Apple
Eufy's new Tracker Card has Wireless Charging
Anker brand Eufy has launched the new SmartTrack Card E40, a Bluetooth tracking card. It's just 1.7mm thick, making it suitable for putting in a wallet, etc. It works with both the Apple and Google Bluetooth tracking networks (Find My / Find Hub). It lasts up to five months on a single charge and supports Qi wireless charging. It also features a loud (100dB) alert speaker to assist locating a lost item when nearby. It will ship later this quarter for $35. It will be available individually or in packs of up to four.
Europe Forces Apple to Open up More of iOS
Apple will add new interoperability between iPhones (and iPads) and non-Apple devices in two key areas starting with iOS 26.3, in response to Europe's Digital Markets Act. In Europe only, iOS 26.3 will allow third-party devices like smartwatches to receive notifications and react to them. Pairing Bluetooth devices like earbuds will also potentially get easier with Proximity Pairing, where you can simply bring two devices near each other to pair them. These features were previously proprietary to Apple devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods, and, for now, will remain that way in the rest of the world. The features do require work on the part of device makers in order to be supported. Developers can start that work now with beta versions of iOS 26.3, while the features are expected to be "fully available in Europe" in 2026.
Google Adding AirDrop to Android
Google is improving Android's Quick Share wireless file-sharing feature by adding compatibility with Apple's similar AirDrop feature on iPhones. This will make it easier to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby phones, between Android phones and iPhones. The feature will have a phased rollout, starting today with the Google Pixel 10 series. Google says it plans to expand the rollout to "more Android devices" over time.
Mophie Launches New Fast Wireless Charging Stands
Mophie is launching a new, complete range of wireless charging stands with 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 variants to charge an iPhone plus one or two other wearables (AirPods and/or Apple Watch). All four models have a Qi2-certified 15W magnetic charging stand for an iPhone, with tilt adjustment. Also available is an elevated pad for fast charging an Apple Watch, and/or a 5W wireless charger built into the base for AirPods. All come in white, while the 3-in-1 model is also available in black. The iPhone-only and 3-in-1 models are available now, for $45 and $100, respectively. The 2-in-1 models will ship in early December, with the iPhone+AirPods model going for $60 and the iPhone+Watch model selling for $80. The multi-device models come with a 40W wall adapter with an integrated USB-C cable.
Apple Joins Google in Offering Passport-Based Digital ID
Apple is launching a new type of digital identification for iPhone (and Apple Watch) that it calls simply "Digital ID". It is based on the user's existing passport and can be used in place of a Real ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. (It does not replace a passport for international travel.) "At launch, Digital ID acceptance will roll out first in beta at TSA checkpoints at more than 250 airports in the U.S. ... with additional Digital ID acceptance use cases to come in the future." Not all TSA checkpoints can accept this type of ID yet. Google's Android already supports this unique type of ID — which they call "ID pass" — having announced it over a year ago. On both Android and iOS, the system works the same way: To set it up, you scan your passport with your phone's camera, scan the NFC chip in the passport, and take a moving selfie to verify identity. To use it, just tap the NFC reader at the checkpoint and confirm the requested info to share with TSA. (Your phone stays in your hand.)
Apple Prepping "Transfer to Android" Feature, Including 3rd-Party Apps and eSIM
Apple is preparing to launch a new feature in iOS called "Transfer to Android" that will make it easier to switch from an iPhone to an Android phone. The feature will be able to wirelessly transfer an eSIM, as well as photos, messages, notes, and more. Third-party app data will also be included where app developers have enabled the feature, which is made possible by the brand-new "AppMigrationKit" API. This API can used for cross-platform transfers in either direction: "AppMigrationKit ... supports migration to and from non-Apple platforms, such as Android."
Apple Will Let Users Dial Back Liquid Glass Even More
Apple is continuing to refine its controversial Liquid Glass software design, introduced in iOS 26 and Apple's other new software this year. The design was initially introduced with a very clear "glass" look, but was tweaked based on user feedback by the time of final release. Now, the newest beta version of iOS 26.1 adds a new "tinted" option that makes Liquid Glass interface elements look even less transparent. In iOS 26.1 public beta 4, this new "Liquid Glass" setting can be found under "Display & Brightness" in the Settings app.
