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Search results for: “Brazil”

  • Apple raises prices for iCloud and Apple One subscriptions in Brazil

    Apple raises prices for iCloud and Apple One subscriptions in Brazil

    In Brazil, the prices for Apple’s iCloud storage and Apple One bundles have gone up. Because of this change, Apple users in the country who count on its cloud and paid subscription services will experience changes.

    Higher prices are set because Brazil has introduced new taxes and its currency fluctuates, which Apple now needs to consider for local services. As a result, Apple adjusted the subscription prices to match today’s costs.

    Now, iCloud charges more for monthly fees in each storage plan. Prices for the 50GB, 200G,B and 2TB plans have all increased. Subscribers in Brazil now have to pay more for Apple One, the bundle that offers Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and extra iCloud storage.

    Apple has raised the prices of its subscriptions in Brazil before. Similar structural changes were put into place in the past for economic reasons. Residents of Brazil are encouraged to check their subscription information and decide if they’d like to stay with the new prices or change their plans.

    All in all, these price rises show how tough it can be for companies to run digital services across the world’s different economies. Customers may notice some cost adjustments on Apple’s services because of factors in each location.

  • iPhone 17 Pro may bring big upgrades and Apple loses ‘iPhone’ trademark in Brazil

    iPhone 17 Pro may bring big upgrades and Apple loses ‘iPhone’ trademark in Brazil

    A new iPhone Pro model is likely on the way from Apple in 2025 and could include significant upgrades. Rumors hint at seven major changes, such as using aluminum for the first time to make the phone feel lighter and thinner. The front camera could move under the screen, creating a sleeker-looking design.

    The rear camera might also be moved to the middle so that the phone is easier to hold steady. Apple might strengthen Face ID and better control the temperatures inside the phone. Apple might introduce a larger 6.6-inch Pro iPhone. A new coating could help reduce glare on the screen and make it easier to see in bright sunlight.

    The changes suggest Apple wants to give the iPhone a completely new look and feel for 2024. Still, Apple is facing a legal dilemma related to the use of the name iPhone in Brazil. Brazil’s Supreme Court decided that Apple won’t be allowed to register the term “iPhone” as a trademark locally.

    A Brazilian company called IGB Electronics registered the “iPhone” name before Apple began doing business in the country. Apple argued in its favor, but the ruling supported the earlier trademark filing by IGB. The iPhone name belongs to IGB Electronics in Brazil, and Apple doesn’t have complete ownership over it.

    Meanwhile, Apple continues working on innovative iPhone technologies while coping with challenges to its brand in certain parts of the world.

    Source/Via

  • Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    In Brazil, Apple is facing two big issues with its iPhone policies. First, the country’s antitrust group, CADE, is looking into Apple’s rules for using the iPhone’s NFC chip, which handles contactless payments. Brazilian banks say Apple’s strict rules and a fee of up to 0.17% per transaction make it hard for them to compete.

    This fee is charged when banks use Apple’s NFC system for payments, unlike Google, which offers a similar feature for free. CADE started this investigation after banks complained that Apple’s control over NFC creates an unfair advantage, especially for its own payment system.

    Second, a Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iPhones within 90 days. Sideloading lets users install apps from outside the App Store. This ruling came after a complaint from MercadoLibre, a major e-commerce company, which argued that Apple’s App Store rules block fair competition.

    CADE decided that Apple’s restrictions, like forcing developers to use its payment system, are illegal. Apple tried to delay this change, saying it could harm user privacy and security, but the court disagreed, noting Apple already allows sideloading in places like Europe without major issues.

    Apple plans to appeal both decisions, arguing that its rules protect users. However, CADE’s investigations show Brazil is serious about making tech companies play fair. If Apple doesn’t follow the court’s orders, it could face hefty fines. These cases highlight growing global pressure on Apple to open up its iPhone ecosystem.

  • Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    Brazil gives Apple 90 days to open iOS to outside apps

    After the European Union pushed Apple to make big changes to iOS and the App Store for users in Europe, other nations started looking into Apple’s rules too. Now, a court in Brazil has decided that Apple has just 90 days to let iPhone users in Brazil download apps from places other than the App Store, a process called sideloading.

