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Apple Watch Bands might have harmful chemicals, lawsuit claims

A lawsuit filed in a California court this week targets Apple, alleging that the company did not tell customers about dangerous chemicals in some of their Apple Watch bands.

The lawsuit suggests that Apple promotes the watch as good for health and fitness, but fails to mention that certain bands might be harmful. According to the legal document, a study recently found high levels of substances called “forever chemicals” or PFAS in some smartwatch bands. These chemicals can soak into the skin and might cause health issues over time.

PFAS are used in synthetic rubber to prevent the bands from getting dirty or discolored by sweat or grime.

Although the study didn’t name specific brands, it tested bands from companies like Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google. The lawsuit points out that among these, some expensive bands, including those from Apple, had significant amounts of PFAS. The lawsuit is aimed at anyone in the U.S. who bought a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for their Apple Watch.

Apple has not yet commented on these allegations. A judge will decide if this lawsuit can move forward.

This situation highlights the importance of transparency in product materials, especially when items are marketed for health and daily use. Consumers deserve to know what they’re wearing, particularly when it’s something as close to the body as a smartwatch band.

January 24, 2025
Trump criticizes EU over fines on Apple and other US tech companies

Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump has voiced strong disapproval of the European Union (EU) for imposing hefty fines on American tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook.

US President Labels EU Actions as “Taxation”

Speaking virtually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump accused the EU of unfairly targeting major US companies. He described the fines as a “form of taxation” against American businesses, expressing frustration with the EU’s regulatory measures.

Trump stated, “They’ve taken $15 or $16 billion from Apple, billions from Google, and now they’re after Facebook for even more. These are American companies, and what the EU is doing is wrong. In my view, it’s just another way of taxing them. We have serious complaints about the EU.”

The Apple case Trump referred to centers around a lengthy legal dispute over taxes in Ireland. The EU ruled that Apple’s tax arrangement with Ireland violated its laws, forcing the tech giant to pay significant back taxes.

Trump’s Broader Criticism of the EU

Beyond tech companies, Trump criticized the EU’s broader economic policies, highlighting trade imbalances. He remarked, “The EU treats the US very unfairly. We’re dealing with hundreds of billions in trade deficits with them. No one is happy about it, and we’re going to take action.”

Reactions and Implications

Critics, however, were quick to point out Trump’s inconsistent stance. While he condemned the EU for regulating American firms, his own policies often focused on tariffs and trade measures against foreign businesses.

These remarks signal potential challenges ahead for US tech companies operating in Europe. As the EU continues to scrutinize firms like Apple, Google, and Facebook, the friction between American leadership and European regulators could intensify.

Trump’s statements also raise questions about how his administration might approach issues like App Store regulations and other matters affecting US tech firms in global markets.

January 24, 2025
iPhones with TikTok app sell for big bucks on eBay

People are selling old iPhones with TikTok already on them for lots of money on eBay. Some are even asking for up to $50,000! For example, someone listed an unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max with TikTok for $50,000.

Even though President Trump said companies wouldn’t get in trouble for not following the TikTok ban, big companies like Apple and Google are still not allowing TikTok in their app stores in the US.

A Quick Update

The US Supreme Court said yes to banning TikTok last Friday, and the ban started on January 19. TikTok was taken off the app stores on Sunday. Apple had to say they would follow the law. But then, Trump posted on social media that he would stop the ban when he became president again the next day, and he said companies could ignore the law without getting into trouble. So, TikTok came back online thanks to Bytedance, with Oracle, a US company, trusting Trump’s word.

Trump then made an official statement saying the ban wouldn’t be enforced for 75 days, but lawyers said this might not be legal, meaning companies could still face huge fines of up to $850 billion. They also said Trump could change his mind if he didn’t like a company.

eBay Listings for TikTok iPhones

Wired noticed that some sellers on eBay are trying to make money by selling old phones with TikTok on them for much more than they are really worth.

If you look up “TikTok phone” on eBay, you’ll find over 9,000 listings for phones from brands like Apple and Samsung, all with TikTok installed. Some listings are asking for $50,000, while many others are between $2,000 and $5,000.

