RPRNA

Search results for: “services”

  • Music Streaming Services: How much do they pay artists?

    Music Streaming Services: How much do they pay artists?

    Not all music streaming platforms give the same amount of money to musicians, and a recent study shows just how different these payments can be. For example, Apple Music pays artists way more than Spotify does.

    The study, done by Duetti, looks at how much artists got paid in 2024 by different platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

    One key thing they checked was how much money artists make for every 1,000 times their song is played. Here’s what they found for 2024:

    • Amazon paid $8.80 for 1,000 streams.
    • Apple Music paid $6.20.
    • YouTube paid $4.80.
    • Spotify only paid $3.00.

    This shows that Apple Music paid artists more than twice what Spotify did. One reason for Spotify’s lower payments is its free version which has lots of ads but doesn’t make much money for artists.

    While Spotify has ads like YouTube, YouTube still manages to pay artists more. Apple Music, on the other hand, only has paid subscriptions, which lets them give more money to artists.

    Another concerning point from the report is that even though Spotify has been increasing its prices, the money artists get from each stream has been going down. This is a bit troubling, especially since Spotify has been putting more effort into podcasts and audiobooks, possibly at the cost of music artists’ earnings.

  • Apple faces legal battles over App Store and smartphone rules

    Apple faces legal battles over App Store and smartphone rules

    Apple is dealing with two major lawsuits in the U.S. that could change how it runs its App Store and iPhone ecosystem. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Apple of unfairly controlling the smartphone market, claiming its restrictions on third-party apps and services lock users into its system.

    Apple tried to get the case thrown out, arguing the DOJ didn’t prove it has a monopoly or harms consumers. However, Judge Julien Neals rejected Apple’s request, so the case will move forward. It may take years to resolve, but it’s a big step in challenging Apple’s tight control over its platform.

    In another case, Proton, a Swiss company known for its secure Proton Mail service, joined a class-action lawsuit against Apple. Proton claims Apple’s App Store rules, like forcing developers to use its payment system and charging up to 30% commission, break U.S. antitrust laws.

    These rules, Proton says, hurt smaller companies focused on privacy and limit competition by blocking other app stores and payment options. Proton wants the court to allow alternative app marketplaces and award damages to developers for high fees. Any money Proton gets will be donated.

    Both lawsuits highlight growing concerns about Apple’s power over its App Store and iPhone ecosystem. As these cases move forward, they could force Apple to loosen its grip, potentially giving developers and users more choices.

  • Apple’s iCloud hiccup and Invites App update

    Apple’s iCloud hiccup and Invites App update

    Apple faced a hiccup with its iCloud services, causing trouble for some users. According to Apple’s System Status page, services like iCloud Mail, Photos, iWork, and account sign-ins were affected, starting around 2:36 p.m. Eastern Time. Users reported issues like being unable to access files or photos or facing slow syncing.

    The Find My service was briefly down but fixed by 6:41 p.m. Eastern Time. However, other services continued to have problems, leaving some users frustrated as they couldn’t access their data smoothly. Apple is working to resolve these issues, but no clear reason for the outage has been shared yet.

    In brighter news, Apple updated its Invites app to version 1.3, adding a bunch of new background options for event planning. The app, launched earlier in 2025, helps users organize events like pool parties or game nights with custom invitations.

    The new backgrounds make invites more fun and fitting for different occasions, from casual hangouts to big celebrations. While the app supports creating AI-generated backgrounds with Image Playground, these new built-in options are especially helpful for users with older iPhones that don’t support Apple Intelligence.

    You need an iCloud+ subscription, starting at $0.99 per month, to create events, but anyone can RSVP, even without an iPhone, using a web browser. The update makes event planning more colorful and user-friendly.

  • Apple and Meta avoid instant EU fines but could still face big penalties

    Apple and Meta avoid instant EU fines but could still face big penalties

    Apple and Meta fined for breaking EU digital rules

    In April 2025, the European Union fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for not following the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This law is meant to make digital markets fairer by giving users more choices and stopping big tech companies from limiting competition. Apple was punished for stopping app developers from telling users about cheaper deals outside the App Store, while Meta was fined for forcing users to either pay for ad-free services or agree to share their data for ads.

    No immediate new fines, but risks remain

    Both companies were given 60 days to fix their practices, with the deadline set for June 26, 2025. However, the EU has said that there will be no automatic new fines when this period ends. Instead, the Commission will first review what Apple and Meta have done and discuss their findings with the companies before deciding on any further penalties.

    Possible future penalties

    If Apple or Meta are still not following the rules after the review, they could face much bigger penalties. The EU could charge up to 5% of a company’s average daily worldwide revenue for each day they break the rules, and single fines could reach up to 10% of their yearly global revenue, or even double for repeat offenses.

    What’s next?

    For now, Apple and Meta do not have to pay more fines immediately, but they are still under pressure. The EU has not said when it will finish its review or if more penalties will come. Both companies have said they plan to challenge the fines and keep talking with EU officials.

