There is “no chance” Apple Watch Series 7 will be able to monitor your blood pressure, despite recent claims that the next-generation device has been delayed to accommodate this feature, according to one reliable reporter.
Submissions fall to all-time low as devs lose interest in Mac App Store
Developers are seemingly losing interest in bringing their titles to the Mac App Store, with new submissions steadily declining since the beginning of 2021. There were fewer than 300 new releases for the first time ever in July.
And research indicates August could prove even worse for new Mac App Store submissions.
Hit iOS game Crossy Road will soon leap onto Apple Arcade
Crossy Road, the hit iOS game inspired by ‘80s arcade sensation Frogger, will soon be available on Apple Arcade. You can preorder the game ahead of its release and it will download to your device on launch day.
Apple pumps another $30 million into Racial Equity and Justice Initiative
Apple on Tuesday announced plans to commit another $30 million to its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI), supporting those who are “leading the charge in creating a more inclusive, more just world.”
The latest pledge builds on the $100 million Apple has already invested in REJI to help students, innovators, and advocacy organizations.
Kanye West breaks Apple Music streaming records with Donda
Kanye West’s much-anticipated 10th studio album finally landed Sunday — and quickly broke Apple Music streaming records. Donda saw a staggering 60 million streams during its first 24 hours of availability. It also topped the Apple Music album charts across 152 countries worldwide.
South Korea is first to say App Store must allow third-party payments
South Korea has become the first country to tell Apple that it must open up the App Store to third-party payment platforms. The same law also applies to Google, and other countries likely will implement similar rules.
The amendment to South Korea’s Telecommunications Business Act prevents large app market operators from forcing their own payment systems on users and developers. It also bans unreasonable delays in app approvals.
Google Chrome 94 adds new WebGPU API with Apple Metal support
Google has rolled out its newest Chrome beta with a new WebGPU API that finally adds support for Apple Metal. The version 94 release should lead to improved rendering performance for websites and web apps.
China is already churning out Apple Watch Series 7 clones
We’re still weeks away from Apple Watch Series 7’s official debut, but that hasn’t stopped Chinese manufacturers from churning out their clones. The knockoffs feature flatter designs that could closely match the real thing.
Google could cough up $15 billion to remain default search provider in iOS
Google could pay a whopping $15 billion to remain the default search provider on iPhone and iPad, according to one analyst. The figure could rise even higher, to as much as $20 billion, in 2022.
It is believed Google is willing to pay so much to ensure Microsoft and Yahoo, which may also be interesting in striking a deal with Apple, cannot break up the partnership Google has enjoyed for more than a decade.
Apple pays $100 million, agrees to App Store changes to settle dev lawsuit
Apple will make several changes to its App Store policies to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by developers, the company said Thursday. Cupertino also will cough up $100 million to create a “fund” for small app-makers.
As part of the deal, Apple will allow developers to inform customers about alternative payment methods outside of their iOS apps. But they won’t be able to mention those payment methods inside the apps themselves.
New bands for larger Apple Watch 7 models spotted in leaked photos
New bands for a larger Apple Watch models have appeared in leaked photos ahead of this year’s Series 7 upgrade.
The images, from two different sources and of two different band variants, hint at new 41mm and 45mm size options. They’ve surfaced just days after a tipster claimed Apple’s next Watch refresh will pack larger screen sizes.
Spy shot supposedly confirms iPhone 13’s real name
We’ve all been referring to Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup as “iPhone 13” for months now. And according to a spy shot published by one leaker this week, we’ve been right on the money.
Despite suggestions Apple might change its naming convention for iPhone this fall due to superstition around the number 13, it looks like Cupertino isn’t (fortunately!) going to take any notice of that.
Apple could hike price of iPhone 13 to cover increasing chip costs
iPhone 13 may not be as affordable as iPhone 12, after all. A new report claims Apple is planning to hike prices for its next-generation smartphone lineup to cover the rising costs of its powerful chipsets.
