MacRumors

Apple is facing a new multibillion-euro lawsuit out of The Netherlands that alleges the company overcharges users who purchase apps and in-app subscriptions through the App Store and accuses Apple of partaking in "market dominance" and "anti-competitive practices."

The foundation spearheading the lawsuit is the Consumer Competition Claims Foundation, which describes itself as "an independent non-profit foundation that is committed to protecting consumers against unfair commercial practices and violations of consumer law."

On its website, the foundation says that Apple, through its ‌App Store‌ policies, is overcharging users who pay for apps and in-app services, adding that users should "demand" refunds for purchases.

By using anti-competitive practices, Apple has been able to charge excessively high prices and impose restrictive conditions. Apple excluded all competition and withheld choice for consumers on their App-store and in-app purchases.

The foundation points to what is commonly referred to as the "Apple tax," a 15% or 30% commission that Apple takes for all digital purchases made on and through the ‌App Store‌. The foundation says that the commission forces developers to increase prices for users. "iPhone and iPad owners pay the price for Apple's App-store abusive monopoly," the foundation states.

Bloomberg reports the foundation believes the lawsuit will lead to upwards of $5.5 billion in damages sought for all EU ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ users who have made a purchase through Apple's ‌App Store‌. On its website, the foundation asks customers to join their efforts to "hold Apple accountable."

The new lawsuit is one of several legal battles brewing for Apple in Europe. Apple continues to be fined by the Dutch consumer and markets authority for its failure to comply with a previous ruling, which allows for third-party payment methods for Dutch dating apps. The authority says that despite Apple's announcement and plan to let eligible developers use a third-party payment method for in-app purchases, Apple still fails to comply with the new ruling. Apple has been fined €50 million as a consequence.

When it comes to downloading iOS software updates, Apple users can be reasonably divided into two camps: Those who manually seek out updates the moment Apple releases them, and those who are happy to let their device's Automatic Updates feature take care of everything in the background with minimal input on their part.

While it's generally acknowledged that manually tapping into Settings -> General -> Software Update is the faster option, Apple has never really explained why auto-updates tend to come through to users sometimes days or even weeks later – until now.

Interested iPhone user Mateusz Buda put this question in an email to Craig Federighi, Apple's senior VP of software engineering. In the email, Buda explained that he had turned on auto-updates, and yet after two weeks since the public release of iOS 15.4 he still hadn't received an update notification. "What conditions must be met for this function to work?" Buda asked. To his surprise, Federighi responded and was happy to explain.

Hi Mateusz,

We incrementally rollout new iOS updates by first making them available for those that explicitly seek them out in Settings, and then 1-4 weeks later (after we've received feedback on the update) ramp up to rolling out devices with auto-update enabled.

Hope that helps!

- craig

Given the number of iPhones and iPads in the world, it's not hugely surprising to hear that Apple's software update strategy proceeds in a staged rollout. By implementing an intentional delay of between 1-4 weeks for users with auto-updates turned on, Apple adds a level of protection for its servers so they aren't easily overloaded when a new version of iOS is released.

Still, it's interesting to learn that Apple also considers its auto-update feature to be a safeguard when things go wrong: If early adopters report serious bugs with the software, Apple still has a window of opportunity to resolve any server-side issues or pull the update entirely before the wider user base has automatically downloaded it.

In a somewhat related point, made by several Redditors, Apple hasn't explained why some app auto-updates are also sometimes very late to be delivered to users, but perhaps the reasoning is the same: Server protection and an ability to action feedback before a wider rollout is complete.

Apple today announced that it will report its earnings results for the second fiscal quarter (first calendar quarter) of 2022 on Thursday, April 28.

The earnings report and subsequent call will provide us with insight into the period between late December and March, which is typically a slow quarter for Apple following the holiday quarter. Apple in March came out with the 5G iPhone SE, the 5G iPad Air, the Mac Studio, and the Studio Display.

