Search results for: “company”

  • Apple named world’s most admired company again

    Apple named world’s most admired company again

    For the 18th year in a row, Apple has been named the World’s Most Admired Company by Fortune magazine.

    Apple Logo

    The Fortune survey involves 3,380 business leaders from various sectors. They rate companies on nine different aspects such as innovation, how good they are for investors, how responsible they are towards society, and how well they attract new employees. Apple came out on top, with Microsoft and Amazon right behind, continuing their tradition of being among the best.

    This year’s 2025 rankings show that tech companies are still leading the pack. Nvidia has climbed to fourth place, a first for them, thanks to their big role in the world of artificial intelligence and making graphics processing units. Nvidia’s chips are key in the AI models created by companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft.

    However, it’s not just tech; other types of companies are also doing well. Berkshire Hathaway, Costco, and JPMorgan Chase are also in the top seven. New entries this year in the top 50 include ServiceNow, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Novo Nordisk. An interesting point from this year’s list is that all ten of the highest-ranked companies are from the United States, showing a strong American presence at the top for the second year running.

  • iOS 18.5 update could arrive this week before big iOS 18 reveal

    iOS 18.5 update could arrive this week before big iOS 18 reveal

    Apple is expected to release the iOS 18.5 update sometime this week. This update may be the final one before the company introduces iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10. So far, five beta versions of iOS 18.5 have been tested since April, which hints that the official version is nearly ready. Apple usually releases new software updates on Mondays or Tuesdays, so the update might be available as soon as today or tomorrow.

    iOS 18.5 will bring a few new features. One of them allows users to access Apple News+ audio stories through the Podcasts app, which could make listening more convenient. Another small but useful change adds the option to mark a song as “favorite” right from the Now Playing screen in Apple Music.

    Additionally, the update includes a new way to set up and manage the iPhone’s Remote app in classrooms using Apple School Manager. Of course, like all updates, iOS 18.5 will also fix bugs and improve performance. If you’re waiting for bigger changes like new AI features or design updates, those are expected to come with iOS 18, which Apple will likely show off during the WWDC keynote on June 10.

  • Apple shares jump after U.S. and China reach tariff deal

    Apple shares jump after U.S. and China reach tariff deal

    Apple’s stock rose sharply on Monday after reports that the U.S. and China have agreed to reduce tariffs on tech products, including smartphones. This news helped Apple’s stock hit a new record high of over $210 per share, giving the company a market value above $3.2 trillion.

    The tariff deal is expected to lower the cost of making iPhones and other Apple devices in China. Apple depends heavily on its supply chain in China, so this move may ease pressure on production costs. Investors see this as a big win for Apple’s future profits.

    Wall Street reacted quickly. Analysts believe this change could save Apple billions in the long run, especially since China is both a key market and a major manufacturing base for the company. One expert from Wedbush Securities said the deal could be a “game-changer” for Apple’s earnings in the second half of the year.

    The news also lifted other tech stocks, as many U.S. companies rely on Chinese manufacturing. Overall, the agreement between the two countries brought fresh optimism to the market and could mean fewer trade tensions ahead. This positive update comes at a time when Apple is focusing more on international markets and new products like AI-powered features in upcoming iPhones.

    Would you like a quick chart showing Apple’s recent stock growth?

  • 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.

  • Apple’s Upcoming Updates: Smarter Calendars, advanced Watches, and new payment options

    Apple’s Upcoming Updates: Smarter Calendars, advanced Watches, and new payment options

    Apple is gearing up for exciting changes in 2025, bringing fresh features to its Calendar app, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and PlayStation 5 payment systems. These updates aim to make daily tasks easier and more connected for users.

    The Calendar app might get a big boost with Apple Intelligence, thanks to Apple’s 2024 purchase of Mayday Labs, an AI-powered scheduling company. This could mean smarter ways to organize your day, like automatic task management or better Siri integration for planning.

    The upgrade is likely to appear in iOS 19, making your calendar more helpful and intuitive. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is set to launch later this year with three new features focused on connectivity. It will include 5G RedCap for faster, energy-efficient internet, plus satellite connectivity to stay in touch without an iPhone.

    These additions make the watch ideal for adventurers or anyone wanting a smoother, phone-free experience. For gamers, Apple Pay is now available on the PlayStation 5, offering a secure way to buy games and content. During checkout, you scan a code with your iPhone or iPad, then use Face ID or Touch ID to pay.

    This feature, already supported on iOS 18, is also expected to reach the PS4 soon, making purchases safer and more convenient. These updates show Apple’s focus on blending smart technology with everyday tools, from planning your schedule to enjoying games and staying connected on the go.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Apple’s next software updates: a fresh look and smarter calendar

    Apple’s next software updates: a fresh look and smarter calendar

    Apple is gearing up for big changes with its upcoming software releases, macOS 16 and iOS 19, set to be revealed at WWDC in June 2025. These updates promise a major makeover, aiming to make Apple’s devices feel more connected and user-friendly. For macOS 16, expect a bold redesign that echoes the 2020 macOS Big Sur update.

    That release brought a cleaner, more open look with spaced-out buttons and a fresh style. Some thought it hinted at touchscreen Macs, but Apple said it was just about creating a natural, airy feel. This time, macOS 16 will likely align more closely with iOS and iPadOS, using a glassy, visionOS-inspired style to unify the experience across Apple’s platforms.

