iOS

Apple Adjusts DMA, Opens New Doors for iOS Web Distribution of Apps

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Apple will allow iOS developers located in the European Union to distribute apps from the web, rather then via its App Store. “Web Distribution, available in a software update later this spring, will let authorized developers distribute their iOS apps to EU users directly from a website the developer owns and operates,” it writes. iOS users will also need to approve the developer installing apps from their site via their iPhone Settings. Apple’s initial proposal for DMA compliance did not allow web based distribution for apps. While its current attempt to force EU users to consent to tracking is being challenged via GDPR and consumer protection complaints.

iOS users in Europe rejoice as Fortnite makes its long-awaited return (for real this time)

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After terminating Epic Games’ developer account on Wednesday, Apple said it will reinstate the Fortnite maker’s access to publish iOS apps in Europe. This means that Epic can move forward with its plans for an Epic Games Store, and it can bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Last month, Epic announced it would be able to bring Fortnite and the Epic Games Store back because of Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). “We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. But under the new DMA law, third-party marketplaces like the Epic Games Store can come to iOS, lessening Apple’s control over apps in Europe.

Spotify’s iOS update includes pricing details for EU users

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Spotify said today that it has submitted a new version App Store that shows pricing and feature information about the audio company’s different plans in the EU. The update, which is pending approval from Apple, also includes a link for users to buy subscription plans from Spotify’s website. Earlier this week, the European Commission fined Apple a massive €1.84 billion ($ 2 billion) for the company’s anti-competitive practices in the music streaming market. Buoyed by this decision, Spotify has submitted this new version with information about subscriptions, offers, and a link to buy those, as per The Verge. In response, Apple said it plans to appeal EC’s decision and said that Spotify has been “the biggest beneficiary” of the App Store.

“Discover the Latest Features of Waze: Enhanced Navigation for Roundabouts, Real-Time Speed Limit Notifications, and Beyond”

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Waze is adding a few new features that will help users navigate tricky roundabouts, get alerts when a speed limit is about to change and get warnings about speed bumps and sharp curves. The new feature is rolling out globally to Android users this month and iOS users later this year. Users will start to see alerts when a speed limit is about change along their route, giving them more time to adjust their speed. This update is rolling out globally to all Android and iOS users this month. These alerts are rolling out now globally to all Android and iOS users this month.

EU imposes $1.84BN fine on Apple for anti-steering tactics in iOS music streaming market

Amazon Starts Music Streaming Service Without Universal
The European Union has fined Apple €1.84 billion for breaching antitrust rules in the market for music streaming services on its mobile platform, iOS. The penalty is focused on Apple’s application of anti-steering provisions, which put restrictions on music streaming apps’ abilities to tell consumers about cheaper offers outside Apple’s App Store. The iPhone maker has its own music streaming service, Apple Music, and rivals — such as Spotify — have argued the restrictions put them at a disadvantage compared to the platform operator. A formal EU statement of objections duly followed, in April 2021, when the Commission accused Apple of operating its App Store in a way that distorts competition in the market for music streaming services. Last month, the FT reported Apple was facing a €500M antitrust penalty over music streaming.

Setapp by MacPaw Among First Companies to Embrace Apple’s Controversial DMA Policies

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The move is notable given the pushback Apple has received on its compliance with the new EU regulation so far. Though others have fought against Apple’s DMA rules, MacPaw has chosen to opt in — a one-way conversion that offers no ability, at present, to return to Apple’s existing rules. The current version of Setapp offers dozens of apps for $9.99 per month and up, depending on the platform and number of devices. While the service is being likened to an alternative app store, to be clear, it will involve a subscription for all-you-can access to its apps, which is not Apple’s App Store model. As for developers looking for additional distribution, however, another channel for reaching iOS users could be beneficial if MacPaw’s terms are agreeable.

Tim Cook Makes Bold Prediction About Apple’s GenAI Advancements for the Year Ahead

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Tim Cook says Apple will ‘break new ground’ in GenAI this yearApple CEO Tim Cook is promising that Apple will “break new ground” on GenAI this year. Some of the staff on the EV project were reassigned to work on various GenAI initiatives, according to multiple publications. $AAPL COOK: APPLE WILL "BREAK NEW GROUND" IN GENERATIVE AI THIS YEAR — *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) February 28, 2024Apple, unlike many of its Big Tech rivals, has been slow to invest in — and ramp up — GenAI. During the company’s Q1 earnings call, Cook said Apple was working internally with GenAI but that it was taking a slower, more deliberate approach to customer-facing incarnations of the technology. Perhaps telegraphing Apple’s intensifying GenAI focus, engineers at the company have co-authored an increasing number of GenAI-related academic and technical papers.

Terrific Traction: Threads Dominates X with Triple the Daily Downloads on iOS

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For example, on February 25, 2024, Threads saw 486,803 installs on Google Play and 342,228 on iOS. X, by comparison, saw 225,408 Google Play downloads and 112,625 on iOS, Appfigures data shows. That’s nearly triple the downloads on iOS for Threads and more than double the downloads on Google Play. Then, Threads had 382,999 daily installs on iOS versus just 113,649 installs of X on the same platform — or more than triple. Threads’ Google Play downloads were 660,882 at this time, versus just 210,475 for X on the Play Store — also more than triple.

India now has access to call recording and transcription thanks to Truecaller.

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Caller identity company Truecaller has launched its call recording and transcription for paid users in India, the company’s biggest market. The recording feature will be available to premium users on both Android and iOS, with support for English and Hindi transcriptions. In June 2023, the company introduced call recording for premium users in the U.S., and now it is expanding the feature in India. If you are using Truecaller on Android, the app’s own dialer will show a dedicated recording button. The app calls another recording line, and then you will have to manually merge the calls to start the recording.