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  • 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.

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  • Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple is trying hard to protect its big money deal with Google as Google faces legal action for breaking antitrust rules, but the court isn’t helping. Recently, Apple asked for an urgent pause in the case to join in, but the judge said no and decided to keep the case moving forward.

    Google Logo Feature Slack

    Back in November, Apple wanted a bigger say in how the case would proceed, arguing that Google shouldn’t keep breaking the law. The court turned them down, so Apple appealed, but appeals take time. While waiting, Apple asked for the case to stop, but the judge didn’t agree.

    The court believes Apple hasn’t shown it would be badly hurt without this pause, nor has it clearly stated why it needs to be more involved or what new information it could add. The judge also feels that there’s no clear error in the first decision to keep Apple out of the lawsuit. Plus, it’s important to keep moving to stop Google from continuing these illegal actions.

    The court’s ruling pointed out that this case has been going on for over four years now, and any delay would be significant. Moreover, the court found that Google broke the law by making deals with companies like Apple to keep its monopoly in search and ad markets. Allowing Apple’s request for a pause would just let this illegal activity go on, which isn’t good for the public.

    Last year, Google was found guilty of these antitrust violations, with its deal with Apple being a key issue. Google gives Apple billions yearly to be the default search in Safari, and this was deemed illegal. The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and others. If Google can’t continue these agreements, Apple could lose billions, yet would still need to offer Google as a search option.

    Google might also face tougher penalties like selling Chrome or separating Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Apple worries that Google will focus on protecting these assets over their search deal, which is why Apple wants to intervene.

    In their filing for a pause, Apple argued, “If we can’t resolve our appeal before or during the remedies trial, we might just have to watch as the government pushes for harsh changes that could stop us from working with Google for ten years.”

    Apple is now pushing to speed up its appeal to join the lawsuit against Google, with the next phase of the case due to start in April. If they can speed things up, their appeal might be heard before then.

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  • Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple is fighting to save its huge money-making deal with Google, which is under threat because Google was found to break competition laws. Apple has asked the court dealing with Google’s legal battle with the U.S. government for some extra time, so they can argue their case before any final decisions are made.

    The U.S. Department of Justice took Google to court over unfair competition in the search market back in 2020. After a long fight, the DOJ won. A big part of this lawsuit was Google’s agreement with Apple, where Google pays billions each year to be the first choice search engine on Apple’s Safari browser. The judge ruled that this deal was against competition laws and helped Google keep its top spot in the search engine world.

    The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and other companies, which would hit Apple’s earnings hard. For instance, in 2022, Google paid Apple around $20 billion. Apple already tried to get more involved in the case as the solutions were being discussed, but the court said no because of timing issues. Apple is now appealing that decision and wants a pause while the appeal is considered.

    Apple argues that since its deal with Google is on the line, it should have the right to join the discussion, warning that without this pause, they could be seriously harmed.

    If Apple can’t join in the legal proceedings, they won’t be able to present their own evidence or arguments. If the appeal drags on until or after the trial for solutions starts, Apple might just have to watch, unable to speak or defend itself, while the government pushes for changes that directly affect Apple, like banning any business deals with Google for ten years.

    Besides stopping deals like this one, the U.S. Department of Justice also wants to go further, suggesting Google should sell its Chrome browser and separate Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Google has a lot to lose and might focus more on saving Chrome than its deal with Apple.

    When Apple first wanted a bigger say in the case, they argued that Google can’t properly look after Apple’s interests anymore because the case covers so much ground. The DOJ, predictably, doesn’t want Apple in the part of the trial where solutions are decided, which is due to start in April.

    If the court rules against Google paying Apple to be the default search on Safari, Apple would still have to offer Google Search as an option, but they wouldn’t get paid for it anymore.

    Source

  • Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch sales drop and Epic Games costly battle with Apple

    Apple Watch Sales Decline

    For two years, Apple Watch sales have been falling worldwide, according to recent data. The smartwatch, once a must-have gadget, is losing ground to competitors offering similar features at lower prices. Experts suggest Apple needs to introduce exciting new features to win back customers.

    Ideas like better health tracking, such as blood pressure monitoring, or a fresh design could help. Without these changes, Apple risks falling behind in the fast-moving wearable tech market. The company’s focus on small updates hasn’t been enough to keep users hooked, and many are choosing other brands that feel more innovative or affordable.

    Epic Games’ Fight with Apple

    Meanwhile, Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has spent over $1 billion battling Apple’s App Store rules, says CEO Tim Sweeney. The five-year legal fight challenged Apple’s control over in-app payments, costing Epic millions in legal fees and lost iOS revenue.

    Despite the huge price tag, Sweeney believes it was worth it to push for a fairer app market. The recent court ruling forced Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options, a win for Epic. This could bring Fortnite back to iPhones and reduce Apple’s 30% fee on app purchases, benefiting developers and players alike.

    Looking Ahead

    Apple faces challenges on two fronts: reviving the Apple Watch with bold new features and navigating a shifting App Store landscape. Both situations highlight the need for Apple to adapt to stay competitive in tech and gaming markets.