Luckily, it seems like most people aren’t paying these crazy prices. The phones with very high prices aren’t selling, and when they do sell, it’s often because buyers can offer a lower price through eBay’s “best offer” option.

Here’s an interesting thing about these iPhones: if one user downloads apps using their Apple ID and then another user signs in with their own ID, the apps stay on the phone. But, if you ever reset your phone using your own iCloud backup, you’ll lose those apps.

Source

January 23, 2025
UK Watchdog probes iPhone App Store dominance

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has kicked off a thorough investigation into how mobile app stores operate, focusing on iPhone and Android systems.

The study aims to look at whether Apple has too much control over the market and if they might be using this power in unfair ways. They’re checking how apps are sold to consumers and the rules developers have to follow to get their apps on the iPhone’s App Store.

This investigation sounds a lot like what’s happening in the European Union, where they have rules to keep big tech companies in check.

The CMA will look into how much competition exists between Apple and Google, including how hard it is for new companies to break into the market. They’ll check if Apple and Google are using their big influence over mobile operating systems to favor their own apps or limit choices in browsers. They’re also looking at the conditions app makers must agree to for their apps to appear in these stores.

The investigation is set to wrap up by October 22, 2025. After that, we’ll know more about what might happen next. Possible outcomes could include penalties or changes in how these companies do business.

In Europe, Apple was made to allow other app stores, let apps be downloaded from the internet, and give users more browser options. However, Apple also changed how they charge developers, which some big companies like Epic Games and Spotify say is still not fair. While the EU case continues, it’s likely Apple might use similar tactics when dealing with the CMA in the UK.

Source

January 23, 2025
Samsung unveils super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge to compete with iPhone 17 Air

At the Unpacked 2025 event, Samsung announced the new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. But they saved a big surprise for last: they teased the Galaxy S25 Edge, a super thin phone.

Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 17 Air

Reporters from 9to5Google were at the event and saw the teaser for the Galaxy S25 Edge. We don’t know much yet – like when it will come out or what it can do. People guess it might be available in April or May. We only know for sure that it’s called the Galaxy S25 Edge.

A recent report says the Galaxy S25 Edge might be about 6.4mm thick. On the other hand, Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be even thinner, at around 5.5mm.

Samsung began working on the S25 Edge right after hearing about the iPhone 17 Air rumors last May, according to one report.

Leaked images from SmartPrix show the S25 Edge will have three cameras on the back. The iPhone 17 Air, however, is expected to have just one 48MP camera in a long, bar-shaped design.

In a chat with Bloomberg, TM Roh, who leads Samsung’s phone business, talked about the new S25 Edge. He said, “We’re putting the best tech from our Ultra model into a much thinner phone. People want great performance, amazing cameras, and smart AI, but they also want a phone that looks cool and stands out.”

Roh added, “We want to make this phone cheaper than our Ultra models so more people can buy it.”

This sneak peek at the Galaxy S25 Edge has certainly got everyone talking about how Samsung and Apple are racing to make the slimmest, most feature-packed phones.

January 23, 2025
TikTok’s Return to U.S. Screens: Navigating the new normal

In a rollercoaster of events, TikTok has made a comeback in the U.S., though not without its challenges. After going dark on Saturday night and being pulled from Apple’s App Store, the platform was up and running again by Sunday afternoon, following what TikTok called “necessary clarity” from President Trump.

Here’s the scoop: despite its functionality being restored, TikTok isn’t back on the App Store. This means new users can’t download it, and existing users can’t update it. The ban, initiated by a law signed by President Biden in April 2024, required TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest within nine months or face a ban. That deadline hit on January 19, leading to a brief blackout of the app.

However, thanks to an assurance from Trump, service providers like Oracle have continued supporting TikTok, risking hefty fines, while tech giants like Apple and Google remain cautious, not re-listing the app.

For existing iPhone users, this means you can still use TikTok if you have it installed, but no new downloads or updates are available through the App Store. The app’s core functionalities are intact, including TikTok Shop, but new in-app purchases are off-limits, although web purchases remain accessible.

