Search results for: “Pay”

  • Apple’s Next Vision Pro: Plans up in the air, and that might be okay

    Apple’s Next Vision Pro: Plans up in the air, and that might be okay

    Apple’s work on the Vision Pro 2 is hitting some bumps. The company hasn’t locked in a clear path yet, and things seem a bit messy. Some say they’re unsure if the next version will be a high-end gadget like the first one or a cheaper option to reach more people. This confusion has slowed things down, and no one’s sure when it’ll be ready.

    But this delay might not be all bad. Apple could be taking extra time to make something great. The original Vision Pro wowed folks with its cool tech, even if it cost a lot—$3,499. A lower price for the next one could bring it to more homes while keeping the fancy features fans love. Or, they might go big again with an even better premium device.

    For now, Apple’s keeping quiet. The team’s likely testing ideas and figuring out what customers want most. This pause could lead to a smarter, better Vision Pro 2—something worth waiting for. So, while the wait feels long, it might just pay off with a device that’s easier to love and own.

  • A fresh bonus for iCloud storage users

    A fresh bonus for iCloud storage users

    If you’re someone who pays for extra iCloud storage on your iPhone, Apple has a nice surprise for you—and it won’t cost you anything more! They’ve added a cool new feature that lets you make invitations right from your phone. This comes through the Apple Invites app, which showed up in the App Store last month.

    With this app, anyone who has an iCloud+ subscription can create invites for all kinds of events. Think birthday parties, graduations, baby showers, or even a simple get-together with friends. It’s super easy to use, and the best part? You don’t have to pay extra to enjoy it—it’s included with your iCloud+ plan.

    Here’s how it works: you can design an invitation in the app and send it out to people. Anyone can reply to say if they’re coming or not, even if they don’t have an iPhone or an Apple account. That makes it handy for inviting all sorts of people without worrying about what device they use.

    Apple’s iCloud+ plans already come with some neat perks, like keeping your online activity private with Private Relay and securing your home videos with HomeKit Secure Video. Now, the Apple Invites app joins the list, giving you a fun and practical way to plan events. Whether you’re paying for 50GB or 2TB of storage, this feature is yours to use.

    The app launched quietly, but it’s already making things simpler for iCloud+ users. You can send out invites quickly and keep track of who’s coming—all from one place. It’s a small addition, but it shows Apple’s trying to give you more value for your subscription.

    So, if you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, why not give it a try? Next time you’re planning something, open the Apple Invites app and see how it makes things easier. It’s a little bonus that could turn your storage plan into more than just a place to keep photos and files!

  • Siri faces a new legal challenge over Apple Intelligence

    Siri faces a new legal challenge over Apple Intelligence

    On March 20, 2025, a group of people filed a lawsuit against Apple in a California court. They claim that the company’s “Apple Intelligence” feature, which powers the Siri voice assistant, isn’t as smart as Apple says it is. The folks suing argue that Siri often fails to understand what they ask or gives wrong answers, even though Apple advertised it as a super-helpful tool.

    The lawsuit says that Apple made big promises about Siri being a game-changer when it rolled out Apple Intelligence in late 2024. The company told everyone that this upgrade would make Siri sharper and better at handling everyday tasks—like setting reminders, answering questions, or even figuring out tricky requests. But the people behind the lawsuit say they’ve been let down. They’ve shared examples where Siri messes up simple things, like getting dates wrong or not recognizing clear commands.

    These unhappy users believe Apple stretched the truth to sell more iPhones, iPads, and other gadgets. They argue that they spent money expecting a smarter Siri, but instead got a tool that’s more frustrating than helpful. The lawsuit asks Apple to pay them back for the disappointment and fix how it talks about Siri in ads.

    Apple hasn’t said much yet, but this isn’t the first time Siri’s faced complaints. For years, people have poked fun at its slip-ups, and this case could shine a bigger spotlight on those issues. The company might need to tweak Siri or change how it brags about the assistant to avoid more trouble.

    This legal fight comes as Apple keeps pushing into artificial intelligence, trying to stay ahead of rivals like Google and Amazon. With Apple Intelligence, they hoped Siri would stand out as a top-notch helper. But if the court agrees with the users, it could slow down Apple’s plans and make them rethink how they build and sell their tech. For now, all eyes are on California to see how this battle plays out.

  • Apple TV losing big money yearly and SpyX leak hits iPhone users hard

    Apple TV losing big money yearly and SpyX leak hits iPhone users hard

    Apple TV is bleeding cash, dropping around $1 billion each year, according to a recent report. The streaming service, meant to compete with giants like Netflix and Amazon, just isn’t pulling in enough viewers or profits. Experts say Apple keeps pouring money into big-name shows and movies, but the audience isn’t growing fast enough to make up for it.

    Even with popular titles, the costs are piling up way faster than the cash coming in. This has sparked chatter about whether Apple needs to rethink its game plan—maybe tweak pricing, push more ads, or find cheaper ways to create content. For now, the company’s deep pockets are keeping it afloat, but how long can that last?