  • Taylor Swift’s Apple Music protest and iOS on Nintendo Switch: Tech moments made simple

    Taylor Swift’s Apple Music protest and iOS on Nintendo Switch: Tech moments made simple

    Taylor Swift’s Stand Changed Apple Music

    Ten years ago, Taylor Swift spoke out against Apple Music’s plan not to pay artists during the users’ free trial period. She wrote an open letter saying it was unfair to musicians, especially smaller ones. Apple listened and quickly changed its policy, agreeing to pay artists even during the free trials. This moment showed how one person’s voice could push a big company to do the right thing. It also helped shape how music streaming services treat artists today.

    iOS Running on a Nintendo Switch

    In other tech news, someone managed to get Apple’s iOS operating system working on a Nintendo Switch. This unusual project was done just for fun, showing how creative and determined tech fans can be. The Switch, which usually runs its software for games, was made to run iOS through a lot of technical work. Even though it’s not practical for everyday use, it’s a cool example of what’s possible when people experiment with technology.

    Why These Stories Matter

    Both stories highlight how people—whether a famous musician or a creative tech fan—can influence big companies and technology. Taylor Swift’s actions led to better treatment for artists, while running iOS on a Switch shows the fun and possibilities in tech tinkering. These moments remind us that even big changes can start with one person’s idea or effort.

  • Google says iOS 26 borrows key Android features

    Google says iOS 26 borrows key Android features

    Apple recently announced iOS 26, and Google has pointed out that some of its new features are very similar to ones Android has had for a while. Here are the three main features that Google says Apple has borrowed:

    1. Improved Call Recording

    Apple is adding call recording to iPhones with iOS 26. This feature lets users record phone calls and even get a summary of the conversation. Google notes that Android phones have offered call recording for years, and some models even provide automatic summaries.

    2. Smarter Messaging with RCS

    iOS 26 will support RCS (Rich Communication Services) in the Messages app. This means iPhone users can now send high-quality photos and videos, see typing indicators, and enjoy better group chats with Android users. Google has supported RCS on Android for a long time, making texting between different phones easier and more modern.

    3. Customizable Home Screen

    Apple is allowing users to place app icons and widgets anywhere on the home screen, not just in a fixed grid. Android users have enjoyed this flexibility for many years, letting them organize their home screens however they like.

    Google commented on social media, welcoming Apple to these features and playfully reminding everyone that Android has had them first. While Apple fans are excited about these changes, it’s clear that iOS 26 is catching up to some things Android users already know and love.

  • Apple faces legal trouble and plans new Apple Watch Ultra 3 for 2025

    Apple faces legal trouble and plans new Apple Watch Ultra 3 for 2025

    Apple is dealing with two big news stories right now. First, a U.S. appeals court has decided that a lawsuit against Apple can move forward. This lawsuit claims that Apple has made it hard for other companies to compete with its Apple Pay system.

    The court said there is enough evidence for the case to continue, which means Apple will have to answer these claims in court. The lawsuit says Apple uses its control over iPhones and Apple Pay to keep other payment services out, which could hurt both customers and other businesses.

    At the same time, Apple is getting ready to launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3. After some rumors that Apple might skip this model, new reports say the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will come out in 2025. This new smartwatch is expected to have better features and improved performance, but details are still limited. Apple fans who were worried about missing out on a new Ultra model can now look forward to its release next year.

    In summary, Apple is facing a serious legal challenge over how it runs Apple Pay, while also planning to release a new and improved Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2025. Both stories show that Apple is dealing with challenges but is also working on new products for its customers.

  • Apple Music executive says music is art, not something to be given away for free

    Apple Music executive says music is art, not something to be given away for free

    Apple Music’s vice president recently spoke out about how music should be valued. He explained that music is a form of art, and artists put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into making it. Because of this, he believes music should not be treated as something that’s just given away for free.

    He pointed out that when people get music without paying, it can hurt the artists who made it. Musicians depend on money from their songs to keep making more music. If music is always free, it becomes harder for artists to earn a living from their work.

    The Apple Music executive also talked about how streaming services like Apple Music help support artists. By charging a fair price for subscriptions, these platforms make sure that artists get paid for their music. This helps create a healthy music industry where artists can continue to make new songs and share them with the world.

    He finished by saying that everyone should remember the value of music. It’s not just something to listen to in the background—it’s a real art form that deserves respect and support. By paying for music, listeners help keep the industry strong and encourage artists to keep creating.

  • Apple asks for more time to follow EU rules for messaging apps

    Apple asks for more time to follow EU rules for messaging apps

    Because of new regulations in the European Union (EU), Apple is being given more time to revise its messaging apps so they can interact smoothly with different services. The EU has asked companies like Apple to allow their messaging services to work together, making it easier for people to stay in touch using any app they are on.

    Even so, Apple is asking for a bit more time to make sure things are right. There are worries within the company about privacy and safety. Apple is making sure that, whenever iMessage uses other apps, people’s private information remains secure. The EU wants to give users more control and Apple wishes to make these changes with care.

    Apple is in discussions with the EU about this topic right now. Apple hopes it can make its apps follow the rules over a longer period of time, not just quickly. Lawenforcement is important to the company, which also cares about its users’ safety and enjoyment.

    Shortly, Apple is following the EU’s requirements for messaging apps, though it needs more time to ensure everything is done securely.

  • 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.

More posts