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Apple might not release its new smart home hub as soon as fans hoped. According to recent reports, the company is taking extra time to perfect this gadget, which is meant to control things like lights, thermostats, and locks in your home. The delay could mean waiting until late 2025 or even 2026 for it to hit stores.

This device is a big deal for Apple because it’s their first shot at a product designed just for smart homes. It’s expected to have a small screen, about six inches, and run on a new system called homeOS. Think of it like a mini command center that works with Siri to make your home smarter. It’ll compete with stuff like Amazon’s Echo Hub and Google’s Nest Hub.

The holdup seems to be about making sure everything works smoothly. Apple wants the hub to connect easily with other devices and be simple to use. They’re also adding some cool features, like a built-in speaker and support for video calls. But getting all this right takes time, and Apple doesn’t want to rush it.

For now, people excited about this gadget will have to wait a bit longer. Apple hasn’t said much officially, but the extra effort could mean a better product in the end. Fans are used to waiting for Apple to polish things up—think of how long it took for the Vision Pro headset to arrive.

So, while the delay might annoy some, it could be worth it if Apple delivers a top-notch smart home hub. Keep an eye out for updates as the company works to make this new device a game-changer for your home.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) shared its final thoughts on Wednesday about the mobile browser market in the country. The group says Apple’s rules are the main reason why competition and new ideas are being held back.

The CMA’s team found that Apple forces all browsers on iPhones and iPads to use its WebKit engine. This stops other browsers from adding special features or running better, even if they work well on other systems. It’s a big roadblock for companies trying to stand out.

The report also highlights other Apple habits that cause trouble. For example, Safari gets special perks on iOS that other browsers don’t. Apple also limits how browsing works inside apps and makes Safari the go-to browser pre-installed on every iPhone.

Google got some attention, too, for putting Chrome on Android phones from the start. But the CMA said Apple’s limits hurt competition more. They also pointed out a big money deal where Google pays Apple billions each year to stay the default search engine on iPhones. This setup makes it less likely for them to compete.

Since the CMA’s early report last November, both companies have made some changes. Apple’s December update, for instance, made it a bit easier for users to pick a different browser. The CMA says these steps help a little but don’t fix everything.

To solve the bigger problems, the CMA suggests ideas like letting other browser engines work on iOS, adding a screen during setup to pick a browser (like in the EU), and putting limits on the Google-Apple search deal. These aren’t rules yet—the CMA is still checking if Apple and Google should get a “strategic market status” label under a new UK law. That decision, due later this year, could let the CMA set tougher rules and fines up to 10% of the companies’ yearly earnings.

The report also wrapped up a look at cloud gaming. After Apple tweaked its App Store rules, the CMA decided no more action was needed there. This comes as regulators in places like the European Union and the United States also dig into mobile browser fairness.

A week ago, Apple surprised everyone by launching a new app and service named “Invites.” However, this launch has led to some unfair criticism about Apple’s approach to apps, suggesting they operate like Google does with its apps.

Google is well-known for starting new apps and services but then either shutting them down or merging them into something else. A good example is Google Podcasts, which didn’t last long. There’s practically a “graveyard” of Google apps that didn’t make it.

After the launch of Invites, some people started to think Apple does the same thing with its apps. But is that really true?

Not Dead Yet

Take the Apple Sports app, for example. It’s been around for a year now, and it keeps getting better. People love it so much they’re asking for a widget for their phones. It’s clear this app isn’t just left to die; it’s growing in popularity.

Then there’s the Journal app, which first appeared with iOS 17.2 in December 2023. By the time iOS 18 rolled out, the app had a significant update to version 2.0, bringing new features like search, sort options, audio transcripts, and more. The only thing missing is an iPad version, not updates.

Apple Music Classical, initially iPhone-only, expanded to include an iPad app and added features like album booklets. It even got a CarPlay app and Siri support.

Music Memos’ Legacy

Music Memos was an app for musicians to record their tunes. It lasted for five years before Apple decided to enhance the built-in Voice Memos app instead. Now, Voice Memos can record two tracks at once, which is great for songwriters who use voice and guitar.

Clips in the Classroom

Apple Clips isn’t dead either. It’s thriving in educational settings with features like royalty-free music and templates that teachers can use in their lessons. Instead of abandoning it, maybe Apple should focus on making a simpler video editing app like CapCut, but without the ByteDance connection.

Looking Ahead for Invites

The future of the Invites app might include tight integration with the Calendar app and could come pre-installed on new iPhones. Its success will depend on turning users into iCloud+ subscribers and having a strong advocate within Apple, similar to how Apple Sports has been championed.

In summary, Apple’s so-called “hobby apps” aren’t just side projects; they’re part of a broader strategy where apps are nurtured, updated, and sometimes transformed to better serve users.

The British government has quietly asked Apple to give it full access to every user’s encrypted data stored in the cloud, according to The Washington Post. This secret directive reportedly came last month, compelling Apple to design a backdoor allowing UK security agencies to access encrypted user data around the world. This is a demand that has never been made in any other democratic nation.

The order was delivered via a “technical capability notice” under the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which critics call the “Snooper’s Charter.” This law allows law enforcement to force companies to assist in gathering evidence.

Apple has not commented on this issue. The law makes it illegal for Apple to even acknowledge such a demand from the government. Similarly, the Home Office declined to confirm or deny the existence of such notices, stating it does not discuss operational details.

A consultant who advises the US on encryption issues said Apple would not be able to inform users that their encryption is no longer secure. A former White House security advisor verified the UK’s order.

Apple Might Stop UK iCloud Services Over Privacy Concerns

There’s talk that Apple might pull its encrypted storage service from the UK rather than weaken the privacy promises it made to its users. However, this wouldn’t stop the UK from accessing the service in other countries. Apple has hinted before that it might withdraw services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if privacy is compromised. Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, introduced in 2022, allows users to encrypt additional data categories like Photos and Notes, keeping them private even from Apple.

Google, on the other hand, has made encryption standard for Android backups since 2018. When asked if any government had asked for a backdoor, Google responded that they can’t access encrypted backup data, even with a legal order.

How to Secure Your iCloud Data

The IPA was revised in 2023 to let the Home Office potentially ban certain encrypted services. Apple criticized these changes as excessive government control, suggesting they could prevent new security features from being offered globally.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has always argued against providing backdoors, stating it would invite criminals to access user data. Cybersecurity experts agree, warning that any backdoor could be exploited. Apple’s resistance was notable in 2016 when they fought and won against a US order to unlock an iPhone.

With increasing cyber threats from state actors, like those from China, US officials are now more focused on cybersecurity than ever, promoting encryption to protect communications. Privacy advocates, like Big Brother Watch, argue that such measures won’t make the UK safer and will instead undermine basic rights and freedoms.

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