| Cult of Mac

Google: Apple shouldn’t ‘benefit from bullying’ over iMessage bubbles

By Killian Bell • 6:14 am, January 10, 2022

iMessage bullying — Apple could fix the iMessage problem. It just won't.
*Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac*

Google is once again calling on Apple to adopt a more open text messaging standard after accusing Cupertino of benefitting from bullying.

It comes after a report highlighted the struggle some teens face when using an Android device, which results in broken group chats and green bubbles — as opposed to blue ones — when texting peers who own an iPhone.

A former iMessage manager explained the reasoning behind the differences in Apple’s defense. But some might (rightly) say the arguments hold no value today, with text messaging in a better place than it was when iMessage landed.

Today in Apple history: Apple offers ice water to Windows users in hell

By Luke Dormehl • 7:15 am, October 16, 2021

October 16: Today in Apple history: iTunes Music Store comes to Windows October 16, 2003: Six months after opening the iTunes Music Store for Mac owners, Apple expands the service to cover Windows PCs as well.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs later quips that making iTunes available to Windows owners is akin to “giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.”

Apple pays $100 million, agrees to App Store changes to settle dev lawsuit

By Killian Bell • 5:19 am, August 27, 2021

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.

Today in Apple history: App Store opens its virtual doors

By Luke Dormehl • 7:45 am, July 10, 2021

July 10: Today in Apple history: Apple launches the iPhone App Store July 10, 2008: Apple launches the App Store, an online hub that lets iPhone owners browse and download apps made by third-party developers.

Transforming the iPhone from a locked-down platform to a generative one, the App Store means that every iPhone user can have his or her own “killer app” depending on the software they want — from social networking to composing music to playing games.

One of the most significant launches in Apple history, the App Store opens up a whole new revenue stream for Cupertino. It’s hard to believe that Steve Jobs was originally dead-set against it!

Today in Apple history: App Store surpasses 15 billion downloads

By Luke Dormehl • 5:00 am, July 7, 2021

July 7: Today in Apple history: App Store surpasses 15 billion downloads July 7, 2011: Three years after its launch, the App Store passes 15 billion downloads.

This represents a major milestone for Apple. The App Store offers more than 425,00 apps, which give the iPhone and iPad incredible capabilities and add to the devices’ wide appeal.

Today in Apple history: End of the line for Power Mac G4 Cube

By Luke Dormehl • 8:45 am, July 3, 2021

July 3: Today in Apple history: Apple stops making Power Mac G4 Cube July 3, 2001: Apple suspends production of its Power Mac G4 Cube, one of the most notable busts in Apple history — and the first major flop following Steve Jobs’ glorious return to the company.

Although Apple leaves the door open to possibly reintroducing the remarkably clear G4 Cube at a later date, this never happens. The stylish computer is superseded by Apple’s upgrade to G5 processors and then to Intel Core-based Macs.

Today in Apple history: The App Store gold rush begins

By Luke Dormehl • 8:10 am, June 26, 2021

June 26: Today in Apple history: The App Store gold rush begins June 26, 2008: Apple sends an email to developers, calling for software to be distributed in the forthcoming App Store.

Devs around the world greet the news with excitement. They hurry to submit their apps and get in on the looming App Store gold rush. Many rake in small fortunes when the App Store goes live less than a month later.

Apple spends $50 million on WWDC each year

By Ed Hardy • 5:01 pm, May 17, 2021

News

Apple fellow Phil Schiller took the stand Monday in the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit and during testimony revealed the cost of the annual Worldwide Developers Conference: $50 million. He’s in charge of both WWDC and App Store so he brings unique insight to the ongoing court battle.

This is one of many details the long-standing Apple executive talked about on the stand.

Today in Apple history: Mac users can run Windows with Boot Camp

By Luke Dormehl • 8:30 am, April 5, 2021

Boot Camp finally allowed Macs to run Windows with ease.
*Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac*

April 5: Today in Apple history: Mac users can run Windows with Boot Camp April 5, 2006: Apple introduces the public beta of Boot Camp, software that allows users with an Intel-based Mac to run Windows XP on their machines.

Boot Camp will officially arrive in Mac OS X “Leopard,” which debuts at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference a few month later.

Today in Apple history: Devs get the key to unlock iPhone’s awesome power

By Luke Dormehl • 9:20 am, March 6, 2021

The iPhone SDK paved the way for iPhone apps and the App Store. — The iPhone SDK plants the seeds for the App Store's stunning success.
*Photo: Apple*

March 6: Today in Apple history: Devs get the key to unlock iPhone's awesome power March 6, 2008: Apple releases the iPhone software development kit, finally allowing devs to start creating native mobile apps for the new smartphone.

When the App Store eventually opens a few months later, a new industry springs up overnight as third-party devs rush to take advantage of Apple’s lucrative distribution network.