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  • Apple Changes How You Can Buy AppleCare+: Now favors subscriptions

    Apple Changes How You Can Buy AppleCare+: Now favors subscriptions

    Apple has recently updated its AppleCare+ program, shifting the way customers can purchase protection for their devices. According to reports from tech journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is moving away from one-time payment options for AppleCare+ when you buy it in stores or directly from your device.

    Now, if you want AppleCare+ for your iPhone or other Apple products, you’ll mostly have to opt for a subscription plan that charges you either monthly or yearly. For instance, for an iPhone 16 Pro, a monthly subscription would cost you $13.99, while the previous option to pay $269 for two years upfront is no longer available in physical stores or through the device’s settings.

    Apple’s customer service representatives are now telling customers that this switch to subscriptions helps reduce the initial cost of protection and makes sure there’s no break in coverage. This change also pushes customers towards the more comprehensive Theft and Loss plans, where you can replace a lost device for a fee.

    From now on, the primary way to get AppleCare+ is through these subscription models. However, there’s a small exception: if you’re buying your product online from the Apple Store, you can still choose to pay for AppleCare+ in one go during the checkout process.

    For those looking at annual subscriptions, there’s a bit of a saving. For example, AppleCare+ for the Vision Pro can be $24.99 per month or $249 if you pay for the whole year.

    So, if you prefer not to deal with monthly or yearly payments, your only option is to purchase your device and AppleCare+ together online. Otherwise, in physical Apple Stores or via your device’s settings, subscriptions are the way to go.

  • New feature spotted on iCloud: Apple invites

    New feature spotted on iCloud: Apple invites

    Update: Apple has officially launched the new Apple Invites app.

    It looks like Apple is about to roll out a new feature called “Apple Invites.” This was spotted on the main iCloud website, though Apple hasn’t made an official announcement yet. The iCloud homepage now mentions that “Apple Invites” will be part of the iCloud+ package:

    Upgrade to iCloud+ to enjoy more storage, plan your events with Apple Invites, and keep your privacy safe with features like iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video. iCloud+ is what Apple calls its premium storage plans, starting at just $0.99 a month in the US.

    Besides extra storage, iCloud+ subscribers get perks like iCloud Private Relay and HomeKit Secure Video for free. Now, it seems Apple Invites is the latest benefit you can expect. You’ll be able to use Apple Invites right from iCloud.com/invites, and there’s likely going to be an app for your iPhone and other devices too.

    The feature is designed to help you plan events like birthday parties or graduations:

    Make digital invitations for parties, graduations, baby showers, and more. Keep track of who’s coming, share photos, and send invites easily through email or text. If you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, you’ll have access to all of Apple Invites without any extra fees, no ads, and you can create as many events as you like.

    Apple Invites will work hand-in-hand with other Apple services like Apple Music, Apple Maps, and Photos. According to tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, we might hear more about Apple Invites very soon, possibly this week.

    Source

  • Discover ‘Weave’: Your new app for social media, blogs, and more on iPhone

    Discover ‘Weave’: Your new app for social media, blogs, and more on iPhone

    The team behind the beloved Twitterrific app has just released ‘Weave’, a new app designed to blend your social media, blogs, and other online content into one easy-to-use timeline.

    Weave Brings Together Your Online World on iPhone and iPad

    A while back, we shared news about ‘Project Tapestry’, which has now evolved into ‘Weave’ and is available on the App Store for both iPhone and iPad. The app’s main goal? To create a single, flowing timeline where you can enjoy your favorite blogs, social networks, and more.

    Here’s what you can expect from Weave:

    • Your Internet, Your Rules: Weave mixes posts from platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, Tumblr, alongside RSS feeds, podcasts, and YouTube videos. Everything appears in the order it happens, so you see what’s new first, without any algorithmic interference.
    • Easy Browsing: With Weave, you can look through content from many sources effortlessly. Set up your timelines, sync where you left off on different devices, and enjoy your feeds in a clear, colorful layout.
    • No Spoilers Here: Set up rules to filter out content you don’t want to see, keeping your feed spoiler-free and tailored to your interests.
    • Find What You Need: Search across all your feeds at once. Whether it’s a blog post, video, or podcast, Weave helps you find it quickly and save it for later.
    • Privacy First: Weave keeps your data on your device, ensuring your privacy. There’s no selling or sharing of your information.
    • Expand Your Weave: With custom connectors, you can add even more types of content. If there’s an open data feed out there, you can connect it to Weave.

