Tag: Apple

  • Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    Great mother’s day deals and Epic Games new iOS plan

    With Mother’s Day coming up on May 11, Apple is rolling out some sweet Apple Pay deals to help you find the perfect gift. From now until May 11, you can save on flowers, jewelry, chocolates, and more at stores like 1-800-Flowers, Pandora, and Godiva. Just use Apple Pay at checkout to grab these discounts.

    Plus, AT&T has a big offer: get up to $1,000 off an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max with a qualifying trade-in and unlimited plan. They’re also throwing in a deal where you can buy two Apple Watches and save $300 if you add a new line. Check out these offers to make Mom’s day special!

    Meanwhile, Epic Games is shaking things up for iOS developers in the EU. They’re launching a program to cover Apple’s fees for developers who sell apps through the Epic Games Store. This move, led by CEO Tim Sweeney, aims to make it easier for developers to offer their apps without worrying about extra costs.

    Epic is also working on bringing Fortnite back to the U.S. App Store and has proposed a truce with Apple to smooth things over. These changes could give developers more freedom and bring more games to your iPhone. Both Apple’s Mother’s Day deals and Epic’s new plan show how companies are finding creative ways to connect with users and developers. Whether it’s saving on gifts or supporting app creators, something exciting is happening in the tech world.

    Source/Via

  • Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    Apple executive in hot water for false statements in Epic Games dispute

    A U.S. judge has called out an Apple executive for not telling the truth in court during a legal fight with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. On Wednesday, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Alex Roman, Apple’s vice president of finance, misled the court about a 27% fee the company charged for purchases made outside its App Store.

    This fee, a slight discount from the standard 30%, was introduced after a 2021 court ruling that forced Apple to let developers direct users to alternative payment methods. The judge described Roman’s statements as “deceptive and untruthful,” citing internal emails that revealed Apple had been planning the fee since July 2023.

    She also slammed Apple for failing to fix the false claims and for not following the court’s directive to support fair competition. The case has now been referred to a U.S. attorney to explore possible criminal contempt charges against Roman and Apple.

    Apple said it respects the court’s decision but plans to appeal, arguing it disagrees with the ruling. The court also prohibited Apple from restricting developers’ ability to promote external payment options or charging fees on those transactions.

    Epic Games cheered the outcome, with CEO Tim Sweeney confirming Fortnite’s return to the U.S. App Store next week. Sweeney also offered Apple a deal: extend these changes worldwide, and Epic will drop all related lawsuits. This decision is a big victory for Epic Games and could change how Apple manages its App Store, impacting developers and users everywhere.

  • Apple Watch helps Ohio man survive stroke during exercise

    Apple Watch helps Ohio man survive stroke during exercise

    In Toledo, Ohio, last summer, 50-year-old Derick Gant was pushing his limits, skipping rope in his front yard to set a new personal best. Feeling strong after surpassing his goal of a minute, the heart medication user suddenly collapsed, unable to move his left arm or leg. His Apple Watch, sensing the fall, flashed an alert asking if he needed assistance. Initially, Derick dismissed it, hoping he’d bounce back. But as his condition worsened, he used the watch to contact emergency services with a single tap.

    Ambulance crews, recorded by his doorbell camera, arrived swiftly and took him to the hospital. There, doctors diagnosed an ischemic stroke, a dangerous condition that cuts off brain oxygen and can lead to permanent harm. The stroke hit his motor cortex, causing his loss of limb movement. The Apple Watch’s quick fall detection and alert to his emergency contacts ensured help arrived fast, likely sparing him from severe consequences.

    Derick’s experience shows how vital wearable tech can be, even for healthy, active people. With tools like fall detection and instant SOS calls, the Apple Watch acts as a safety net in sudden health emergencies. Derick now encourages others to wear smartwatches, emphasizing how they can make a life-saving difference when time is critical.