Apple reported revenue of $89.6 billion revenue in the year-ago quarter, but Apple did not provide guidance for the quarter due to continuing uncertainty caused by the global health crisis and chip shortages.

Apple's quarterly earnings statement will be released at 1:30 p.m. Pacific/4:30 p.m. Eastern, with a conference call to discuss the report taking place at 2:00 p.m. Pacific/5:00 p.m. Eastern. MacRumors will provide coverage of both the earnings release and conference call on April 30.

Google today released Chrome 100, the latest version of its browser that's available on Macs, PCs, iPhones and iPads, Android devices, and more. Chrome 100 is notable because it features the first major icon update for Chrome since 2014.

The updated design was first previewed in February, and it features a simplified icon with brighter colors and no shadows. Chrome designer Elvin Hu said that the refreshed design was meant to align with "Google's more modern brand expression." Chrome has new icons on the desktop and on iOS devices.

Google adds new features to Chrome on a monthly basis, so additions to the browser come in smaller doses rather than huge releases, plus many updated features are provided server side. For that reason, there are few other notable features worth mentioning.

Google has, however, addressed several security issues in Chrome 100, and the update includes 28 security fixes.

Chrome for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free, while Chrome for Mac can be downloaded from Google's website. The Chrome 100 updates are available now.

Apple last week introduced the 2022 iPhone SE, an upgraded version of its low-cost smartphone. The 2022 ‌iPhone SE‌ looks identical to the 2020 model, featuring only internal upgrades, and it is arguably Apple's most lackluster iPhone. So who is it for? Read on to find out what we think.

If you've seen the 2020 ‌iPhone SE‌, well, you've seen the 2022 version. Apple has not made any exterior updates, and it still looks like the ‌iPhone‌ 8 that was introduced in 2017. This five-year-old design features thick top and bottom bezels along with a Touch ID Home button. It's the last ‌iPhone‌ to continue to use ‌Touch ID‌, as Apple has transitioned to Face ID for the rest of the lineup.

Apple didn't even spend too much time thinking about new colors for the ‌iPhone SE‌. It comes in starlight, which is almost identical to the previous silver, midnight, which is not too far off from the prior black color, and (PRODUCT)RED, which was also available for the 2020 model. Apple did make it out of more durable glass, but glass is glass and it's still going to break when dropped onto hard surfaces, so that's not much of a reason to upgrade.

The new ‌iPhone SE‌ is equipped with the latest A15 chip, which is an upgrade over the A13, though it's hard to tell a difference in terms of day to day usage. Apps and games perform about the same, but the A15 chip will make a difference several years from now as Apple develops new versions of iOS and new features that require more processing power.

There's a single-lens 12-megapixel rear camera that has updated features like Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles powered by the A15, but when looking at photos from the 2020 and 2022 ‌iPhone SE‌ models side by side, there's little difference in quality. Battery life is also about the same.

The other major difference between the 2020 ‌iPhone SE‌ and the upgraded model is support for sub-6GHz 5G networks. 5G is still in its infancy, so 5G support is important for future proofing. The new SE doesn't support the fastest mmWave 5G speeds that are mostly limited to more urban areas, but it does work with the wider spread sub-6GHz bands that are going to expand worldwide in the coming years.

From the perspective of Apple enthusiasts who look forward to the latest and greatest each year, the ‌iPhone SE‌ is a disappointing phone, but that's not who it's for. Apple made the ‌iPhone SE‌ for the people who don't care about phones, those who just want a smartphone that's fast, simple, reliable, and most importantly, cheap.

At $429 the ‌iPhone SE‌ is more expensive than the prior-generation model, but in six months or so, it should come down in price with various carrier discounts and deals. It's the go-to phone for those who are upgrading from something like an ‌iPhone‌ 6, ‌iPhone‌ 7, or ‌iPhone‌ 8, because it's familiar and it's going to last for quite a few years to come.

Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers will now be alerted if an iPhone has been reported as missing in the GSMA Device Registry when a customer brings in the device to be serviced, according to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors.

If an Apple technician sees a message in their internal MobileGenius or GSX systems indicating that the device has been reported as missing, they are instructed to decline the repair, according to Apple's memo shared on Monday. The new policy should help to reduce the amount of stolen iPhones brought to Apple for repair.

The GSMA Device Registry is a global database designed for customers to report their devices as missing in the event of loss or theft. Devices in the database are identified by their unique IMEI number. An iPhone's IMEI is listed in the Settings app under General > About.

Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers are already unable to service an iPhone if the customer cannot disable Find My iPhone, and this policy will help to prevent stolen iPhones that never had Find My iPhone enabled from being repaired by Apple. In the event your iPhone is lost or stolen, be sure to read our guide on the next steps to take.

Moment today added to its existing line of MagSafe-compatible mounts, introducing three new magnetic mounts that can be used with Apple's iPhones. There's a mounting option for filmmakers, a mount that lets you put your iPhone anywhere, and an adapter for using Moment magnetic mounts with non-MagSafe iPhones.

Priced at $99, the Mobile Filmmaker Cage is a two-handed cage that is meant to make it easier to mount mics and lights on the phone when filming video. It has multiple cold shoe, 1/4"-20, and ⅜"-16 attachment points for accessories.

The $40 Strap Anywhere Mount is, as the name suggests, designed to allow ‌iPhone‌ users to strap their iPhones anywhere, from bike handles to exercise equipment, allowing for hands-free operation.

Available for $10, the Moment Stick-On Adapter can be stuck to the back of a non-MagSafe ‌iPhone‌ to add a magnet that makes it compatible with the existing Moment MagSafe accessories. It uses 3M VHB adhesive for a strong bond to the device that it is attached to.

Along with these three products, Moment has updated its Wall Mount and Car Vent Mount with improved adjustable ball heads.

All of Moment's mounts are equipped with its (M)Force magnetic arrays, which it says are stronger than standard accessories for Apple for better attachment. The new accessories can be purchased from the Moment website.

Over a decade has passed since rumors first surfaced about Apple's interest in opening a flagship retail store at one of Canada's busiest intersections, but the plans might be abandoned due to a legal battle between Apple and a real estate developer.

The Globe and Mail this week reported that Apple has sued Mizrahi Developments to terminate its lease at the developer's long-planned condominium tower at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Bloor Street in Toronto. Apple was widely rumored to be planning a large street-facing store at the ground level of the 85-story skyscraper, called "The One," which is set to become Canada's tallest building when construction is completed.

"Apple regrets that Mizrahi's failures have resulted in Apple having to take the step of ending its relationship with Mizrahi," said Apple in a January 28 filing with Ontario's Superior Court of Justice, according to the report. Apple added that it had been "looking forward to opening this new store for its customers," the report said.

Specifically, Apple accused Mizrahi Developments of missing crucial deadlines, allowing it to exercise its option to terminate its lease agreement with the developer, according to the report. Mizrahi Developments attributed the delays to issues such as a plumber strike and the COVID-19 pandemic, but Apple disagreed with these claims.

The original lease agreement between Apple and Mizrahi Developments is dated March 23, 2016, and the deadline for Apple to take occupancy was amended twice from November 30, 2019 to October 31, 2021, according to the court filings.

All four of Apple's existing retail stores in Toronto are located in shopping malls, including the Eaton Centre, Sherway Gardens, Yorkdale, and Fairview Mall.

(Thanks, Bob Allan!)

Universal Control results from years of working on the iPadOS platform, allowing for a feature such as ‌Universal Control‌ that bridges the gap between the iPad and the Mac to exist, an Apple product manager has said in a new interview this week.

Vivek Bhardwaj, an Apple product manager who works on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, shed light on Apple's thinking about ‌Universal Control‌ in an interview on the AppStories podcast. Bhardwaj said that Apple's approach to ‌Universal Control‌ was to help create a more continuous experience between the ‌iPad‌ and Mac platforms, building on existing Continuity features such as Universal Clipboard and the ability to unlock a Mac with an Apple Watch.

