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Search results for: “US”

  • US government checks Apple’s deal with Alibaba over data concerns

    US government checks Apple’s deal with Alibaba over data concerns

    The deal between Apple and Alibaba is being examined by the U.S. government, mainly regarding data security. Storing iCloud data for Chinese users with Alibaba’s cloud services is allowed by this partnership, which has led to concerns in Washington.

    This is happening during a period when the U.S. and China have high tensions over tech and data privacy. Authorities are studying whether this partnership might endanger user data or break national security rules.

    Apple has made it clear that the relationship with Alibaba impacts only Chinese users. Since 2018, Apple has been complying with China’s laws by storing local user data on servers managed by a Chinese company. Here, the management of iCloud services by Guizhou-Cloud Big Data is carried out with strict attention.

    Apple highlights that all the data is guarded and encrypted on their devices. GCBD, owned by the local government, holds the encryption keys. According to Apple, they do not share user data with the Chinese government unless forced by law.

    Worries remain among U.S. lawmakers and officials that private data could still fall into the hands of the Chinese government. Though the review might not lead to blocking the deal, it underlines American concerns about data protection outside the country.

    This research highlights that the transfer of global tech deals is being carefully scrutinized, especially if they feature nations with rocky relations.

  • Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic Games has accused Apple of not letting them put Fortnite back on the App Store in the United States and in Europe. The issue started when Apple reopened Epic’s developer account in Sweden, which should have let the company put its app store in the country and let people play Fortnite on their iPhones again in the EU under the new Digital Markets Act.

    However, Epic says Apple won’t let Epic’s developer account go through in the United States, and is keeping it from moving forward or even stopping it altogether in Europe, too. Epic claims Apple is making these moves so it doesn’t have to face competition from the Epic Games Store, and so Fortnite can’t come back to iPhones.

    According to Epic, Apple is using a few rules and not making it clear what they mean to slow down the progress of competing apps. Even though Apple had let Epic have their developer account in Sweden, they still haven’t finished everything they said they would do. Epic says Apple’s actions show that they don’t care about following the basic rules set in place to make app markets fair.

    Epic also said that because of the delay in the legal processes, they won’t be able to open the Epic Games Store or launch Fortnite for iOS in the EU this year. This is the latest round of a fight that’s been going on between the two companies. Epic is still working to give developers more freedom and is trying to make it easier for people to get apps on iPhones and other iOS devices without Apple having such tight control over that process. Apple has not yet said anything in public about the new claims Epic has made.

  • Apple brings CarPlay Ultra to more cars and adds Spotify playlist import to Apple Music

    Apple brings CarPlay Ultra to more cars and adds Spotify playlist import to Apple Music

    Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, its upgraded in-car system that works with iOS 18. This new version offers deeper integration with car hardware, including gauges and climate controls, while still showing familiar iPhone apps on a larger dashboard screen. Drivers can view maps, music, and even check their speed or fuel levels—all from one interface. Porsche and Aston Martin are among the first to bring this next-gen CarPlay to their latest models.

    CarPlay Ultra doesn’t just look better—it’s smarter too. It allows the iPhone to manage key vehicle functions like air conditioning and seat settings. Car brands can even adjust the system’s colors and layouts to match their design style.

    Alongside this, Apple Music is also getting a useful update. Apple has started rolling out a playlist transfer tool that lets users bring over playlists from other music services like Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, and more. This feature appears to be powered by the third-party service SongShift and shows up in the Apple Music app under settings > account > transfer music. It’s rolling out slowly, so not everyone may see it yet.

    Together, these updates show Apple’s push to make both driving and music experiences smoother and more connected. Whether you’re behind the wheel or switching music apps, Apple is trying to make it all feel simple and seamless.

    Source/Via

  • Foldable iPhone might use a hole-punch camera on the outside screen

    Foldable iPhone might use a hole-punch camera on the outside screen

    Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, and new details suggest it could have a small hole-punch camera on the outer screen. This information comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says Apple has ordered samples of this type of camera for testing. This camera design would allow Apple to keep the outer display mostly full-screen while still including a front-facing camera.

    A hole-punch camera is a small circular cutout in the screen, similar to what we see in some Samsung and Android phones. Apple currently uses Face ID and a notch or Dynamic Island for the front camera in regular iPhones, but this could change for the foldable model.

    This outer screen is expected to work even when the phone is folded. Kuo also said that Apple’s foldable iPhone will likely open vertically, like a flip phone, instead of folding like a book. Earlier reports said Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in late 2026.

    Apple is taking its time with foldable devices. While companies like Samsung and Huawei already sell foldable phones, Apple is testing different designs and display tech before moving forward. Reports suggest Apple is trying to make sure the screen doesn’t crease and the design is durable enough for everyday use.

    In short, Apple’s future foldable iPhone might come with a sleek outer display and a hole-punch camera, offering a clean design and possibly a new user experience.

