Search results for: “Korea”

  • Apple brings ‘Find My’ feature to South Korea

    Apple brings ‘Find My’ feature to South Korea

    Apple shared exciting news today, April 1, 2025, saying that its helpful ‘Find My’ tool will soon work in South Korea. Starting this spring, people there can use it to locate their lost Apple gadgets, like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as well as track items with AirTags.

    This is the first time South Korean users will enjoy these features, making it easier to find misplaced stuff or even keep tabs on family and friends. Before now, strict local rules about maps and privacy stopped Apple from offering ‘Find My’ in the country. But after figuring things out, Apple is ready to roll it out.

    The company promises the service will keep users’ information safe while helping them find what’s lost. Last year, over 9,000 people in South Korea signed a petition asking for this feature, showing how much they wanted it. With this update, South Koreans can finally use the same handy tool that Apple fans worldwide already love. It’s a big step for Apple in the country, and users are sure to welcome the change!

  • Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Find My feature now works in South Korea with iOS 18.4 Beta

    Back in July, people in South Korea started a petition begging Apple to turn on the Find My feature in their country. Many thought it wasn’t available because of strict government rules, but the petition said that wasn’t true. Apple promised to bring Find My to South Korea by spring 2025, and they’re starting to make it happen now.

    Aaron Perris shared on X that the Find My network is up and running in South Korea with the iOS 18.4 beta 1 release. This is great news for folks there—they can now track down their missing gadgets. Plus, it might stop thieves in their tracks since the activation lock, which depends on Find My, was a big point in the petition.

    We’re expecting the full iOS 18.4 update to drop for everyone in April. It comes with some cool extras like Priority Notifications, a fresh Food section in the Apple News app, and more. Want the full scoop? Check out our guide on what’s new in iOS 18.4 beta. If you’re in South Korea and don’t mind trying the beta version, you can finally use this feature that’s been missing from your iPhone for so long.

  • AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    AI app banned in South Korea for privacy issues

    In a recent development, users of the AI app DeepSeek in South Korea have hit a snag. The local government has decided to ban the Chinese AI application, citing that it does not follow the country’s data protection rules. As a result, Apple and Google have been instructed to take the app off their app stores in South Korea.

    Temporary Ban on DeepSeek in South Korea

    According to news sources, South Korea’s data protection watchdog has told tech giants like Apple and Google to stop people from downloading this app. However, you can still use DeepSeek through a web browser in South Korea for the time being. The reason given for this ban is that DeepSeek doesn’t meet the requirements set by South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission.

    The company behind DeepSeek has admitted they overlooked some aspects of South Korea’s data laws and has appointed lawyers in the country to deal with the situation. Additionally, a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry has stated that China takes data privacy seriously and ensures it is protected by law.

    Path to Reinstatement

    DeepSeek could start working again in South Korea if it makes changes to align with the local privacy laws.

    For a bit of background, DeepSeek is a Chinese tech startup that became famous for its AI model “R1”, which is both effective and resource-efficient compared to others. The app received praise from Apple’s CEO Tim Cook but has also stirred up controversy because of where it comes from.

    Italy was the first to block DeepSeek for similar privacy concerns, and in the U.S., a senator has proposed a law to penalize the use of Chinese AI apps. Last month, DeepSeek climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store, beating out ChatGPT by OpenAI, and it currently sits at number 13 in app downloads.

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  • Fortnite is coming back to the iOS App Store in the US

    Fortnite is coming back to the iOS App Store in the US

    Epic Games will use the new Web Distribution feature from Apple to let Fortnite return to the iOS App Store in the U.S. this year. For now, only inside the European Union can developers make their apps available from their websites using this method. Still, Epic says it will return Fortnite to iPhones in the U.S. by 2025.

    After years of fighting in court, things have finally shifted between Apple and Epic. The problems started when Apple claimed that Epic introduced its own payment option to Fortnite against their rules in 2020. After Apple pulled the game from its store, the differences between the two companies were argued in court. While the court didn’t give either side a complete victory, it did ask Apple to provide developers with different payment methods.

    This summer, Epic hopes to start testing this feature in the U.S. and have it available by the end of next year. Fortnite was brought back to iOS by the EU’s Epic Games Store earlier this month due to the Digital Markets Act, which now allows alternative app stores on Apple’s phones.