AT&T Launches More Capable 5G Nationwide
AT&T has officially launched 5G SA (Stand-Alone) network technology nationwide. Like most US carriers, AT&T initially launched 5G using the NSA (Non-Stand-Alone) version of the technology, which relied on the existing 4G LTE network for some functions. Aside from not needing the 4G network, 5G SA unlocks several advanced capabilities of 5G, including faster upload speeds, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and edge functions. T-Mobile made the same announcement in 2020. Verizon has yet to formally announce nationwide 5G SA, although observers have spotted Verizon 5G SA running in several parts of the country. The launch of 5G SA is related to the launch of 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), a simpler version of 5G designed for less powerful (and less demanding) devices, including smartwatches. AT&T confirmed that Apple's newest smartwatches use 5G RedCap, which is likely spurring the current rollouts of 5G RedCap and 5G SA by AT&T and Verizon.
Apple, Google Remove ICE Tracking Apps
Apple and Google have both removed apps from their app stores that let people report and see the locations of ICE agents. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement that "ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs" and "we reached out to Apple [Thursday] demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their App Store — and Apple did so". Apple says "We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps. ... Based on information we've received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store". Separately but just one day later, Google says it "removed similar apps for violations of our policies". Google says it was not contacted by the Justice Department about the apps. Joshua Aaron, the developer of ICEBlock, says he designed the app to help immigrants who are afraid of being deported. ICEBlock was downloaded more than 1 million times before it was banned.
iOS 26 Now Available, with Visual Intelligence
Apple has released the final, public version of iOS 26. It should be available to download now on most recent iPhones. New features include Live Translation of languages, available for in-person conversations as well as in Messages and FaceTime. The feature currently works with English (U.S., UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Chinese (simplified). By the end of the year, it will also support Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin, simplified), and Chinese (Mandarin, traditional). Also new in iOS 26 is Visual Intelligence, which applies AI to tell you more about anything on your screen at the moment (by taking a screenshot), or anything in front of you in the real world, using the phone's camera. The update also brings new, more granular parental control features, and Apple's new Liquid Glass design language.
Apple's iPhone 17 Series is Nearly Hack-Proof
Apple has revealed that the new A19 chips in the iPhone 17 series (including iPhone Air) are its first chips to support a new security feature in iOS called Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE). This new technology is a big leap in addressing memory safety vulnerabilities, an industry-wide problem and the main attack vector used by mercenary spyware that state-backed hackers use to spy on high-profile targets (among other advanced attacks). One key part of MIE is EMTE (Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension), a memory-safety technology that Apple co-developed with Arm, based on Arm's MTE technology. EMTE assigns a type of security key to each set of data in memory, so applications can't access memory not allocated to them. However, checking those keys can hurt performance, and the timing of the checking process can reveal signals that compromise the keys. Therefore, Apple designed its new A19 chips with separate key-checking hardware that accelerates the process and keeps it secure, enabling real-time EMTE for all critical processes. Apple's research indicates that this technology could all but eliminate the problem of memory safety vulnerabilities. iOS on the iPhone 17 series implements MIE in "the kernel and over 70 userland processes", but Apple is also making this technology available to third-party developers via new Enhanced Security settings in Xcode.
Apple Intros Compact new Fast Charger for iPhone 17 Series
Apple has introduced a new compact fast charger that can charge at up to 60 watts. It employs "Dynamic Power" to charge at 40 watts normally, but up to 60 watts for a limited time, at specific points in the charging cycle. This enables the benefits of faster charging in a smaller form factor than other 60W chargers. Because of this, Apple calls it the "40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max". Unlike other 60W chargers, it's optimized for charging phones, not tablets or laptops. Only the new iPhone 17 series (including the iPhone Air) is compatible with Dynamic Power for the fastest charging speeds. Fold-up plug prongs further contribute to its portability. It's available now from Apple for $39.
