Apple’s Wallet App Is Spamming Users With Movie Ads, but There’s a Way to Stop It

No one likes ads, but they do have their time and a place. If you click on an article, you probably won’t be surprised to see them displayed alongside it (unless you have an ad blocker in place, of course). But when your apps start pinging you not with relevant notifications, but with unasked for advertisements, that’s a different story.

That’s what some Apple Wallet users experienced today, when the app that’s supposed to handle mobile payments pinged them with an ad for Apple’s upcoming racing film F1: The Movie. According to a screenshot from this Reddit user, the ad reads: “$10 off at Fandango: Save on 2+ tickets to F1 The Movie with APPLEPAYTEN. Ends 6/29. While supplies last. Terms apply.”

A good deal, maybe, but users are not pleased. Put aside the fact that critics seem to be enjoying F1no one enjoys unsolicited ads, especially from apps that abuse the notification system. Wallet is far from the only app to take this road (here’s looking at you, Snapchat) which is why I tend to disable notifications for all but the most essential apps.

But what makes this even worse is this is one of Apple’s own system apps advertising one of Apple’s original films. It feels wrong that Apple can take control of the notifications for one of its apps to tell you to see a movie it produced, just because you happened to buy a smartphone made by Apple. As one user put it, “I did not pay over [$1,000] for an iPhone to get advertised at.”

Unfortunately, that might just be part of the package: Apple has been adding ads to its own apps and services since 2022, something you might have noticed when browsing the App Store or the Apple News app. Ping notifications are definitely a rarity for Apple, and I hope it stays that way, but Apple might see it in its own best interest to advertise as it wishes across its platforms and services—even if it’s not in the best interest of its customers.

Luckily, there’s something you can do about it—eventually, anyway.

How to disable Apple Wallet’s ads

Yes, there is a way to disable these new obtrusive ads without turning off Wallet notifications entirely—you just need to be running the right version of iOS.

As it turns out, Apple has added a new notification setting to Wallet in iOS 26, which is currently in beta testing. While I do not recommend installing the beta at this time, especially not solely for disabling Wallet ads, here’s how the setting works: Open the Wallet app, tap the three dots in the top right, then choose Notifications. Here, disable the toggle for Offers & Promotions. That should block these ads from showing up in the future—at least in Wallet.

Comment
byu/african-nightmare from discussion
iniphone

Perhaps at the end of the day, Apple is still the winner in all of this. Not only does this story bring extra attention to Apple’s new movie, it also highlights a new quality-of-life feature in iOS 26. Sure, people are pissed, but they got us talking about two different Apple products today. Touché, Apple.

Former Mets All-Star pitcher Noah Syndergaard attempting MLB comeback with White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have signed Noah Syndergaard to a minor-league contract nearly two years after the former All-Star pitcher last pitched in an MLB game.

The White Sox confirmed to media Tuesday that Syndergaard has reported to the team’s spring training complex in Glendale, Arizona. It’s not clear where within the White Sox’s system Syndergaard will go from there.

Syndergaard, 32, is an eight-year MLB veteran who made his name with the New York Mets thanks to an imposing fastball and effective curveball that he leveraged with his 6-foot-6 frame. 

He made his MLB debut with the Mets in 2015 at 22 years old and was a starter as the Mets advanced to the World Series against the Kansas City Royals that year. He made the All-Star team the following season while posting a career-best 2.60 ERA with 218 strikeouts and 43 walks in 183 2/3 innings.

Noah Syndergaard lasted six starts with the Guardians in 2023 before they released him. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Mark Blinch via Getty Images

Syndergaard missed the 2020 season and most of 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and struggled to regain his prior form following the procedure.

He left New York in free agency ahead of the 2022 season, signing a one-year, $21 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels traded him that season to the Philadelphia Phillies. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers then signed Syndergaard ahead of the 2023 season, and they traded him to the Cleveland Guardians before the trade deadline. The Guardians released him after six starts. Syndergaard posted a 6.50 ERA with the Dodgers and Guardians in his last MLB season in 2023. 

