RPRNA

Search results for: “play store”

  • Apple fights App Store rules and plans Foldable iPhone

    Apple fights App Store rules and plans Foldable iPhone

    Apple is in a legal battle with Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, over App Store rules. On May 8, 2025, Apple asked a U.S. appeals court to pause a court order that changes how the App Store works. A judge ruled that Apple must stop charging fees on purchases made through outside links and cannot control how these links look in apps.

    Apple says this ruling hurts its business and wants to delay it while appealing. The company argues the judge’s decision unfairly forces it to give up control of its operations. This fight started in 2021 when a court said Apple’s rules limited competition, and Epic claims Apple’s changes still don’t follow the order.

    Meanwhile, Apple is working on a foldable iPhone, set to launch in 2026. Reports say it will have a nearly invisible crease when unfolded, making it smoother than other foldable phones. It might also use a special “self-healing” display that fixes small scratches on its own.

    The phone could be as thin as 4.8mm when open but thicker when closed, around 9mm. Apple may use a Touch ID button instead of Face ID to keep the screen slim. This foldable iPhone is expected to cost between $2,000 and $2,500, aiming to stand out in the smartphone market.

    Source/Via

  • Apple offers refurbished iPhone 15 and enhances Apple Watch series 10 display

    Apple offers refurbished iPhone 15 and enhances Apple Watch series 10 display

    Apple has exciting news for tech fans! The company recently added refurbished iPhone 15 models to its online store in the U.S. and Canada. These include the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, all at lower prices. Starting at $619 for the iPhone 15 and $929 for the Pro Max, these phones are about 15% cheaper than new ones.

    Each refurbished iPhone comes with a new battery, outer shell, and a one-year warranty, just like a brand-new device. You can choose from various colors and storage options, though stock may change, so check back often if you want a specific model. Meanwhile, Apple is upgrading the Apple Watch Series 10 experience. Five watch faces—Flux, Reflections, Unity Rhythm, Modular, and Pride Harmony—now fully use the Series 10’s improved display.

    These faces show a smooth second’s hand, even when the always-on display is dimmed, making timekeeping more precise. This feature matches the real-time updates of traditional analog watches. However, most of the 40+ other watch faces don’t yet support this upgrade.

    Fans hope watchOS 12 will bring this feature to all faces for a better experience. These updates show Apple’s focus on affordable options and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re grabbing a discounted iPhone or enjoying a sharper Apple Watch display, there’s something for everyone.

    Source/Via

  • Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple might soon launch a new version of the Apple Watch SE with larger screen sizes, according to a recent report. The current SE models come in 40mm and 44mm sizes, but the third-generation SE may increase to 41mm and 45mm, just like the Apple Watch Series 9. While the SE line is designed to be affordable, Apple might still bring a more modern look with thinner edges and a bigger display. However, it’s not expected to have features like the always-on display or advanced health sensors, which help keep its price lower.

    Meanwhile, Apple is expanding its in-store demo experience for the Vision Pro headset. Lowe’s, the home improvement retailer, has added Vision Pro demos to more of its stores across the U.S. Customers can now visit 20 Lowe’s locations to try out the headset. The demo lets people explore kitchen designs in 3D and see how different styles would look in their own homes. Apple and Lowe’s hope this helps customers feel more confident about their choices during home improvement projects.

    These updates show Apple’s ongoing push to improve the user experience. Whether it’s a more stylish Apple Watch SE or using Vision Pro to help with real-world decisions, Apple continues to blend technology with everyday life in creative ways.

     

  • Apple to remove sidecar app from App Store and bring a new iOS 19 design change

    Apple to remove sidecar app from App Store and bring a new iOS 19 design change

    Apple is getting ready to remove the Sidecar app from the App Store. This app gave users a way to browse the web and play videos in their car using CarPlay. However, Apple says they will stop supporting these features soon. Because of this change, Sidecar users can ask for a full refund if they bought the app in the last 90 days.

    The developer behind Sidecar explained that Apple is cutting off the app’s CarPlay web and video playback functions. Without these features, the app won’t be useful anymore. If you have Sidecar, you can still use it for now, but it won’t be updated or fixed in the future.

    At the same time, Apple is working on iOS 19, and a new leak says it will bring a small but useful design change. In the next update, the iPhone’s status bar might move a bit lower on the lock screen. This means it’ll be easier to see the time, battery, and signal, especially on larger iPhones.

    This change may not seem big, but it can make a difference for people using bigger screens. Apple is likely testing this as part of their effort to improve how iPhones look and feel.

    Together, these updates show how Apple is refining both its software and the user experience—removing features that no longer work and updating designs to fit newer devices.

  • CarPlay app now lets you stream videos in your car using a web browser

    CarPlay app now lets you stream videos in your car using a web browser

    A new app called Brcast has just arrived on the App Store, bringing a web browser to Apple CarPlay. This means drivers can now watch videos on their car’s screen by visiting websites like YouTube, Twitch, or others through the browser.

