Search results for: “play store”

  • Apple to tweak App Store rules in Europe to Dodge more fines

    Apple to tweak App Store rules in Europe to Dodge more fines

    Apple is in a rush to avoid new penalties from the European Union over its App Store policies. Back in April 2025, the EU fined Apple €500 million for breaking the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make tech companies play fair. The issue? Apple’s rules stopped app developers from telling users about cheaper payment options outside the App Store.

    The EU gave Apple 60 days to fix these rules, with a deadline of June 26, 2025. Now, Apple is in last-minute talks with EU officials to ease its “anti-steering” restrictions, which limit developers from guiding users to external payment systems. A report suggests Apple might soon announce changes, like letting developers add links to their websites for payments, though it still charges a 27% fee on those transactions.

    The EU is also eyeing Apple’s Core Technology Fee, a 50-cent charge per app install per year, which developers must pay. Discussions have touched on this fee, but no clear changes have been confirmed yet. If Apple’s tweaks satisfy the EU, it could avoid more fines. If not, the EU has the power to hit Apple with bigger penalties for ignoring DMA rules.

    Apple’s already made some changes, like allowing one external payment link in the EU, but the EU wants more freedom for developers and users. The outcome of these talks will decide if Apple can keep its App Store model or face tougher consequences.

  • Apple App Store helps businesses and people make money

    Apple App Store helps businesses and people make money

    This week, Apple explained the size of the App Store for businesses and app-making people. Reports say the App Store has supported companies and workers worldwide in gathering over 1.3 trillion dollars.

    The company has made this announcement just days before their main developer event, WWDC. They want to demonstrate the significance of the App Store for everyone such as large companies, small teams and even solo app makers. With the App Store, users can introduce their ideas to millions and make money in the process.

    Apple also explains that the App Store plays a role in providing employment and aided many people in growing their professions. App development allows companies of all sizes to introduce their products to more customers and contribute to their growth. Apple takes pride in the App Store’s benefits for so many users and they intend to improve it for everyone going forward.

    This story shows how much our phones and business activities have changed because of the App Store. You can get apps from Play Store, but it is also where people achieve their dreams, get new clients and make money. The company is still dedicated to supporting the big and valuable community of developers.

  • Apple’s US App Store crossed $400 billion in developer earnings and sales in 2024

    Apple’s US App Store crossed $400 billion in developer earnings and sales in 2024

    Developers on the United States App Store made over $400 billion during the year 2024. We can see that many people make and use apps on the platform due to its success.

    Apps created for iPhones, iPads and additional Apple devices brought in significant earnings for developers on the US App Store last year. Including cash from purchasing, subscribing and selling in the app store. The rise is the result of Apple gadgets being used for apps and digital content.

    Millions of customers have made the App Store important for developers to reach them. Apple continues to update the store’s offerings to let developers make better apps and expand their businesses. This achievement indicates that the App Store is still a key player in the app business.

    Because Apple pays attention to security, privacy and quality, users continue to feel safe in using their apps and services. As more people trust the App Store, they spend more money and this is good for developers and Apple.

    All in all, the US App Store reaching $400 billion by 2024 demonstrates its relevance as a place where apps succeed and users discover valuable offers. The report also reveals that more people are buying software from their mobiles.

  • Tap to pay on iPhone expands to more countries and Apple says App Store rules save users money

    Tap to pay on iPhone expands to more countries and Apple says App Store rules save users money

    Apple is helping individuals all over the world use their iPhones to complete payments. The Tap to Pay feature is being introduced in 18 additional countries, the company revealed. This means businesses have the ability to accept transactions using just their iPhones.

    It is already offered in the US, UK and Australia and shortly, residents of Europe, Asia and similar regions will be able to try it too. By using just their iPhones, even small food and retail businesses can make sure all their payments are safe and easy.

    As one more point, Apple updated the community on its App Store. According to the company, its policies have played a big role in saving users billions. Every app is vetted by Apple before it is placed on the App Store to confirm that it is safe and not designed to get people to spend unwisely.

    Following these rules has stopped a lot of scams, keeping users from losing their hard-earned money, according to Apple. Over the last four years, the company has detected and blocked more than $7 billion worth of suspicious transactions, it says. Because more countries around the world now have Tap to Pay and the App Store protects users, Apple says it is dedicated to making its devices easy and secure for everyone to use.

    Source/Via

  • Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic says Apple won’t allow Fortnite on App Stores in the US and EU

    Epic Games has accused Apple of not letting them put Fortnite back on the App Store in the United States and in Europe. The issue started when Apple reopened Epic’s developer account in Sweden, which should have let the company put its app store in the country and let people play Fortnite on their iPhones again in the EU under the new Digital Markets Act.

    However, Epic says Apple won’t let Epic’s developer account go through in the United States, and is keeping it from moving forward or even stopping it altogether in Europe, too. Epic claims Apple is making these moves so it doesn’t have to face competition from the Epic Games Store, and so Fortnite can’t come back to iPhones.

    According to Epic, Apple is using a few rules and not making it clear what they mean to slow down the progress of competing apps. Even though Apple had let Epic have their developer account in Sweden, they still haven’t finished everything they said they would do. Epic says Apple’s actions show that they don’t care about following the basic rules set in place to make app markets fair.

    Epic also said that because of the delay in the legal processes, they won’t be able to open the Epic Games Store or launch Fortnite for iOS in the EU this year. This is the latest round of a fight that’s been going on between the two companies. Epic is still working to give developers more freedom and is trying to make it easier for people to get apps on iPhones and other iOS devices without Apple having such tight control over that process. Apple has not yet said anything in public about the new claims Epic has made.

  • Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    In Brazil, Apple is facing two big issues with its iPhone policies. First, the country’s antitrust group, CADE, is looking into Apple’s rules for using the iPhone’s NFC chip, which handles contactless payments. Brazilian banks say Apple’s strict rules and a fee of up to 0.17% per transaction make it hard for them to compete.

    This fee is charged when banks use Apple’s NFC system for payments, unlike Google, which offers a similar feature for free. CADE started this investigation after banks complained that Apple’s control over NFC creates an unfair advantage, especially for its own payment system.

    Second, a Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iPhones within 90 days. Sideloading lets users install apps from outside the App Store. This ruling came after a complaint from MercadoLibre, a major e-commerce company, which argued that Apple’s App Store rules block fair competition.

    CADE decided that Apple’s restrictions, like forcing developers to use its payment system, are illegal. Apple tried to delay this change, saying it could harm user privacy and security, but the court disagreed, noting Apple already allows sideloading in places like Europe without major issues.

    Apple plans to appeal both decisions, arguing that its rules protect users. However, CADE’s investigations show Brazil is serious about making tech companies play fair. If Apple doesn’t follow the court’s orders, it could face hefty fines. These cases highlight growing global pressure on Apple to open up its iPhone ecosystem.

  • 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.