In a letter addressed to the Department of Justice, US Senator Ron Wyden sounded the alarm about unidentified governments surveilling smartphone users through the tracking of push notifications that flow through Google's and Apple's servers. Senator Wyden highlighted that foreign officials have been demanding data from these tech giants in order to track smartphones. The indiscriminate surveillance raises concerns over individuals' privacy and digital security.

The issue arises from the traffic generated by apps that send push notifications to users' smartphones. These notifications are a common feature that delivers real-time information or updates from various apps. However, it appears that certain governments are exploiting this system to monitor individuals without their consent or knowledge.

The revelation comes amidst the anticipation of the release of iOS 17.2, which has been undergoing beta testing for the past month and is expected to be available to the public in mid-December. While focused on the new features and changes that the software update will bring to iPhones, this latest development raises concerns about the potential vulnerabilities that smartphone users may face.

Moreover, recent reports suggest that the upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE, codenamed D59, might reuse the same battery found in the base model of the iPhone 14. MacRumors received information that partially assembled prototypes of the next iPhone SE have been tested with this battery. Although unrelated to the push notification surveillance issue, this news highlights the progress being made in iPhone development.

In the midst of these developments, Best Buy has announced a weekend sale that offers record-low prices on Apple's MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. This sale is part of the retailer's month-long holiday sale, which also includes discounts on other products like home appliances, TVs, and video games. While this news is unrelated to the push notification surveillance issue, it provides an opportunity for consumers to take advantage of significant savings on Apple products.

Meanwhile, Beeper Mini's attempt to bring iMessage to Android appears to have been thwarted by Apple. The popular messaging service used a loophole that allowed Android users to experience iMessage. However, as of today, Beeper Mini stopped working, with users encountering error messages. The company is currently investigating the issue, but users are left wondering if this is a result of Apple closing the loophole.

In other news, a comprehensive review of the iPhone 15 Pro Max after two months of use reveals insights into the long-term experience of using these devices. The review, conducted by MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera, provides a detailed analysis of the phone's performance, features, and overall user experience, providing valuable information for consumers considering the iPhone 15 lineup.

Looking ahead, Apple aims to revitalize iPad sales with a major refresh in early 2024. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the company plans to introduce new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, featuring significant changes. For the first time, the iPad Air will be available in two sizes, mirroring the iPad Pro lineup. The larger version of the iPad Air will undergo dimensional changes, while the smaller model will maintain its 10.9-inch size.

Lastly, Anker has kicked off its Countdown to Christmas Sale, offering up to 50% off popular charging accessories and other products every day leading up to Christmas Day. The sale includes discounts on USB-C chargers, portable batteries, and more, providing consumers with a chance to snag deals on essential tech accessories.

As the push notification surveillance issue looms, consumers are reminded to stay vigilant about their digital privacy and security. With the evolving landscape of technology, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of potential risks associated with smartphone use and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information.