For his career, Syndergaard has a 3.71 ERA and 1.196 WHIP with 928 strikeouts in 941 1/3 innings pitched. The White Sox are rolling the dice that he can regain some of his previous form. 

Target’s Circle Week Sale ‘Coincidentally’ Overlaps With Prime Day

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Target is the last of the major retailers to officially announce its anti-Prime Day sale for 2025. Predictably, the company has scheduled its next Circle Week event to overlap with this year’s super-sized Prime Day. Here is everything you need to know about this sale, and the deals you can expect.

What is Target’s Circle Week?

Circle Week is Target’s name for its biggest sale. As the name suggests, it lasts a whole week. It used to happen once a year but, much to the dismay of Target workers, it now occurs multiple times a year. The last sale was in the spring, around the time of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

When is Circle Week?

The next Circle Week will take place from July 6 to July 12. That means it begins two days before Prime Day and ends one day after Prime Day.

Do you need to be a member to shop the sales during Target Circle Week?

Like Amazon’s Prime Day sale, you will need to be a Circle member to take part in the sale, but unlike a Prime membership, Target Circle is free. You can sign up for an account on the Target app or Target.com.

You can also pay for a Target Circle 360 membership, which grants you early access to the sale as well as other perks, like same-day delivery. If you’re a teacher or student, you can save 50% on the one-year Circle 360 subscription through Sept. 13; otherwise, it starts at $10.99 per month. But again, a paid membership isn’t necessary to get all the best Circle Week deals.

What deals can I find during Target Circle Week?

Circle week will focus on back-to-school items and college essentials like classroom products, dorm décor, and on-trend apparel, but you’ll also find tech products on sale. You can shop in person or online, and there will be a “Deal of the Day” for every day of the event.

While Target hasn’t released a list of deals you can expect, you can get a pretty good idea from past Circle Week sales. Here are some of the deals they had at the tail end of the Circle Week last fall.

What competitors are also offering sales?

Amazon’s Prime Day will take place between July 8 and July 11, so all the other sales tend to revolve around these dates. Walmart has its Walmart Deals sale from July 8 through July 13, while Best Buy’s ‘Black Friday in July’ sale is running from July 7 through July 13.

This 6x Zoom Outdoor Security Camera Is $50 Off Right Now

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

If you’re looking to protect your property with an outdoor security camera, the Reolink 4K Wired Outdoor Security Camera is a strong contender, and right now, you can get it for $50 off (with coupon) on Amazon. With features that rival those of more expensive competitors, this wired camera is designed for people who want comprehensive surveillance without too much fuss. 

Users appreciate the sharp 4K dual‑lens image quality, which includes an 8MP wide-angle lens and built-in spotlights for crisp, colorful footage—even on dark nights. One standout feature is its ability to pan and tilt (355°/90°) with a 6x hybrid zoom that can track subjects up to 50 feet away. Whether you’re monitoring vehicles, people, or pets, it offers an ultra-wide field of view—ranging from 104° to 38° horizontally and 60° to 21° vertically—for full-coverage surveillance.

The camera’s dual-band wifi supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, and it offers flexible storage options: up to 256GB via microSD (not included), FTP, or a Reolink NVR. Two-way audio allows you to hear what’s going on outside your home and speak to anyone who approaches. A time-lapse function is a nice bonus, letting you compress hours of footage into just a few minutes for a quick overview.

That said, the dual-band wifi has received mixed feedback, with some customers noting occasional connectivity issues. While images are crisp overall, some say clarity degrades and gets blurry when zoomed beyond 2.7x. Some false detections may also be triggered by sensitive motion or noise detection, especially in windy conditions. And since this is a wired camera, it does require a constant power source via an adapter.

Ultimately, while the Reolink 4K Wired Outdoor Security Camera is on the expensive side compared to budget outdoor surveillance cameras, it offers solid bang for your buck, especially if you don’t want to commit to subscription fees.

