Search results for: “Pay”

  • Apple’s US App Store crossed $400 billion in developer earnings and sales in 2024

    Apple’s US App Store crossed $400 billion in developer earnings and sales in 2024

    Developers on the United States App Store made over $400 billion during the year 2024. We can see that many people make and use apps on the platform due to its success.

    Apps created for iPhones, iPads and additional Apple devices brought in significant earnings for developers on the US App Store last year. Including cash from purchasing, subscribing and selling in the app store. The rise is the result of Apple gadgets being used for apps and digital content.

    Millions of customers have made the App Store important for developers to reach them. Apple continues to update the store’s offerings to let developers make better apps and expand their businesses. This achievement indicates that the App Store is still a key player in the app business.

    Because Apple pays attention to security, privacy and quality, users continue to feel safe in using their apps and services. As more people trust the App Store, they spend more money and this is good for developers and Apple.

    All in all, the US App Store reaching $400 billion by 2024 demonstrates its relevance as a place where apps succeed and users discover valuable offers. The report also reveals that more people are buying software from their mobiles.

  • Texas introduces new App Store age rules as Apple faces European deadline

    Texas introduces new App Store age rules as Apple faces European deadline

    Under a new law, apps available on the App Store in Texas must ask for proof of age. Consequently, such apps have to verify the age of their users before allowing them access. Our aim is to stop children from seeing unsuitable content. In order to follow Texas law, app developers will add these age checks, and Apple will ensure they are used properly. If companies do not follow the rules, they may be fined.

    Apple has to deal with new guidelines in Europe as a result of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Big tech companies like Apple have been told by the European Union to follow these rules within the next 30 days. Users should be allowed to delete Apple-provided apps easily and Apple needs to give developers the opportunity to tell users about different ways to make payments. If Apple delays these changes, it may have to pay major penalties.

    With these changes, governments demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding and justifying the digital world for every user. The U.S. aims to defend children from threats on the internet, but the European Union wants to increase competition between companies by offering users more choices. Both Apple and app developers will have to move fast to remain in line with the new regulations.

  • Apple raises prices for iCloud and Apple One subscriptions in Brazil

    Apple raises prices for iCloud and Apple One subscriptions in Brazil

    In Brazil, the prices for Apple’s iCloud storage and Apple One bundles have gone up. Because of this change, Apple users in the country who count on its cloud and paid subscription services will experience changes.

    Higher prices are set because Brazil has introduced new taxes and its currency fluctuates, which Apple now needs to consider for local services. As a result, Apple adjusted the subscription prices to match today’s costs.

    Now, iCloud charges more for monthly fees in each storage plan. Prices for the 50GB, 200G,B and 2TB plans have all increased. Subscribers in Brazil now have to pay more for Apple One, the bundle that offers Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and extra iCloud storage.

    Apple has raised the prices of its subscriptions in Brazil before. Similar structural changes were put into place in the past for economic reasons. Residents of Brazil are encouraged to check their subscription information and decide if they’d like to stay with the new prices or change their plans.

    All in all, these price rises show how tough it can be for companies to run digital services across the world’s different economies. Customers may notice some cost adjustments on Apple’s services because of factors in each location.

  • Trump threatens big tariffs on Apple and Europe, shaking tech and trade

    Trump threatens big tariffs on Apple and Europe, shaking tech and trade

    Recently, President Donald Trump said he might impose a 25% tax on every iPhone sold in the United States, unless Apple starts building them domestically. He wants US factories, not Indian or Chinese factories, to build Apple’s phones. Should Apple produce iPhones in foreign countries, the tax they must pay will likely increase the cost for American buyers.

    Tensions in trade with Europe are intensifying

    He warned that if talks over trade do not improve, the United States will apply a 50% tariff to goods from the European Union, especially luxury items and medicines. Because of these threats, markets around the globe are concerned and Apple’s share price has gone down.

    The problems facing Apple worldwide

    The majority of Apple’s products are made in factories in China and India. Should Apple be required to move production to the US, it could take many years and iPhones could reach prices up to $3,500—something few can afford. Following a tax bill of $14.4 billion from Europe, Apple’s profits fell 36% in its most recent quarter.

    Impact on people and the marketplace

    Apple has suggested it could increase the prices for its products in the US if tariffs are imposed. The company has lost hundreds of billions in value because of early tariff threats, and many investors are now concerned about possible further tariffs.

    All in all, the pressure from Trump’s new tariff threats has made it unclear what will happen to Apple and its customers around the world.

  • 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.

  • Epic asks court to force Apple to approve Fortnite on App Store in the US

    Epic asks court to force Apple to approve Fortnite on App Store in the US

    Epic Games has filed a request with the U.S. court to let Apple include the Fortnite app in the App Store once again. This is due to Epic releasing a variant of Fortnite on Apple’s iPhone market through its Swedish developer account. Epic’s request was refused by Apple since Epic did not follow its rules.

    Epic claims the decision from Apple is in violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the EU. According to Epic, Apple is looking for excuses to hold off the reintroduction of Fortnite and the Epic Games Store on iPhones.

    The company tried to get both the Epic Games Store and Fortnite reviewed for iOS. However, Apple turned down the submission, claiming Epic did not act honestly. Epic was blocked by Apple because of behavior seen in previous cases and criticisms made in public.

