Tag: Apple

  • Fortnite Returns to Apple’s App Store After Five-Year Absence

    Fortnite Returns to Apple’s App Store After Five-Year Absence

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fortnite has returned to the US App Store after a lengthy legal battle between Apple and Epic.
    2. The game was removed in August 2020 for breaching App Store rules related to payment processing.
    3. Epic achieved a partial victory, with Fortnite reinstated in the EU App Store due to new regulations.
    4. Epic plans to launch an official Epic Store app in the EU Play Store by 2025.
    5. Currently, Fortnite is available in the US App Store and EU via the Epic Store, with global availability still uncertain.

    After a long legal fight that lasted several years between Apple and Epic, Fortnite has made its comeback on the US App Store. This follows its return to the EU App Store last year due to new regulations that compelled Apple to change its approach.

    The Reason for Removal

    The well-known battle royale game was taken off the App Store in August 2020 after Apple alleged that Epic had breached store rules by allowing players to buy in-game currency directly through them. The main issue was Apple’s 30% cut on transactions made via the App Store, which Epic argued was not fair. Google also reacted negatively when Epic circumvented their 30% charge, leading to the game’s removal from the Android Play Store.

    A Step Forward

    In a partial win for Epic, the game was reinstated in the EU App Store last year, thanks to changes in the EU Digital Markets Act. This legislation required Apple to accept third-party app stores and different payment methods. Epic has declared plans to launch an official Epic Store app in the EU Play Store by 2025. In the meantime, players can download the game on Android by sideloading the Epic Store app.

    Global Availability of Fortnite

    Currently, the game is only accessible in the US App Store and can be found in the EU region via the Epic Store. Likewise, Google permits sideloading the app through the Epic Store. Fortnite’s official account on X stated that the game will be available in the US App Store and the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the EU. However, it remains uncertain when the game will be available to players across the globe.

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  • iPhone 17 Air vs 16 Plus: Hands-On Leak Comparison

    iPhone 17 Air vs 16 Plus: Hands-On Leak Comparison

    Key Takeaways

    1. Online users are already familiar with the “iPhone 17 Air” and its features before launch.
    2. The “iPhone 17 Air” is designed to be super-thin, but it appears thicker than the 2024 model.
    3. Recent leaks indicate the “iPhone 17 Air” may have a smaller battery than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
    4. The camera bump on the “iPhone 17 Air” looks more prominent compared to the 16 Plus.
    5. Apple might release a battery case for the “iPhone 17 Air,” which could weaken the device’s main appeal.

    If Apple was hoping to impress people with the launch of its competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, those hopes might be fading quickly. Many online users seem to already have the “iPhone 17 Air” or its dummies, ready to check out its new features ahead of time.

    Comparing Designs

    A recent post claims to show how the main feature of the 17 Air—its supposedly super-thin design—compares to another iPhone, likely the 16 Plus. This assumption is based on the dual rear camera setup, similar size, and Ultramarine color, which looks just like a unit available in Renewed condition on Amazon. It appears that the 2024 model is indeed thicker than the “17 Air” (shown here in black), although both iPhones have their volume controls, power button, Action Button, and Camera Control in nearly the same spots.

    New Leak and Battery Concerns

    If this leak is true, it supports the idea that the “17 Air” will have a smaller battery than the S25 Edge, making the claims more believable. Furthermore, it might suggest that Apple faced difficulties managing the camera bump in this new model. The single lens ring looks to be more prominent compared to the 16 Plus in one of the recent images.

    Possible Solutions from Apple

    To address these challenges, Apple may consider releasing a specialized iPhone 17 Air Battery Case. However, this accessory could undermine the main selling point of the new device, raising questions about its necessity.

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    iPhone 17 Air vs 16 Plus: Hands-On Leak ComparisoniPhone 17 Air vs 16 Plus: Hands-On Leak Comparison
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  • China’s Non-Chinese Smartphone Shipments Drop to 1.85 Million

    China’s Non-Chinese Smartphone Shipments Drop to 1.85 Million

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple’s share in China’s smartphone market is declining, with local brands capturing 92% of the market.
    2. Total smartphone shipments increased by 6.5% in March 2025, but foreign brands, including Apple, saw a decline of over 25%.
    3. The Chinese government’s subsidy policies disadvantage Apple, as its Pro models exceed the price limit for subsidies.
    4. Apple’s revenue from Greater China has decreased for seven consecutive quarters, indicating growing pressure in the market.
    5. Despite a strong manufacturing and retail presence, local brands like Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo are becoming more popular than Apple.

