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  • Fortnite’s return and Apple’s App Store troubles

    Fortnite’s return and Apple’s App Store troubles

    Epic Games is bringing Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store after a five-year ban, using its Sweden-based account to bypass Apple’s restrictions. This follows a legal battle that began when Apple removed Epic’s U.S. developer account for breaking App Store rules.

    Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, has discussed this plan with Apple, though it’s unclear if Apple fully agrees. The move comes after a court ruling forced Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options without charging fees, a change Epic is leveraging to reintroduce Fortnite.

    Meanwhile, Apple faces a new lawsuit from developers upset over its handling of these court-ordered changes. In 2021, a judge ruled Apple must let developers direct users to outside payment methods. However, when Apple complied in 2024, it still charged 12-27% fees on external transactions, which developers also had to pay alongside payment processor costs.

    The court called this anticompetitive, and now a company called Pure Sweat Basketball, backed by a law firm, is suing Apple on behalf of developers. They claim Apple’s actions unfairly limit competition and hurt their businesses.

    Epic has proposed a deal: if Apple removes its fees globally, Epic will drop all lawsuits and bring Fortnite back worldwide. So far, Apple hasn’t budged and plans to appeal the court’s ruling. These developments highlight ongoing tensions between Apple and developers over App Store policies, with Fortnite’s return marking a significant moment in the fight for fairer rules.

  • New iOS 18.5 update brings simple upgrades

    New iOS 18.5 update brings simple upgrades

    Apple has announced that iOS 18.5 is almost here, following a smooth testing phase. This update introduces a few easy-to-use features to make your iPhone and iPad even better, with a focus on convenience and a touch of style.

    A key change is in the Mail app, where you can now hide contact photos directly from a quick menu in the app’s top corner. Previously, you had to dig into Settings to do this, so the new option is a time-saver. Another improvement is in the Settings app, which now clearly displays your AppleCare+ warranty details, so you can check your coverage without hassle.

    The update also celebrates Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection. A new Pride Edition Apple Watch Sport Band features bright, rainbow-like stripes, and iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 will include a matching dynamic wallpaper for your iPhone and iPad. This lively wallpaper shifts its colorful patterns when you tilt, lock, or unlock your device, adding a playful vibe.

    Apple typically releases updates like this in mid-May, so expect iOS 18.5 around May 12 or May 19. Testing has shown it’s a stable update with minor tweaks, paving the way for iOS 19’s reveal at WWDC in June. This could be one of the last iOS 18 updates, focusing on small fixes and user-friendly enhancements. Get set to download this update for practical improvements and a burst of rainbow energy!

  • Apple’s App Store rules challenged in Epic Games defeat

    Apple’s App Store rules challenged in Epic Games defeat

    Apple faced a significant loss in its legal fight with Epic Games, as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals backed a 2021 decision. The court ruled that Apple’s tight grip on App Store payments breaks California’s laws against unfair business practices.

    This case, sparked by Epic’s 2020 lawsuit, criticized Apple’s 30% cut on in-app purchases and its block on other payment options. The ruling opens the door for app makers to guide users to alternative payment systems, sidestepping Apple’s fees.

    This could mean lower costs for developers and possibly cheaper apps for consumers. While Apple avoided a harsher judgment—Epic’s claim that Apple runs an unlawful monopoly was dismissed—the decision weakens Apple’s control over its App Store.

    Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, hailed the outcome, with CEO Tim Sweeney calling it a victory for app creators everywhere. Apple, defending its policies as vital for user safety, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. The clash has already forced changes in how apps manage payments, with more shifts likely on the horizon.

    This outcome may push Apple to loosen its App Store restrictions, giving developers greater flexibility. The Epic-Apple showdown is far from over, but it’s already reshaping the world of mobile apps.

  • Apple’s new iPhone plans for 2026 and 2027

    Apple’s new iPhone plans for 2026 and 2027

    Apple is shaking up its iPhone release schedule starting in 2026, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The company plans to launch the iPhone 17e, a budget-friendly model, in early 2026. This follows the iPhone 16e, which replaced the iPhone SE and starts at $599.

