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  • Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    Could Apple lose an important iPhone privacy tool in France?

    For almost two years, French officials have been looking into a privacy tool on iPhones called App Tracking Transparency. This feature lets people choose if they want apps to follow their activity for ads or not. You’ve probably noticed those “Ask App Not to Track” messages popping up. Now, according to a recent Reuters story, the investigation is almost over—and it doesn’t look good for Apple.

    France Might Stop This Privacy Feature Soon

    The two-year review of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency in France should finish within the next month. And it seems Apple might not like the result.

    Reuters reporter Foo Yun Chee explains:

    French regulators are likely to tell Apple next month to stop this practice, saying it’s unfair to competition. They’ll probably add a fine too. This would be the first time a government blocks this feature. In France, fines for such issues can reach up to 10% of a company’s yearly earnings worldwide.

    So, two big things could happen when this case ends:

    • Apple may have to turn off this feature for people in France.
    • The company could also face a penalty.

    Back in 2023, when this probe began, we noted: “Apple’s being accused of playing favorites and setting unclear, unfair rules about how user info can be used for ads.”

    Apple shared this comment with 9to5Mac during an earlier debate about the feature:

    “We at Apple think your data is yours. You should decide if it’s shared and with whom. App Tracking Transparency just lets users pick whether apps can track them or pass their info to data collectors. These rules are the same for everyone, including us, and we’ve had lots of support from privacy fans and regulators.”

    Beyond France, Germany and Italy are also checking out this feature. Usually, the worry isn’t the tool itself but how Apple uses it for its apps. In the U.S., companies like Meta have complained the most—not regulators. They say this privacy option has hurt their ad income.

  • AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    Apple has shared exciting news: the AirPods Pro 2 now comes with a special hearing aid feature that’s easy to use and available in the United Kingdom.

    AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Support

    Sumbul Desai, a top expert at Apple, said, “We’re thrilled to use technology to improve lives. Bringing this hearing aid option to the UK gives AirPods Pro 2 users a full hearing care experience.” She’s Apple’s vice president of Health.

    This new feature makes everyday sounds clearer for adults who feel they have mild to moderate hearing trouble. Apple says it’s free in countries where it’s offered, and it comes through simple software updates.

    The hearing aid works by using a personal hearing profile. This profile comes from a quick five-minute Hearing Test that checks how well someone hears different sound levels. After the test, users get a result showing their hearing ability and tips on what to do next. The profile also adjusts sound for music, movies, games, and calls on all connected devices.

    Apple first rolled out these hearing tools in the US and a few other places in late October with iOS 18.1. Then, in December, iOS 18.2 brought the Hearing Test to more countries like France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, plus the hearing aid feature to the United Arab Emirates. Now, UK users can enjoy both the test and the hearing aid feature.

    To use these hearing tools, AirPods Pro 2 need firmware version 7B19 or higher. The update happens on its own when the AirPods are charging and near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Wi-Fi. This update shows Apple’s focus on making life better with smart, simple tech. UK users can now hear the world around them more clearly, all thanks to their AirPods Pro 2.

  • Apple Vision Pro’s New Adventure Video: Surfing in the arctic

    Apple Vision Pro’s New Adventure Video: Surfing in the arctic

    Apple Vision Pro fans can now enjoy a fresh six-minute video on the Apple TV app. It’s the second part of the exciting “Boundless” series, called “Arctic Surfing.” In “Arctic Surfing,” you get to join a brave group of surfers as they paddle through freezing waters. You’ll feel the thrill of catching chilly waves in Norway’s stunning winter scenery.

    Before this, the first episode, “Hot Air Balloons,” took viewers soaring over Türkiye’s famous rocky landscapes. And there’s more to come—next Friday, a new episode called “Deep Water Solo” will drop, promising another exciting experience.

    This cool new video is ready to watch on the Apple TV app in places like Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the U.K., and the U.S. For folks in China, it’s available on the Migu Video and Tencent Video apps.

    With these videos, Apple Vision Pro brings wild adventures right to your screen, making you feel like you’re there. Whether it’s surfing icy waves or floating high in the sky, something is amazing to explore in this series!

  • Apple Store offline before iPhone 16e pre-orders begin

    Apple Store offline before iPhone 16e pre-orders begin

    Apple’s online store is currently unavailable as the company prepares for iPhone 16e pre-orders, set to start at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time in the U.S. For the past few years, Apple has chosen this early morning time for pre-orders, moving away from its older habit of starting at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time.

    Shoppers in 59 countries and areas—like Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S.—can place their pre-orders for the iPhone 16e once the store is back online.

