European Union (EU) antitrust regulators are reportedly preparing to approve Apple’s tap-and-go mobile payments system proposals as early as May. The tech company had proposed to open the system to rivals after being accused by the European Commission (EC) of thwarting competition. After getting feedback from Apple’s rivals and customers, and having the company make some modifications to its proposals, […]
Yesterday we learned that Spotify decided to pass on Apple’s new EU terms that would allow it to use alternative payment methods due to the Core Technology Fee. Instead, it submitted an app update with pricing info and details on how to subscribe outside of the App Store without giving users a link. Now Spotify says Apple has unjustly blocked the update and again “defied the European Commission”. more
The EU commission is set to approve Apple’s previously-announced policy changes regarding access to the NFC chip on the iPhone, with the view of increasing competition in the contactless payments market. The commission’s decision will be officially announced in the coming weeks, via Reuters. With these changes, apps will be allowed to become the default wallet app that appears when users double-click the side button or hold their phone near a payment terminal. However, the relaxation of...
To get the most out of your Apple Watch, fine-tuning various settings can significantly improve its functionality, privacy, and overall user experience. Whether you aim to boost battery life, enhance privacy, or customize your display and connectivity options, these adjustments can make your device more personal and efficient. By taking the time to explore and […]
Spotify submitted a new version of its iOS app in the European Union with in-app pricing information, but Apple has rejected it. The reason? Apple wants Spotify to accept its updated rules on the Music Streaming Services Entitlement, according to which Spotify would still need to pay Apple a 30% entitlement commission for in-app purchases. Spotify says it won't be adopting Apple's revised changes. Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran told TheVerge - “Apple has once again defied the European...
Epic Games has convinced a US District Court to order a hearing over its assertion that Apple is failing to comply with the games company's one App Store victory. Fortnite on an iPhone The long-running legal case of Fortnite developer Epic Games versus Apple appeared to suddenly resolve in December 2023, but legal cases don't seem to ever end completely. While Apple won on practically every count, it lost over an anti-steering accusation, the issue that it prevented developers from...
According to a new report by Nikkei Asia, Japanese authorities are poised to toughen their antitrust regulations, posing a significant challenge to incumbents in the mobile market. The publication revealed that penalties aimed at curbing monopolistic practices will see a substantial increase, with fines more than tripled compared to currentRead Entire Article
It's a post-Digital Markets Act (DMA) world, and Spotify continues to test what that means for its iOS app. The music streamer announced that it submitted an update for Apple's approval that would allow Spotify to display "basic pricing and website information" on its app in Europe and "the bare minimum outlined under the European Commission's ruling in its music streaming case." Within a few hours, Apple had rejected the update. "Apple continues to break European law,” and unfortunately that...
Spotify continues to complain about an Apple Tax that it doesn't really pay, as it decries Apple's non-approval of its latest update because of a violation of App Store rules. Spotify logo On Wednesday, Apple told Spotify that its app update for users in the EU was not allowed into regional App Store instances due to missing elements. The App Store review process determined that Spotify did not accept the terms of the Music Streaming Services Entitlement. Apple requires the...
A new EU law means Apple will have to extend its iPhone warranty, and offer all users the same kind of repair or replace service it currently sells as AppleCare. The EU wants to make it easier to repair damaged smartphones Since 2020, the EU has been debating right to repair legislation, and it has been steadily progressing through the system. Now the EU has formally adopted the rules, after a vote saw 584 in favor, 3 against, and 14 abstentions. "Consumers' right to repair products...
The Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission sent letters to Google and Apple requesting the removal of Binance apps from their respective app stores.
The European Union (EU) has opened a second formal investigation into TikTok and has accused the platform of running afoul of the region’s Digital Services Act (DSA), according to a report by TechCrunch. The probe involves the addictive nature of TikTok Lite, which is a smaller version of the app that takes up less memory on a smartphone and was built to perform over slower internet connections. TikTok Lite launched earlier this month in France and Spain and includes a design aspect that allows...