With Trump’s recent inauguration, he’s hinted at a 90-day delay in enforcing the ban and proposed U.S. ownership in TikTok, signaling potential changes on the horizon. How ByteDance responds to this proposition will shape TikTok’s future in the U.S. market.

January 21, 2025
The TikTok Saga: Apple’s compliance and the shifting sands of digital sovereignty

The digital landscape shifted dramatically this past weekend as Apple, in a move echoing the complexities of international relations and technological control, removed TikTok and other ByteDance-owned applications from its U.S. App Store. This action, far from being a simple business decision, is a direct consequence of escalating legislative measures aimed at addressing perceived national security concerns surrounding foreign-owned digital platforms.

The backdrop to this removal is the recently enacted “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” a piece of legislation that mandates the divestiture of ByteDance’s ownership of TikTok within the United States. Failure to comply, the law stipulates, would result in a complete ban of the platform within the country. With the deadline for compliance having arrived, companies like Apple and Google were left with little choice but to enforce the law, facing substantial penalties for non-compliance.

Apple, in a publicly released statement, emphasized its commitment to adhering to the legal frameworks of the regions in which it operates. This statement underscores the delicate balance tech giants must maintain between global reach and local regulations. The removal of TikTok, along with other ByteDance applications such as CapCut and Hypic, was presented not as a matter of choice, but as a legal obligation.

The official statement from Apple clarifies the scope of the action: “Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.” This statement serves as a clear confirmation of the legal impetus behind the removal.

The ramifications of this decision extend beyond mere app availability. Apple’s statement also addressed the implications for international visitors to the U.S. who may experience restricted functionality of ByteDance applications due to the newly implemented law. This detail highlights the far-reaching impact of the legislation, affecting not only U.S. citizens but also those traveling within the country.

For existing TikTok users in the United States, the impact was immediate. As of late Saturday, access to the app was effectively cut off, with TikTok itself acknowledging the “temporary unavailability” of the service within the U.S. While the app remains accessible and fully functional in other regions of the world, American users find themselves abruptly disconnected from the platform.

The timing of this event adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With the upcoming presidential inauguration scheduled for Monday, January 20th, rumors are circulating about a potential 90-day reprieve for TikTok.

Whether this reprieve will materialize remains to be seen, and the long-term future of TikTok’s operation within the U.S. under ByteDance ownership hangs in the balance. The possibility of requiring a change in ownership to comply with U.S. regulations is a significant point of discussion, adding uncertainty to the platform’s future in the American market.

This situation is more than just a dispute over a social media app. It represents a broader conversation about digital sovereignty, national security, and the influence of foreign technology within domestic markets. The actions taken by the U.S. government and the subsequent compliance by companies like Apple set a precedent that could have significant implications for the future of global digital interactions.

It raises important questions about the balance between national security concerns, free access to information, and the role of technology companies in navigating these complex issues. The TikTok saga is far from over, and its unfolding will undoubtedly continue to shape the discourse around technology, politics, and international relations.

January 19, 2025
Big Tech Fines: A drop in the ocean or a Wake-Up Call?

The world of technology is constantly evolving, pushing boundaries and shaping our modern lives. However, this rapid growth and influence haven’t come without scrutiny. Recent years have seen a surge in regulatory actions against major tech companies, resulting in billions of dollars in fines for various infractions, primarily related to antitrust and competition law violations. But the question remains: are these fines a significant deterrent, or merely a cost of doing business for these corporate giants?

A recent analysis of tech fines paints a stark picture. While the total sum of penalties levied against major tech players in 2024 reached a staggering $8.2 billion, a closer look reveals a different story. This seemingly enormous figure represents a mere fraction of these companies’ financial power. In fact, most of these tech behemoths could comfortably cover these fines within a matter of days or weeks using their free cash flow – the money left over after covering operating expenses and capital expenditures.

Consider Apple, for example. The tech giant faced over $2.1 billion in fines last year, primarily for alleged antitrust violations. While this number sounds substantial, it represents just over a week’s worth of the company’s free cash flow. This means that Apple could theoretically pay off all its fines with less than eight days of earnings. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of fines as a regulatory tool. If these penalties represent such a small portion of a company’s resources, are they truly a deterrent against anti-competitive behavior?

