Search results for: “Apple”

  • Apple to tweak App Store rules in Europe to Dodge more fines

    Apple to tweak App Store rules in Europe to Dodge more fines

    Apple is in a rush to avoid new penalties from the European Union over its App Store policies. Back in April 2025, the EU fined Apple €500 million for breaking the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make tech companies play fair. The issue? Apple’s rules stopped app developers from telling users about cheaper payment options outside the App Store.

    The EU gave Apple 60 days to fix these rules, with a deadline of June 26, 2025. Now, Apple is in last-minute talks with EU officials to ease its “anti-steering” restrictions, which limit developers from guiding users to external payment systems. A report suggests Apple might soon announce changes, like letting developers add links to their websites for payments, though it still charges a 27% fee on those transactions.

    The EU is also eyeing Apple’s Core Technology Fee, a 50-cent charge per app install per year, which developers must pay. Discussions have touched on this fee, but no clear changes have been confirmed yet. If Apple’s tweaks satisfy the EU, it could avoid more fines. If not, the EU has the power to hit Apple with bigger penalties for ignoring DMA rules.

    Apple’s already made some changes, like allowing one external payment link in the EU, but the EU wants more freedom for developers and users. The outcome of these talks will decide if Apple can keep its App Store model or face tougher consequences.

  • Apple’s iPhone 18 to feature advanced A20 chip technology

    Apple’s iPhone 18 to feature advanced A20 chip technology

    Apple’s iPhone 18, set to launch in 2026, will introduce a powerful new A20 chip made with TSMC’s cutting-edge 2-nanometer process. This technology allows for smaller, more efficient chips that boost performance. The A20 will also use a new packaging method called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM), a shift from the older Integrated Fan-Out (InFo) approach.

    WMCM integrates components like memory, CPU, and GPU directly onto the chip, making it faster and more power-efficient. Unlike InFo, which focuses on single-chip designs with memory placed nearby, WMCM combines multiple chips into one compact package. This allows for better communication between components, improving speed and reducing power use.

    As a result, the iPhone 18 could see up to 15% faster performance and 30% better energy efficiency compared to the iPhone 17’s A19 chip. The new design may also enhance battery life and thermal management, keeping the phone cooler during heavy use. TSMC, Apple’s chip manufacturing partner, is preparing for high demand by setting up a dedicated production line at its Chiayi P1 facility in Taiwan.

    By 2026, this line is expected to produce 10,000 WMCM units monthly. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that only the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature the A20 chip with 12GB of RAM, due to higher costs. This upgrade promises a significant leap in performance for Apple’s premium devices.

  • Apple may buy Perplexity AI and let other apps make their own Airdrop

    Apple may buy Perplexity AI and let other apps make their own Airdrop

    Apple is said to be in discussions to buy Perplexity AI, a company known for its work in artificial intelligence. If Apple goes ahead with this deal, it could use Perplexity’s technology to make its own AI features smarter and more helpful. This could mean better AI tools in Apple’s products, making things easier and faster for users.

    At the same time, Apple is planning a big update with iOS 26. This new update will let other app makers build their own versions of AirDrop, Apple’s popular tool for sharing files between devices. Right now, only Apple’s own AirDrop can be used, but soon, third-party apps will be able to make similar tools. This change will give users more choices for sharing files and could make file transfers more flexible and competitive.

    With these moves, Apple is showing that it wants to stay ahead in both artificial intelligence and user-friendly features. Buying Perplexity AI could boost Apple’s AI abilities, while opening up AirDrop alternatives will give users more ways to share files, making Apple’s devices even more useful.

  • Apple faces lawsuit over Siri promises and adds new energy labels in Europe

    Apple faces lawsuit over Siri promises and adds new energy labels in Europe

    Apple is dealing with two big changes this week. First, a shareholder named Eric Tucker has filed a lawsuit against Apple in California. He claims that Apple made false promises about a new, smarter version of Siri, which was shown off at the WWDC 2024 event.