    Apple Faces New Rules in Brazil

    According to the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico (mentioned by O Globo), a judge in Brazil said on Wednesday that Apple must allow apps from outside its store, just like it did in Europe. The judge believes Apple’s strict rules stop new companies from joining the market and competing fairly.

    Back in November 2024, Brazil’s competition watchdog, called Cade, told Apple it could no longer block app makers from selling digital items or sharing apps outside the App Store. Apple was given 20 days to follow the rules or face a fine of over $40,000 per day. Apple fought back, asking for more time, and a judge agreed, saying the changes weren’t urgent. Apple argued that quick changes could hurt its business. Last month, the company attended a public meeting in Brazil about this issue.

    Court Sets a Deadline

    Now, Judge Pablo Zuniga has made it clear: Apple has three months to update iOS in Brazil. He pointed out that Apple already follows similar rules in other countries without major problems, so it shouldn’t be a big deal here, either.

    The trouble started when Mercado Libre, a huge online shopping company in Latin America, complained that Apple forces app makers to use its payment system. Other businesses, like Match (which runs Tinder) and Epic Games, also told Brazil’s regulators they weren’t happy with Apple’s rules.

    An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that the company loves “lively and fair markets” and competes hard everywhere it works. But Apple warns that these changes might make iOS less safe and private for users. The company plans to fight the decision in court.

  • New iPhone 16 Pro ad highlights audio mix with a brazilian carnival tune

    New iPhone 16 Pro ad highlights audio mix with a brazilian carnival tune

    Apple dropped a fresh iPhone 16 Pro advertisement this weekend, and it’s a real treat. To showcase the Audio Mix feature, they filmed a music video using the new iPhone, blending it with the lively spirit of the Brazilian Carnival.

    A Carnival Vibe for the iPhone 16 Pro

    The track, “Brasil em Cena,” sung by Brazilian artist Nilze Carvalho and composed by Jair Oliveira, brings energy to the ad. Apple says the video “honors Brazilian cinema with one of the world’s most exciting music styles” and pays respect to Brazil’s rich culture, where Carnival and movies come together for a memorable tale.

    The Audio Mix tool lets iPhone 16 and 16 Pro users tweak sound in cool ways. You can quiet down noises or voices that aren’t in the shot, cut out background echoes, or shift all voices to sound like they’re coming from the front for a movie-like effect. Plus, you can adjust the audio even after recording.

    In Brazil, this ad aired on TV during the 2025 Oscars, where the country cheered its first-ever win with “I’m Still Here” taking the Best International Feature Film award.

    Carnival Fun on Apple’s Brazilian Site

    To keep the Carnival party going, Apple spruced up its Brazil website with a festive look. Products like the new iPhone 16e and AirPods 4 pop up with confetti all around. They’ve also added a special Carnival playlist section on Apple Music for fans to enjoy.

    Apple’s Carnival Tradition

    This isn’t Apple’s first Carnival-inspired ad. They’ve done it before, like with the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone X promotions, showing their love for Brazil’s colorful celebration.
    With this latest ad, Apple mixes cutting-edge tech with Brazil’s joyful vibes, making the iPhone 16 Pro stand out in style.

  • Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Next week, Apple will have to explain its App Store practices in Brazil due to an ongoing antitrust investigation. The Brazilian competition authority, known as Cade, has been looking into whether Apple’s rules for the App Store are fair to other companies.

    Antitrust Scrutiny in Brazil

    Cade is holding a public hearing to talk about competition issues in the world of mobile apps, especially on iOS devices. Google will also be there since it’s under similar scrutiny for its Android platform.

    According to local news sources, the hearing is meant to address the increasing complaints about unfair business practices in digital markets, focusing on how mobile devices and their operating systems operate.

    Complaints and Investigations

    Companies like Match, which runs Tinder, and Epic Games, famous for their battle with Apple over Fortnite, have made complaints to Cade about both Apple and Google. These firms argue that Apple and Google have rules that hurt competition. Representatives from these companies are expected at the hearing.

