Search results for: “Apple”

  • Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Epic still waiting for Apple’s approval to bring Fortnite back to iPhone

    Fortnite fans hoping to play the game on iPhones in the EU will have to keep waiting. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, says Apple still hasn’t allowed Epic’s developer account to go live, even though Epic was hoping to relaunch Fortnite on iOS in Europe this year.

    Back in March, Apple restored Epic’s developer account after the EU passed the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which pressures big tech companies to allow fair competition. Epic planned to use this opportunity to bring its own app store and Fortnite back to Apple devices in the EU.

    But things haven’t moved forward since then. Sweeney recently shared that Apple has not approved Epic’s final app store submission. Without this approval, Epic can’t release anything—not even a test version of Fortnite or its game store. According to Sweeney, they submitted their final version weeks ago but have heard nothing.

    This delay is causing frustration at Epic. Sweeney says Apple is “stonewalling” them, meaning they’re not giving updates or moving the process along.

    Apple hasn’t commented on the situation, and it’s unclear why they’re holding back approval.

    The EU’s new rules were designed to stop these kinds of delays, so if Apple continues to block Epic, regulators might step in. For now, though, Fortnite fans in Europe will just have to stay patient.

  • Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Apple just revealed a new smart home device called HomePad, and it’s packed with exciting features designed to make your home smarter and more connected. Here are five key features you should know about:

    1. Easy setup with iPhone
      Setting up HomePad is super simple. Just bring your iPhone close to it, and it automatically syncs your Apple ID, Wi-Fi settings, and more—just like setting up AirPods or a HomePod.

    2. Works with Matter
      HomePad fully supports Matter, the new smart home standard that works with devices from different brands. This means you can control smart devices from Apple, Google, Amazon, and others—all from the same app.

    3. Multi-display support
      HomePad supports multiple displays at once. So, you can control smart lights from the kitchen while watching a camera feed in the living room. It makes multitasking across rooms easy and smooth.

    4. Hand off FaceTime and calls
      You can start a FaceTime call on your iPhone and then transfer it to the HomePad instantly. It even works with other video calling apps, making your video chats more flexible.

    5. Smart home automation with Siri
      Siri on HomePad helps automate tasks like locking doors at night or turning off lights when you leave home. You can also set up routines that adjust based on time or who’s in the house.

    Apple hasn’t given a release date yet, but these features show they’re aiming to make HomePad a powerful hub for your smart home.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Epic brings Fortnite back to iOS and Apple tests new Safari update

    Epic brings Fortnite back to iOS and Apple tests new Safari update

    Epic Games has once again submitted Fortnite to Apple’s iOS App Store for approval in the European Union. This move follows Apple’s previous rejection in March, where it cited rule violations. Epic has shared that the new version was updated to meet Apple’s feedback. If approved, Fortnite will soon be playable again on iPhones and iPads in Europe through the Epic Games Store app.

    This situation is unfolding under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which allows alternative app stores on iOS. Apple was fined nearly €2 billion for not following DMA rules properly. Epic has been very vocal about Apple’s restrictions and has accused the company of making the app review process difficult for competitors.

    At the same time, Apple released a new version of its Safari Technology Preview, version 219. This special version of Safari is used for testing upcoming web features. It includes updates to Web Inspector, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and more. Anyone with a Mac can download it, including users on macOS Sonoma and Ventura.

    Together, these two stories show how both Apple and Epic are working to shape the future of apps and web browsing in Europe. While Epic pushes for more open access, Apple continues to update its tools and browsers to stay ahead. The tech landscape in the EU is changing fast, and this is only the beginning.

  • 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 brings eye scrolling to Vision Pro and major upgrades leak for iOS 19

    Apple brings eye scrolling to Vision Pro and major upgrades leak for iOS 19

    Apple is working on several new features for its upcoming software updates, and two of them are getting a lot of attention, especially for Vision Pro and iOS 19.

    First, with visionOS 3, Apple plans to add an “Eye Tracking Dwell Control” feature for Vision Pro. This means users will be able to scroll just by looking at the screen. For example, if your eyes rest on the bottom of a page, it will automatically scroll down. This feature is already being tested in the latest developer beta and is expected to be part of visionOS 3, which should arrive in September. Apple is also working to improve other gestures, making the headset more intuitive to use.

    On the iOS 19 side, new leaks reveal that Apple is adding a few big changes. One of the standout updates is improved AI suggestions, helping users with better message replies and smart organization in apps like Mail and Notes. There’s also a new interface coming to the Settings app that’s cleaner and easier to use, especially for first-time iPhone users. Plus, Apple is working on better customization for lock screens and home screens.

    Both visionOS 3 and iOS 19 are expected to be previewed at WWDC in June, with official releases later in the fall. These updates show Apple’s strong push into making its devices smarter and easier to control.

  • Apple adds Formula 1 race previews to Maps for a fun, interactive experience

    Apple adds Formula 1 race previews to Maps for a fun, interactive experience

    Apple Maps is adding a new Formula 1 feature for fans to explore race tracks in a fun and interactive way. Starting with the Miami Grand Prix, users can experience a 3D version of the track using the “Explore” feature on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

    With this feature, users can get a closer look at the track layout, see key points like turns and pit lanes, and view nearby spots for parking, food, and hotels. It’s similar to Apple’s Look Around view, but designed specifically for Formula 1 events.

    This new update is part of Apple’s growing partnership with Formula 1. Apple TV+ is also working on a new F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, which is expected to come out soon. In addition, Apple Music created a special playlist for the Miami Grand Prix and shared the playlist from F1 driver Charles Leclerc.

    Apple hasn’t said if this 3D Maps feature will be available for all races, but we’ll likely see it added for other major events later this year. This could make following the sport more exciting for fans and easier for visitors attending in person.

    The F1 Maps feature is now live for the Miami race and will work on devices with the latest Apple software. Users just need to search for the Miami Grand Prix in Apple Maps and tap “Explore” to check it out.

  • 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.