For ‌Universal Control‌ to exist, Bhardwaj said that Apple had to first work on iPadOS as a platform itself. Bhardwaj references features such as the ability to drag and drop files, photos, text, and more across the system and support for using a trackpad on an ‌iPad‌.

To use ‌Universal Control‌, at least one Mac has to be in the workflow as it can't be used solely between two or more iPads. Regarding whether ‌Universal Control‌ could ever work between just multiple iPads, Bhardwaj said that Apple designed ‌Universal Control‌ with both the ‌iPad‌ and Mac in mind, adding that a considerable amount of Mac users also own an ‌iPad‌, whereas many customers don't own two iPads.

In the interview, Bhardwaj also touched on Shortcuts coming to the Mac and what that means for automation on the platform. ‌Universal Control‌ became available to users after weeks of testing with macOS Monterey 12.3 and iPadOS 15.4, released earlier this month.

Now that Apple has introduced a new model of the iPad Air, we're starting to track steep discounts on the previous generation tablet. On Amazon, you can get the fourth generation 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air for $469.99, down from $599.00 thanks to an automatic coupon that will be applied at checkout.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

This is a new all-time low price on the 2020 iPad Air, and it's available in all colors except Sky Blue. Remember that in order to see the sale prices on each version of the iPad Air, you'll need to add the tablet to your cart on Amazon, and then at the checkout screen an automatic coupon will knock the price down to $469.99.

We haven't yet tracked particularly steep discounts on the new iPad Air, so if you're looking to save a good amount of money then the fourth generation model is still a solid option. In terms of the fifth generation 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air, it's available for $569.99 on Amazon, down from $599.00. That's the best price seen to date.

For even more iPad deals, head to our full Best Deals guide for iPad. In that guide we track the best discounts online for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

Spotify is testing a new podcast feature that uses a TikTok-style vertical "audio newsfeed" to enhance podcast discoverability in the app, reports TechCrunch.

As shown in the embedded video below posted to Twitter, the newsfeed presents users with 60-second audio clips of shows in a vertically scrolling feed. It reportedly uses a machine learning model that has been trained on 100,000 hours of audio to make it capable of automatically selecting which clips to showcase.

Spotify says the feature is based on technology that the company acquired when it bought Podz last summer for around $49 million. The startup created the "audio newsfeed" to solve the problem of podcast discovery by using a TikTok-style vertical scrolling format, and what made it particularly innovative was its ability to select audio clips of shows in a way that didn't rely on podcast creators to produce their own clips.

In regions where the feature is being tested, a dedicated "Podcasts" button in the app takes users to the vertical feed, where a show's cover art is displayed as the associated audio clip plays. The clip is also transcribed on screen as it plays, with the words highlighted as they are spoken. A play button allows users to continue listening to the show, while a plus button lets users add the episode to the app's "Your Episodes" list.

Spotify confirmed to TechCrunch that it was testing the technology it acquired from Podz, but did not offer a roadmap for the feature's general release:

"At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience," a spokesperson said. "Some of those tests end up paving the way for our broader user experience and others serve only as an important learning. We don't have any further news to share at this time."

Spotify has been focusing heavily on podcasts over the course of the last few years in a bid to challenge Apple's historical dominance in the podcasting sphere. Spotify has also been working on original podcast content and has purchased several well-known podcasts since 2019.

Apple today was fined another €5 million ($5.5 million) in the Netherlands by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) as the company has failed to adequately comply with mandated alternate payment system requirements for dating apps.

The rules went into effect in January, and since then, Apple has received a €5 million fine each week. This is the 10th fine, for a total of 50 million euros. Apple has opted to allow dating apps in the Netherlands to use outside payment methods, but developers who wish to take advantage of this feature must submit a separate app binary and cannot offer third-party payment options and in-app purchases at the same time.