    Apple normally doesn’t allow web browsers or video streaming apps on CarPlay, but Brcast found a clever way to work around that. The app doesn’t break any rules because it doesn’t directly stream video through CarPlay. Instead, it mirrors what’s on your iPhone’s screen by using web technology in a smart way.

    To use the app, you install Brcast on your iPhone and open the website or video you want to watch. Then, it shows up on the CarPlay screen. It’s important to note that you’ll need to use your phone to control the app — the car’s screen only shows what’s already playing.

    Of course, this app is meant to be used while parked or by passengers. Watching videos while driving is not safe and should never be done. Brcast is free to download, but if you want more features — like saving your favorite websites — there’s a subscription option starting at $1.99 per month. This is a big step for CarPlay users who’ve been asking for more freedom, especially when it comes to video streaming.

  • Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple has hit a roadblock in Germany after losing its latest appeal in an ongoing antitrust battle. A new law has put the tech giant under tougher scrutiny, and now it must follow fresh rules for its App Store. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, known as the Bundeskartellamt, has been pushing to gain the power to tell Apple how to manage its App Store. A court recently agreed, giving the regulators the green light to step in.

    How U.S. and European Laws Differ

    The way antitrust issues are handled varies between the U.S. and Europe. In both places, regulators must first show that a company is blocking fair competition. But in the U.S., they also have to prove that this behavior has directly hurt consumers—like showing people are paying more because of it.

    In Europe, it’s simpler. Regulators just need to prove that a company’s actions could harm consumers down the line. This lets them act early to stop problems before they grow. The Bundeskartellamt said Apple’s App Store setup could potentially hurt users, giving them the right to demand changes. Apple fought back, saying it doesn’t control the app market enough to be targeted by this law.

    Appeal Fails for Apple

    According to Reuters, Apple’s appeal was rejected on Tuesday. The Federal Court of Justice in Germany upheld the cartel office’s 2023 ruling, which labeled Apple as a major player that affects competition across markets. The decision ends years of back-and-forth about Apple’s power in the app world.

    Now, Germany can enforce new rules on how Apple sells iPhone apps. This loss is a big moment for the company, as it faces growing pressure to loosen its grip on the App Store. With this ruling, regulators aim to keep the app market fair and open, ensuring Apple’s policies don’t limit choices or hurt users in the long run.

  • Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Next week, Apple will have to explain its App Store practices in Brazil due to an ongoing antitrust investigation. The Brazilian competition authority, known as Cade, has been looking into whether Apple’s rules for the App Store are fair to other companies.

    Antitrust Scrutiny in Brazil

    Cade is holding a public hearing to talk about competition issues in the world of mobile apps, especially on iOS devices. Google will also be there since it’s under similar scrutiny for its Android platform.

    According to local news sources, the hearing is meant to address the increasing complaints about unfair business practices in digital markets, focusing on how mobile devices and their operating systems operate.

    Complaints and Investigations

    Companies like Match, which runs Tinder, and Epic Games, famous for their battle with Apple over Fortnite, have made complaints to Cade about both Apple and Google. These firms argue that Apple and Google have rules that hurt competition. Representatives from these companies are expected at the hearing.

    Cade’s investigation into Apple started when Mercado Libre, a big e-commerce player in Latin America, claimed that Apple forces developers to use its payment system for digital goods, which could stifle competition. There’s also a concern about “tying,” where Apple links the use of one product to another, potentially anti-competitive practice.

    Previous Rulings and Appeals

    Last year, Cade decided that Apple couldn’t stop developers from selling apps outside the App Store in Brazil. Apple was supposed to follow this rule within 20 days or face daily fines of over $40,000. However, after Apple appealed, a judge decided they didn’t need to change right away, giving them more time to argue their case.

    The outcome of this case could mean big changes for how Apple’s App Store operates in Brazil if Apple doesn’t win the appeal.

    Looking Ahead

    The Brazilian government is also planning to look into how other big tech firms like Meta and Amazon do business, showing that this hearing might just be the start of broader regulatory actions. All this comes at a time when international trade tensions, like those hinted at by former US President Trump’s tariff threats, could influence tech policy globally.

    Source

  • EU App Store removes non-compliant ‘Trader’ apps

    EU App Store removes non-compliant ‘Trader’ apps

    Apple has started removing apps from the App Store in the European Union that do not provide trader contact information. Developers were notified that apps missing this crucial data would be taken down by February 17, 2025, and that deadline has now passed.

    Under the new EU Digital Services Act (DSA), apps must list trader details like an address, phone number, and email for customers to see. This is to ensure transparency and accountability from app developers who earn money from sales or in-app purchases.

    Apple has been emphasizing this rule for some time, requiring all new apps and updates to include this trader information. This data needs to be verified by Apple before apps can return to the App Store. The process to add trader information is straightforward, done through App Store Connect.

    However, this requirement has caused some friction, especially among smaller developers or solo app creators who might not have formal business contact details. They argue that this could expose them to unwanted spam or complicate their operations.

    Despite the pushback, the DSA mandates that Apple must display these contact details on the app’s product page within the EU’s 27 member countries. This ensures that users can reach out with any concerns or issues they might have with the app or its developer.

