Search results for: “change”

  • 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.

  • Apple’s new iPhone plans for 2026 and 2027

    Apple’s new iPhone plans for 2026 and 2027

    Apple is shaking up its iPhone release schedule starting in 2026, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The company plans to launch the iPhone 17e, a budget-friendly model, in early 2026. This follows the iPhone 16e, which replaced the iPhone SE and starts at $599.

    The iPhone 17e aims to offer affordable options while Apple competes with brands like Huawei in China. In late 2026, Apple will roll out premium models, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Air, and its first foldable iPhone. This foldable device, with a book-style design, will have a 5.7-inch outer screen and an 8-inch inner display.

    The standard iPhone 18 and an updated iPhone 16e will arrive in spring 2027, spreading out Apple’s launches to manage production better. By late 2027, Apple is set to release the iPhone 19 Air, featuring a bigger display than the iPhone 18 Air. Alongside it, a second-generation foldable iPhone and the iPhone 19 Pro models will launch, marking the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.

    These changes aim to close the gap with competitors who release flagship phones earlier in the year and keep Apple’s marketing sharp as its lineup grows. This new strategy shows Apple adapting to a crowded market, balancing innovation with affordability, and planning big for its milestone year in 2027.

  • Apple’s Next Big Launches: Airtag 2 and M5 MacBook Pro

    Apple’s Next Big Launches: Airtag 2 and M5 MacBook Pro

    Apple is gearing up for exciting new releases in 2025, with the AirTag 2 and M5 MacBook Pro leading the way. These products promise practical upgrades for everyday users.
    The AirTag 2, expected in May or June, will improve how you track items like keys or bags. It will feature a better ultra-wideband chip, offering up to three times the range of the current AirTag, making it easier to find lost items from farther away.

    Apple is also enhancing safety by making the speaker harder to tamper with, addressing concerns about misuse. The design will stay similar, keeping the familiar small, round shape and replaceable battery. Priced around $29, it’s a handy upgrade for anyone who relies on AirTags.

    Meanwhile, the M5 MacBook Pro is set to launch in October, bringing modest but meaningful improvements. Powered by M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips, it will use advanced 3nm technology for better performance. Expect faster processing and possibly Wi-Fi 7 support, though the design won’t change much. A bigger overhaul with an OLED display is planned for 2026.

    Available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, it’s perfect for professionals needing reliable power. Both products show Apple’s focus on refining what works. The AirTag 2 makes tracking simpler and safer, while the M5 MacBook Pro boosts performance for heavy tasks. Keep an eye out for these launches to stay ahead with Apple’s latest tech.

  • Apple’s Future iPhones: Hidden face id and full-screen dreams

    Apple’s Future iPhones: Hidden face id and full-screen dreams

    Apple is working on exciting changes for its iPhones, with big updates planned for 2026 and 2027. For the iPhone 18 Pro models, rumors suggest Apple will hide Face ID sensors under the screen, making the display cleaner. Instead of the usual notch or Dynamic Island, there will only be a tiny hole for the front camera.

    This change aims to give users more screen space while keeping Face ID’s security. Experts like Ross Young and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman say this could happen by 2026, based on Apple’s testing of new display tech. Looking further ahead, Apple is planning something special for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027.

    The goal is a truly all-screen iPhone, with no holes or cutouts. Both the front camera and Face ID sensors would sit under the display, creating a seamless look. This matches what former Apple designer Jony Ive always wanted—a phone that feels like one smooth piece of glass. Apple is already testing this tech in prototypes, like a foldable device with under-screen sensors.

    These changes show Apple’s push to make iPhones sleeker and more advanced. The iPhone 18 Pro’s smaller camera hole is a step toward the 2027 vision of a fully edge-to-edge display. While challenges remain, like ensuring sensors work perfectly under the screen, Apple’s progress suggests a bold future for its iconic phone.

    Source/Via

  • A new iPhone star is coming

    A new iPhone star is coming

    The iPhone Pro Max has long been the king of iPhones, loved for its large display, amazing battery life, and stellar camera. But with Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup arriving this fall, a new favorite might take its place. Enter the iPhone 17 Air—a game-changer that’s ultra-slim and featherlight.

    Its 6.6-inch screen hits the sweet spot, feeling just right for everyday use. While it may skip some of the Pro Max’s high-end features, its sleek, modern design is turning heads. Fans are already raving about how comfy it feels, and that could make it the go-to pick for many.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, or perhaps a new iPhone Ultra, is getting a bold upgrade. It’s expected to be a bit chunkier to house a bigger battery, ideal for power users who need all-day juice. There’s also buzz about a revamped camera system that could take mobile photography to the next level.

    Apple’s mixing things up, and the Pro Max’s reign as the top dog is no longer guaranteed. With the Air’s stylish vibe and the Pro Max’s powerhouse upgrades, buyers have some exciting choices ahead. Which one’s calling your name? Share your thoughts!

  • Apple Maps gets a handy new feature and a travel wish

    Apple Maps gets a handy new feature and a travel wish

    Apple Maps has added a cool feature that feels like it came straight from the Notes app. Now, you can create custom guides to plan trips or save your favorite spots. These guides let you add personal notes, like tips about a great café or a scenic park, and pin them to specific locations.

    It’s super easy to organize your ideas, whether you’re exploring a new city or keeping track of places you love. This makes Apple Maps more personal and helpful, turning it into a tool for both navigation and memory-keeping.