    The iPhone 16e is Apple’s latest budget-friendly phone, priced at $599. It’s the newest version of the iPhone SE and the cheapest option in Apple’s lineup right now. This phone mixes features from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16. It has a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a notch for the TrueDepth camera, a flat-edged aluminum body, a tough Ceramic Shield front, a single back camera, and a fast A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence.

    With the iPhone 16e, Apple is saying goodbye to some older tech. You won’t find Lightning ports, LCD screens, or 64GB storage anymore. Plus, 6.1 inches is now the smallest screen size Apple makes. In the U.S., it starts at $599 and comes in white or black, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB.

    Source

  • Easier bike route planning with Apple Maps in the UK and Ireland

    Easier bike route planning with Apple Maps in the UK and Ireland

    Apple Maps has just made it easier for bike riders in the UK and Ireland to find their way around. A recent update spotted by a user on Reddit means that now, you can plan a bike trip from one end of the country to the other, like from the southern tip of England to the northernmost part of Scotland, if you feel like it.

    Before this update, the bike route feature wasn’t available everywhere in these countries. Now, Apple Maps gives you specific paths for cyclists, showing you where the bike lanes are, which paths are good for bikes, and warning you about steep hills, stairs, or other things that might get in your way.

    This feature has been part of Apple Maps since the iOS 14 update, and it’s not just in the UK and Ireland. Cyclists in the United States, Australia, China, France, Germany, and Japan, along with big cities like London, Barcelona, and Toronto, can also use it. Apple keeps an updated list on their website of all the places where this cycling feature works.

    This expansion is great news for anyone who loves to bike or just needs to get around on two wheels, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.

    Cycling Directions Released in Remainder of UK and Ireland
    byu/cmmncw inapplemaps

  • New iPhone SE model spotted on french retail site

    New iPhone SE model spotted on french retail site

    Rumors about the next iPhone SE have been swirling, and now there’s a new hint from France. A French electronics store called Boulanger has accidentally put up a page for a “new” iPhone SE model. The page simply says the phone is “coming soon” but doesn’t give any real details or a true price.

    iPhone SE 4 Teaser

    This sneak peek was noticed by someone reading the French tech news site Numerama. It’s not clear if Apple gave Boulanger a secret tip about the new phone or if the store just guessed based on all the gossip.

    Even though the page doesn’t tell us much, it does seem like we’re getting closer to seeing a new iPhone SE. Originally, tech expert Mark Gurman thought it would come out this week, but he’s now saying it should be announced by next week.

    iPhone SE at Boulanger

    When it finally comes out, the new iPhone SE is expected to have some big upgrades. It might have a bigger 6.1-inch screen that’s really bright, no home button but Face ID to unlock it, a USB-C port instead of the old one, and just one camera at the back but with 48 megapixels. It’s also supposed to have a new 5G chip from Apple and enough memory to handle new smart features.

    Apple hasn’t planned any big events yet for 2025, so they’ll probably just announce it on their website with a press release.

    Source

  • Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged use of Congo Conflict Minerals

    Apple faces legal scrutiny over alleged use of Congo Conflict Minerals

    Apple is embroiled in legal challenges stemming from allegations of sourcing “conflict minerals” from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These minerals, including tin, tantalum, and tungsten, known collectively as 3T, alongside gold, are termed “blood minerals” due to their association with human rights abuses, including child labor, which allegedly fund armed conflicts.

    The complaints have been lodged in Belgium and France, jurisdictions known for their rigorous corporate accountability laws. Recently, Belgian authorities have escalated the matter by launching an official investigation.

    While Apple does not directly buy these minerals, they are crucial components in the electronics supply chain, eventually making their way into Apple products. The company has historically conducted audits to ensure its supply chain remains untainted by conflict minerals. For instance, in 2019, Apple excluded several smelters and refiners from its supply chain for failing these audits.

    However, lawyers representing Congo claim they informed Apple CEO Tim Cook of potential issues in April, highlighting possible mineral smuggling through neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. Despite Apple’s assertion to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that its supply chain was free of conflict minerals, these allegations have led to formal legal action.

    The accusations against Apple include not only the use of these illicit minerals but also charges of covering up war crimes, handling stolen goods, and deceptive marketing about the purity of their supply chains. Both French and Belgian judicial systems are now tasked with evaluating the evidence to determine if criminal charges should be pursued.

    This unfolding legal saga underscores the complexities of global supply chains and the ethical responsibilities of tech giants in ensuring their products do not contribute to human rights violations.