    Weave offers the kind of user-friendly customization you’d expect from Twitterrific creators, including options for icons, layouts, and fonts, plus support for both light and dark modes. You can save articles for later, too.

    Weave is free to download from the App Store, but you can opt for a subscription to enjoy features like ad removal, custom timelines, and more. Subscription options include $1.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or a one-time payment of $79.99.

    Source

  • How China rescued Apple but now controls its future

    How China rescued Apple but now controls its future

    A new book titled “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” is set to reveal how a clever decision made back in 1996 has now put the tech giant at the mercy of an authoritarian government. Subtitled “How the World’s Leading Company Got Caught,” this book compiles insights from over 200 former Apple executives and engineers. It serves both as a history lesson and a warning to others…

    We’ve been talking about how Apple’s relationship with China has become more complicated:

    First, there’s the danger of relying too much on one country. For example, the start of the COVID-19 crisis in China showed how quickly manufacturing can be affected. Events like natural disasters or political changes can disrupt business, so it’s smart to spread out manufacturing. Second, the relationship between the U.S. and China has always been rocky. The trade battles during the Trump era were especially bad, but even now, there’s always a chance that trade could be disrupted.

    Third, being closely tied to China is hurting Apple’s image because of human rights issues there. Apple has to follow local laws, which can go against what the company stands for. Written by a journalist from the Financial Times, “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” is due out from Simon & Schuster in May. It gives an insider’s look at how Apple helped make China a powerhouse in electronics but ended up trapped by its own success.

    Apple is not just any brand; it’s the world’s most valuable company, known for the iPhone that changed how we live, work, and connect. Yet, Apple is now in a tricky spot between two superpowers. When Apple was nearly broke in 1996, it decided to move its manufacturing overseas. After trying out eight countries, China’s offer of cheap, plentiful labor drew nearly all of Apple’s production there. As the iPod and iPhone took off, this relationship with China grew deep, helping Chinese manufacturers learn skills that are now used against Western companies.

    “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” traces how a company that once celebrated “rebels” and “troublemakers” has become silent and compliant under increasing control from China.

    Early reviews of the book have been glowing:

    • “A fantastic story, brilliantly shared” – Peter Frankopan, Oxford’s Global History Professor and author of “Silk Roads”
    • “More than just a page-turner; it’s an essential read.” – Robert D. Kaplan, author of “The Revenge of Geography”
    • “A deep dive that’s both unsettling and illuminating.” – Chris Miller, author of “Chip War”
    • “McGee illustrates how Apple’s chase for profit in China might undermine its own future and America’s tech leadership.” – Rana Foroohar, author of “Makers and Takers”
    • “A vivid account of how Apple won China but lost its essence.” – Isaac Stone Fish, author of “America Second”
    • “A must-read for every iPhone user, but a risky one for Apple staff.” – Geoffrey Cain, author of “Samsung Rising” and “The Perfect Police State”

    “Apple’s Chinese Dilemma” will hit the shelves on May 13 and is available for pre-order now.

  • New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    Apple Notes received some exciting updates with iOS 18 last year, including features like sections that can be folded away, highlighting in different colors, and even recording audio with text transcripts. But there’s one new feature that I’ve been wishing for, which has made a difference for those who use Notes a lot.

    Quick Note Switching in iOS 18

    I’ve got over 2,500 notes stored in Apple Notes. As someone who uses this app daily, I’ve always found one issue annoying: moving from one note to another.

    Usually, it’s not a big deal, but when I need to toggle between a couple of notes quickly, things can get a bit slow. With all those notes, my app is organized into lots of folders and sub-folders, making the task of jumping from one note to another quite a hassle.

    Thankfully, iOS 18 brought a fix for this problem, especially handy for avid Notes users.

    The Recent Notes Feature in Apple Notes

    There’s now a new option in the top-right corner of the Notes app under a three-dot menu, named ‘Recent Notes’. This menu lists the last 10 notes you’ve looked at on your device. You can simply tap on any note in this list to switch to it without having to dig through your folders. This simple addition has transformed how I move between notes, making it much faster and less frustrating.

    While I would appreciate if Apple could make this process even quicker, maybe with one less tap, the change in iOS 18 is certainly a step in the right direction. It’s made my experience with Apple Notes significantly better.

