Tech News Weekly (Audio) TNW 406: iFixit's Take on iPhone 17 'Scratchgate' - EU Considering Ending Cookie Consent Banners
Sep 25, 2025
Liz Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at iFixit and a teardown expert, dives into the iPhone 17 Pro's durability issues, revealing how its aluminum edges contribute to scratches. She also discusses iFixit's recent teardown of the iPhone Air, showcasing its innovative battery design for better repairability. The conversation shifts to Apple's TechWoven material, exploring its advantages over FineWoven, particularly in stain resistance, while also noting its vulnerabilities. Liz provides practical advice on selecting cases to maximize protection.
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EU May Replace Cookie Banners With Browser Controls
- The EU is reconsidering mandatory cookie consent banners and may move choices into browser settings for one-time decisions.
- Emily Forlini argues banners create anxiety and often serve companies' legal protection more than user empowerment.
Set Cookie Preferences Once In Your Browser
- Avoid reflexively clicking "accept" on cookie banners and use browser settings or extensions to manage choices once.
- Set preferences centrally when possible to reduce repeated decisions and privacy anxiety while browsing.
Amazon Settles Over Prime Dark Patterns
- Amazon agreed to a $2.5B FTC settlement including a $1B penalty and $1.5B consumer fund over alleged dark-pattern Prime enrollments.
- The settlement forces Amazon to redesign subscription flows and provide easier cancellation paths.