    The iPhone 17e aims to offer affordable options while Apple competes with brands like Huawei in China. In late 2026, Apple will roll out premium models, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air, and its first foldable iPhone. This foldable device, with a book-style design, will have a 5.7-inch outer screen and an 8-inch inner display.

    The standard iPhone 18 and an updated iPhone 16e will arrive in spring 2027, spreading out Apple’s launches to manage production better. By late 2027, Apple is set to release the iPhone 19 Air, featuring a bigger display than the iPhone 18 Air. Alongside it, a second-generation foldable iPhone and the iPhone 19 Pro models will launch, marking the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.

    These changes aim to close the gap with competitors who release flagship phones earlier in the year and keep Apple’s marketing sharp as its lineup grows. This new strategy shows Apple adapting to a crowded market, balancing innovation with affordability, and planning big for its milestone year in 2027.

  • Apple Maps gets a handy new feature and a travel wish

    Apple Maps gets a handy new feature and a travel wish

    Apple Maps has added a cool feature that feels like it came straight from the Notes app. Now, you can create custom guides to plan trips or save your favorite spots. These guides let you add personal notes, like tips about a great café or a scenic park, and pin them to specific locations.

    It’s super easy to organize your ideas, whether you’re exploring a new city or keeping track of places you love. This makes Apple Maps more personal and helpful, turning it into a tool for both navigation and memory-keeping.

    On another note, there’s a big wish for Apple to make international travel simpler with eSIMs. Right now, getting a local data plan abroad can be a hassle—think long lines or tricky apps. Imagine if your iPhone could instantly connect to a local network when you land, with Apple Maps offering cheap eSIM options right in the app.

    You’d pick a plan, activate it, and stay connected without stress. This would be a game-changer for travelers, saving time and avoiding pricey roaming fees. While it’s just an idea for now, it shows how Apple could make exploring the world easier.

  • Spotify app update allows web payments after Apple ruling

    Spotify app update allows web payments after Apple ruling

    Spotify has updated its iOS app to let users see subscription prices and buy plans directly on its website, bypassing Apple’s in-app payment system. This change comes after a U.S. court ruled that Apple must allow developers to include links to external payment options without charging fees.

    The ruling, part of a legal battle with Epic Games, found Apple in violation of a 2021 order to support fair competition. Spotify called the decision a major win for users, saying it finally lets them share clear pricing and easy payment options. The updated app, now awaiting Apple’s approval, will let users upgrade from free to premium plans, switch between plans like Individual or Family, and use various payment methods on Spotify’s website.

    Apple has agreed to update its App Store rules to follow the court’s order but plans to appeal the decision. The new guidelines allow developers like Spotify, Epic Games, and Patreon to add external payment links in their apps.

    This shift means companies no longer have to pay Apple’s 30% fee for in-app purchases, giving them more control over their revenue. For users, this could mean better deals and more flexible payment options. The change marks a big moment for app developers and could reshape how digital purchases work on iOS apps in the U.S.

    Source/Via

  • Apple’s latest earnings and challenges ahead

    Apple’s latest earnings and challenges ahead

    Apple recently shared its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, showing strong growth. The company earned $95.4 billion in revenue, a 5% increase from last year, and a profit of $24.8 billion, up 8%. Services, like streaming and subscriptions, hit a record high, growing 12%.

    iPhone sales also helped, especially in markets where Apple Intelligence is available, boosting performance. New products, like the iPhone 16e and advanced Macs and iPads, added to the success. Apple’s board approved $100 billion for stock buybacks and raised its dividend to $0.26 per share.

    However, challenges loom. CEO Tim Cook discussed tariffs, noting they had little impact this quarter due to supply chain tweaks. But for the next quarter, tariffs could add $900 million in costs if policies stay unchanged. Cook avoided commenting on price hikes, leaving consumers wondering. Apple is diversifying production, with half of U.S. iPhones now made in India and other products in Vietnam, to reduce reliance on China.