  • Cool new features coming to iPhone 18 Pro

    Cool new features coming to iPhone 18 Pro

    Apple is gearing up for the iPhone 18 Pro, expected to hit shelves in 2026, and whispers about its upgrades are already making waves. Here’s a fresh take on what’s in store, based on the latest buzz. The iPhone 18 Pro could sport a cleaner look with Face ID tucked under the display, leaving only a small dot for the selfie camera.

    This would give the screen a smoother, uninterrupted vibe. The rear camera is tipped to feature a variable aperture, letting you tweak light capture for stunning shots in any environment, much like a pro camera. All models might boast 12GB of RAM, up from the iPhone 16’s 8GB, making apps run faster and handling heavy tasks like a breeze.

    Apple’s own Wi-Fi 7 chip could bring blazing-fast internet, perfect for streaming or gaming on the go. A new WMCM chip design might pack more power into a compact setup, boosting efficiency. There’s also chatter about a foldable iPhone entering the scene, with Pro versions launching in fall 2026 and a standard one in early 2027.

    Plus, a 48-megapixel telephoto lens could deliver crystal-clear zoomed photos. These changes point to a faster, smarter iPhone 18 Pro with top-notch camera skills. While still just rumors, they hint at Apple pushing the boundaries to keep its premium phone a cut above the rest.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Instagram finally brings its app to iPad

    Instagram finally brings its app to iPad

    After years of waiting, Instagram has launched an official app for iPad, exciting fans who have long wanted a better way to use the platform on bigger screens. The news dropped on April 8, 2025, and it’s a big deal for users tired of the stretched-out phone version.

    The new iPad app keeps things simple and familiar. You’ll find all the usual features—like scrolling through posts, watching stories, and sending messages—now built to fit the iPad’s larger display. It’s not just a blown-up phone app anymore; Instagram tweaked it to feel right at home on tablets.

    The layout spreads out nicely, letting you see more photos and videos without squinting. For a while, iPad users had to deal with the iPhone version, which looked awkward and didn’t use the extra screen space well. People kept asking Instagram for a proper app, and now it’s here.

    The company says they listened to feedback and wanted to make something that works smoothly on iPads. You can grab the app from the App Store for free, and it works on any iPad running iPadOS 16 or later. It’s perfect for anyone who loves snapping pics, sharing moments, or just browsing their feed.

    Plus, with the bigger screen, editing photos or watching Reels feels way more fun. This move shows Instagram cares about its fans and wants to keep up with how people use tech today. It’s a win for iPad owners who’ve been hoping for a better experience. So, if you’ve got an iPad, download it and see how Instagram shines on a larger canvas!

  • Apple improves iWork apps with fresh features for iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4

    Apple improves iWork apps with fresh features for iOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4

    Apple has recently upgraded its iWork apps—Keynote, Numbers, and Pages—bringing some exciting new tools that work with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS 15.4. These updates make it easier and more fun to use these apps on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

    One cool addition is the ability to edit text right inside your presentations, spreadsheets, or documents using Writing Tools. This feature needs Apple Intelligence, which works on devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, all iPhone 16 models, or any Mac or iPad with an M1 chip or newer. It’s perfect for fixing mistakes or polishing your work quickly.

    Another handy update lets you save your projects in different formats using the Shortcuts app. This means you can easily switch your file type—like from a Pages document to something else—without extra hassle. It’s a small change that saves time, especially if you share files a lot.

    Plus, the apps now play nicer with Freeform. Copying and pasting between them is smoother, making it simpler to move ideas or pictures from one app to another. This teamwork boost is great for anyone juggling creative projects.

    Each app also got a few extra tweaks that don’t need the latest software, though Apple didn’t spill all the details. The updates rolled out this week after weeks of testing, and you can grab them from the App Store for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

    These changes show Apple’s effort to keep iWork useful and fresh. Whether you’re making slides, tracking numbers, or writing, these tools aim to make your work easier and better. Check them out and see how they fit into your daily tasks!

  • Apple starts working on iOS 18.6 and tests new Apple Watch series 10 design

    Apple starts working on iOS 18.6 and tests new Apple Watch series 10 design

    Apple has kicked off testing for iOS 18.6, a future update for iPhones, even though iOS 18.4 isn’t out yet for everyone. This news comes from logs on Apple’s website, spotted on March 31, 2025. The company is moving fast, as iOS 18.5 is still in the works too.

    Usually, these updates bring small fixes or security patches, but we don’t know the details yet since it’s early days. With iOS 18.4 set to launch soon—possibly next week—Apple seems eager to keep improving the iPhone experience.

    Meanwhile, Apple is also playing with a new look for the Apple Watch Series 10. A prototype was found with a bigger 2-inch screen, up from the current 1.93-inch size. This test model keeps the same flat edges but swaps the usual aluminum or titanium body for shiny stainless steel.

    It’s a bold change, making the watch look sleeker and more eye-catching. However, there’s no word yet on whether this design will hit stores—it’s just an experiment for now. Both projects show Apple’s busy schedule in 2025.

    The iOS 18.6 testing hints at more tweaks for iPhone users, while the Apple Watch prototype suggests fresh ideas for its popular wearable. Fans are excited, but we’ll have to wait for official news to see what sticks. For now, it’s clear Apple’s cooking up something big behind the scenes!

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