    Source

  • The End of an Era: Apple bids farewell to lightning in Europe

    The End of an Era: Apple bids farewell to lightning in Europe

    For years, the iconic Lightning connector has been synonymous with Apple devices. From iPhones to iPads and various accessories, this proprietary port has been a fixture in the tech landscape. However, as the European Union pushes forward with its mandate for a unified charging standard, Apple is officially phasing out Lightning-based devices from its European stores, marking a significant shift in the company’s hardware strategy.

    The EU’s Directive 2022/2380, effective from December 28th, 2024, aims to streamline charging solutions across a wide range of electronic devices. This initiative seeks to minimize electronic waste by reducing the number of different chargers consumers need and to address market fragmentation caused by varying charging standards. The core of this directive revolves around the adoption of USB-C as the common charging port. 

    This legislative change has prompted Apple to remove its remaining Lightning-based products from European retail channels. A recent investigation revealed that models like the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and 14 Plus, along with accessories such as the Lightning-based Magic Keyboard, are no longer available on Apple’s online stores in several European countries, including the Netherlands, France, Norway, and Germany. This contrasts sharply with the availability of these same devices in the US and other regions outside the European Economic Area (EEA), which comprises 30 member states.

    The disappearance of these models from European shelves signifies the end of an era for Apple’s Lightning connector in this region. While the Lightning port has served Apple well for over a decade, the company is now adapting to the changing regulatory landscape. This move also aligns with Apple’s recent transition to USB-C on its latest iPhone 15 series, signaling a broader shift away from its proprietary connector. 

    Beyond simply mandating USB-C ports, the EU directive encompasses several other crucial aspects. It stipulates that devices supporting fast charging must adhere to the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard, ensuring interoperability between different charging solutions. Furthermore, the directive allows for the unbundling of charging adapters from retail packages, giving consumers the option to purchase devices without a new charger if they already own compatible ones. This initiative not only reduces e-waste but also potentially lowers costs for consumers. Finally, the directive emphasizes improved labeling on devices and chargers, providing consumers with clearer information about power requirements and charging capabilities. This transparency empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and ensures they use appropriate charging solutions for their devices.  

    Looking ahead, rumors suggest that Apple is planning to release a new iPhone SE in 2025, featuring USB-C connectivity and potentially other significant upgrades, such as an OLED display. This future model would solidify Apple’s commitment to the USB-C standard in Europe and likely bring the SE line in line with the rest of the iPhone family regarding charging compatibility.  

    The EU’s push for a common charging standard represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and consumer-friendly electronics market. By adopting USB-C, manufacturers like Apple are contributing to a reduction in e-waste, simplifying charging solutions for consumers, and fostering greater interoperability between devices. While the transition may mark the end of the Lightning era in Europe, it also heralds a new chapter in charging technology, one characterized by greater standardization and environmental consciousness. This move by Apple is not just a response to regulation; it’s an acknowledgment of a changing world, where interoperability and sustainability are increasingly important. It remains to be seen how this shift will influence Apple’s product strategy in other regions, but for now, Europe has officially turned the page on the Lightning connector.

  • iPhone 14 and SE bow out in Europe due to new charging standard

    iPhone 14 and SE bow out in Europe due to new charging standard

    Apple enthusiasts in most European Union countries woke up to a surprise this morning: the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and SE (3rd generation) are no longer available on the official Apple online store. This sudden shift comes on the heels of a new EU regulation that mandates all smartphones sold after December 28th, 2024, to use a USB-C port for wired charging.  

    These three iPhone models, unlike their newer counterparts in the iPhone 15 and 16 series, rely on Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. To comply with the new regulation, Apple had two choices: update the existing models with a USB-C port or remove them from the market entirely. It seems they opted for the latter.  

    The impact is far-reaching. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and most other EU countries no longer list the affected iPhones on their Apple online stores. Switzerland, which participates in the EU’s single market, is also affected.  

    This isn’t just about new models – the regulation applies to all iPhones placed for sale after the deadline, regardless of age. So, while you might find some leftover stock at Apple Stores and Authorized Resellers in the coming days, it’s likely to be a case of “first come, first served.”  

    But fear not, iPhone SE fans! Rumors suggest Apple might introduce a fourth-generation iPhone SE with a USB-C port as early as March 2025, meaning its return to European shores shouldn’t be a long wait.

    For the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, the story’s a bit different. Industry experts believe these models were nearing their natural discontinuation point anyway, perhaps planned for September 2024. The EU regulation simply accelerated their exit by about nine months.

    The news first broke earlier this month by French website iGeneration.fr, highlighting the domino effect regulations can have on global tech giants. While Apple might not be thrilled about the change, it paves the way for a more standardized charging experience for European consumers. Only time will tell how this shift will impact the future of smartphone design and user experience.

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