dabbles in espionage tricks and might prosecute leakers.

If so, the crackdown likely will deter future sources from sharing insider information. The Apple leak pipeline is about to dry up.

Also in today’s newsletter:

• Woot! has a major sale on refurb iPads and MacBooks.

• The Apple Watch is credited with saving yet another life.

• Check out this beautiful setup.

• If you’re stuck for gift ideas for Mother’s Day, consider a top-of-the-line power pack from Bluetti.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Store}

^{A message from Bluetti}

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Today’s poll

Results from yesterday’s poll: How hyped are you for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad?

Best reader comment from ‘kf4tqj’