    For more detailed guidance on how to comply with these new regulations, developers can visit Apple’s official website. This move signifies a growing trend towards more transparency in digital markets, although it does present new challenges for some in the development community.

  • Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    This weekend, Apple announced that they are sharing Swift Build with the world, making it open source. This tool is used for creating software both in Xcode, which is where many apps for the App Store come from and for Apple’s own projects. Apple also gave a slight name change to Swift Playground, their app where you can learn to code in Swift on iPads and Macs…

    Apple Shares Swift Build with Everyone

    On Saturday, Apple shared some big news. As Swift grows, it’s important to have tools that work the same way no matter where you’re building your software.

    By opening up Swift Build, Apple is giving everyone access to a tool that’s both strong and adaptable for making Swift projects. This is the same tool used in Xcode, which has helped create millions of apps, and it’s also how Apple builds its systems. Apple explained that this move would clear up any mix-ups from having different building methods, opening the door for new features.

    Until now, building with Xcode was different from building with Swift Package Manager, which can confuse users. By sharing Xcode’s building tool and working on it openly with the community, Apple aims to fix these issues and make building software in Swift better for everyone. This step forward will allow for new improvements across all devices and tools, making everything run smoother and giving developers more options. You can now find Swift Build on GitHub.

    Swift Playground Gets a Name Update

    John Gruber noticed that Apple has also updated Swift Playground, changing it from plural to singular. A small but interesting change in Apple’s app for learning and playing with Swift: it’s now called Playground, not Playgrounds. This name change might not seem like a big deal, but it makes sense. The app itself is your playground for experimenting with Swift, not just a place to make more playgrounds.

  • Apple removes VPN apps from Indian app store amidst regulatory pressure

    Apple removes VPN apps from Indian app store amidst regulatory pressure

    The digital world once envisioned as a borderless expanse of information and freedom, is increasingly becoming fragmented by national regulations. Following a similar move in China years ago, Apple has begun removing Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications from its App Store in India, signaling a significant shift in the availability of online privacy tools in the country. This action comes in response to a controversial Indian law that mandates stringent data retention policies for VPN providers. 

    This isn’t the first time Apple has faced such a dilemma. Back in 2017, the company was compelled by the Chinese government to remove hundreds of VPN apps from its Chinese App Store. At the time, Apple CEO Tim Cook explained that the company had to comply with local laws, despite its preference to keep the apps available. He expressed hope that the restrictions would eventually be loosened, but years later, those restrictions remain firmly in place. This precedent casts a long shadow over the current situation in India.

    The Indian government introduced the contentious law in 2022, effectively prohibiting anonymous VPN usage and requiring providers to maintain detailed logs of user activity. These logs must include sensitive information such as users’ names, addresses, IP addresses, and transaction histories, and be retained for a period of five years. Initially, the implementation of this law faced delays due to widespread objections. While it was eventually introduced, enforcement remained lax for a period. However, that period of grace has ended.  

    Recent reports confirm that Apple has started removing VPN apps from the Indian App Store to comply with the now-enforced regulations. This action follows similar removals from the Google Play Store, indicating a coordinated effort by Indian authorities to enforce the new rules.

    It appears that the government is taking a targeted approach, identifying and ordering the removal of non-compliant apps individually. This suggests that the process will be protracted, potentially leading to a significant reduction in the number of VPN apps available to Indian users, mirroring the situation in China. 

    Among the removed apps are several prominent VPN services, including Cloudflare’s popular 1.1.1.1 service. The removals were triggered by orders issued by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, as evidenced by official documents and disclosures made by Google to Lumen, a Harvard University database that tracks government takedown requests globally.  

    This situation puts reputable VPN providers in a difficult position. Complying with the Indian law would require them to compromise their core principles of user privacy and anonymity. Maintaining detailed logs of user activity goes against the very purpose of a VPN, which is to provide secure and private online access. Consequently, most reputable VPN providers are unlikely to comply with these demands, choosing instead to withdraw their services from the Indian market.

    For Apple, this situation presents a complex challenge. The company has consistently emphasized its commitment to user privacy. However, it also has a legal obligation to comply with the laws of the countries in which it operates. This creates a clear conflict of interest, forcing Apple to choose between its stated values and its business interests.

    While Apple could theoretically take a stand and withdraw from the Indian market altogether, such a move is highly improbable. India has become a crucial market for Apple, serving as its second-largest production center and a rapidly growing consumer base. Moreover, the precedent set in China, a far more critical manufacturing hub for Apple, suggests that the company is unlikely to prioritize principle over market access.  

    The removal of VPN apps from the Indian App Store represents more than just a reduction in available software. It symbolizes a growing trend of governments seeking greater control over online activity, often at the expense of individual privacy. This trend raises serious concerns about the future of internet freedom and the ability of individuals to protect themselves from online surveillance.

    The situation in India serves as a stark reminder that the fight for online privacy is an ongoing battle, one that requires constant vigilance and advocacy. The digital landscape is changing, and the implications for users in India, and potentially other countries, are significant.

    Source

More posts