iPhone Air Chases Title of Thinnest Phone
Apple has followed Samsung in creating a super-thin flagship-class phone this year with the new iPhone Air. Like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, the iPhone Air uses a titanium body to achieve sub-6mm thickness. While the S25 Edge measures 5.8mm, the iPhone Air beats it slightly at just 5.6mm thick. The iPhone Air replaces the iPhone Plus in this year's iPhone lineup. Besides its thin profile, the Air also brings new blend of specs and features that sits between the standard and Pro models. It has nearly all of the features of a standard iPhone, including new features in the iPhone 17 such as the Center Stage front camera, ProMotion display, and Ceramic Shield 2 display glass. It lacks the wide-angle camera but does have the same 48-megapixel "Fusion" main camera that can double as a 2x tele camera (at 12 megapixels). It does have a faster A19 Pro chip like the Pro models, although with five GPU cores instead of six. One change to get the phone this thin is that all versions worldwide will be eSIM-only. All of the radio modems in the iPhone Air are Apple-designed chips. Following Apple's first 5G modem (the C1) in the iPhone 16e, the Air has a new "C1X" chip that's twice as a fast and 30% more power-efficient. An Apple "N1" radio chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The iPhone Air ships Sept. 19 starting at $999.
iPhone 17 Series Shakes up Formula
Apple has announced this year's iPhone lineup, the iPhone 17 series. Instead of a "Plus" model, Apple has introduced a new iPhone Air (covered in a separate article) that's extra-thin and more premium than a Plus model. New in the standard and Pro models are: a new 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera with a larger, square sensor that can capture portrait or landscape orientation without turning the phone, and has automatic framing (cropping). Also new is that all rear cameras are 48-megapixel "Fusion" cameras that perform different functions in 12-megapixel (pixel binning) or 48-megapixel mode (which defaults to 24 megapixel output). In the standard iPhone 17, this means a main camera that can double as a (12MP) 2x telephoto camera, plus a wide-angle camera that can double as a (12MP) macro camera. The Pro models add a 4x telephoto camera that can double as a (12MP) 8x telephoto camera. Apple has also introduced Ceramic Shield 2 display glass across the lineup, which it claims offers 3x better scratch resistance. The iPhone 17 gains a new display that's larger (6.3 inches vs. 6.1), has ProMotion dynamic refresh (1–120 Hz), and has an always-on feature. It also gains faster wired charging. A new A19 chip in the iPhone 17 offers 20% faster graphics performance and puts neural accelerators in the GPU cores for the first time. The Pro models come with an even-more-powerful A19 Pro chip assisted by a new vapor-chamber thermal management system. The Pro models come with the largest battery ever in an iPhone, which is even slightly larger in regional versions without a physical SIM card slot. The Pro models also gain ProRes RAW video capture and Genlock (with optional hardware accessory.) The Pro models have an all-new look with an aluminum (instead of titanium) unibody design and larger "plateau" camera hump. All models now come with a minimum 256 GB of storage. In the standard iPhone 17, this means double the memory for the same $799 starting price. However the iPhone 17 Pro sees the starting price hike from $999 to $1099. The iPhone 17 Pro Max (with its larger 6.9-inch display) starts as $1199, just like last year's model. Pre-orders start today, with all models shipping Sept. 19.
Apple Brings 5G to its Smartwatches
Apple has introduced a complete new lineup of Apple Watches, from an affordable new Apple Watch SE 3, to the main Apple Watch Series 11, to the top-end Apple Watch Ultra 3. All of the new models now include 5G cellular connectivity. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 also adds satellite connectivity for the first time in an Apple Watch. This enables Emergency SOS features like on the iPhone (free for two years) as well as Find My location sharing and messaging via satellite. The Ultra 3 also has a new display that's larger, brighter, and can refresh once a second in always-on mode (compared to once a minute previously). Battery life is also improved, lasting up to 42 hours. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799. The new Apple Watch Series 11 has new Ion-X glass face that's 2x more scratch-resistant. It also has improved battery life at 24 hours, making sleep-tracking features more practical. Those have also been updated with a new "sleep score" feature. Another new health feature is Hypertension Notifications, where the watch analyzes 30 days of heart data to detect potential high blood pressure, providing a screening service that may alert users to undiagnosed hypertension. Apple expects FDA approval of that feature soon. Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399. Finally, the new Apple Watch SE 3 starts at just $249, but also includes the new sleep score feature and more-durable Ion-X cover glass. This new model brings a long list of Apple Watch features to the SE series for the first time, including always-on display, fast charging, temperature sensor, double tap and wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. All three models go on sale Sept. 19.
