Search results for: “Apple”

  • 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 Watch helps Ohio man survive stroke during exercise

    Apple Watch helps Ohio man survive stroke during exercise

    In Toledo, Ohio, last summer, 50-year-old Derick Gant was pushing his limits, skipping rope in his front yard to set a new personal best. Feeling strong after surpassing his goal of a minute, the heart medication user suddenly collapsed, unable to move his left arm or leg. His Apple Watch, sensing the fall, flashed an alert asking if he needed assistance. Initially, Derick dismissed it, hoping he’d bounce back. But as his condition worsened, he used the watch to contact emergency services with a single tap.

    Ambulance crews, recorded by his doorbell camera, arrived swiftly and took him to the hospital. There, doctors diagnosed an ischemic stroke, a dangerous condition that cuts off brain oxygen and can lead to permanent harm. The stroke hit his motor cortex, causing his loss of limb movement. The Apple Watch’s quick fall detection and alert to his emergency contacts ensured help arrived fast, likely sparing him from severe consequences.

    Derick’s experience shows how vital wearable tech can be, even for healthy, active people. With tools like fall detection and instant SOS calls, the Apple Watch acts as a safety net in sudden health emergencies. Derick now encourages others to wear smartwatches, emphasizing how they can make a life-saving difference when time is critical.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Apple Makes Big Changes: Super thin iPhone 17 Air and leadership reshuffle

    Apple Makes Big Changes: Super thin iPhone 17 Air and leadership reshuffle

    Apple is making headlines again — this time with both new hardware and internal company changes. A recent leak shows that Apple is working on a much thinner iPhone called the iPhone 17 Air. Compared to the current iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Air is noticeably slimmer, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever.

    Apple is using a new internal layout, including smaller parts like the camera and battery, to help reduce thickness. The display will also have smaller borders, giving it a cleaner and more modern look. This new model is expected to launch in 2025 and might only come in one size, possibly replacing the standard iPhone 17.

    Along with product changes, Apple is also continuing to shift leadership within the company. Two important departments are getting new heads: the Apple Watch software team and the Health division. David Clark, who helped build Apple’s Health features, has now stepped down.

    Also, Kevin Lynch, who worked on both the Apple Watch and Apple’s health tools, is now focusing only on health projects. This is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to improve its product development and services by reorganizing leadership roles. These changes show that Apple is not just updating its devices but also adjusting its team to better focus on future innovation.

  • Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple has recently shared an important warning about using AirPlay on devices not made by Apple. According to security notes from iOS 17.5 beta, AirPlay has three serious security problems that hackers could use to run harmful code. These issues only affect third-party devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks that support AirPlay, not Apple’s own products.

    Apple says these problems have now been fixed, but only on its own devices. It’s not clear when or if third-party manufacturers will patch these flaws. Until then, Apple recommends being careful when using AirPlay on non-Apple devices, especially in places like hotels or public spaces.

    At the same time, Apple is continuing to improve its TV app. A new update has just added better controls for live sports, such as easier ways to follow teams, check scores, and get updates in real time. The “Watch Now” section is also getting smarter by showing more relevant suggestions.

    These changes are part of Apple’s plan to bring more content into one app and make it easier for users to find what they want to watch. The company removed some standalone apps earlier this year to simplify the viewing experience, and the TV app is quickly becoming the main place for watching shows, movies, and sports on Apple devices.

    So while Apple is pushing its TV app forward, it’s also reminding users to stay cautious about security when using third-party AirPlay devices.

     

  • Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple might soon launch a new version of the Apple Watch SE with larger screen sizes, according to a recent report. The current SE models come in 40mm and 44mm sizes, but the third-generation SE may increase to 41mm and 45mm, just like the Apple Watch Series 9. While the SE line is designed to be affordable, Apple might still bring a more modern look with thinner edges and a bigger display. However, it’s not expected to have features like the always-on display or advanced health sensors, which help keep its price lower.

    Meanwhile, Apple is expanding its in-store demo experience for the Vision Pro headset. Lowe’s, the home improvement retailer, has added Vision Pro demos to more of its stores across the U.S. Customers can now visit 20 Lowe’s locations to try out the headset. The demo lets people explore kitchen designs in 3D and see how different styles would look in their own homes. Apple and Lowe’s hope this helps customers feel more confident about their choices during home improvement projects.

    These updates show Apple’s ongoing push to improve the user experience. Whether it’s a more stylish Apple Watch SE or using Vision Pro to help with real-world decisions, Apple continues to blend technology with everyday life in creative ways.

     

  • Apple quietly updates its website with a new ‘Snapshot’ page and hints at next-gen Pro Display XDR

    Apple quietly updates its website with a new ‘Snapshot’ page and hints at next-gen Pro Display XDR

    Apple has added a new “Snapshot” section to its official website, giving users a fresh way to explore Apple products and updates. This new page highlights key moments across Apple’s product lineup, including hardware, software, and services. The goal is to offer a quick overview of what’s happening in the Apple world. Right now, the page features products like the iPhone 15, Apple Vision Pro, iPad, and MacBook Pro. It also includes updates to services like iOS 17.4 and Apple Podcasts.

    At the same time, rumors are heating up about a second-generation Pro Display XDR. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new version of its high-end display, possibly coming out in 2025. It’s expected to have a more advanced panel with OLED technology, which could mean better contrast, deeper blacks, and improved overall picture quality. It may also include a dedicated chip for processing visuals.

    The current Pro Display XDR, released in 2019, has a 6K Retina display and targets creative professionals. The upcoming model could launch alongside a new Mac Pro or Mac Studio, offering a powerful setup for users who need high performance and accurate colors. While Apple hasn’t confirmed any release dates, the new Snapshot page and display rumors hint at big things coming soon.

    Source/Via

  • Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    Millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay are at risk of wi-fi attacks

    A major security issue has been found that could let hackers take control of millions of Apple devices using AirPlay and CarPlay, all through Wi-Fi. This flaw affects Apple’s Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) protocol, which is the base for services like AirDrop, AirPlay, and Sidecar.

    Researchers from TU Darmstadt in Germany discovered that devices using these features are open to attack when Wi-Fi is turned on, even if users aren’t actively using AirPlay or CarPlay. This means a hacker nearby could exploit the flaw and possibly access or take control of your device.

    Worryingly, this issue doesn’t just affect iPhones. It also targets iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and even HomePods. Once a hacker breaks in, they could do things like steal data, mess with apps, or even spy on the screen or audio shared through AirPlay or CarPlay.

    What’s worse is that the attack doesn’t require the hacker to be on the same network. They only need to be within Wi-Fi range. And since the protocol runs in the background, users likely won’t know anything’s wrong.

    The researchers shared their findings with Apple in 2023. While Apple has made some security updates since then, not all risks have been fixed. Experts recommend turning off Wi-Fi when not in use and avoiding AirPlay or CarPlay in public areas to stay safe.