The analysis also highlighted other tech giants and their respective fine burdens. Google, facing nearly $3 billion in fines, could clear its debt in just over two weeks. Meta, with fines exceeding $1.4 billion, could do the same in under ten days. Even Amazon, despite facing a relatively smaller fine of around $57 million, could pay it off with less than a day’s worth of earnings. These figures underscore the immense financial power of these companies and cast doubt on the efficacy of the current fining system.

The core issue lies in the disparity between the scale of the fines and the financial resources of the companies being fined. For most individuals or small businesses, a substantial fine can have a devastating impact. However, for these tech giants, billions of dollars can be absorbed with minimal disruption to their operations. This creates a situation where fines are perceived as a minor inconvenience rather than a serious consequence, potentially emboldening these companies to engage in practices that might otherwise be considered too risky.

One of Apple’s largest fines stemmed from an EU ruling related to competition in the music streaming market. This case, and others like it, highlight concerns about these companies’ dominance and their potential to stifle innovation and competition. When the penalty for breaking competition laws amounts to a negligible portion of a company’s earnings, the incentive to comply with these laws diminishes significantly.

Experts and industry observers have voiced concerns about this issue, arguing that regulators need to adopt a more impactful approach. The current system of fines, while well-intentioned, fails to address the underlying problem: the immense financial disparity between regulators and the companies they regulate. Some suggest that regulators should explore alternative measures, such as imposing stricter operational restrictions, breaking up monopolies, or even pursuing criminal charges against executives in cases of egregious misconduct.

The goal of regulation should not be simply to generate revenue through fines, but rather to ensure a fair and competitive marketplace. If fines are not acting as a sufficient deterrent, it’s time for regulators to re-evaluate their strategies and find more effective ways to hold these powerful companies accountable. The future of innovation and competition may depend on it. Creating an environment where all companies, regardless of size, can thrive is crucial. This requires strong competition legislation and, more importantly, robust enforcement. Without it, the current system risks becoming a mere slap on the wrist for the world’s most powerful tech companies.

January 17, 2025
Tim Cook Among Tech Leaders Attending Trump’s Inauguration: What It Means for Apple and the Industry

Apple CEO Tim Cook, along with several other prominent tech leaders, will attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The move underscores the complex relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington, where politics and business interests often intersect.

Tech Leaders Gather for a Historic Event

Bloomberg reports that Cook’s attendance reflects a broader trend of engagement between tech executives and Trump’s administration. In the months leading up to the inauguration, major tech companies and CEOs, including Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), and Elon Musk (Tesla), have been interacting more closely with the incoming administration. These efforts often involve donations to inaugural funds or direct meetings with Trump and his team.

Tim Cook personally donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, signaling Apple’s intent to maintain dialogue with the new administration. This donation follows Cook’s December visit to Mar-a-Lago, where he had dinner with Trump, as well as a congratulatory message Cook posted on social media after Trump’s election victory.

The Financial Stakes: Tech’s Investment in Political Influence

Trump’s inauguration fund has reportedly amassed $200 million, thanks in part to contributions from industry leaders and corporations. Companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta, Uber, Toyota, Ford, and GM have also made significant donations. These investments are widely seen as a way to secure favorable policies or avoid potential regulatory roadblocks under the new administration.

For Apple, this engagement may be particularly strategic. Trump’s stated intention to impose tariffs on imported goods poses a potential challenge for tech companies. Apple has historically worked to minimize the impact of such policies on its operations.

Tariffs and Tech: Apple’s Delicate Balancing Act

During Trump’s first term, Apple successfully avoided tariffs on major products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, though some tariffs were imposed on accessories such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, and HomePod. In 2019, Trump acknowledged Cook’s arguments against tariffs, stating that the Apple CEO had “made a good case” about how tariffs could disadvantage Apple compared to competitors.

By attending the inauguration and fostering a relationship with the administration, Cook may be positioning Apple to negotiate exemptions or influence future trade policies that could impact the tech giant’s supply chain and pricing strategy.