The First Seven Things to Do With Your Merach Mini Stepper (so You Actually Use It)

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

The struggle with any piece of home-gym equipment is finding the motivation to actually put it to good use. As I wrote in my initial review, the Merach Mini Stepper isn’t exactly a demanding workout. It’s perfect for meeting modest fitness goals or anyone trying to sneak in gentle movement throughout the day. But to achieve this, you do need to make sure you’re using your mini stepper for stepping—and not as home décor.

The key to actually using your mini stepper (or any piece of workout equipment) consistently lies in setting yourself up for success from day one. Here are the steps to take to transform your mini stepper from a good intention into a daily habit.

Find your perfect spot

Merach Mini Stepper
I keep my mini-stepper between my living room chair and couch.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

I think the biggest mistake you can make is treating your mini stepper or other workout machine like a piece of luggage, storing it away after each use. Instead, designate a permanent spot where it can live full-time. I promise, it won’t be an eyesore. A corner of your living room, bedroom, or home office works perfectly. The easier it is to access, the more likely you’ll actually use it.

I keep my mini-stepper between my living room chair and couch—perfect to scoot our and get some steps in while I watch TV, because stepping in place can feel monotonous without proper distraction. Create an entertainment zone around your stepper, or position it so you’re doing anything but staring at the wall.

Adjust your settings

This mini stepper has two main modes: Stepping up-and-down or twisting side-to-side. When the lever is down, as shown in the photo below, you’re set to twist. This twisting motion feels less like a stair climber, and more like you’re trying to ski. I know I feel it more in my glutes to keep myself stable during this movement.

Push the lever down to twist side to side.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

When the lever is up as shown here, you can step up and down. This feels more like climbing stairs, and is definitely the choice for a gentler, more familiar motion.

Pull the lever up to go up and down.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

You also have the option to clip on your resistance bands, which I highly recommend to engage your upper body. Otherwise, you might just keep your hands on your hips to maintain a sense of stability.

Clip on your resistance bands.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Make sure you’re using a mode that will hope you meet your fitness goals and that you don’t hate so much you’ll avoid exercising in the first place.

Set up your display and monitoring

The mini stepper has a basic LCD display that tracks steps, time, and an approximation of calories burned. Of course, like with ellipticals in the gym, the calorie estimates are wildly optimistic—you’re best off just ignoring those. In fact, I’m the type to cover equipment displays during workouts to prevent obsessive clock-watching. Other times, seeing that step number go up is exactly what I need for motivation.

Yeah, 18 steps in 39 seconds. Apologies for flexing like this.
Credit: Meredith Dietz

Experiment to see what works for you. Press the button once to turn the display on, and then again to toggle through reps per minute, calories, and the duration of your workout. The total step count at the top is untouchable, so if you don’t want to see that, you’ll have to cover up the whole screen.

Perfect your form

Proper form on your Merach Mini Stepper starts with understanding the pedal design. The textured foot pads are designed to accommodate your entire foot—not just the balls of your feet. Place majority of your foot securely on the platform to engage your entire leg and provides better stability. Keep your weight evenly distributed across both feet, and avoid favoring one side.

Your stepping motion should be deliberate and controlled: Imagine you’re climbing actual stairs rather than bouncing rapidly. Each step should have a brief pause at the bottom to ensure you’re not just bouncing on the balls of your feet.

When you’re starting out, find a comfortable pace that you can maintain throughout your workout. Most beginners benefit from 60-80 steps per minute, while more advanced users might work up to 100+ steps per minute.

This dual-action mini stepper has hydraulic cylinders as opposed to a manual resistance knobs or levers. system. The resistance should feel smooth and consistent, not jerky or overly difficult. If you hear unusual sounds or feel uneven resistance between pedals, check that both cylinders are in place.