  • 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 adds expert reviews to Maps, Music transfer tool, and smarter Calendars

    Apple adds expert reviews to Maps, Music transfer tool, and smarter Calendars

    Apple just rolled out a few new updates across its apps that aim to make your experience better and more helpful.

    First, Apple Maps is getting more reliable. It now includes expert-sourced information in its place cards—those little cards you see when you tap on a location. Instead of just showing reviews from users, Apple has teamed up with travel pros like Lonely Planet, The Infatuation, and others. These expert tips help you discover good places to eat, fun spots to visit, and hidden gems in cities like New York, London, and Paris. More cities will be added soon.

    Next up, Apple Music is making it easier to switch from other music apps. A new feature lets users import their playlists and libraries from services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music straight into Apple Music. This means you won’t lose your favorite songs if you switch. Apple is using a tool made by SongShift to make this happen, and it’s built into the Apple Music app.

    Lastly, Apple’s Calendar app is quietly getting smarter. It now shows a daily task list—things you’ve added to your Reminders app—right in your calendar. This makes it easier to stay on top of your day. The feature is great, but one small thing could make it even better: letting users choose which reminders appear. Right now, it shows all of them, even the ones that aren’t tied to a specific time.

    These updates show how Apple is making its apps more useful and connected.

  • Apple is working on turning 2D photos into 3D models using AI

    Apple is working on turning 2D photos into 3D models using AI

    Apple is developing a new method to create 3D models from regular 2D photos using artificial intelligence. According to a research paper published by Apple, this system can take multiple pictures of an object from different angles and then build a complete 3D version of it. The goal is to improve how digital objects are created, especially for apps like augmented reality (AR), 3D modeling, or even product design.

    This method is different from traditional tools, which often need special equipment like depth sensors or LiDAR. Instead, Apple’s technique uses a mix of regular images and a smart AI system trained to guess how an object should look in 3D. It works by comparing different photos and building a 3D shape that fits them all. The researchers used something called “tri-plane features” to help AI understand the object’s depth, texture, and shape better.

    Apple’s system performed well in tests, often doing better than other similar AI models. One big advantage is that it doesn’t need perfectly edited or aligned pictures — it can handle real-world, messy photo sets. This could make 3D creation much easier for everyday users and developers.

    Although Apple hasn’t said when or if this technology will be added to its products, it shows the company is looking at new ways to bring more advanced AI tools into creative workflows. It could have a big impact on AR, design, and even how we shop online in the future.

  • 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.

  • Apple Music’s new vibe borrows from TikTok’s energy

    Apple Music’s new vibe borrows from TikTok’s energy

    Apple Music is gearing up for a bold refresh, drawing inspiration from TikTok’s lively, trend-setting style. The platform plans to spotlight short, catchy video snippets and content crafted by users, making exploring new tunes feel more interactive and fun.

    This shift shows Apple’s keen awareness of how TikTok’s quick, viral clips spark music crazes and shape what’s popular. Behind the scenes, Apple Music’s leadership is also getting a reboot. Rachel Newman, a seasoned pro, teams up with Ole Obermann, who brings TikTok music know-how, to steer the division.

    They work under Oliver Schusser, who manages Apple’s wider services like Apple TV+ and Beats. This reshuffle aims to free up Schusser’s plate and inject fresh, creative ideas into the mix. The makeover is Apple’s way of keeping pace in the fast-moving music streaming scene, where social platforms often dictate the next big hit.

    By weaving in TikTok’s snappy, visual flair, Apple Music hopes to pull in younger fans who love hands-on, shareable experiences. Recent steps, like adding TikTok sharing in iOS 18.1, hint at Apple’s goal to blend music with social buzz. Though specifics on new features are still hush-hush, the vision is bold: transform Apple Music into a hub where fans don’t just play songs but dive into a lively world of videos and community-driven content. As listening habits shift, Apple’s banking on this spirited, connected approach to keep fans coming back.

  • Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple recently warned some users about possible spyware attacks sponsored by governments. The company sent notifications to people in various countries, including an Italian journalist and a Dutch activist, through iMessage and email.

    These alerts are part of Apple’s efforts to protect users from advanced cyber threats, like those from groups such as NSO Group, known for Pegasus spyware. Apple has been sending these warnings since 2021, reaching users in over 150 countries. The company doesn’t share details about the attackers to avoid helping them improve their methods. Instead, Apple encourages affected users to update their devices, use two-factor authentication, and seek help from experts like the Digital Security Helpline.

    In other news, Apple released Safari Technology Preview 218, an experimental browser update for testing new features. This version includes fixes for CSS, JavaScript, Lockdown Mode, and WebRTC, among others. It works on macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia and is available via the Software Update feature for those who’ve downloaded the browser from Apple’s website.

    The preview helps developers and users give feedback to improve future Safari versions. You can run it alongside the regular Safari browser, and no developer account is needed to try it. Full details are on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview website. This shows Apple’s focus on both user safety and improving its software, tackling cyber threats while refining tools like Safari for a better web experience.

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