    Apple’s share in China’s smartphone industry is diminishing as local rivals continue to advance. Recent shipment figures from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) for March 2025 indicate that total smartphone deliveries have increased by 6.5 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 22.73 million units. Chinese brands have taken 92 percent of this market share, leaving non-Chinese companies—primarily Apple—with only 1.85 million units, which is about half of what they sold last year.

    Quarterly Trends

    The quarterly results show a similar trend. From January to March, total shipments rose by 3.3 percent to 69.67 million units. However, Chinese manufacturers saw a growth of 9 percent, while foreign brands faced a decline of over 25 percent. Foreign companies made up about 8 percent of the total shipments—1.85 million units—with Apple holding a significant portion of that share, yet Counterpoint Research ranks Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo as more popular than the iPhone maker.

    Impact of Policies

    Policies from the government have further increased the challenges for Apple. The 15 percent “buy-new” subsidy from Beijing is only applicable to devices priced under 6,000 yuan (roughly $832). While Apple’s standard iPhone 16 starts at 5,999 yuan (about $832), its Pro models exceed this price limit. To stay competitive ahead of the 618 shopping festival, Apple is reportedly considering offering larger discounts on its Pro models.

    Apple’s financial data indicates that the pressure is mounting. Greater China accounted for 16.8 percent of Apple’s global revenue in its fiscal second quarter, but this figure has been on a downward trend for seven consecutive quarters. The last significant growth occurred in early 2022, when sales were still increasing by double digits.

    Although Apple has a large manufacturing network and retail presence in China, the market’s current energy is increasingly leaning towards local brands.

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  • Trump urges Apple to produce more iPhones in the US instead of India

    Trump urges Apple to produce more iPhones in the US instead of India

    Key Takeaways

    1. Trump expressed concerns about Apple increasing iPhone production in India, preferring that devices for the US be made domestically.
    2. He reinforced expectations for Apple to invest $500 billion in US operations, with assurances from Tim Cook for increased domestic production.
    3. Trump highlighted the Mac Pro assembly in Texas as an example of Apple’s domestic production, though it is an extension of existing operations.
    4. Experts warn that relocating iPhone production to the US could raise costs significantly, potentially increasing prices by 25% or more.
    5. Following Trump’s comments, Apple’s stock saw a minor decline, and the company’s manufacturing strategies remain under scrutiny amid global trade tensions.

    US President Donald Trump, during a state visit to Qatar, shared details of a recent discussion with Apple CEO Tim Cook. In this conversation, he expressed his worries about the company’s rising iPhone production in India. Trump mentioned, “I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday… I don’t want you building in India.” He indicated that while Apple could still produce iPhones for the Indian market in India, devices meant for the US should be manufactured domestically.

    Trump’s Investment Expectations

    Trump reinforced his desire for Apple to stick to its previous promise of investing $500 billion into US operations. He asserted that Cook assured him of an increase in production within the United States, although no specifics or timelines were disclosed.

    Manufacturing Concerns

    Previously, Donald Trump has shown apprehensions about Apple’s manufacturing in the US, especially beyond just iPhones. He pointed out the Mac Pro, which Apple assembles in Austin, Texas, as a significant example. In November 2019, Trump visited the facility with Tim Cook, commending the company’s efforts in domestic production. However, this was more of an extension of ongoing operations rather than a brand-new project.

    Challenges of Relocation

    Experts note that shifting iPhone production entirely to the US would be a tough task due to Apple’s well-established supply chains in Asia. Moving manufacturing operations could lead to a steep increase in production costs because of higher labor expenses and an underdeveloped electronics manufacturing environment. Analysts predict this shift could raise iPhone prices by 25% or even more.

    After Trump’s comments, Apple’s stock experienced a minor decline, closing at $211.46 in the latest trading session.

    Praise for Leadership

    Trump has previously complimented Cook’s leadership, stating in 2024, “If Tim Cook didn’t run Apple, and Steve Jobs did, it wouldn’t be nearly as successful.” He also reminisced about Cook reaching out to him directly in 2019 concerning tariff matters, contrasting that with the actions of typical lobbyists.

    As global trade tensions persist, Apple’s manufacturing strategies are closely monitored by investors and policymakers alike.