Set realistic goals

Like with any sort of fitness goal, resist the temptation to go all-out on day one. Begin with 10-15 minute sessions and gradually increase by 2-3 minutes each week. Don’t be the sort of person who abandons your stepper because it you set an unrealistic goal and lost interest or motivation. If you want to build a long-term habit, consistency trumps intensity.

The best way to tackle this is to plan a workout schedule—whatever that looks like for you. You might follow a workout video, or simply commit to incorporating your stepper into your nightly TV routine. Morning steppers often find it easier to maintain consistency since fewer daily obstacles arise early in the day. Evening steppers can use it as a way to decompress from work. The best strategy is whichever one helps you stick to your habit.

Create a workout ritual

As a marathon runner, I swear by pre-workout rituals. This might include putting on your workout clothes, filling up your water bottle, queuing up your entertainment, and doing a few dynamic stretches. Having a consistent pre-workout ritual signals to your brain that it’s exercise time and helps transition you into the right mindset.

As mentioned above, it helps to dedicate a show, podcast, or playlist exclusively for your stepping sessions. Anything that creates a positive association and motivation to exercise.

Track your progress

Whether you use a fitness app, wall calendar, or simple notebook, tracking your stepper sessions provides powerful motivation. Personally, I use a spreadsheet. Record the date, duration, and how you felt during each workout. If I’ve learned anything from Duolingo, it’s that seeing your consistency streak grow creates psychological momentum.

The bottom line

The difference between a person who sticks with their stepper and one who doesn’t often comes down to consistency. Maybe you’ll get sick, go on vacation, or face a particularly busy work period. Decide in advance how you’ll handle these situations. Perhaps you’ll commit to doing shorter 5-minute sessions when pressed for time, or set a reminder to return to your habit when you’re back from vacation.

Having a plan for overcoming these obstacles prevents temporary breaks from becoming permanent abandonment. Remember, the best piece of exercise equipment is the one you actually use.

Scammers Are Using Malicious URLs to Embed Fake Phone Numbers in Legit Site Searches

It’s reasonable to assume that if you reach out to tech support from a legitimate help website, you’ll be speaking with a real customer service representative. However, scammers are hijacking pages belonging to companies like Netflix, PayPal, and Apple with the goal of stealing your information or gaining remote access to your device.

Malwarebytes Labs has identified a tech support scam that uses malicious URLs to embed fake phone numbers within legitimate site searches. Here’s how to identify and avoid falling victim to this attack.

How scammers are hijacking customer support pages

This scam begins, as many do, with a sponsored ad on Google. If you search for a company’s tech support phone number, you may see several (fake) results near the top of the page. Often, clicking these links will take you to a fake phishing website that you can identify by checking the URL, but in some cases, you’ll actually land on the legitimate support page with little cause for suspicion.

However, the number displayed may be fraudulent, and if you call, you’ll reach scammers rather than tech support. This type of attack allows cybercriminals to embed phone numbers within an authentic site, where they are prominently displayed. Once on the phone, scammers will request login credentials, financial account information, or even remote access to your device.

Because the URL is legitimate and the page layout authentic, you may not think twice about calling the number. Malwarebytes has found this attack on sites that include Netflix, PayPal, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Bank of America, and HP.

Red flags for hijacked tech support sites

Now that you know that this scam is possible, there are a few signs to watch for. First, check your browser’s address bar. There is likely a phone number with lots of encoded characters (%20 or %2B) and/or text like “call now” or “emergency support” in the URL. If the website shows search results and you didn’t enter a search term in the on-page search bar, it may be a scam. As always, any language that sounds urgent should also raise suspicion.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the only way that scammers can impersonate legitimate companies. With call spoofing, fake calls can appear to come from real, known numbers, so if you receive a call back from “tech support” and google the number, it’ll show up as the actual company support line. If anything feels off—there’s a sense of urgency or the caller asks for personal information or requests access to your device—hang up.

To avoid this, look for company phone numbers by navigating directly to the home page or checking official social media channels. You can also look for contact information in past communication from the company or by logging into your account. Do not rely on search results.