  • Apple’s new ‘Party Planner’ feature in Calendar app

    Apple’s new ‘Party Planner’ feature in Calendar app

    Apple is gearing up to introduce a new tool called ‘Party Planner’ with the upcoming iOS 18.3 update for the Calendar app. Here’s how it might stand out from other apps:

    What is ‘Party Planner’?

    This weekend, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg hinted that Apple could release ‘Party Planner’ very soon. He explained:

    The name suggests it’s a fun way to invite friends to hangouts, parties, and work meetings. Apple has wanted to freshen up its calendar app for a while, and this might just be the start of something big. Filipe Espósito, another writer, first spotted this feature in the iOS 18.3 code, hinting at an ‘Invites’ app. It seems Apple is almost ready to launch this new service, which will blend into the Calendar app and might even work with iMessage.

    Three Ways ‘Party Planner’ Could Be Better

    • No Cost, No Ads: Over the years, I’ve tried many scheduling tools, but none were both free and without ads. It makes sense because companies need to make money. For example, Fantastical has cool features, but you pay for them. Doodle is free, but has ads. Since Apple earns most of its money from selling devices, offering ‘Party Planner’ for free is a smart move.
      Easy Calendar Management: ‘Party Planner’ will work with the Calendar app’s ability to handle different calendars all in one place – like Google, Microsoft, or iCloud. This means you can use multiple calendars without switching apps, making life easier for anyone juggling various scheduling systems.
      Photo Sharing Made Simple: After events, sharing photos can be a hassle. People might use AirDrop or set up shared albums, but there’s no easy standard. ‘Party Planner’ could solve this by integrating with the Photos app, allowing event attendees to share pictures directly from the event in the calendar. Maybe there could even be reminders to share photos the day after an event.

    Wrapping Up

    Apple’s Calendar app has been pretty basic for a long time, but with ‘Party Planner’, things are looking up. This feature, combined with new looks and smart features in iOS 18, could make organizing events on your iPhone easier and more fun.

  • One Year of Apple Vision Pro: What’s coming up?

    One Year of Apple Vision Pro: What’s coming up?

    It’s been a whole year since the Apple Vision Pro, a fancy AR/VR headset that costs $3,500, was released to the public. This high-tech gadget hasn’t sold as well as expected, which isn’t surprising because of its steep price. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, called it a product for those eager to jump into future tech.

    Recent whispers suggest that Apple might stop making the current Vision Pro by the end of 2024. But don’t worry, they’ve got enough stock for now, and they’re already looking at creating a new version possibly this year.

    What’s Next for Vision Pro?

    There was talk about a second-generation Vision Pro, but those plans seem to be on hold. Instead, Apple seems more focused on bringing out a cheaper model.

    A Small Update Coming Soon?

    Instead of a major new model, we might just see a little update this year. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman think this update could include the new M5 chip, which would be better than the M2 in the current model. This could mean better performance, maybe even bringing the advanced Siri features from Apple’s other devices to the Vision Pro.

    However, don’t expect big changes in how it looks or other major features. Apple might just use up leftover parts from the first model. Adding 5G could be on the table, but it’s uncertain if this update will include it or if they’ll save it for a bigger release.

    A Cheaper Vision Pro?

    Apple is interested in making a less expensive version of the Vision Pro, aiming for a price closer to that of a top-end iPhone. But this won’t happen soon; the earliest we might see this is 2027. Cutting costs while keeping quality is tricky, especially with the display. They might use cheaper materials and less powerful chips, and might even skip some features like the EyeSight display.

    What About Apple Glasses?

    There was an idea for lightweight AR glasses that would work with a Mac, but that project was dropped. Apple still dreams of AR glasses that don’t need to connect to another device for power, but they’re waiting for technology to catch up before trying again.

    So, while we’ve celebrated a year with the Vision Pro, Apple is slowly steering towards making it more accessible and advanced, but patience will be key.

  • Apple disagrees with EU’s Porn app approval

    Apple disagrees with EU’s Porn app approval

    Apple has made it clear that it does not support the “Hot Tub” adult app, which was launched for iPhone users in the EU through alternative app stores. In a statement to a tech news site, Apple highlighted its worries about user safety and the damage such apps might do to the trust people have in Apple’s platform.

    User Safety and Trust

    Apple expressed deep concerns about the risks posed by adult content apps to EU users, particularly to children. These apps could shake the confidence that consumers have built-in Apple’s ecosystem over the years. Apple insists it would never permit such an app in its official App Store, despite claims by the app’s distributor suggesting otherwise.