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  • Apple’s Anniversary iPhone: No Bezels, No Punch-Hole, New Battery

    Apple’s Anniversary iPhone: No Bezels, No Punch-Hole, New Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 16 Pro shows minor changes from the iPhone 15 Pro, with the iPhone 17 Pro expected to have similar minimal differences except for a larger camera module.
    2. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature a smaller punch-hole design, hiding Face ID sensors beneath the AMOLED display.
    3. A major redesign is planned for the iPhone 20th anniversary in 2027, as supported by reports from ET News and Bloomberg.
    4. The anticipated iPhone 19 Pro may have a completely bezel-less screen with the selfie camera and Face ID components positioned invisibly beneath the display.
    5. Advances in battery technology are expected, with the upcoming model potentially featuring a silicon battery that eliminates carbon, offering higher energy density for improved battery life and design.

    The Apple iPhone 16 Pro shows only minor changes from its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro. It’s predicted that the iPhone 17 Pro will not vary much either, except for a bigger camera module. Looking ahead, the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature a smaller punch-hole, as the Face ID sensors are said to be hidden beneath the AMOLED display. A report from the Korean publication ET News backs up previous claims from Bloomberg, indicating that Apple is gearing up for a major redesign to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone in 2027.

    New Features on the Horizon

    The anticipated iPhone 19 Pro is expected to sport a completely bezel-less screen. This innovation will be achieved by slightly rounding the AMOLED display and the glass cover at all four corners, resulting in an almost perfect screen-to-body ratio of nearly 100%. The selfie camera will also contribute to this design, as it’s planned to be positioned invisibly beneath the display for the first time on an iPhone. The rest of the Face ID components will also be placed underneath the screen next year if the speculations are accurate.

    Battery Technology Advancements

    In another exciting development, the upcoming model may feature a silicon battery that eliminates carbon entirely from its cathode. Achieving 100% silicon content would mark a major step forward, as today’s silicon-carbon batteries in smartphones typically contain less than 20% silicon. Such a battery could potentially offer higher energy density, allowing for either much longer battery life or a sleeker design without sacrificing battery capacity.

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  • Apple Developing Brain Implants for Disability Device Control

    Apple Developing Brain Implants for Disability Device Control

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is collaborating with start-up Synchron to develop brain-computer interface (BCI) technology using thought signals.
    2. The Stentrode implant, created by Synchron, can detect neuronal activities and control devices like the iPhone via 16 electrodes.
    3. Users, like Mark Jackson with ALS, can operate devices using the Stentrode implant, but navigation speed is currently limited compared to traditional methods.
    4. Tom Oxley, CEO of Synchron, emphasizes the need for a standardized approach for BCI devices, which Apple plans to introduce by the end of 2025.
    5. A dedicated standard from Apple could significantly enhance BCI accessibility and impact how individuals with disabilities interact with technology.

    According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Apple is working together with a start-up called Synchron to explore new ways for controlling devices using thought signals, which are basically neural impulses. Synchron has created the Stentrode implant, a brain-computer interface (BCI) that is inserted like a stent into a vein located above the motor cortex in the brain. This device has 16 electrodes that can detect delicate neuronal activities related to movement and turn these signals into commands to control devices like the iPhone. Since 2019, ten individuals have received the Stentrode implant.

    User Experience

    One individual using the Stentrode implant is Mark Jackson, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He shared that he can operate an Apple Vision Pro headset with assistance from his implant and special software designed by Apple. The signals from the implant are managed through existing alternative device control options in Apple’s operating systems. However, Jackson notes that the current method of navigation is not as fast as traditional ways because direct cursor control through thought is still not possible.

    Future Plans

    According to Tom Oxley, CEO of Synchron, a standardized approach specifically designed for BCI devices from companies like Apple would greatly enhance the potential of these technologies. Reportedly, Apple intends to roll out such a standard for developers by the end of 2025, making it easier to incorporate brain implant inputs into software.

    Broader Impact

    The creation of a dedicated standard by Apple could be a major advancement in making BCIs more accessible and influencing the future of how humans interact with computers. Morgan Stanley estimates that approximately 150,000 individuals in the United States with severe upper extremity disabilities could be potential early users of BCI devices.

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  • Apple Analyst Reveals Insights on iPhone 20th Anniversary Releases

    Apple Analyst Reveals Insights on iPhone 20th Anniversary Releases

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple plans to introduce a major iPhone redesign in 2027, potentially called iPhone 19 Pro, featuring an all-glass body and no visible Face ID or front camera components.