    On the legal front, Apple faces App Store changes after a court ruling favored Epic Games. The company must allow developers to link to external payment options, following a 2021 injunction. Apple disagrees with the decision, plans to appeal, and is complying for now. The outcome remains unclear, but it could affect Apple’s services business. Despite these hurdles, Apple’s focus on innovation and customer loyalty keeps its device base growing. Cook remains optimistic, hinting at exciting products ahead, like a thinner iPhone 17 Air.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    A U.S. judge has called out an Apple executive for not telling the truth in court during a legal fight with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. On Wednesday, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Alex Roman, Apple’s vice president of finance, misled the court about a 27% fee the company charged for purchases made outside its App Store.

    This fee, a slight discount from the standard 30%, was introduced after a 2021 court ruling that forced Apple to let developers direct users to alternative payment methods. The judge described Roman’s statements as “deceptive and untruthful,” citing internal emails that revealed Apple had been planning the fee since July 2023.

    She also slammed Apple for failing to fix the false claims and for not following the court’s directive to support fair competition. The case has now been referred to a U.S. attorney to explore possible criminal contempt charges against Roman and Apple.

    Apple said it respects the court’s decision but plans to appeal, arguing it disagrees with the ruling. The court also prohibited Apple from restricting developers’ ability to promote external payment options or charging fees on those transactions.

    Epic Games cheered the outcome, with CEO Tim Sweeney confirming Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store next week. Sweeney also offered Apple a deal: extend these changes worldwide, and Epic will drop all related lawsuits. This decision is a big victory for Epic Games and could change how Apple manages its App Store, impacting developers and users everywhere.

  • Apple explores new iPhone features in iOS 18.5 beta

    Apple explores new iPhone features in iOS 18.5 beta

    Apple is working on exciting updates for the iPhone, spotted in the iOS 18.5 beta. These changes aim to make multitasking and video editing easier and more fun for users.
    One big feature is Stage Manager for iPhone.

    This tool, already popular on iPads and Macs, lets users organize apps in resizable windows. You could drag windows anywhere, even partly off-screen, and adjust their size without messing up other apps. While it’s being tested with external display support, experts think Apple might not release it widely yet.

    Another cool addition is Photographic Styles for videos. Right now, this feature lets you tweak photo colors and lighting in the Camera app. Soon, you might apply these styles to videos, giving them a unique look. Apple also plans to let third-party apps use Photographic Styles, opening up more creative options.

    Other tweaks include better Stage Manager controls, like smoother window resizing. There’s also a feature called “SuperDomino” that could show square clock widgets in StandBy mode, possibly for a rumored “HomePad” device.

  • Apple faces court ruling on App Store changes

    Apple faces court ruling on App Store changes

    In a major win for Epic Games, a U.S. judge ruled on April 30, 2025, that Apple broke a 2021 court order meant to make its App Store fairer. The order told Apple to let app developers guide users to payment options outside the App Store, avoiding Apple’s fees. Instead, Apple added new rules, like a 27% fee on outside purchases and warning screens that scared users away from external payments. The judge called this a deliberate move to keep billions in profits and said Apple’s actions were “anticompetitive.”

    The court now bans Apple from charging fees on external purchases or blocking developers from linking to other payment options. Apple can’t control how developers design these links or track user activity outside apps. The judge also referred Apple’s case to federal prosecutors for possible criminal charges, pointing to false statements made by Apple’s finance vice-president, Alex Roman. Apple plans to follow the new rules but will appeal the decision.

    This ruling could bring Fortnite back to iPhones and iPads worldwide, as Epic Games is ready to return if Apple follows the court’s orders. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, celebrated the decision, saying it ends Apple’s high fees, similar to changes in Europe. The case shows Apple’s ongoing struggle to balance its App Store control with growing demands for fair competition.

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