Apple’s primary chip supplier, TSMC, has reportedly notified all customers that it will be increasing prices by as much as 20%, starting in January 2022.
Awesome AirPods essentials bundle is a steal at just $12.99
Every AirPods owners should have a few essential accessories to keep their precious buds protected and prevent them from getting lost. This awesome bundle from Speidel includes everything you need — and it’s a steal.
You get a shock-absorbent case, silicone ear tips for a more secure fit, a strap that keeps both AirPods together at all times, and a second hardcover case that lets you carry everything together.
Bag your bundle today for just $12.99!
Want to snap pretty Portrait photos of your pets? Apple shows you how
The latest “Today at Apple” video just hit YouTube, showing iPhone owners how to snap stunning Portrait photos of their pets. The tutorial features tips from award-winning photographer and animal advocate Sophie Gamand.
iCloud+ subscribers can now create custom email domains
iCloud+ subscribers can now start using custom domain names with iCloud Mail. The new feature, announced at WWDC 2021 alongside iOS and iPadOS 15, just rolled out in beta with support for up to five custom domains.
YouTube gets official Picture in Picture support on iPhone … with a catch
Google has begun rolling out official Picture in Picture support for YouTube on iPhone. It’s just an “experimental” feature for now, but it works as intended — giving you the ability to watch videos in a small window above other apps.
Oh, and there’s a rather large catch. You can only use the feature right now if you cough up for a YouTube Premium subscription.
iPhone 13 could land September 17, AirPods 3 soon after [Updated]
The wait for Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup could end in less than a month. A new report, citing information from a Chinese retailer, claims iPhone 13 will make its big debut on September 17, followed by AirPods 3.
Apple beta testing platform TestFlight lands on macOS
TestFlight, the Apple platform developers can use to distribute beta versions of their apps, just hit the Mac for the first time. It’s available only to developers for now, and it requires macOS Monterey.
Apple is also allowing developers to submit beta releases of their macOS apps to App Store Connect, which wasn’t possible before.
Leather cuff for Apple Watch is crazy-comfortable, super-stylish [Review]
Monowear’s Contemporary Leather Cuff is so good, it might just be my favorite Apple Watch band to date.
Not only is it made from a soft, luxurious leather that makes it insanely comfortable, but it looks terrific. It’s compatible with all Watch models, and it’s nowhere near as expensive as it looks.
Awesome 11-inch iPad Pro can be yours for under $570
You don’t have to break the bank to bag an iPad Pro anymore. Woot is now offering refurbished 11-inch models (2018) for just $569.99 for a limited time only. Bag yours before they’re all gone.
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Pegasus spyware is avoiding Apple’s security protections on iPhone
The Pegasus spyware, developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, has successfully been avoiding security new measures built into iPhone to block such attacks.
One version of the “zero-click” exploit was installed on an iPhone 12 Pro belonging to a Bahraini human rights activist, despite the fact that the device was running recent versions of iOS 14 with Apple’s “BlastDoor” protection.
14-inch MacBook Pro could be just as fast, almost as pricey as 16-inch model
The next-generation 14-inch MacBook Pro will be nearly identical to the 16-inch model that launches alongside it in terms of performance, according to a tipster. Both machines are expected to feature the same M1X chip.
That’s great news for those who want a capable machine that’s small enough to take anywhere — but there is a downside. The leaker also claims that the 14-inch MacBook Pro will be close to the 16-inch model in price.
Apple CEO Tim Cook will discuss cybersecurity with President Biden this week
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and other tech executives will meet President Biden at the White House this week. The focus of the meeting will be the efforts of private companies to improve cybersecurity following an increase in online attacks, one report claims.
Voice and video calls return to main Facebook app for some users
Facebook has started bringing voice and video calling back to its main app for some users. The move comes after Facebook and Messenger were in 2014 split into two and calling features were made exclusive to the latter.
Facebook says it’s “just a test” for now.