    Cade’s investigation into Apple started when Mercado Libre, a big e-commerce player in Latin America, claimed that Apple forces developers to use its payment system for digital goods, which could stifle competition. There’s also a concern about “tying,” where Apple links the use of one product to another, potentially anti-competitive practice.

    Previous Rulings and Appeals

    Last year, Cade decided that Apple couldn’t stop developers from selling apps outside the App Store in Brazil. Apple was supposed to follow this rule within 20 days or face daily fines of over $40,000. However, after Apple appealed, a judge decided they didn’t need to change right away, giving them more time to argue their case.

    The outcome of this case could mean big changes for how Apple’s App Store operates in Brazil if Apple doesn’t win the appeal.

    Looking Ahead

    The Brazilian government is also planning to look into how other big tech firms like Meta and Amazon do business, showing that this hearing might just be the start of broader regulatory actions. All this comes at a time when international trade tensions, like those hinted at by former US President Trump’s tariff threats, could influence tech policy globally.

    Source

  • New features for AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 3

    New features for AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 3

    Apple is bringing exciting updates to its popular devices! Starting today, March 26, 2025, AirPods Pro 2 users in four more countries—Australia, Brazil, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia—can enjoy new hearing health tools. These features, first launched last year, need approval from health officials, so they’re rolling out slowly.

    With the Hearing Test, you can check your hearing in just five minutes using your AirPods and an iPhone or iPad with iOS 18. After the test, you’ll get a simple report about your hearing levels and tips for improvement. For those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the Hearing Aid mode turns the AirPods into a high-quality hearing aid by adjusting sounds based on your test results. This helps you hear conversations and your surroundings better.

    Meanwhile, rumors suggest the Apple Watch Ultra 3, expected later this year, will get big connectivity upgrades. It might be the first Apple Watch to send messages via satellite when you’re out of cell range—perfect for hikers or adventurers. Plus, it could support faster 5G, making it a strong rival to watches like Garmin. These changes show Apple’s focus on blending health and tech to improve daily life. Stay tuned for more updates as these products evolve!

  • Apple to pay small fine for breaking EU rules

    Apple to pay small fine for breaking EU rules

    The European Union (EU) is set to charge Apple a small fine for not following the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to Reuters. This law helps keep big tech companies in check, and Apple seems to have slipped up.

    Last year, the EU found that Apple wasn’t playing fair with its App Store rules. Specifically, it didn’t let app makers tell users about cheaper options outside the store. In June, EU competition boss Margrethe Vestager called out Apple for some “pretty big” problems with following the DMA. She wasn’t impressed with the changes Apple made, saying they didn’t meet expectations for a company of its size.

    To fix this, Apple updated its App Store rules in Europe last year. It allowed apps to be sold outside the store and added new payment options. After feedback from the EU, Apple also tweaked its rules in August to make it clearer that developers could share outside deals. These quick updates can be tricky to follow, so developers in the EU can check Apple’s website for the latest rules.

    The DMA lets the EU fine companies up to 10% of their yearly global sales, but Reuters sources say the focus is on getting companies to follow the rules, not hitting them with huge penalties. Things might also shift because U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on countries fining American firms like Apple. Plus, with nthe ew EU leadership, the fine might not be as tough as it could’ve been last year. The EU hasn’t set the fine amount yet, but a decision is expected soon.

    Meanwhile, in Brazil, Apple’s facing similar heat. The government there is pushing Apple to allow sideloading—installing apps from outside the App Store. Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, plans to bring the game back to iOS in Brazil by July after these changes. Apple has until June to follow Brazil’s rules or face daily fines. Though Apple’s appealing the decision, it may have to adapt, just like it did in Europe, where sideloading is already allowed.

  • Exciting updates coming to iOS 18.4 with Apple Intelligence

    Exciting updates coming to iOS 18.4 with Apple Intelligence

    The iOS 18.4 update was meant to include new Siri features powered by Apple Intelligence, but Apple decided to hold off on those for more testing. Even so, this update still brings some cool additions that’ll make it worth downloading when it arrives in April.

