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  • Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple faces Siri privacy payout and App Store legal battle

    Apple is dealing with two big legal issues. First, the company agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit claiming its voice assistant, Siri, recorded private talks without permission. If you owned a Siri-enabled device like an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and Siri accidentally turned on during a private conversation, you might get up to $20 per device, for up to five devices.

    You need to submit a claim by July 2, 2025, swearing the activation happened during a confidential moment. The final amount depends on how many people claim. Apple says Siri data was never used for ads and settled to avoid more court fights. Meanwhile, Apple is also in a legal tussle with Epic Games over App Store rules. Epic, the maker of Fortnite, won a court ruling saying Apple must let developers tell users about other payment options outside the App Store.

    Apple wants to pause these changes while appealing, arguing it needs time to adjust and protect users. Epic disagrees, saying Apple’s delays hurt competition. The court hasn’t decided yet, but this fight could change how apps handle payments. Both cases show Apple navigating tough legal waters. The Siri settlement offers some users a small payout, while the Epic battle could reshape the App Store’s future. For now, Apple is balancing user trust and business rules as these cases unfold.

    Source/Via

  • New tricks for your iPhone with iOS 18.5

    New tricks for your iPhone with iOS 18.5

    Apple’s iOS 18.5 update is dropping soon, packed with handy features to spruce up your iPhone. Let’s dive into what’s new and how it’ll make your phone even better. To start, there’s a lively Pride 2025 wallpaper with bold, colorful patterns that dance across your screen when you lock or unlock your device. It’s a fun way to show support for inclusivity.

    For iPhone 13 owners, you’ll love the new satellite connectivity option, letting you tap into carrier services even in far-off places with no signal. Screen Time is getting a tweak that lets you silence notifications from chosen apps when you’re in a focus mode, keeping distractions at bay.

    Over in the Apple TV app, a new “Live” section makes it super easy to jump into live sports or events without digging through menus. Lastly, the Mail app now lets you hit snooze on emails, pushing them out of sight until you’re ready to deal with them. It’s a small change that keeps your inbox tidy.

    Set to roll out next week after thorough testing, iOS 18.5 isn’t a massive overhaul but adds thoughtful upgrades to your iPhone’s daily grind. Get excited to try these fresh features and enjoy a smoother, more colorful phone experience!

  • What’s new with the iPhone 17 Air and Apple Intelligence 2.0

    What’s new with the iPhone 17 Air and Apple Intelligence 2.0

    Apple’s iPhone 17 Air, set to launch in September 2025, promises to be a game-changer with its super-slim design. At just 5.6mm thick, it’s the thinnest iPhone ever, making it a standout compared to the chunkier iPhone 16 Pro models.

    However, there’s a catch: Apple might not make enough of them. Some worry the Air’s compromises, like a weaker battery and fewer cameras, could hurt sales, possibly making it rarer than recent Plus models. With four months until the big reveal, Apple can still ramp up production to meet demand and avoid shortages for this exciting new phone.

    On the software side, Apple Intelligence 2.0 is coming next month, bringing smarter features to your iPhone. Siri is getting a big upgrade, with new abilities that were delayed from iOS 18. Soon, Siri will act more like a human, using advanced Apple AI models to handle tasks better, similar to ChatGPT.

    It will also work more smoothly with third-party apps, making your phone feel more intuitive. These updates aim to make everyday tasks easier and more personal, keeping Apple’s focus on privacy with on-device processing. The iPhone 17 Air’s sleek look and Apple Intelligence 2.0’s smarter Siri could make 2025 a big year for Apple fans. Are you excited for these changes? Share your thoughts.

    Source/Via

  • Epic Games battles Apple: big costs and new laws

    Epic Games battles Apple: big costs and new laws

    Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has spent over $100 million fighting Apple’s App Store rules, according to CEO Tim Sweeney. This legal battle, which started in 2020, has cost Epic even more in lost earnings, possibly up to $1 billion since Fortnite was removed from the App Store.

    Despite the high price, Epic won a key victory: a U.S. court ruled that Apple must allow developers to guide users to payment options outside the App Store, avoiding Apple’s fees. This change could save developers money and lower prices for users.

    Epic plans to bring Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store soon, possibly this week, using its Sweden-based account since Apple banned its U.S. account. However, the return isn’t certain, as Apple’s approval is still needed. Sweeney hopes Apple will apply these new rules worldwide, which could end Epic’s lawsuits against them.

    Meanwhile, a new bill in Florida aims to challenge Apple’s control over the App Store. Proposed by Congresswoman Kat Cammack, the App Store Freedom Act would force Apple to allow third-party app stores and payment systems. It also lets users remove pre-installed apps and ensures developers can distribute apps elsewhere without penalties.

    Supported by Epic and others, this bill could further weaken Apple’s grip on its app market. These changes show a growing push to make app stores fairer. While Epic’s fight has been costly, it’s paving the way for more choices for developers and users. Apple plans to appeal the court ruling, so the battle isn’t over yet.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Cool new features coming to iPhone 18 Pro

    Cool new features coming to iPhone 18 Pro

    Apple is gearing up for the iPhone 18 Pro, expected to hit shelves in 2026, and whispers about its upgrades are already making waves. Here’s a fresh take on what’s in store, based on the latest buzz. The iPhone 18 Pro could sport a cleaner look with Face ID tucked under the display, leaving only a small dot for the selfie camera.

    This would give the screen a smoother, uninterrupted vibe. The rear camera is tipped to feature a variable aperture, letting you tweak light capture for stunning shots in any environment, much like a pro camera. All models might boast 12GB of RAM, up from the iPhone 16’s 8GB, making apps run faster and handling heavy tasks like a breeze.