    Meanwhile, a massive data leak from SpyX, a sneaky stalkerware app, has put millions of iPhone users at risk. This nasty software lets people secretly track others—think call logs, texts, and even locations—without them knowing. The breach spilled personal info from tons of victims, leaving them open to scams or worse.

    Reports say SpyX was sneaky enough to slip past Apple’s tight security, raising big questions about how safe iPhones are. Users are now being told to watch for weird phone behavior and update their devices fast. This mess has sparked a firestorm, with people demanding Apple step up and crack down harder on shady apps like this.

    Both stories show how tricky the tech world can be. Apple’s burning cash to keep its TV dream alive, while iPhone fans are dealing with a creepy privacy scare. The company’s got a lot on its plate—figuring out how to make streaming pay off and keeping users safe from leaks. For now, Apple TV’s losses and the SpyX disaster are tough reminders that even the biggest names can stumble. Fans are left wondering: can Apple bounce back from these hits, or are more bumps ahead? Only time will tell, but it’s clear the pressure’s on.

  • Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple has hit a roadblock in Germany after losing its latest appeal in an ongoing antitrust battle. A new law has put the tech giant under tougher scrutiny, and now it must follow fresh rules for its App Store. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, known as the Bundeskartellamt, has been pushing to gain the power to tell Apple how to manage its App Store. A court recently agreed, giving the regulators the green light to step in.

    How U.S. and European Laws Differ

    The way antitrust issues are handled varies between the U.S. and Europe. In both places, regulators must first show that a company is blocking fair competition. But in the U.S., they also have to prove that this behavior has directly hurt consumers—like showing people are paying more because of it.

    In Europe, it’s simpler. Regulators just need to prove that a company’s actions could harm consumers down the line. This lets them act early to stop problems before they grow. The Bundeskartellamt said Apple’s App Store setup could potentially hurt users, giving them the right to demand changes. Apple fought back, saying it doesn’t control the app market enough to be targeted by this law.

    Appeal Fails for Apple

    According to Reuters, Apple’s appeal was rejected on Tuesday. The Federal Court of Justice in Germany upheld the cartel office’s 2023 ruling, which labeled Apple as a major player that affects competition across markets. The decision ends years of back-and-forth about Apple’s power in the app world.

    Now, Germany can enforce new rules on how Apple sells iPhone apps. This loss is a big moment for the company, as it faces growing pressure to loosen its grip on the App Store. With this ruling, regulators aim to keep the app market fair and open, ensuring Apple’s policies don’t limit choices or hurt users in the long run.

  • Beware: Police alert iPhone users about tricky text scam

    Beware: Police alert iPhone users about tricky text scam

    Police are warning iPhone owners about a sneaky text message that tries to trick people into sharing personal details. The Sheriff’s Office in Hampden County, Massachusetts, shared on Tuesday that many folks have gotten a strange text. It says an “investigation is almost done” about them and warns that if they don’t reply right away, they’ll face “more legal trouble.” The message even includes a fake case number, a phone number to call, and a link to hear a voice message.

    Sheriff Nick Cocchi explained that clicking the link could put harmful software on your phone, letting crooks steal your private info. “These tricksters want to frighten people into acting without thinking,” he said in a statement. The sheriff’s team also pointed out that even if the phone number looks real, it’s probably fake. Scammers use online tricks to make it seem legit. “Real police will never text, call, or email you asking for money or to fix a legal problem,” Cocchi added. His advice? Don’t reply—just delete the message and tell the police about it.

    This scam text pushes people to act fast out of fear, often asking for cash to avoid fake legal issues. It’s not the only scam hitting iPhone users lately. Earlier this month, some got texts telling them to approve a payment or call a shady support number—or else money would be taken from their account. Experts say if you get a text like this, don’t touch the link or talk to the sender. Stay safe by ignoring it completely. Scammers are counting on you to panic, so take a deep breath and report it instead.

  • Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple silently releases a new app to boost Apple Maps

    Apple recently rolled out a fresh app called “Maps Surveyor” on Friday, designed for people eager to help make Apple Maps better. This app lets users gather info about their local areas—like snapping pictures—and send it straight to Apple. But it’s not open to everyone just yet.

    What’s the Deal with Maps Surveyor?

    The app’s description says, “Surveyor assists Apple in upgrading Maps by grabbing details like street sign photos and roadside sights while following a set path.” It’s free to download from the App Store, but it looks like Apple made it for a select group of users.

    Once you install it, the app asks you to open another app called Premise. This platform pays people small rewards for doing easy tasks, like answering questions, sharing personal details, or taking pictures of certain spots. In short, it’s a place where users earn cash for helping out.

    According to MacRumors, hints in the app’s code show that Apple plans to team up with Premise to invite folks to improve Maps and get rewards in return. Users will need to attach their iPhone to a mount sideways and use Maps Surveyor to snap photos along a planned route.

    A Quiet Start

    The list of companies that provide data for Apple Maps doesn’t include this new app yet—maybe because it’s brand new. Apple already uses its own cars to drive around cities worldwide, collecting info to polish up Maps. The Surveyor app seems like an extra way to get help from everyday users.