Broader Implications for Tech-Government Relations

The presence of high-profile tech leaders at Trump’s inauguration underscores a shifting dynamic in Silicon Valley’s relationship with Washington. While the tech industry has traditionally been perceived as leaning toward liberal politics, the pragmatic need to navigate regulatory and trade issues often necessitates bipartisan engagement.

As the leader of one of the world’s most influential companies, Cook’s actions reflect a balancing act—maintaining Apple’s values while securing its business interests in a politically polarized environment.

Closing Thoughts

Tim Cook’s decision to attend Trump’s inauguration is emblematic of the evolving relationship between technology and politics. As the tech industry grapples with challenges ranging from trade policies to antitrust scrutiny, maintaining open lines of communication with government leaders is more critical than ever.

Cook’s attendance highlights Apple’s commitment to navigating these complexities while safeguarding its position as a global innovator. For tech leaders and companies alike, this moment serves as a reminder of the intricate dance between business and governance in shaping the future of the industry.

January 16, 2025
Apple Watch expands sleep apnea detection as iPhone eyes under-display Face ID

The world of wearable tech and smartphones is constantly evolving, with Apple at the forefront of innovation. Recent developments point towards expanded health features for the Apple Watch and a potential major design shift for the iPhone. Let’s delve into these exciting updates.

Apple Watch Tackles Sleep Apnea on a Global Scale

The Apple Watch is becoming more than just a timepiece; it’s evolving into a powerful health monitoring tool. Apple has been diligently working to expand the availability of its sleep apnea detection feature, recently securing approval for its launch in Malaysia, as reported by local sources. This follows closely on the heels of its release in Brazil, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to a global rollout. This feature has already reached over 150 countries and territories as of last September.

Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, can have serious health implications if left untreated. The Apple Watch, specifically the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models running watchOS 11, utilizes its built-in accelerometer to detect subtle movements during sleep. These movements, indicative of potential breathing disturbances, are then analyzed by sophisticated algorithms. If consistent patterns suggesting moderate to severe sleep apnea are detected, the user receives a notification.

Apple emphasizes the rigorous development process behind this feature, highlighting the use of advanced machine learning techniques and a vast dataset of clinical-grade sleep apnea tests. The feature underwent validation through a clinical study, further solidifying its reliability. It’s important to note that this feature is intended for adults without a prior diagnosis of sleep apnea and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical assessment.

The Health app on the iPhone provides a detailed log of nightly breathing disturbances, classifying each instance as either “elevated” or “not elevated,” allowing users to track potential trends and share the information with their healthcare providers. This data-driven approach empowers users to take a proactive role in monitoring their sleep health.

The Future of iPhone Design: Under-Screen Face ID on the Horizon

Beyond the realm of wearables, significant changes are anticipated for the iPhone’s design. The long-awaited arrival of under-screen Face ID is generating considerable buzz. Industry analysts have been closely tracking developments in this area, providing valuable insights into Apple’s plans.

Initially, projections suggested that iPhone 17 Pro models would be the first to adopt under-display Face ID. However, recent information indicates a potential delay, pushing the anticipated release to 2026. This means we could see this groundbreaking technology debut on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Even with under-screen Face ID, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to retain a small pinhole for the front-facing camera, similar to current Android devices from manufacturers like Google and Samsung. This approach allows for a near bezel-less display while still accommodating essential camera functionality. The fate of the Dynamic Island, the interactive area that currently houses the Face ID sensors on newer iPhones, remains uncertain. It’s unclear whether this feature will be retained, adapted, or phased out entirely with the introduction of under-screen Face ID.

Looking further ahead, analysts speculate that Apple’s ultimate goal is to achieve a truly uninterrupted, all-screen design, incorporating both Face ID and the front camera beneath the display. This would represent a major leap forward in smartphone aesthetics and user experience.

These developments in both the Apple Watch and iPhone ecosystems illustrate Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation. From enhancing health monitoring capabilities to reimagining smartphone design, Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, shaping the future of personal devices. The integration of advanced technologies like machine learning and the pursuit of seamless designs point towards a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, enhancing our well-being and simplifying our interactions with the digital world.

January 10, 2025

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