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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

  • AirTag’s new tool for stress-free travel

    AirTag’s new tool for stress-free travel

    Summer travel is in full swing, and Apple’s AirTag has a fresh feature that’s a must-have for wanderers. If you’ve ever panicked over a lost suitcase, the iOS 18.2 update brings a handy solution called Location Sharing. This tool helps you track down missing bags by letting you share your AirTag’s whereabouts with others, like airline staff.

    Here’s the deal: in the Find My app on your iPhone, you can create a secure link showing your AirTag’s location. Lost your luggage? Send this link to the airline, and they can pinpoint your bag faster. Apple’s partnered with several airlines, including big names like United and Delta, to make this super smooth. Each airline has its own process—some take the link via their website, others through baggage support.

    To get started, open Find My, pick your misplaced AirTag, and generate the link. Share it with the airline, and they’ll see a live map of your bag’s location. The link is private, locked with encryption, and expires after seven days or when your bag’s back in your hands. You can also cancel it anytime. This feature is a travel lifesaver. It cuts the stress of lost luggage and helps airlines reunite you with your stuff quickly. Tried it yet? Share your story!

  • 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

  • Exciting new games hitting Apple Arcade soon

    Exciting new games hitting Apple Arcade soon

    Get ready for a fresh batch of fun as Apple Arcade rolls out five awesome games on May 1! These titles offer something for everyone, from silly multiplayer chaos to relaxing puzzles. Leading the pack is a wild new creation from the team behind WHAT THE GOLF? and WHAT THE CAR?. Here’s what’s coming to keep you entertained.

    The star of the show is WHAT THE CLASH?, a super fun party game perfect for playing alone or with friends. Collect quirky cards to mix and match for hilarious battles, like “gooey soccer” or “flaming darts.” It’s crafted by Triband, who always bring a big dose of humor and creativity.

    Rounding out the lineup are four other gems: LEGO Friends Heartlake Rush+, a colorful racing adventure; SUMI SUMI: Matching Puzzle+, a chill puzzle game; with My Buddy, a heartwarming pet-care sim; and Words of Wonders: Search+, a brain-teasing word hunt. The “+” means these versions are ad-free with no extra costs, unlike their App Store counterparts.

    While this month’s drop is a tad smaller, WHAT THE CLASH? is sure to steal the spotlight. Apple Arcade is $6.99 a month or part of an Apple One plan, giving you over 200 ad-free games. New users get a one-month free trial, and new Apple device owners score three months free. Jump in and enjoy the fun!

  • 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!

  • New iOS 18.5 update brings simple upgrades

    New iOS 18.5 update brings simple upgrades

    Apple has announced that iOS 18.5 is almost here, following a smooth testing phase. This update introduces a few easy-to-use features to make your iPhone and iPad even better, with a focus on convenience and a touch of style.

    A key change is in the Mail app, where you can now hide contact photos directly from a quick menu in the app’s top corner. Previously, you had to dig into Settings to do this, so the new option is a time-saver. Another improvement is in the Settings app, which now clearly displays your AppleCare+ warranty details, so you can check your coverage without hassle.

    The update also celebrates Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection. A new Pride Edition Apple Watch Sport Band features bright, rainbow-like stripes, and iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 will include a matching dynamic wallpaper for your iPhone and iPad. This lively wallpaper shifts its colorful patterns when you tilt, lock, or unlock your device, adding a playful vibe.

    Apple typically releases updates like this in mid-May, so expect iOS 18.5 around May 12 or May 19. Testing has shown it’s a stable update with minor tweaks, paving the way for iOS 19’s reveal at WWDC in June. This could be one of the last iOS 18 updates, focusing on small fixes and user-friendly enhancements. Get set to download this update for practical improvements and a burst of rainbow energy!

  • Could you get cash from Apple’s Siri settlement?

    Could you get cash from Apple’s Siri settlement?

    Apple has settled a $95 million lawsuit over claims that its voice assistant, Siri, recorded private conversations without user consent. If you owned a Siri-enabled device, you might be eligible for a small payout. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged that Siri accidentally captured personal talks, which were then used to serve targeted ads for products like shoes or restaurants mentioned in those conversations.

    The settlement applies to U.S. residents who owned or bought a Siri-enabled device, such as an iPhone or iPad, between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. If you believe Siri recorded your private chats without permission, you can file a claim. Eligible users may receive up to $20 per device, for a maximum of five devices, meaning a possible payout of up to $100. However, the final amount depends on how many people apply and after legal fees and other costs are deducted.

    Apple denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the case. If you’re eligible, check your email for a notice titled “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement.” The email will guide you on how to submit a claim. With the settlement fund reduced by administrative and attorney costs, the payout per person may be modest, but it’s worth checking if you qualify.

  • Apple’s new HomeOS and Apple Intelligence features highlighted in new ad

    Apple’s new HomeOS and Apple Intelligence features highlighted in new ad

    Apple is set to launch a fresh software platform called homeOS in 2025, designed to power a new smart home device named the HomePad. This device, a blend of an iPad and HomePod, aims to make Siri and Apple’s AI, known as Apple Intelligence, more useful at home.

    The HomePad will feature a screen for controlling smart home gadgets, showing widgets, and running apps like Photos, Music, and Notes. It will also have a camera for FaceTime calls and sensors to adjust its display based on how close you are.

    The homeOS platform will feel familiar to iPhone users, with a home screen full of customizable widgets. While it won’t have an App Store at first, it will come with built-in Apple apps. A cool feature is a photo slideshow mode that acts like a screensaver when you’re far away. Siri will get smarter, using Apple Intelligence to understand your personal info, like emails or texts, to help with tasks such as finding a recipe or flight details.

    Apple Intelligence will also bring new tricks to other devices in 2025, like Priority Notifications to highlight important alerts and better language support for Siri. These updates will roll out with iOS 18.4 in April. The HomePad, expected later in 2025, could be delayed as Apple fine-tunes Siri’s advanced features. This launch marks Apple’s big push into smart homes, aiming to make your home tech as seamless as your iPhone.

  • 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.