    Apple’s own Wi-Fi 7 chip could bring blazing-fast internet, perfect for streaming or gaming on the go. A new WMCM chip design might pack more power into a compact setup, boosting efficiency. There’s also chatter about a foldable iPhone entering the scene, with Pro versions launching in fall 2026 and a standard one in early 2027.

    Plus, a 48-megapixel telephoto lens could deliver crystal-clear zoomed photos. These changes point to a faster, smarter iPhone 18 Pro with top-notch camera skills. While still just rumors, they hint at Apple pushing the boundaries to keep its premium phone a cut above the rest.

  • Apple’s Foldable iPhone could wow with a smooth screen

    Apple’s Foldable iPhone could wow with a smooth screen

    Apple is gearing up to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, and it might come with a feature people have been dreaming about: a display without an annoying crease. This book-style phone, folding open like a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, is expected to have a 5.5-inch outer screen and a 7.8-inch inner screen, roughly the size of an iPad mini when unfolded. The big deal? Apple is aiming to make the screen look perfectly smooth, tackling the crease problem that bothers users of other foldable devices.

    This isn’t a sudden idea. Over ten years ago, in 2014, Apple filed a patent for a hinge that creates a “gapless” fold, ensuring the screen stays sleek. That long-term effort shows Apple’s dedication to perfection. A crease-free display would make the iPhone Fold ideal for watching movies, gaming, or splitting the screen for multiple apps.

    Rumors suggest the foldable iPhone will be super slim, possibly using tech from the iPhone 17 Air to stay lightweight yet powerful. But this cutting-edge device might cost around $2,000, a premium price for a phone that doubles as a small tablet. Apple’s focus on quality could make the iPhone Fold a standout in the foldable world. By fixing the crease issue, they might raise the bar for what a foldable phone can be. What do you think about this? Share your thoughts!

  • iOS 19 Unveiled: Three cool upgrades to expect

    iOS 19 Unveiled: Three cool upgrades to expect

    Next month, Apple will kick off its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025, and iOS 19 is set to take center stage. This iPhone update brings a trio of awesome features that promise to refresh your device. Here’s a quick look at what’s on the way.

    First up, iOS 19 will sport a shiny new design pulled from VisionOS, the tech powering Apple’s Vision Pro. Picture a slick interface with glassy, see-through menus, smooth-edged app icons, and a hovering navigation bar in apps. It’s a bold, futuristic vibe that’ll make your iPhone feel brand-new.

    Siri’s also getting a serious boost. Apple is rebuilding its virtual assistant to be sharper and more helpful, like a friend who gets you. It’ll tackle tasks with ease, tap into your messages or calendar for context, and play nice with apps outside Apple’s ecosystem. Expect these perks to grow stronger by spring 2026.

    Lastly, the Camera app is getting a makeover. You’ll enjoy a larger viewfinder with clean, see-through controls, making it super simple to capture photos or videos. Plus, it’ll tie into Apple’s new translation features, like real-time speech translation through AirPods, perfect for chats on the go.

  • Apple’s smart features coming to iOS 18.6 and iOS 19

    Apple’s smart features coming to iOS 18.6 and iOS 19

    Apple is gearing up to bring new Apple Intelligence tools to iPhones and iPads with iOS 18.6 and iOS 19 in 2025. These updates will make your devices more intuitive, building on existing features like Genmoji and Writing Tools.

    Set for release around July 2025, iOS 18.6 will give Siri a major boost. It’ll dive into your messages, emails, and notes to answer questions faster. For instance, ask Siri to pull up a friend’s shared travel itinerary, and it’ll find it in seconds. Siri will also manage tasks across apps, like organizing your calendar or sharing files, simplifying your routine.

    By September 2025, iOS 19 will introduce even cooler features. Smart Notifications will highlight urgent alerts, ensuring you never miss a key message. Memory Movies, which create photo slideshows from text prompts, will expand to Macs, making it easier to relive special moments. Apple is also adding support for languages like French, Italian, and Japanese, so more users globally can enjoy these tools.

    These updates reflect Apple’s focus on creating devices that feel personal and efficient while keeping your privacy first. Though some features are still being fine-tuned, they’re designed to save you time and fit seamlessly into your life. Get ready for a smarter Apple experience!

  • Apple’s WWDC 2025: What’s new and exciting

    Apple’s WWDC 2025: What’s new and exciting

    Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), happening June 9-13, 2025, promises a thrilling lineup of updates. This year, the event will highlight three key areas: a bold new look for Apple’s software, smarter AI tools, and better support for app developers.

    Apple is set to refresh its operating systems—iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16—with a modern, cohesive design. Picture sleeker icons, smoother menus, and a polished style inspired by the airy, transparent vibe of visionOS. These changes aim to make using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac feel more intuitive and visually appealing.

    On the AI front, Apple Intelligence is getting a boost. While a major Siri overhaul might wait, expect new AI features in apps like Notes or Photos. Think smarter ways to organize your ideas or touch up images, helping your devices work harder for you.

    For developers, WWDC 2025 will roll out fresh tools and resources. Through virtual workshops, hands-on labs, and discussion forums, app creators can dive into Apple’s latest tech. Plus, a lucky few developers and students will join an exclusive in-person event at Apple Park on June 9, watching the keynote and connecting with Apple’s team.

    You can catch the keynote live on Apple’s website, the Developer app, or YouTube. With a focus on user-friendly designs and powerful tools, WWDC 2025 is set to show off Apple’s vision for the future. Don’t miss it!

  • 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.

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