    Important Alerts First

    Apple shared the idea of Priority Notifications at WWDC in June 2024, and now it’s finally here. This handy feature has been eagerly awaited since iOS 18 launched in September.

    With Priority Notifications, your phone figures out which alerts matter most by looking at the timing and details. For example, if you’re waiting for a food delivery, that alert jumps to the top when it’s almost time. It works the same for anything urgent or tied to a schedule.

    You’ll need to switch it on manually in the iOS 18.4 beta by going to Settings > Notifications > Turn On Priority Alerts. Once it’s active, these key alerts appear at the top of your Lock Screen in a special box with a clear icon. Swipe down to see the rest of your notifications as usual.

    Fun with Image Playground

    When Image Playground first came out, it let you create pictures in two styles: Animation and Illustration. A third option was always planned, and now it’s here with the iOS 18.4 beta—Sketch. Sketch gives your images a hand-drawn look, different from the 3D Animation style or the bold, simple Illustration vibe. Apple calls Sketch “detailed and scholarly,” with beautiful drawings on plain backgrounds. Animation has a playful, 3D cartoon feel, while Illustration uses strong lines and bright colors.

    More Languages Supported

    With iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence will work in new languages like French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. It’ll also support English tailored for India and Singapore.

    When’s It Coming?

    Apple has released one beta of iOS 18.4 to developers and testers so far. Another beta is expected next week, with testing running through March. The full release is set for early April.

    What About Siri?

    There’s still hope the delayed Siri features might sneak into a later iOS 18.4 beta, but with just a month left, it’s doubtful. Instead, they’ll likely land in iOS 18.5. Normally, big updates don’t hit in a .5 release, but Apple’s been rolling out iOS 18 features bit by bit—and iOS 19 might even be delayed to focus on perfecting iOS 18.

  • What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    What’s fresh in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    Apple just dropped the first iOS 18.4 beta for developers to try out. It doesn’t have all the Apple Intelligence goodies we were expecting, but there are still some cool updates worth checking out.

    Priority Notifications

    There’s a new feature called Priority Notifications that puts your most urgent alerts at the top. It’s off by default, but you can switch it on in Settings > Notifications > Prioritize Notifications. Once it’s active, Apple Intelligence will highlight key notifications on your Lock Screen.

    Image Playground Gets Sketchy

    Image Playground now has a Sketch style, adding to Animation and Illustration. It used to be just for Image Wand, but now you can pick it as a third option. Switch styles by hitting the “+” button in the app. Plus, the “Winter Holidays” theme is gone, replaced with a fresh “Spring” vibe.

    More Languages for Apple Intelligence

    New languages include French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and simplified Chinese. There’s also local English for Singapore and India.

    Apple News+ Food Section

    For Apple News+ users, iOS 18.4 brings a Food section packed with recipes, restaurant stories, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Big names like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats contribute content. You’ll find a Recipe Catalog that updates often, a cook mode with step-by-step help, and an option to save recipes offline.

    Chill with Ambient Music

    A new Ambient Music feature lets you add soothing sounds to Control Center. Choose from Sleep, Chill, Productivity, or Wellbeing. Tap one, and it plays random tunes from that vibe. Skip tracks or see what’s playing via Dynamic Island or the Now Playing widget.

    Mail Gets Organized on iPad

    iPadOS 18.4 upgrades the Mail app with categories. Important emails land in the Primary section, while others sort into deals, newsletters, orders, or social updates. This was already on iPhone with iOS 18.2.

    Privacy Dots Stand Out

    Those tiny dots showing camera or microphone use? They’re now on the left of the menu bar with a bold black background, making them easier to spot.

    Siri’s New Accents

    Siri gets two fresh Australian voices to mix things up.

    Genmoji Gets Clearer

    The Genmoji icon on the Emoji keyboard now says “Genmoji” instead of just a colorful smiley, so it’s simpler to find and use.

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