Encrypted apps Telegram and Signal are also unavailable in the China app store, according to a censorship tracker.
Last week, Apple was forced by the Chinese government to pull four apps from the App Store in China: Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Threads. Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has now responded to the situation, arguing that Apple was the real target of China’s request. There are more than a few problems with this spin, though more
Apple has removed apps from the App Store that claimed to make nonconsensual nude imagery, a move that demonstrates Apple is now more willing to tackle the hazardous app category. App Store icon The capabilities of generative AI to create images based on prompts has become a very useful tool in photography and design. However, the technology also has been misused in the creation of deep fakes -- and nonconsensual pornography. Despite the danger, Apple has been remarkably hands-off...
Apple is cracking down on a category of AI image generation apps that “advertised the ability to create nonconsensual nude images.” According to a new report from 404 Media, Apple has removed multiple AI apps from the App Store that claimed they could “create nonconsensual nude images.” more
Telegram does not believe instant messaging apps are the target of China, but Apple is. Last week, a massive Chinese crackdown led to Telegram, Signal Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp being removed from China's version of the Apple App Store, and Telegram's CEO believes it is not about them.
9to5Mac is supported by Incogni: Stop robocalls, spam emails, stalkers, fraud, and more with Incogni. Exclusive discount for 9to5Mac readers: Use the code Apple55 at checkout to get 55% off the annual plan. A new report from TechCrunch today claims that TikTok might be bypassing Apple’s App Store in-app purchase system. The report says that TikTok is “presenting some of its users with a link to a website” to purchase coins, instead of using Apple’s in-app purchase flow. more
Apple today began selling certified refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 models in the U.S. for the first time since the device was released in September. The refurbished Series 9 models are discounted by approximately 15% compared to the equivalent brand new models, with pricing starting at $339, down from $399. A variety of configurations are available as of writing. Apple says it puts all of its refurbished products through a thorough cleaning process and inspection, and performs full...
TikTok is avoiding at least some Apple in-app purchase commissions. Can it do that?
Spotify has not been able to get Apple to approve an EU app update that added information on subscription pricing and links to the Spotify website, and it turns out that's because Spotify has not agreed to the terms of Apple's Music Streaming Services Entitlement. A recent antitrust ruling from the European Commission fined Apple nearly $2 billion and mandated that Apple "remove anti-steering provisions" for music apps in the European Economic Area (EEA). As a result, Apple updated its App...
Apple last year updated its online store with a new feature called “Shop with a Specialist over Video.” As the name suggests, it lets customers connect with an Apple Specialist using one-way video when buying certain products, such as the iPhone. This functionality is now coming to the Apple Store app on iOS as well. more
The feature may be hidden from most users, either by design or because it's only shown to users in a specific group, like testers or high spenders. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apple announced last week upcoming changes to the App Store review process, with a focus on increased transparency and user privacy for third-party app developers.