Search results for: “March 2023”

  • Apple wins case over claims it copied a journalist’s book for “Tetris” film

    Apple wins case over claims it copied a journalist’s book for “Tetris” film

    Apple recently won a lawsuit that claimed its Apple TV+ movie Tetris copied a book by tech writer Dan Ackerman. According to Reuters, U.S. District Judge Katherine Failla ruled that the book and the film weren’t close enough to back up Ackerman’s accusations.

    Ackerman, who used to lead Gizmodo and now runs Micro Center, started the lawsuit in 2023. He said the “Tetris” film was very similar to his 2016 book, “The Tetris Effect.” He took legal action against Apple, the film’s writer, Noah Pink, Marv Studios, the Tetris Company, and others.

    Here’s what happened: Ackerman shared an early copy of his book with the Tetris Company in July 2016. But the company’s CEO, Maya Rogers, reportedly told her team not to let Ackerman use the Tetris name or image for any TV or movie projects. Later, the Tetris Company sent a warning letter to Ackerman’s agent, saying they’d sue if he kept trying to sell his book for a show or film.

    The lawsuit claimed the Tetris Company then began working on its movie, using Ackerman’s book as the foundation for the script. When the “Tetris” trailer came out in March 2023, Ackerman spotted big similarities to his work. He sent a letter demanding the movie be stopped until legal matters were cleared up. Even though Apple knew about the letter, they released the film on Apple TV+ a week later.

    Judge Failla, however, said Ackerman’s book was non-fiction, so the filmmakers could use its facts as long as they didn’t copy his way of telling the story. She ruled in Apple’s favor.
    You can read Judge Failla’s full decision online. The “Tetris” movie, out since 2023, has been a hit on Apple TV+, earning an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Check it out on Apple TV+ if you haven’t already!

  • Apple Card savings drops interest rate

    Apple Card savings drops interest rate

    Apple Card users got some news on March 25, 2025— the savings account tied to the card now offers a lower interest rate. It’s dropped from 4.25% to 4.1%, which might not sound like a huge change, but it affects how much money people can earn on their savings over time. This shift comes after a series of rate cuts since the account first launched with a much higher 4.15% rate back in April 2023.

    The Apple Card Savings account, run with help from Goldman Sachs, lets users stash their Daily Cash rewards and extra money in a high-yield savings option. While 4.1% is still better than many regular savings accounts out there, it’s not as juicy as it once was. People who rely on this account might feel a little let down, especially since the rate has been sliding down bit by bit over the past year.

    This change matches what’s happening in the bigger financial world. Interest rates often shift based on things like the Federal Reserve’s decisions or trends in the economy. For now, Apple Card holders can still enjoy a decent return compared to typical bank accounts, but the drop is a reminder that even good deals can change. If you’re an Apple Card user, it might be worth checking your savings plan to see how this tweak affects you.

  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • The Anticipated Return of Apple’s Studio Display: A deep dive into 2025 expectations

    The Anticipated Return of Apple’s Studio Display: A deep dive into 2025 expectations

    Whispers in the tech world suggest Apple has a busy year ahead, with a potential deluge of new products. While much attention is focused on iPhones, Macs, and other gadgets, the possibility of a refreshed Studio Display has quietly gained traction. Several compelling factors point towards a 2025 release, making it a topic worth exploring.

    A Symbiotic Relationship: The Mac Studio Connection

    The original Studio Display made its debut alongside the Mac Studio in March 2022. This simultaneous launch wasn’t coincidental; the names themselves hint at a designed synergy. These two products were envisioned as a cohesive workstation setup, catering to creative professionals and power users.  

    Rumors are swirling about an impending M4 Mac Studio, potentially arriving as early as this summer, possibly at WWDC. While a new Studio Display isn’t automatically guaranteed to accompany it, the timing aligns perfectly. Apple has a history of launching products within the same ecosystem together, and a new Mac Studio would benefit greatly from a corresponding display upgrade. This strategic pairing strengthens the case for a 2025 Studio Display release.

    Industry Insights and Predictions

    Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected analyst known for his accurate Apple predictions, has weighed in on the matter. Back in April 2023, Kuo suggested a 2025 launch for a new Studio Display. More recently, in September 2024, he reiterated that his initial assessment remained unchanged. This consistency from a reliable source adds significant weight to the speculation. Kuo’s insights into Apple’s supply chain and product roadmap make his predictions particularly noteworthy. The confirmation of his earlier report further solidifies the possibility of a 2025 release.

    Feature Convergence: Echoes of Other Apple Innovations

    Beyond the timing and industry predictions, several reported features of the rumored Studio Display resonate with other anticipated Apple products. These overlapping functionalities suggest a broader strategy at play, where advancements in one area inform developments in another.

    Reports from mid-2023, notably from Mark Gurman, indicated Apple was developing a monitor with a unique dual purpose: functioning as a smart home display when not actively in use as a computer monitor. This concept bears a striking resemblance to the rumored “HomePad,” a new smart home device expected this spring.

    The HomePad, envisioned as a smart display running a dedicated operating system, could serve as a testing ground for features that might later appear in a new Studio Display. This cross-pollination of features strengthens the argument for a redesigned display.

    Further fueling the speculation, an anonymous source mentioned to the Upgrade podcast that Apple is working on new 90Hz panels for several devices, including a new iMac, an M3 iPad Air, and a “next-gen Studio Display.” The expected spring launch of a new iPad Air with a 90Hz display lends credence to this claim. Sharing display technology across product lines is a common practice, and if the iPad Air adopts this smoother refresh rate, it’s logical to expect the Studio Display to follow suit later in the year.  

    Addressing the Uncertainty: A Balanced Perspective

    While the evidence for a 2025 Studio Display is mounting, a note of caution is warranted. Mark Gurman, in a recent overview of Apple’s 2025 product plans, did not specifically mention a new monitor. This absence might raise some concerns.

    However, it’s important to remember that the absence of information doesn’t necessarily equate to the absence of a product. Gurman’s report might not have had sufficient information regarding the Studio Display to make a definitive statement. This uncertainty doesn’t negate the other evidence but rather calls for a balanced perspective. 

    Conclusion: A Promising Outlook

    Taking all factors into account, the prospect of a new Apple Studio Display in 2025 appears increasingly likely. The synergistic timing with a potential new Mac Studio, the consistent predictions from reliable sources, and the convergence of features with other anticipated Apple products all contribute to a compelling narrative. While the lack of explicit confirmation from all sources introduces a degree of uncertainty, the weight of the evidence leans heavily towards a refreshed Studio Display gracing our desks sometime this year.

    If Apple does indeed unveil a new Studio Display, it will likely represent a significant step forward in display technology and further solidify Apple’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for creative professionals and demanding users.