    The company is obligated by EU laws, specifically the Digital Markets Act, to permit the operation of other app marketplaces. This means apps like “Hot Tub” can be distributed through platforms like AltStore, which Apple has less control over.

    Misleading Claims

    In its promotional efforts, AltStore described “Hot Tub” as the first porn app “approved by Apple,” a statement Apple has contested. Even though Apple’s Notarization process checks third-party apps for malware and fraud, it does not regulate content. This allows for apps with content like pornography, drug references, or hate speech to be available on iPhones in the EU, content that would typically not be allowed in the App Store.

    Apple’s Notarization guidelines explicitly state that developers cannot suggest that Apple endorses any app’s quality or functionality. Thus, AltStore’s promotional claim appears to violate these rules.

    Apple’s Stance

    Apple has been vocal about its reservations regarding the EU’s regulations, warning that they could lead to the spread of undesirable content. Apple had previously voiced its concerns about this specific app back in December, but the European Commission has not intervened.

    Clarification from Epic Games

    Following Apple’s statement, Epic Games clarified that it does not distribute “Hot Tub” or similar adult apps through its platform in the EU. However, Epic did provide AltStore with a “MegaGrant” to help distribute apps like “Hot Tub” for free.

    Apple’s main message is that while it must comply with EU laws, it does not endorse or approve of all content that can now reach iPhone users through these alternative channels.

     

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  • Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple is trying hard to protect its big money deal with Google as Google faces legal action for breaking antitrust rules, but the court isn’t helping. Recently, Apple asked for an urgent pause in the case to join in, but the judge said no and decided to keep the case moving forward.

    Google Logo Feature Slack

    Back in November, Apple wanted a bigger say in how the case would proceed, arguing that Google shouldn’t keep breaking the law. The court turned them down, so Apple appealed, but appeals take time. While waiting, Apple asked for the case to stop, but the judge didn’t agree.

    The court believes Apple hasn’t shown it would be badly hurt without this pause, nor has it clearly stated why it needs to be more involved or what new information it could add. The judge also feels that there’s no clear error in the first decision to keep Apple out of the lawsuit. Plus, it’s important to keep moving to stop Google from continuing these illegal actions.

    The court’s ruling pointed out that this case has been going on for over four years now, and any delay would be significant. Moreover, the court found that Google broke the law by making deals with companies like Apple to keep its monopoly in search and ad markets. Allowing Apple’s request for a pause would just let this illegal activity go on, which isn’t good for the public.

    Last year, Google was found guilty of these antitrust violations, with its deal with Apple being a key issue. Google gives Apple billions yearly to be the default search in Safari, and this was deemed illegal. The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and others. If Google can’t continue these agreements, Apple could lose billions, yet would still need to offer Google as a search option.

    Google might also face tougher penalties like selling Chrome or separating Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Apple worries that Google will focus on protecting these assets over their search deal, which is why Apple wants to intervene.

    In their filing for a pause, Apple argued, “If we can’t resolve our appeal before or during the remedies trial, we might just have to watch as the government pushes for harsh changes that could stop us from working with Google for ten years.”

    Apple is now pushing to speed up its appeal to join the lawsuit against Google, with the next phase of the case due to start in April. If they can speed things up, their appeal might be heard before then.

    Source

  • Apple no longer allows downgrading to iOS 18.2.1

    Apple no longer allows downgrading to iOS 18.2.1

    Apple has recently stopped allowing users to install iOS 18.2.1 on their iPhones. If you’ve updated to iOS 18.3, you can’t go back to the older version anymore. This change happened because Apple released iOS 18.3 last week.

    Why Can’t You Downgrade?

    When Apple brings out a new version of iOS, they usually stop supporting the old one after about one or two weeks. Once they do this, you can’t install the older version because Apple checks with its servers to make sure only the latest software can be installed. Right now, if your iPhone can use iOS 18, you’re stuck with iOS 18.3 or whatever comes next.

    Why Does Apple Do This?

    Apple does this to make sure everyone’s iPhone is as safe and secure as possible. By keeping everyone on the newest version, they can protect users from old security risks that the new updates fix.

    What’s New in iOS 18.3?

    The latest update, iOS 18.3, comes with several new features and over 20 security fixes. One important fix was for a problem that hackers might have been using to attack some iPhones. This shows why it’s good to keep your phone’s software current.

    In summary, if you’ve moved to iOS 18.3, you’re now stuck there for better security and features. Apple makes these updates to keep your information safe, so it’s wise to stay updated even if you can’t go back.

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