The ACM does not think that dating app developers should need to choose between using alternative payments or in-app payments, and has said that the apps must be able to offer both options. Apple has reduced its commission on purchases using third-party payment systems, asking for 27 percent instead of 30 percent, with developers required to submit a monthly record of sales so Apple can track its commission.

Last week, Reuters said that Apple's fines after 50 million euros could be higher, so we'll have to see how the dispute between the ACM and Apple in the Netherlands plays out. Apple on Sunday again adjusted its proposal for compliance, and the ACM says that it "should result in definitive conditions for dating-app providers that wish to use the App Store," putting an end to the fines.

The ACM plans to review Apple's new submission and will soon hand down a ruling on whether Apple is in compliance should it implement the new measures outlined in the proposal. If the ACM decides Apple's proposal is not adequate, the ACM says that Apple could be subjected to another order with "possibly higher penalties" to encourage Apple to comply.

MacRumors has partnered up with Apple authorized reseller Simply Mac this week, giving our readers an opportunity to take $125 off the 24-inch iMac. To see this deal, you'll need enter the coupon code macrumors125 at checkout on Simply Mac's website.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Simply Mac. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

This coupon can be used on all of the 24-inch iMac models listed below, including the entry-level 7-core GPU configuration and the two 8-core GPU configurations. You won't see the sale prices until you reach the checkout screen and enter macrumors125 in the discount code box.

With this exclusive discount, the entry-level 7-core GPU, 256GB 24-inch iMac is now at a new all-time low price of $1,174.99, down from $1,299.99. This beats the previous record low price by about $25 and the current going price for the iMac at retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo by about $55.

Similarly, the 8-core GPU, 512GB 24-inch iMac is now at an all-time low price with our exclusive coupon code. You can get this model for $1,574.99, down from $1,699.99. This is a version of the 24-inch iMac that we very rarely see discounts on, so if you want to invest in a high-end model of the M1 iMac now is the perfect time.

We've gathered every iMac that is compatible with the coupon code on Simply Mac in the lists below. Shoppers should note that this sale will last for two weeks, and that a few of the mid-tier 8-core GPU, 256GB iMacs are on backorder. You can still place an order today and use the coupon code to get the discount, and Simply Mac will ship the iMac once stock is available. If you have your eye on the mid-tier iMac, Amazon is offering a slightly better deal on the Silver model.

Entry-Level 24-Inch iMac

• Silver 7-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,174.99, down from $1,299.99
• Pink 7-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,174.99, down from $1,299.99
• Green 7-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,174.99, down from $1,299.99
• Blue 7-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,174.99, down from $1,299.99

Mid-Tier 24-Inch iMac

• Silver 8-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,374.99, down from $1,499.99
• Pink 8-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,374.99, down from $1,499.99
• Green 8-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,374.99, down from $1,499.99
• Blue 8-core GPU, 256GB SSD - $1,374.99, down from $1,499.99

High-End 24-Inch iMac

• Blue 8-core GPU, 512GB SSD - $1,574.99, down from $1,699.99
• Silver 8-core GPU, 512GB SSD - $1,574.99, down from $1,699.99
• Pink 8-core GPU, 512GB SSD - $1,574.99, down from $1,699.99
• Green 8-core GPU, 512GB SSD - $1,574.99, down from $1,699.99

You can keep track of ongoing sales on Apple's iMac line by visiting our Best iMac Deals guide. There, we keep track of the best iMac offers from Amazon, Adorama, B&H Photo, and other retailers, so be sure to check back often if you're shopping for an iMac for the first time, or thinking of upgrading.

Apple has today begun new ground surveys across various regions of the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, to gather pedestrian data for Apple Maps (via Bloomberg).

Apple will use cameras and sensors mounted on pedestrian backpacks to gather map data in Berkshire, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands, across over 85 specific towns and boroughs.