    Epic is trying to persuade the US District Court in California to coerce Apple into approving the Epic account and submitting the app to its store. They state that this needs to be resolved quickly since Apple is harming their company.

    This dispute is part of a series that began in 2020 when Fortnite was dropped from the App Store for using an illegal payment option. Epic is making an effort to provide users with more options and works on obtaining fairer app store policies in the EU.

  • iPhone 17 Air leak shows lighter design and Epic wins review change against Apple

    iPhone 17 Air leak shows lighter design and Epic wins review change against Apple

    Recent reports have shed light on what we might expect from Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air. Ross Young’s research suggests this smartwatch will be introduced in 2025 with a smaller screen size of 6.1 inches and will also be thinner and lighter than earlier versions. Preliminary specifications may hint that a new front camera will be placed in a hole, making the phone sleeker. The company is evaluating different materials to make the device slimmer and lighter, including a smaller battery.

    Although Apple is working on new iPhones, it is also being threatened by legal challenges. According to a court filing by Epic Games, Apple is not complying with the order made in the previous ruling. Epic claims that Apple is making it difficult for app makers to tell users about less expensive purchasing options, only bypassing the App Store. Currently, developers can link to payment methods outside of Apple’s app store, but it is a complex and time-consuming process that still involves handing over a portion of their sales to Apple.

    Epic is requesting the court to make sure Apple obeys the original order without any problems. It might change the way iPhone apps function and what developers pay in fees. In brief, Apple is working on plenty of new changes in the iPhone 17 Air, but there are concerns about the limited rules for apps on its app store. As both stories play out, Apple’s future could change significantly.

    Source/Via

  • Apple keeps top spot as world’s most valuable brand in 2025

    Apple keeps top spot as world’s most valuable brand in 2025

    Apple has once again been named the most valuable brand in the world, according to Kantar’s latest BrandZ report for 2025. The company continues to lead the list thanks to strong demand for its products and services, along with its focus on innovation and customer experience.

    This year, Apple’s brand value grew 15% compared to last year, reaching an impressive $880 billion. This helped it keep the number one spot, followed by Google in second place and Microsoft in third. Amazon and McDonald’s completed the top five.

    Kantar noted that tech companies continue to dominate the rankings, taking seven of the top ten spots. Besides the big three—Apple, Google, and Microsoft—other tech brands like Samsung, Tencent, and Facebook also remained strong.

    The overall value of the top 100 brands rose by 20% in 2025, bouncing back after a slight dip last year. According to Kantar, this growth shows that strong brands can recover quickly and keep their influence even in uncertain times.

    Apple’s ongoing success is mainly due to its ability to launch popular products, like the iPhone and Apple Watch, and to offer seamless services like iCloud and Apple Music. Its loyal customer base and smart marketing also play a big part in keeping the brand on top.

    In short, Apple’s position as the world’s most valuable brand shows how staying innovative and customer-focused continues to pay off.

  • Trump asks Apple to bring iPhone production back to the US and Apple warns EU iPhone users about App Store changes

    Trump asks Apple to bring iPhone production back to the US and Apple warns EU iPhone users about App Store changes

    U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple to stop making iPhones in India and return production to the United States. His statement, posted on Truth Social, followed a report about Apple increasing iPhone manufacturing in India. Trump criticized the move and said that under his leadership, Apple would be told to “build in the USA.” Apple has been slowly shifting its production outside of China, with India becoming a key location.

    Meanwhile, Apple is preparing iPhone users in the European Union for major changes to the App Store, which will come with iOS 17.5. Under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must allow users to download apps from sources other than the App Store. This means users in the EU will see a warning when trying to use third-party app stores or payment systems. Apple says these alerts are meant to protect users from potential security risks, like scams or harmful apps.

    The changes are only for users in the EU, and Apple plans to launch these updates with the release of iOS 17.5. Outside the EU, the App Store rules will stay the same. These developments show how Apple is navigating both political and regulatory pressure, balancing U.S. demands to move production and EU rules that force it to open up its app ecosystem.

    Source/Via

  • Apple updates Safari for smoother web alerts, fixes Messages bug, and offers new Nike deal for Card users

    Apple updates Safari for smoother web alerts, fixes Messages bug, and offers new Nike deal for Card users

    Apple has rolled out a few useful updates recently. First, macOS 15.5 is bringing better web push notifications to Safari. Now, websites can send you alerts even if Safari is closed. This works for apps added to the dock as well. It’s especially helpful for developers building websites that act like apps, letting users stay updated in real time. This update makes Safari work more like browsers on Windows and Android, where push notifications have already been common.

    In another fix, Apple has addressed a strange bug in the Messages app. Some users had trouble sending messages that included an ampersand (&) in the contact name. Messages would fail and never reach the other person. This problem started with iOS 17.4, but the issue is now being resolved in iOS 17.5. If you’ve been dealing with this, updating your device should fix it.

    Lastly, Apple Card users can now get a special offer. If you spend $50 or more at Nike using Apple Card through Apple Pay, you’ll receive $10 back in Daily Cash. This offer is available until May 22 and can be used in Nike stores, on Nike.com, or through the Nike app. It’s a good time for Apple Card users to take advantage of this limited-time reward.

    These updates show Apple’s push to fix annoying bugs, improve Safari, and reward users with simple perks.