Apple Updates its Pro Earbuds
Apple has introduced the AirPods Pro 3, its newest top-end Bluetooth earbuds. One headline feature is a new heart rate sensor, which allows fitness tracking features (in both Apple and third-party apps) that would have previously required an Apple Watch. It also supports live language translation, via an AI language model running on a paired iPhone. Foreign language audio is automatically made quieter as you listen to the translation. When you speak, a translation is displayed on your iPhone's display, with an option to speak the translation aloud. Apple has also improved the durability with an IP57 rating for dust and water (up from IP54). ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) has been improved to be twice as effective as the previous generation (4x better than the original AirPods Pro). Finally, earbud battery life has been improved to eight hours, (with ANC on, compared to six hours before,) although total battery life with the charging case has been reduced from 30 hours to 24. The price remains at $249 and they ship Sept. 19.
Google Barred from Requiring Its Apps on Phones with Play Store
A judge today issued remedies in the government's antitrust case against Google. Google won't be forced to divest its Android operating system, nor its Chrome web browser, as the Department of Justice had requested. Google will also be allowed to continue paying partners (including Apple) to pre-load Search and other Google products. However, Google will be barred from exclusive deals around the distribution of search, Google Assistant, Gemini, or Chrome. Google must also end its requirement that device makers pre-load Google apps in order to access the Play Store. It's unclear if Google will appeal.
Apple Responds to US Antitrust Lawsuit
Apple has submitted its initial legal response to the US Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit accusing it of a "smartphone monopoly". The government's lawsuit focuses on Apple's restrictions on third parties in five specific areas: "Super apps", Cloud-streaming games, Messaging apps, Smartwatches, and Digital wallets. Apple contends that it allows third parties to offer all five on its platforms. Apple also calls out what it says are unfair or arbitrary metrics used to support the claim of a monopoly: measuring market share of "performance smartphones", and measuring by revenue instead of units sold.
Apple Releases Public Beta of iOS 26
The next version of iOS, version 26 (newly numbered by year), has reached the milestone of a public beta version now available. iOS 26 introduces Apple's new Liquid Glass design language, as well as new features like Live Translation. Interested users can install the beta version of iOS 26 on their iPhone. As always, beta software is not final and could be buggy or damage your data. It is not recommended to install a beta version of any OS on any primary or critical device.
"Qi2 25W" is the new Wireless Fast Charging Standard
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) standards group today announced that "Qi2 25W" will be the brand for version 2.2.1 of the Qi wireless charging standard. Qi2 25W, as its name implies, brings faster 25-watt charging compared to the 15-watt charging of standard Qi2. The WPC also revealed that Apple will adopt Qi2 25W in its iPhones, and many Android phones are already in the certification pipeline as well. 14 devices have already been certified for Qi2 25W, with "several hundred devices waiting in the queue to be tested." Existing Qi2 products, such as the current iPhones, are the result of a collaboration between WPC and Apple, incorporating technology from both the original Qi standard and Apple's MagSafe implementation. Although many Android phones have implemented Qi, almost none have implemented Qi2 yet; today's news implies that will soon charge.
Apple Invests in Rare-Earth Magnet Manufacturing and Recycling in US
Apple has made a $500 million deal with MP Materials to expand the manufacturing of rare-earth (neodymium) magnets for Apple products in Texas. "The two companies will also work together to establish a cutting-edge rare earth recycling line in Mountain Pass, California, and develop novel magnet materials and innovative processing technologies to enhance magnet performance." MP Materials is the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the United States. The new recycling line will take in material from used electronics, among other sources. Apple started using recycled rare earth elements in 2019, and today "nearly all magnets across Apple devices are made with 100 percent recycled rare earth elements."