    The lawsuit says Apple did not actually have a working version of these advanced Siri features at the time and had no real plan to release them soon. Because of this, the complaint argues that Apple’s stock price was hurt, which also affected shareholders. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and other top executives are also named in the lawsuit. The case still needs to be approved by a judge before moving forward.

    At the same time, Apple has started showing new energy labels for iPhones and iPads sold in the European Union. These labels rate each device on how energy efficient, durable, and repairable it is, using grades from A to G. This change is because of a new EU rule, not something Apple chose to do on its own.

    Apple also released a detailed document explaining how it came up with these ratings, saying that the EU’s rules are sometimes unclear, and the results can depend on how companies and labs interpret the tests. These events show Apple facing both legal challenges and new rules about how it sells its products, especially in Europe.

  • Apple and Meta avoid instant EU fines but could still face big penalties

    Apple and Meta avoid instant EU fines but could still face big penalties

    Apple and Meta fined for breaking EU digital rules

    In April 2025, the European Union fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for not following the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This law is meant to make digital markets fairer by giving users more choices and stopping big tech companies from limiting competition. Apple was punished for stopping app developers from telling users about cheaper deals outside the App Store, while Meta was fined for forcing users to either pay for ad-free services or agree to share their data for ads.

    No immediate new fines, but risks remain

    Both companies were given 60 days to fix their practices, with the deadline set for June 26, 2025. However, the EU has said that there will be no automatic new fines when this period ends. Instead, the Commission will first review what Apple and Meta have done and discuss their findings with the companies before deciding on any further penalties.

    Possible future penalties

    If Apple or Meta are still not following the rules after the review, they could face much bigger penalties. The EU could charge up to 5% of a company’s average daily worldwide revenue for each day they break the rules, and single fines could reach up to 10% of their yearly global revenue, or even double for repeat offenses.

    What’s next?

    For now, Apple and Meta do not have to pay more fines immediately, but they are still under pressure. The EU has not said when it will finish its review or if more penalties will come. Both companies have said they plan to challenge the fines and keep talking with EU officials.

  • Apple introduces new guide to help parents with Mac safety for kids

    Apple introduces new guide to help parents with Mac safety for kids

    Apple has released a new online guide to help parents keep their children safe while using Mac computers. This guide, called the “Parent Presentation for Mac,” is designed to make it easier for families to understand and use the safety features built into Macs.

    The guide covers important topics like setting up parental controls, managing screen time, and protecting children’s privacy. It explains how parents can limit what their kids can access, set time limits for using the computer, and block certain websites or apps. The guide also shares tips on how to talk to children about staying safe online and making smart choices when using technology.

    Apple has made this guide simple and easy to follow, so even parents who are not very familiar with computers can use it. The company hopes that this new resource will help families create a safer and healthier digital environment at home.

    This new guide is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to support families and promote safe technology use. Parents can find the “Parent Presentation for Mac” on Apple’s official website and use it to learn more about keeping their children safe while using a Mac.

  • Apple opens new store in forrest place, Perth

    Apple opens new store in forrest place, Perth

    Apple has opened a brand new store in Forrest Place, right in the heart of Perth, Australia. This is a big step for Apple, as it’s the first new Apple Store in Australia in eight years. The store is located in a busy area, making it easy for people to visit whether they live in Perth or are just passing through.

    The new store is designed with Apple’s modern style, featuring lots of glass and open spaces. Inside, customers can check out the latest Apple products, get help from the Genius Bar, and take part in free Today at Apple sessions to learn more about using their devices. The store also has special areas for people to try out Apple’s newest gadgets and accessories.

    Apple says they are excited to be part of the Perth community and hopes the new store will be a place where people can come together, learn new things, and get the support they need. The opening of this store also brings new jobs to the area, as Apple has hired a team of local staff to help customers.