    2. The company is expected to launch its first foldable smartphone in 2027.

    3. Other product innovations include new smartwatches with integrated cameras and enhanced AirPods.

    4. Apple is developing smart glasses that could compete with existing products like Amazon Echo Frames.

    5. The company is also working on an AI-driven tabletop robot and new chipsets for its silicon division, although not all plans may be realized by 2027.

    Apple is nearing the 20th year since the introduction of the iPhone. Just as well, it’s been almost ten years since the iPhone X created a new standard in smartphone aesthetics. Mark Gurman reports that Apple aims to unveil what it believes will be another series of innovative devices in 2027.

    Potential iPhone Redesign

    Gurman anticipates that a significant redesign of the iPhone will debut in 2027, likely under the name iPhone 19 Pro. He envisions a device featuring an all-glass body, extremely thin bezels, and a complete removal of the visible Face ID or front camera components. Additionally, Gurman expects that 2027 will also mark the launch of Apple’s inaugural foldable smartphone.

    Other Product Innovations

    Moreover, Gurman highlights substantial updates coming to Apple’s other product lines, including new smartwatches equipped with integrated cameras, enhanced AirPods, and smart glasses that could outshine existing products like the Amazon Echo Frames, which are currently priced at $179.99 on Amazon. It seems that Apple is also working on an AI-driven tabletop robot and developing chipsets intended to propel its silicon division into the server market. However, it remains uncertain if all these plans will come to fruition by 2027.

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  • Apple to Raise Prices for New iPhone Lineup, Report Says

    Apple to Raise Prices for New iPhone Lineup, Report Says

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is considering raising prices for upcoming iPhone models, focusing on new features rather than tariffs as justification.
    2. A new tariff agreement between the US and China reduces tariffs to 10%, but a 20% tariff on China remains in place.
    3. Apple’s most profitable iPhone models, the Pro and Pro Max, will continue to be produced in China, affecting profit margins.
    4. Apple is exploring production in India but lacks the necessary infrastructure for mass iPhone manufacturing.
    5. Price increases may be linked to new camera technologies and larger batteries, with executives avoiding direct mentions of tariffs as the reason.

    Apple is said to be thinking about raising prices for its upcoming iPhone models, expected to launch later this year. Instead of pointing to the ongoing trade conflict between the US and China as the cause, the company plans to focus on new features or design changes as justification for the increases.

    Tariff Agreement

    On Monday, May 12th, 2025, the US and China came to an agreement to cut their reciprocal tariffs to 10%, down from an outrageous 125%. However, a different 20% tariff on China will still be in place. These new tariffs will stay in effect for 90 days, during which both countries aim to finalize a deal.

    Manufacturing Insights

    According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple’s most lucrative iPhone versions, the Pro and Pro Max, will still be produced in China. Insiders from the supply chain informed the publication that Apple may face reduced profit margins unless it opts to raise prices.

    Apple had been mulling over a significant overhaul of its supply chain, with a goal to produce 60 million iPhones every year in India. Yet, currently, the necessary infrastructure and technology aren’t sufficient for mass production.

    Price Justifications

    The sources from WSJ pointed out that new camera technologies and larger batteries might create challenges. The report also indicated that Apple executives are cautious about attributing the price increases to tariffs. Instead, they will likely frame the hike as a result of new features or design improvements in the soon-to-be-released iPhones.

    Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has mentioned in the past that the new tariffs could lead to an extra $900 million in costs for the quarter. He also highlighted that major iPhone models sold outside the US would continue to be sourced from China.

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  • Minimal Demand for Slim Phones: Poll Results and Industry Trends

    Minimal Demand for Slim Phones: Poll Results and Industry Trends

    Key Takeaways

    1. Most users prefer thicker smartphones that offer bigger batteries and extra features over ultra-slim models.
    2. Poll results show 42% of participants favor thicker phones, while only 18% prefer slimmer designs.
    3. On YouTube, only 10% of respondents want thinner phones, with 50% favoring thicker models for better battery life.
    4. Upcoming models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air will be very thin but have smaller batteries and fewer features.
    5. The preference for thicker devices also applies to foldable phones, where users appreciate a balance between thickness and battery capacity.

    With big companies like Apple and Samsung getting ready to launch extremely thin smartphones, it might seem like other brands will want to do the same. But do users really prefer slimmer devices? It appears not. Recent surveys by a tech news site reveal that most people actually prefer thicker phones that come with bigger batteries and extra features, instead of thinner and possibly more delicate devices.