    On another note, there’s a big wish for Apple to make international travel simpler with eSIMs. Right now, getting a local data plan abroad can be a hassle—think long lines or tricky apps. Imagine if your iPhone could instantly connect to a local network when you land, with Apple Maps offering cheap eSIM options right in the app.

    You’d pick a plan, activate it, and stay connected without stress. This would be a game-changer for travelers, saving time and avoiding pricey roaming fees. While it’s just an idea for now, it shows how Apple could make exploring the world easier.

  • Apple Music’s new vibe borrows from TikTok’s energy

    Apple Music’s new vibe borrows from TikTok’s energy

    Apple Music is gearing up for a bold refresh, drawing inspiration from TikTok’s lively, trend-setting style. The platform plans to spotlight short, catchy video snippets and content crafted by users, making exploring new tunes feel more interactive and fun.

    This shift shows Apple’s keen awareness of how TikTok’s quick, viral clips spark music crazes and shape what’s popular. Behind the scenes, Apple Music’s leadership is also getting a reboot. Rachel Newman, a seasoned pro, teams up with Ole Obermann, who brings TikTok music know-how, to steer the division.

    They work under Oliver Schusser, who manages Apple’s wider services like Apple TV+ and Beats. This reshuffle aims to free up Schusser’s plate and inject fresh, creative ideas into the mix. The makeover is Apple’s way of keeping pace in the fast-moving music streaming scene, where social platforms often dictate the next big hit.

    By weaving in TikTok’s snappy, visual flair, Apple Music hopes to pull in younger fans who love hands-on, shareable experiences. Recent steps, like adding TikTok sharing in iOS 18.1, hint at Apple’s goal to blend music with social buzz. Though specifics on new features are still hush-hush, the vision is bold: transform Apple Music into a hub where fans don’t just play songs but dive into a lively world of videos and community-driven content. As listening habits shift, Apple’s banking on this spirited, connected approach to keep fans coming back.

  • Spotify app update allows web payments after Apple ruling

    Spotify app update allows web payments after Apple ruling

    Spotify has updated its iOS app to let users see subscription prices and buy plans directly on its website, bypassing Apple’s in-app payment system. This change comes after a U.S. court ruled that Apple must allow developers to include links to external payment options without charging fees.

    The ruling, part of a legal battle with Epic Games, found Apple in violation of a 2021 order to support fair competition. Spotify called the decision a major win for users, saying it finally lets them share clear pricing and easy payment options. The updated app, now awaiting Apple’s approval, will let users upgrade from free to premium plans, switch between plans like Individual or Family, and use various payment methods on Spotify’s website.

    Apple has agreed to update its App Store rules to follow the court’s order but plans to appeal the decision. The new guidelines allow developers like Spotify, Epic Games, and Patreon to add external payment links in their apps.

    This shift means companies no longer have to pay Apple’s 30% fee for in-app purchases, giving them more control over their revenue. For users, this could mean better deals and more flexible payment options. The change marks a big moment for app developers and could reshape how digital purchases work on iOS apps in the U.S.

    Source/Via

  • Apple’s latest earnings and challenges ahead

    Apple’s latest earnings and challenges ahead

    Apple recently shared its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, showing strong growth. The company earned $95.4 billion in revenue, a 5% increase from last year, and a profit of $24.8 billion, up 8%. Services, like streaming and subscriptions, hit a record high, growing 12%.

    iPhone sales also helped, especially in markets where Apple Intelligence is available, boosting performance. New products, like the iPhone 16e and advanced Macs and iPads, added to the success. Apple’s board approved $100 billion for stock buybacks and raised its dividend to $0.26 per share.

    However, challenges loom. CEO Tim Cook discussed tariffs, noting they had little impact this quarter due to supply chain tweaks. But for the next quarter, tariffs could add $900 million in costs if policies stay unchanged. Cook avoided commenting on price hikes, leaving consumers wondering. Apple is diversifying production, with half of U.S. iPhones now made in India and other products in Vietnam, to reduce reliance on China.

    On the legal front, Apple faces App Store changes after a court ruling favored Epic Games. The company must allow developers to link to external payment options, following a 2021 injunction. Apple disagrees with the decision, plans to appeal, and is complying for now. The outcome remains unclear, but it could affect Apple’s services business. Despite these hurdles, Apple’s focus on innovation and customer loyalty keeps its device base growing. Cook remains optimistic, hinting at exciting products ahead, like a thinner iPhone 17 Air.

    Source/Via/Via

  • Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    With Mother’s Day coming up on May 11, Apple is rolling out some sweet Apple Pay deals to help you find the perfect gift. From now until May 11, you can save on flowers, jewelry, chocolates, and more at stores like 1-800-Flowers, Pandora, and Godiva. Just use Apple Pay at checkout to grab these discounts.

    Plus, AT&T has a big offer: get up to $1,000 off an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max with a qualifying trade-in and unlimited plan. They’re also throwing in a deal where you can buy two Apple Watches and save $300 if you add a new line. Check out these offers to make Mom’s day special!

    Meanwhile, Epic Games is shaking things up for iOS developers in the EU. They’re launching a program to cover Apple’s fees for developers who sell apps through the Epic Games Store. This move, led by CEO Tim Sweeney, aims to make it easier for developers to offer their apps without worrying about extra costs.

    Epic is also working on bringing Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store and has proposed a truce with Apple to smooth things over. These changes could give developers more freedom and bring more games to your iPhone. Both Apple’s Mother’s Day deals and Epic’s new plan show how companies are finding creative ways to connect with users and developers. Whether it’s saving on gifts or supporting app creators, something exciting is happening in the tech world.

    Source/Via