  • Apple explores new iPhone features in iOS 18.5 beta

    Apple explores new iPhone features in iOS 18.5 beta

    Apple is working on exciting updates for the iPhone, spotted in the iOS 18.5 beta. These changes aim to make multitasking and video editing easier and more fun for users.
    One big feature is Stage Manager for iPhone.

    This tool, already popular on iPads and Macs, lets users organize apps in resizable windows. You could drag windows anywhere, even partly off-screen, and adjust their size without messing up other apps. While it’s being tested with external display support, experts think Apple might not release it widely yet.

    Another cool addition is Photographic Styles for videos. Right now, this feature lets you tweak photo colors and lighting in the Camera app. Soon, you might apply these styles to videos, giving them a unique look. Apple also plans to let third-party apps use Photographic Styles, opening up more creative options.

    Other tweaks include better Stage Manager controls, like smoother window resizing. There’s also a feature called “SuperDomino” that could show square clock widgets in StandBy mode, possibly for a rumored “HomePad” device.

  • Apple faces court ruling on App Store changes

    Apple faces court ruling on App Store changes

    In a major win for Epic Games, a U.S. judge ruled on April 30, 2025, that Apple broke a 2021 court order meant to make its App Store fairer. The order told Apple to let app developers guide users to payment options outside the App Store, avoiding Apple’s fees. Instead, Apple added new rules, like a 27% fee on outside purchases and warning screens that scared users away from external payments. The judge called this a deliberate move to keep billions in profits and said Apple’s actions were “anticompetitive.”

    The court now bans Apple from charging fees on external purchases or blocking developers from linking to other payment options. Apple can’t control how developers design these links or track user activity outside apps. The judge also referred Apple’s case to federal prosecutors for possible criminal charges, pointing to false statements made by Apple’s finance vice-president, Alex Roman. Apple plans to follow the new rules but will appeal the decision.

    This ruling could bring Fortnite back to iPhones and iPads worldwide, as Epic Games is ready to return if Apple follows the court’s orders. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, celebrated the decision, saying it ends Apple’s high fees, similar to changes in Europe. The case shows Apple’s ongoing struggle to balance its App Store control with growing demands for fair competition.

  • Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple alerts users to spyware threats and updates Safari preview

    Apple recently warned some users about possible spyware attacks sponsored by governments. The company sent notifications to people in various countries, including an Italian journalist and a Dutch activist, through iMessage and email.

    These alerts are part of Apple’s efforts to protect users from advanced cyber threats, like those from groups such as NSO Group, known for Pegasus spyware. Apple has been sending these warnings since 2021, reaching users in over 150 countries. The company doesn’t share details about the attackers to avoid helping them improve their methods. Instead, Apple encourages affected users to update their devices, use two-factor authentication, and seek help from experts like the Digital Security Helpline.

    In other news, Apple released Safari Technology Preview 218, an experimental browser update for testing new features. This version includes fixes for CSS, JavaScript, Lockdown Mode, and WebRTC, among others. It works on macOS Sonoma and macOS Sequoia and is available via the Software Update feature for those who’ve downloaded the browser from Apple’s website.

    The preview helps developers and users give feedback to improve future Safari versions. You can run it alongside the regular Safari browser, and no developer account is needed to try it. Full details are on Apple’s Safari Technology Preview website. This shows Apple’s focus on both user safety and improving its software, tackling cyber threats while refining tools like Safari for a better web experience.

  • New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro with the M5 chip, expected in fall 2025, promises a big upgrade. Last year, Apple surprised many by putting the M4 chip in the iPad Pro before Macs, which upset some Mac users who waited months for M4 MacBooks. This time, Apple plans to launch the M5 chip in MacBook Pros first, giving iPad Pro users a more powerful device later.

    The M5 iPad Pro should keep the same starting prices—$999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch—despite possible chip tariff issues. This shift back to Macs debuting new chips first feels like a return to Apple’s usual strategy, making the iPad Pro a solid upgrade choice.

    Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini app for iPhone now offers handy home screen widgets. These include a square widget with four icons to open the app, use the microphone, take photos, or start Gemini Live. There’s also a rectangular widget with a search bar and options to upload files or access your gallery.

    Styled like the Google Search app, these widgets make Gemini quick to use. However, some users still want a version optimized for iPads, as Android tablets already have one. The update, version 1.2025.1662203, is rolling out now, bringing iPhone users faster access to Gemini’s AI features. This combination of Apple’s M5 iPad Pro and Google’s Gemini widgets shows how both companies are improving their devices to stay competitive and user-friendly.

    Source/Via

  • iOS 19 could bring new AI tools from outside companies

    iOS 19 could bring new AI tools from outside companies

    Apple’s next big update, iOS 19, set to arrive in 2025, might shake things up by adding artificial intelligence tools from other companies to iPhones. Sources suggest Apple is exploring ways to include various AI systems, letting users tap into more than just Apple’s tech.

    Currently, iOS 18 lets users interact with OpenAI’s ChatGPT alongside Siri for answering questions or tackling tasks. With iOS 19, Apple could broaden this by adding AI models like Google’s Gemini or offerings from firms like Anthropic.

    This would give iPhone users the freedom to pick AI tools that best suit their needs, whether it’s for writing, problem-solving, or organizing their day. By blending these external AI systems with Apple’s apps and features, iPhones could become more versatile and tailored to individual preferences.

    While Apple continues to develop its own AI, known as Apple Intelligence, including outside tools could make the user experience more dynamic and powerful. These plans are still unconfirmed, and Apple might share more at its WWDC event in June 2025, with a likely release in September. If the rumors hold, iOS 19 could redefine how AI enhances iPhones, offering users smarter, more diverse features.

  • Apple Makes Big Changes: Super thin iPhone 17 Air and leadership reshuffle

    Apple Makes Big Changes: Super thin iPhone 17 Air and leadership reshuffle

    Apple is making headlines again — this time with both new hardware and internal company changes. A recent leak shows that Apple is working on a much thinner iPhone called the iPhone 17 Air. Compared to the current iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 Air is noticeably slimmer, making it one of the thinnest iPhones ever.

    Apple is using a new internal layout, including smaller parts like the camera and battery, to help reduce thickness. The display will also have smaller borders, giving it a cleaner and more modern look. This new model is expected to launch in 2025 and might only come in one size, possibly replacing the standard iPhone 17.

    Along with product changes, Apple is also continuing to shift leadership within the company. Two important departments are getting new heads: the Apple Watch software team and the Health division. David Clark, who helped build Apple’s Health features, has now stepped down.

    Also, Kevin Lynch, who worked on both the Apple Watch and Apple’s health tools, is now focusing only on health projects. This is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to improve its product development and services by reorganizing leadership roles. These changes show that Apple is not just updating its devices but also adjusting its team to better focus on future innovation.

  • Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple improves TV app while warning users about AirPlay risks on non-Apple devices

    Apple has recently shared an important warning about using AirPlay on devices not made by Apple. According to security notes from iOS 17.5 beta, AirPlay has three serious security problems that hackers could use to run harmful code. These issues only affect third-party devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks that support AirPlay, not Apple’s own products.

    Apple says these problems have now been fixed, but only on its own devices. It’s not clear when or if third-party manufacturers will patch these flaws. Until then, Apple recommends being careful when using AirPlay on non-Apple devices, especially in places like hotels or public spaces.

    At the same time, Apple is continuing to improve its TV app. A new update has just added better controls for live sports, such as easier ways to follow teams, check scores, and get updates in real time. The “Watch Now” section is also getting smarter by showing more relevant suggestions.

    These changes are part of Apple’s plan to bring more content into one app and make it easier for users to find what they want to watch. The company removed some standalone apps earlier this year to simplify the viewing experience, and the TV app is quickly becoming the main place for watching shows, movies, and sports on Apple devices.

    So while Apple is pushing its TV app forward, it’s also reminding users to stay cautious about security when using third-party AirPlay devices.