Bill Reintroduced to Open Up App Stores
A bipartisan group of US senators have reintroduced the Open App Markets Act, after it failed to reach a vote in 2022. The proposed law would require Apple and Google to allow "side-loading" (installing apps without using the app stores), allow third-party app stores, and allow apps to use alternate payment systems. It would also limit pricing restrictions and ensure developers can communicate alternate payment info to users. It would also mandate that users could set third-party apps as defaults for key functions, and mandate that users be able to hide or delete pre-installed apps, including those from Apple and Google. It would also prevent app store owners from giving their own apps any kind of advantage in their stores.
Apple Pushes Ad for its Newest Movie to iPhones
Many iPhone users today received a push notification from the Apple Wallet app promoting the new "F1" movie made by Apple. The unsolicited ad took the form of a $10 discount code for use with Fandango. A beta version of iOS includes a setting to opt out of "Offers & Promotions" from Apple Wallet, but the current stable version of iOS does not. Today's ad, and introduction of the new setting, both imply that Apple intends to send more notifications like this in the future.
Apple Expands Child Safety Protections and Options for Parents
Apple today announced new features for its child-safety and parental controls features in its platforms, including iOS for iPhones. Apple will be expanding its number of age range categories to include under-13, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Apps with an overall rating exceeding a child account's age range will not be featured in the App Store, although they can still be searched, and parents can grant an exception to download. Further, a new Declared Age Range API will let developers query the age range — but not sensitive info like precise age or birth date — to tailor in-app content to be age-appropriate. App Store listings will now show whether an app makes use of this new API, and flag apps that allow messaging or show user-generated content. Apple is expanding its Communication Safety technology to FaceTime and Shared Albums in Photos, so that any nudity detected will automatically be blurred in those apps when using a Child Account. Apple is also changing the process of creating Child Accounts to ensure they are more restricted by default. Controls for parents are also being streamlined in some areas, and expanded with more options in other areas.
Apple iOS 26 Brings a New Look and Long List of New Features
Apple has revealed iOS 26, the next major version of iOS (the current version is 18). It introduces a major new design language that Apple calls Liquid Glass, which is coming to all Apple devices, not just iPhone. Accompanying the new look is a home screen option with "clear" icons and widgets. Apple has also improved its smart wallpapers to automatically adjust the time size and photo framing to make room for notifications, as well as add 3D effects. The OS intros two major new AI features: Visual Intelligence is now integrated into the screenshot function, making it easy to perform image searches based on whatever is on your screen (instead of just using the camera). It will also offer to automatically create a calendar entry when it detects a date/time. And an "Ask" button lets you ask ChatGPT about what's on your screen. A new Live Translation feature provides real-time language translation for phone calls, messages, and FaceTime. It uses Apple's own AI models. Also in Messages, Apple promises improved AI spam detection, and all messages from unknown senders automatically get sent to a special "unknown sender" folder that doesn't trigger a notification (with exceptions for certain types of time-sensitive messages.) Groups chats also get typing indicators, polls, and custom backgrounds. In the Phone app, a new design puts favs at the top, with a timeline below that, combining recent calls and voicemails. Apple is also borrowing a few ideas from Google with Call Screening and Hold Assist, where the phone can take over annoying parts of calls for you. An all-new Games app shows your Leaderboards and lets you create challenges with your friends. It also shows updates for your existing games, and provides personalized suggestions for new games. The Music app gains AutoMix to blend song transitions like a DJ. It also add Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation. CarPlay now supports widgets and Live Activities. Several other apps have been redesigned with simpler controls, including Camera and Safari. Developers also gain access to Apple's own on-device models with the new "Foundation Models framework". Apple is releasing iOS 26 to developers today, with a public beta version expected next month. The final version is expected "this fall". iOS 26 will run on iPhone 11 and later.
Texas Joins Utah in Mandating App Stores Verify Age
The Texas Governor has signed a new law that requires app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental approval for a minor to download software or make in-app purchases. Utah enacted a similar law in March. Apple and Google have vocally opposed both laws, insisting that checking IDs for everyone using any app store would be a violation of users' privacy. Apple and/or Google may still challenge the laws in court.