    Poll Results Show Preferences

    The surveys were carried out by Android Authority, one on their site and another on their YouTube channel. Both polls produced similar outcomes. A significant portion of the respondents favored thicker smartphones with enhanced features, or preferred phones to maintain their current thickness, as opposed to ultra-slim models that come with drawbacks. The website poll had 1,431 participants, with around 42% choosing thicker options, 40% wanting the same thickness, and merely 18% expressing a preference for slimmer smartphones, accepting the trade-offs.

    YouTube Insights

    In the YouTube poll, the difference is even more pronounced, with just 10% wishing for thinner phones, while 50% preferred thicker models offering more battery life and features. The rest were satisfied with the current phone designs.

    This survey comes at a time when Samsung is on the verge of revealing its Galaxy S25 Edge, which is anticipated to be only 5.8mm thick but will feature a smaller 3,900 mAh battery and a dual-camera system. Likewise, the rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to measure just 5.5mm thick, but with significant battery sacrifices, featuring only one rear camera and a single speaker.

    Foldable Phones Are Not Exempt

    This preference isn’t just for regular smartphones; it extends to foldable devices as well, where reducing thickness makes more sense. The first versions of foldable phones were quite bulky, so a trend towards slimmer designs is welcomed. The Oppo Find N5, for instance, is only 8.93mm thick when folded yet still boasts a 5,600 mAh battery. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to match this thickness but will only have a 4,400 mAh battery, similar to its predecessor.

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  • Apple Exec Warns: iPhone May Become Obsolete Due to AI

    Apple Exec Warns: iPhone May Become Obsolete Due to AI

    Key Takeaways

    1. Eddy Cue’s remark about a drop in search volume on Safari indicates a potential shift in how iPhone users will engage with web search.
    2. Apple plans to integrate generative AI search tools into Safari, moving away from traditional Google search interfaces.
    3. Google’s dominance in search is being challenged by AI platforms like ChatGPT, impacting its market value.
    4. The iPhone’s role as a primary access point for search is changing, potentially affecting Google’s advertising revenue.
    5. The rise of AI may disrupt Google’s search monopoly more effectively than legal actions from regulators.

    At a pivotal moment in an important antitrust trial in Washington, D.C., Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, shared a remark that could signal a significant change in the iPhone’s usual function in web search. “For the first time in 22 years, we’ve seen search volume drop on Safari,” he declared. Cue’s testimony aimed to support Apple’s multi-billion-dollar agreement with Google, but it also suggested a larger transition that might alter how users engage with the iPhone. The main catalyst behind this change is artificial intelligence.

    AI Integration in Safari

    Reports indicate that Apple is looking to incorporate generative AI search tools such as OpenAI and Perplexity into Safari. This move could fundamentally transform how iPhone users search for information, shifting from the conventional Google search box to interfaces powered by AI. This trend has already begun influencing the market, as shares of Google’s parent company Alphabet fell by more than 7% this week, wiping out about $150 billion in market capitalization.

    Changes in Revenue Dynamics

    Cue remarked in court, “It just seems crazy to me,” in reference to potential revenue losses linked to Google’s antitrust challenges, acknowledging that the true disruption may arise more from AI than from legal decisions. His statements mirror a rising sentiment within the industry. Google’s long-held supremacy in search is now being challenged by generative AI platforms. With ChatGPT reportedly managing over 1 billion search queries each week and Apple working on redesigning Safari with AI capabilities, the iPhone’s role as a gateway to Google’s ecosystem might be fading.

    The Redefinition of the iPhone

    “The iPhone’s role as the portal to search is being redefined,” stated Yory Wurmser, an analyst at eMarketer. “When your default gateway no longer leads to Google but to AI, the device becomes less of a command centre and more of a conduit.” This strategic shift by Apple could have extensive implications for the smartphone and advertising sectors. Analysts caution that changing Google’s default search position on iOS could destabilize Google’s advertising revenue and redirect billions in global advertising expenditure. As U.S. regulators deliberate on actions regarding default search engine agreements, Apple seems to be gearing up its platform for a future dominated by AI.

    At this moment, the iPhone continues to hold a dominant position. However, as Cue pointed out, the emergence of AI may achieve what courts cannot — diminish Google’s search monopoly and, in doing so, reshape the iPhone itself.

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