    Right now, Maps Surveyor is only available in the United States. If you’ve got an Apple device and want to pitch in, you can still use the “Report an Issue” feature in Apple Maps to share your thoughts with the team. This quiet launch shows Apple’s ongoing effort to make its mapping tool sharper and more reliable, one photo at a time!

  • UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    UK watchdog points finger at Apple for limiting browser choices

    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) shared its final thoughts on Wednesday about the mobile browser market in the country. The group says Apple’s rules are the main reason why competition and new ideas are being held back.

    The CMA’s team found that Apple forces all browsers on iPhones and iPads to use its WebKit engine. This stops other browsers from adding special features or running better, even if they work well on other systems. It’s a big roadblock for companies trying to stand out.

    The report also highlights other Apple habits that cause trouble. For example, Safari gets special perks on iOS that other browsers don’t. Apple also limits how browsing works inside apps and makes Safari the go-to browser pre-installed on every iPhone.

    Google got some attention, too, for putting Chrome on Android phones from the start. But the CMA said Apple’s limits hurt competition more. They also pointed out a big money deal where Google pays Apple billions each year to stay the default search engine on iPhones. This setup makes it less likely for them to compete.

    Since the CMA’s early report last November, both companies have made some changes. Apple’s December update, for instance, made it a bit easier for users to pick a different browser. The CMA says these steps help a little but don’t fix everything.

    To solve the bigger problems, the CMA suggests ideas like letting other browser engines work on iOS, adding a screen during setup to pick a browser (like in the EU), and putting limits on the Google-Apple search deal. These aren’t rules yet—the CMA is still checking if Apple and Google should get a “strategic market status” label under a new UK law. That decision, due later this year, could let the CMA set tougher rules and fines up to 10% of the companies’ yearly earnings.

    The report also wrapped up a look at cloud gaming. After Apple tweaked its App Store rules, the CMA decided no more action was needed there. This comes as regulators in places like the European Union and the United States also dig into mobile browser fairness.

  • Apple Wallet Cards now available in more places

    Apple Wallet Cards now available in more places

    Apple is making it easier for people in the UK, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Austria to use the Apple Account Card in the Wallet app, according to Nicolás Alvarez.

    The Apple Account Card feature first appeared in 2022, but until now, only a few countries could use it. This card shows the amount of Apple credit tied to a person’s Apple Account. You can use it to buy things at the Apple Store, shop online, or pay for apps, subscriptions, and other Apple services.

    Adding money to the Apple Account Card is simple with the “Add Money” option in the Wallet app. You just need a linked credit or debit card. Plus, if you have an Apple Store gift card, it will also boost your Apple Account balance.

    To set up the card, open the Wallet app, hit the “+” button, and pick it from the list of available cards. Once added, the Apple Account Card lets you see your balance and track what you’ve spent.
    According to Alvarez, this feature is either ready to use now or will be soon in these new countries. It’s a handy way to manage your Apple funds and shop with ease!

  • New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    New iOS 18.4 Public Beta 3 and more updates from Apple

    Apple rolled out iOS 18.4 public beta 3 today, following yesterday’s developer updates. Here’s a simple look at what’s new in this latest version for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4 Beta 3?

    The iOS 18.4 update is a big one coming soon for all iPhone users, expected to arrive next month. For now, beta testers get an early peek. Beta 3 doesn’t add much in terms of exciting new stuff—it’s mostly about fixing bugs and making things run smoother.

    One small change is in Apple Wallet. There’s a new option called “Preauthorized Payments” (it had a different name before). This spot shows merchants you’ve okayed to charge your Apple Pay for things like subscriptions or automatic top-ups. You can also turn notifications on or off for upcoming payments right there. Other than that, beta 3 keeps the same goodies we saw in the earlier iOS 18.4 betas.

    Highlights of iOS 18.4 So Far

    Here’s what’s been added to iOS 18.4 up to beta 3:

    • Priority Notifications to grab your attention
    • Food and recipe ideas in Apple News
    • A fresh style for Image Playground
    • More languages for AI features
    • AI support in the EU

    Visual Intelligence on extra iPhone models

    • Seven fun new emoji
    • An Apple Vision Pro app
    • More app types for default settings
    • Shortcuts for tweaking app options
    • New Control Center tools
    • Better electric vehicle routing in Apple Maps
    • A spruced-up Apple TV app design

    With so much already packed in, it’s no shock that beta 3 is quiet. Fingers crossed beta 4 brings more surprises!

    Other Beta 3 Updates

    Apple didn’t stop at iOS. Public beta 3 is also out for macOS Sequoia 15.4, iPadOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePod 18.4. These updates focus on smoothing out glitches too. One cool perk in macOS 15.4 beta 3: you can grab the Sky Blue wallpaper from the M4 MacBook Air.

    iOS 18.3.2 Hits iPhones

    Apple also dropped iOS 18.3.2 today. It’s a small update with bug fixes and security patches. Check it out in Settings > General > Software Update. It’s been a month since iOS 18.3.1, and this one tackles some streaming playback issues, too. More updates like macOS 15.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 are out as well, keeping your devices safe and steady.