Trump Expands Tariff Threat to All Smartphones
After threatening a 25% tariff against Apple this morning unless they start making iPhones in the US, President Trump clarified this afternoon that the threat applies to all smartphone makers. The tariffs would start at the end of June.
Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on Apple Unless iPhones are Made in US
The latest salvo in the Trump administration's ever-shifting trade war is a new threat of a 25% tariff on all Apple products manufactured outside the US (which is essentially all Apple products, including iPhones). Trump's initial focus seemed to be China, which is why Apple has spent recent months pivoting its manufacturing plans for US-bound iPhones to manufacturing capacity it has spent years building up in India (and would now expand). Experts say it would take Apple a number of years to build that kind of manufacturing capacity in the US, and would raise the cost of a $1,200 iPhone to "anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500." Apple's current manufacturing capacity in China, India, and Vietnam includes a vast and complex supply chain of local parts suppliers that does not exist in or near the US.
Fortnite Returns to Apple iOS App Store
Following a years-long legal battle that has fundamentally reshaped the economics of Apple's App Store, the popular game Fortnite has triumphantly returned to the App Store. Fortnite's developer, Epic Games, led the lawsuit against Apple's tight restrictions on third-party payments. Other apps, including Spotify, have also reacted quickly to the legal ruling that forced Apple to loosen those restrictions in the US.
Spotify Adds Audiobook Purchases in iOS App
Spotify continues to update its iOS app to add newly-allowed purchasing options in the wake of Apple's App Store policy changes following a recent US court ruling on third-party payments. The most recent is the ability to buy individual audiobooks, as well as buy hours of "audiobook listening beyond the 15 hours included in Premium each month". Spotify already made it easier to buy a regular Spotify subscription from the app. The new App Store rules for the US make it easier for apps to direct users to third-party payment options, and Apple no longer collects commissions on payments made outside its ecosystem.
Apple Intros New Accessibility Apps, Plus Accessibility "Labels" in App Store
As it does every May for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple has announced a number of new accessibility apps, features, and initiatives. Apple's App Store listings will now include "Accessibility Nutrition Labels", showing which major accessibility features each app supports. This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Apple is also introducing Braille Access, a Braille "experience" that can be used to take notes, perform calculations, read books, transcribe conversations, and launch other apps. Accessibility Reader is a new iOS feature "designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision". It gives users "extensive options" for how text is displayed in any app, as well as text in the real world via the Magnifier app and iPhone camera. Apple is also adding many smaller new features across its existing accessibility features, such as Head Tracking, adding new gestures to control your phone, and Name Recognition, "a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called."
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of iOS Developers
Following a judge's ruling last week that Apple has been in contempt of an earlier injunction ruling regarding its App Store fees, law firm Hagens Berman has started a class-action lawsuit on behalf of iOS developers. "The lawsuit’s named plaintiff is Pure Sweat Basketball Inc., a corporation offering an app used by players across the country to train and improve their basketball skills. Had Apple complied with the injunction, as required, Pure Sweat would have been able to sell subscriptions to its app directly to its customers, using 'link-out' buttons directing customers to Pure Sweat's own website." This significantly impacted Pure Sweat's revenue. The firm estimates that more than 100,000 app developers may have experienced similar harm and may be eligible to join the lawsuit. Apple is appealing the judge's recent contempt ruling, but has already changed its App Store policies in the US to comply.
Apple Updates App Store Rules in US to Comply with Court Order, Developers React
Apple has officially updated its rules and practices for its App Store in the US to allow commission-free third-party payments. This follows a court order on Wednesday demanding such. Apple will no longer demand a cut of payments made through non-Apple systems. Apple will also stop requiring a special "entitlement" approval for in-app links to other payment methods, and will remove other restrictions on such links. These changes only apply in the US. The court case in question was filed by Epic Games, which has promised to bring its Fortnite game back to the Apple App Store soon as a result. Spotify has already updated its app to reflect the changes, showing clear subscription pricing and payment links in its iOS app for the first time. Patreon is also working to update its app in response.