    Meanwhile, iOS 19 is set to enhance the iPhone with new AI features. Apple recently bought a company specializing in calendar tools, suggesting the Calendar app could get a smart upgrade. Imagine your iPhone suggesting events or managing your schedule with Apple Intelligence, making daily planning smoother and more intuitive.

    These updates aim to refresh how we interact with Apple devices while keeping things consistent across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, big changes can be risky—some users might find the new designs jarring, like the iOS 7 shift years ago. Still, Apple’s focus on a cohesive, modern look and smarter apps could make these updates a hit when they roll out in fall 2025. Stay tuned for a fresh, connected Apple experience.

    Source/Via

  • Apple fights App Store rules and plans Foldable iPhone

    Apple fights App Store rules and plans Foldable iPhone

    Apple is in a legal battle with Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, over App Store rules. On May 8, 2025, Apple asked a U.S. appeals court to pause a court order that changes how the App Store works. A judge ruled that Apple must stop charging fees on purchases made through outside links and cannot control how these links look in apps.

    Apple says this ruling hurts its business and wants to delay it while appealing. The company argues the judge’s decision unfairly forces it to give up control of its operations. This fight started in 2021 when a court said Apple’s rules limited competition, and Epic claims Apple’s changes still don’t follow the order.

    Meanwhile, Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, set to launch in 2026. Reports say it will have a nearly invisible crease when unfolded, making it smoother than other foldable phones. It might also use a special “self-healing” display that fixes small scratches on its own.

    The phone could be as thin as 4.8mm when open but thicker when closed, around 9mm. Apple may use a Touch ID button instead of Face ID to keep the screen slim. This foldable iPhone is expected to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, aiming to stand out in the smartphone market.

    Source/Via

  • Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple is dealing with two big legal issues. First, the company agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit claiming its voice assistant, Siri, recorded private talks without permission. If you owned a Siri-enabled device like an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and Siri accidentally turned on during a private conversation, you might get up to $20 per device, for up to five devices.

    You need to submit a claim by July 2, 2025, swearing the activation happened during a confidential moment. The final amount depends on how many people claim. Apple says Siri data was never used for ads and settled to avoid more court fights. Meanwhile, Apple is also in a legal tussle with Epic Games over App Store rules. Epic, the maker of Fortnite, won a court ruling saying Apple must let developers tell users about other payment options outside the App Store.

    Apple wants to pause these changes while appealing, arguing it needs time to adjust and protect users. Epic disagrees, saying Apple’s delays hurt competition. The court hasn’t decided yet, but this fight could change how apps handle payments. Both cases show Apple navigating tough legal waters. The Siri settlement offers some users a small payout, while the Epic battle could reshape the App Store’s future. For now, Apple is balancing user trust and business rules as these cases unfold.

    Source/Via

  • Apple eyes new AI search options for Safari as Google deal faces scrutiny

    Apple eyes new AI search options for Safari as Google deal faces scrutiny

    Apple is exploring fresh ways to power search in its Safari browser, leaning toward AI-driven solutions, as its long-term partnership with Google comes under pressure. During a U.S. Justice Department case against Google, Eddy Cue, Apple’s services chief, revealed the company’s interest in teaming up with AI innovators like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Perplexity to boost Safari’s search features.

    The Google agreement, worth $20 billion yearly, sets Google as Safari’s default search engine. But with the lawsuit raising concerns about this deal, Apple is rethinking its strategy. The potential loss of this revenue stream is significant, yet the rise of AI-based search tools offers a promising alternative. These tools could make searches smarter and more intuitive for users.

    Rather than creating its search engine, Apple is cautiously testing AI enhancements, such as summarizing webpages in Safari. These efforts are part of broader plans for iOS 19, aiming to keep Safari ahead in a fast-changing tech world. The company wants to ensure its browser stays user-friendly and cutting-edge.

    As the legal case unfolds, Apple is preparing for a future where AI could reshape online searches. While no partnerships are confirmed, Apple’s focus on AI signals exciting changes ahead for Safari and how people explore the web.

  • Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch Sales Decline

    For two years, Apple Watch sales have been falling worldwide, according to recent data. The smartwatch, once a must-have gadget, is losing ground to competitors offering similar features at lower prices. Experts suggest Apple needs to introduce exciting new features to win back customers.

    Ideas like better health tracking, such as blood pressure monitoring, or a fresh design could help. Without these changes, Apple risks falling behind in the fast-moving wearable tech market. The company’s focus on small updates hasn’t been enough to keep users hooked, and many are choosing other brands that feel more innovative or affordable.

    Epic Games’ Fight with Apple

    Meanwhile, Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has spent over $1 billion battling Apple’s App Store rules, says CEO Tim Sweeney. The five-year legal fight challenged Apple’s control over in-app payments, costing Epic millions in legal fees and lost iOS revenue.

    Despite the huge price tag, Sweeney believes it was worth it to push for a fairer app market. The recent court ruling forced Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options, a win for Epic. This could bring Fortnite back to iPhones and reduce Apple’s 30% fee on app purchases, benefiting developers and players alike.

    Looking Ahead

    Apple faces challenges on two fronts: reviving the Apple Watch with bold new features and navigating a shifting App Store landscape. Both situations highlight the need for Apple to adapt to stay competitive in tech and gaming markets.