Utah Pioneers Mandatory Age Verification for App Store Access
Utah becomes the first US state to require Apple and Google to verify users' ages on their mobile app stores through the App Store Accountability Act. The groundbreaking legislation mandates parental consent for users under 18 and has gained support from major social media platforms.
Brazil Court Orders Apple to Enable iPhone App Sideloading Within 90 Days
A Brazilian federal court has mandated Apple to allow third-party app marketplaces on iOS devices within 90 days or face substantial daily fines. The ruling follows similar changes implemented in the EU, though Apple plans to challenge it, citing security concerns.
China Eyes Antitrust Investigation into Apple's App Store Dominance
Chinese regulators are scrutinizing Apple's App Store practices, particularly its 30% commission fees and payment restrictions on developers. The potential probe comes amid US-China tensions and could force Apple to modify policies in its largest foreign market.
Apple's New Invites App Sparks Controversy Over Copycat Claims
Partiful challenges Apple's new event planning app, accusing the tech giant of violating its own App Store guidelines against copycats. The controversy highlights tensions between Apple's growing services division and third-party developers, while raising questions about innovation versus imitation.
Apple's 2024 Performance: Mixed Results in Hardware Excellence and Developer Relations
Annual Six Colors survey reveals Apple's continued hardware prowess with M4 chips, while facing challenges in developer relations and Vision Pro reception. Expert panel highlights concerns over software stability and App Store policies amid EU regulatory pressures.
Epic Takes on Apple: Free Games and Fee Coverage in EU Mobile Store Launch
Epic Games challenges Apple's ecosystem by launching a mobile store in the EU with free games and coverage of developer fees. The gaming giant plans to offer 20 third-party titles and absorb Apple's Core Technology Fee for one year to foster marketplace competition.
Sonos Leadership Crisis Deepens as Chief Product Officer Exits Following CEO Departure
Sonos faces continued turmoil as Chief Product Officer Maxime Bouvat-Merlin departs just one day after CEO Patrick Spence's exit. The shake-up follows a problematic app update that caused widespread user complaints and could cost up to $30 million in repairs.
Zuckerberg Blasts Apple's Innovation Slump and App Store 'Monopoly'
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticizes Apple for stagnating innovation and restrictive App Store policies during Joe Rogan podcast appearance. He argues the tech giant is merely 'coasting' on iPhone's success while maintaining rules that hurt competition and Meta's profitability.
Watch Duty Surpasses ChatGPT as California Wildfire Crisis Fuels App Downloads
As devastating wildfires ravage Southern California, the Watch Duty tracking app has dethroned ChatGPT as the top free app on Apple's App Store. The app's real-time wildfire information and evacuation alerts, powered by firefighters and first responders, have become crucial tools for over 70,000 residents facing evacuation.
Apple Defends VPN App Removals in Russia to Preserve App Store Access
Apple justifies removing nearly 100 VPN services and independent media apps from its Russian App Store, claiming compliance with local regulations prevents a total service ban. Despite sanctions, Apple maintains 12% of Russia's smartphone market through indirect iPhone imports.