Apple Reprimanded for Illegally Taking a Cut of Third-Party Payments
In the ongoing saga of the Epic Games v. Apple legal case over Apple's App Store fees and rules, the judge has ordered Apple to immediately stop collecting fees on purchases made outside of apps. Further, Apple is no longer allowed to restrict how apps point users to third-party payment options. The judge had already issued injunctions to this effect as long ago as 2021, but Apple's selective interpretation of its obligations amounts to "willful" non-compliance, according to the judge. So much so that the judge has requested that the case be reviewed for possible criminal contempt proceedings. Apple said it would comply, but appeal. Epic Games responded that it will bring its Fortnite game back to Apple's App Store "next week".
Meta Disables Apple Intelligence in Facebook and Other Apps
Meta has apparently disabled Apple Intelligence features in Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. This includes writing tools and Genmoji. App developers can opt out of Apple Intelligences for their iOS apps, and Meta appears to have done just that. Meta has been pushing its own AI features in recent years.
Chipolo's New Bluetooth Tracker is Cross-Platform
Chipolo has introduced its newest Bluetooth tracking tag: the Chipolo Pop. Following Pebblebee, Chipolo has made its new trackers cross-platform, meaning they work with either Apple Find My or Google's Find My Device network. The Pop has a simple round "chip" design that comes in six colors. They're rated IP55 for splash protection. The CR2032 battery (the same used by Apple AirTags) is user-replaceable and lasts up to one year. They have a range of 300 feet, but can be found globally via either of the Find My networks. Chipolo also offers its own app, which offers features like adjusting the tracker's ringtone, and using the tracker's button to locate your lost phone, or as a remote trigger for your phone's camera. The Chipolo Pop is on sale now for $29, or $89 for four (under $23 each).
You'll Soon be Able to Set WhatsApp as Your Default Phone & Messaging App on iPhone
In iOS 18.2, Apple added an option to designate a third-party app as the default for calling and/or messaging. Now, third-party apps are starting to support the feature, starting with WhatsApp. The latest beta version of WhatsApp can be set as your default messaging app, default voice calling app, or both. Presumably, the feature will come to the non-beta version of WhatsApp soon. Apple initially developed the feature to appease EU regulators and was expected to limit it to that region, but later rolled out the feature worldwide. It is now part of a whole section in Settings for "Default Apps" that also includes email, Call Filtering, web browser, and Passwords & Codes.
Utah Age-Verification Bill Signed Into Law
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has officially signed a law requiring app stores to verify user's ages and obtain parental consent for users under 18. Apple and Google oppose the law and may still challenge it in court.
Spectrum and Xfinity Launch Satellite SOS and Messaging
Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile have both launched emergency messaging via satellite for the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 series Android phones. In the coming weeks, they will also launch non-emergency text messaging via satellite. The service offers basic connectivity in cellular dead zones, and uses the NTN satellite feature of those specific phones. Both Spectrum and Xfinity use Verizon's network, and Verizon enabled non-emergency satellite messaging just yesterday. All three companies rely on Skylo to provide this satellite service. NTN is an industry standard and specific technology found only in some phones, that lets a phone communicate directly with existing satellite networks, much like Apple's proprietary satellite features on iPhone. Other satellite services for phones (Starlink and AST SpaceMobile) offer greater phone compatibility, but require new satellites to be launched.
Apple Pledges to Support Encryption in New RCS Standard
The RCS industry standard for enhanced messaging has been updated to officially support standardized End-to-End Encryption (E2EE). Further, Apple has committed to support it in future implementations of RCS in iOS. This will greatly improve the security and privacy of cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android phones. Google launched its own implementation of E2EE for RCS in 2020, but the feature was not officially part of the RCS standard until now, with GSMA's RCS Universal Profile 3.0. That is why Google's E2EE feature only worked when both parties were using Google's Messages app. Now, this standardized version of E2EE should enable it for more RCS conversations. Apple has not committed to a specific timeline for adding E2EE to RCS.