The new data gathering project seeks to improve ‌Apple Maps‌, including its 2D map information and the Look Around feature, which enables users to get a panoramic street-level view of a location. Apple will also gather data on areas such as parks, city squares, transit stations, and streets where it is not possible to drive cars with mounted sensors.

Apple has undertaken pedestrian surveys in the UK since 2019. As well as gathering new data, the new surveys offer an opportunity to revisit certain locations and re-collect data in an effort to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date map.

Apple affirmed that its data collection efforts will continue to protect people's privacy, censoring faces and licence plates on images published in Look Around, as well as additional censorship upon individual request. The surveys begin today and will run until May 20.

Samsung today announced it has opened pre-orders for its new Smart Monitor M8, a 32-inch display that offers USB-C charging connectivity, AirPlay support, and several smart TV features built into its distinctively iMac-like design.

The M8 houses a 4K UHD flat LCD panel providing 400 nits of brightness, a 60Hz refresh rate, 99% sRGB, HDR support, and adaptive picture technology that automatically adjust display brightness and color temperature for viewing comfort.

The M8 chassis is 11.4mm thin, which is 0.1mm thinner than Apple's iMac, and it includes a flat back, thin bezels, and a height adjustable stand with tilt functionality. Integrated into the display is Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity, one micro HDMI port, and two USB-C ports one of which offers 65W of charging output for a phone and notebook.

Unlike a traditional monitor, the M8 includes a remote control and a built-in SmartThings Hub running Tizen OS that allows it to connect to IoT devices wirelessly. The display also has support for streaming entertainment services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV, without having to connect to a PC or TV.

The display comes with a high-sensitivity Far Field Voice microphone and two 5W speakers built in, along with a removable magnetic 1080p SlimFit webcam featuring Face Tracking and Auto Zoom functions that sound similar to Apple's Center Stage feature.

Priced from $700 depending on the color, the Smart Monitor M8 is available in four "Shades of Nature," including Sunset Pink, Spring Green, Daylight Blue, and Warm White. While Samsung has announced it is taking pre-orders globally, the company has yet to provide shipping dates.

Amazon is offering notable discounts on two models of Apple's AirPods lineup, including $29 off the AirPods 3 and $110 off the AirPods Max.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

AirPods 3

Starting with the AirPods 3, Amazon has discounted this model to $149.98, down from $179.00. As of writing only Amazon is offering this sale, and it's shipped and sold directly by Amazon.

Compared to previous sales, this is about $10 off from the lowest price we've ever tracked on the AirPods 3. However, that all-time low price hasn't reappeared since January, so today's deal is a solid second-best option for those in the market for the third-generation AirPods.

AirPods Max

Next, Amazon also has a good deal on the AirPods Max, which you can get for $439.00, down from $549.00. This deal is available in Pink, Silver, and Sky Blue.

Just like the AirPods 3 deal, this offer on the AirPods Max is about $10 off from the Amazon all-time low price. The AirPods Max is shipped and sold directly by Amazon as well, and all three colors are in stock to ship this week.

We track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones.

WhatsApp is testing out a much larger 2GB cap for file transfers between users of the instant messaging platform, reports WABetaInfo.

WhatsApp's file-sharing capabilities have become a key feature of the service, and the app has included the ability to share media files within conversations since 2017, but its 100MB file size limitation hasn't changed in that time.

However, according to iOS screenshots shared by WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned service has been trialing a new 2GB file size limit for some users in Argentina over the last few days.

Upping the limit to 2GB should make the platform a lot more amenable to sharing video clips and other large media file types, which would also be securely transferred via WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption.

It's not clear if the change is just a temporary localized test or the beginning of a wider rollout, but WhatsApp often performs trials of new features in development in this way, so there's a good chance it could become the norm for all users of the service at some point in the future.

Other new features WhatsApp has recently been testing include the ability to conduct polls within groups on the chat platform and the option of iMessage-style message reactions.