    Overall, the new Apple Store in Forrest Place is more than just a shop—it’s a place for the community to connect and explore the world of Apple.

  • New features in iOS 26 beta: Apple Intelligence outage and a hidden ringtone feature

    New features in iOS 26 beta: Apple Intelligence outage and a hidden ringtone feature

    Apple has started testing iOS 26 with its latest beta release, bringing some interesting updates for iPhone users. One of the main additions is the introduction of “Apple Intelligence,” Apple’s new artificial intelligence features. However, in this beta version, Apple Intelligence is not fully available yet. The menu for these AI tools appears in the settings, but users can’t use the features just yet. Apple is expected to unlock these tools in future updates, possibly later this year.

    Along with the AI preview, the iOS 26 beta also hides a new ringtone called “Journey.” This ringtone isn’t available by default, but some users have discovered it by digging into the system files. “Journey” is expected to be officially released when iOS 26 launches for everyone. Apple often adds new ringtones with major updates, so this is a nice touch for those who like to customize their phone sounds.

    To sum up, iOS 26 beta gives us a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming AI features and a new ringtone. While these updates aren’t fully ready yet, they show that Apple is working on making iPhones smarter and more personal. If you’re interested in trying these features early, you can join the beta program, but remember that some tools might not work until the final version is out.

  • New tvOS 26 features only for newer Apple TV models

    New tvOS 26 features only for newer Apple TV models

    Apple’s new tvOS 26 update brings some cool features, but not all Apple TV users will get them. Some of these updates only work on the newer Apple TV 4K models. If you have an older Apple TV, you might miss out on a few things.

    What’s new for newer models?

    Enhanced Dialogue: With tvOS 26, Apple TV 4K (2021 or newer) can make voices in movies and shows clearer, even if there’s loud music or sound effects. This helps you hear what people are saying without turning up the volume too much.

    • Improved Audio Sharing: Now, you can connect two pairs of AirPods to your Apple TV 4K (2022 or newer) at the same time. This lets two people listen together with their own earbuds.
    • FaceTime Camera Improvements: If you use your iPhone or iPad as a camera for FaceTime on Apple TV, the newer models get better video quality and smoother calls.
    • Better Fitness+ Experience: The latest Apple TV 4K models offer improved Fitness+ workouts, with faster loading and smoother video.

    What about older Apple TVs?

    Older Apple TV models will still get the basic tvOS 26 update, but they won’t have these special features. If you want all the new improvements, you’ll need one of the latest Apple TV 4K devices.

    Summary

    tvOS 26 brings some great upgrades, but to enjoy everything, you’ll need a newer Apple TV 4K. Older models will work, but won’t get all the new features.

  • Huge data breach leaks 16 billion logins and Apple explores new AI chip designs

    Huge data breach leaks 16 billion logins and Apple explores new AI chip designs

    A record-breaking data leak puts billions at risk

    Recently, security experts found what they call one of the biggest data breaches ever. About 16 billion login details, including Apple accounts, have been exposed online. These stolen logins come from different places, like social media, work sites, VPNs, and developer platforms. The leak is so big that experts warn it gives hackers easy access to people’s accounts, making it much easier for them to steal identities or take over accounts.

    The data mostly comes from malware called infostealers, which quietly collect usernames and passwords from infected computers. The leak is made up of many huge files, some with over 3.5 billion records each. Experts say new leaks like this are happening more often, showing that this kind of cybercrime is growing fast. If you have online accounts, it’s a good idea to change your passwords and use extra security steps like two-factor authentication to help protect yourself.

    Apple looks into making AI chips

    At the same time, Apple is thinking about designing its chips for artificial intelligence (AI). By making special chips just for AI tasks, Apple hopes to improve how its devices handle smart features and keep up with other tech companies. These custom chips could make Apple’s products faster and safer when using AI, giving users a better experience. This move shows Apple’s focus on both security and new technology as threats like data breaches become more common.