    While Americans will have to be a bit patient, Fortnite’s return to iPhones helps give users and developers more power over how they use their phones. Epic Games is setting up its own marketplace in South Korea, Japa,n and Australia.

  • Why a made-in-USA iPhone is not a realistic idea

    Why a made-in-USA iPhone is not a realistic idea

    The idea of creating an iPhone entirely in the U.S. seems appealing, but remains impractical, despite continuous discussions around it. Even though Apple has explained multiple times why it’s not feasible, the dream of a made-in-USA iPhone refuses to fade.

    The Financial Times recently addressed why this idea isn’t realistic. They emphasized the 2,700 individual components in each iPhone, with many parts involving separate smaller pieces that aren’t easily seen. Apple’s iPhone parts are produced across 700 different production sites, but only 30 suppliers are based outside China. This is a huge issue. The Chinese suppliers are located close together and collaborate closely, a system that took decades to build. Recreating such a complex network in the U.S. would take just as long, if not longer.

    While some iPhone parts, like display glass and Face ID lasers, are made in the U.S., much of the rest, including touchscreen elements, comes from South Korea and is assembled in China. The process is too intricate and spread out globally to be moved to a single location without serious complications.

    Additionally, moving production to the U.S. makes little political sense, particularly with changing administrations. As Andy Tsay, a professor at Santa Clara University, points out, investing in long-term changes is difficult when policies shift every four years. Even if Apple considered such a move, it wouldn’t happen before the current presidency ends, making it an impractical decision.

  • Apple Foldable iPhone may feature punch-hole camera and side touch id

    Apple Foldable iPhone may feature punch-hole camera and side touch id

    A new report supports the idea that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, and it may come with some unique features. According to a tip from a well-known display expert, Apple is thinking about adding a punch-hole front camera and a Touch ID sensor in the power button.

    The expert, Ross Young, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the upcoming foldable iPhone might not have Face ID under the screen, at least in the early versions. Instead, Apple may use a punch-hole camera and place the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the side button.

    This matches with an earlier report from a Korean news source that said Apple was planning a foldable phone with an “Infinity” design—meaning no notch or Face ID module visible. The device is expected to be a clamshell-style foldable, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip.

    Ross Young also mentioned that Apple’s foldable phone won’t launch anytime soon. He believes it could come in 2026 or later, which gives Apple more time to perfect the technology.

    While Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, this new report adds to the growing list of clues that a foldable iPhone is on the way—and it might come with design changes like a punch-hole camera and Touch ID in the power button.

  • 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.

  • Apple’s 2026 Foldable iPhone promises a smooth screen – No Crease!

    Apple’s 2026 Foldable iPhone promises a smooth screen – No Crease!

    Apple is working hard on its first-ever foldable iPhone, and exciting news says they’ve cracked a big problem: the annoying screen crease you see on most foldable phones. A fresh report hints that Apple has found a way to make the display look smooth and flawless when folded or unfolded.

    According to a Korean news site, ETNews, Apple is picking out the companies that will supply parts for this phone, and they’ll finish choosing by April. This means they’re getting ready to start making the phone soon, with parts production kicking off later this year.

    An insider shared with ETNews, “Apple wants the crease gone, no matter the cost, to make their foldable phone stand out from others.” They’ve created a special new material to hide the crease completely. This is a huge deal because other brands like Samsung and Huawei haven’t managed to erase that line on their foldable screens. If Apple pulls this off, they could leap ahead of the competition.

    The report says Samsung Display will be the only company making the OLED screens for Apple’s foldable iPhone. They’ve been working on it since last year, using their know-how from being the first to mass-make foldable screens. The phone might fold like a book, with super-thin glass from a US company called Corning covering the screen. Another US company, Amphenol, which has made hinges for MacBooks, is likely to supply the folding part.

    ETNews predicts the foldable iPhone will hit stores in late 2026, matching what Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other experts like Ming-Chi Kuo have said. Rumors from a Chinese leaker, Digital Chat Station, suggest it’ll have a 5.49-inch outside screen and a 7.74-inch inside one when opened.

    Both screens might look wider and shorter than usual, different from something like Oppo’s new Find N5 phone. Apple’s foldable iPhone could change the game with its crease-free screen and cool design. Fans might have to wait until 2026, but it sounds like it’ll be worth it!

  • 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.

  • 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.

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