MacRumors

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.

Apple is reportedly cutting production for the new third-generation iPhone SE just weeks after launch due to uncertainty caused by current global conflict and alleged low demand, according to a report from Nikkei Asia citing unnamed sources.

According to the report, Apple has informed suppliers to cut back on production of the ‌iPhone SE‌ for this quarter by as much as two to three million units, citing "weaker-than-expected demand."

Unlike the cut in ‌iPhone SE‌ production caused partly by low demand, Apple is also cutting down on the production of the iPhone 13 series, but sources familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia this cutback is due to seasonal demand change. Per the report, Apple is also cutting the production of AirPods but fails to specify which model or models.

Coinciding with the report, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in a tweet that he is cutting estimates on shipments of the new ‌iPhone SE‌ from 25 to 30 million to around 15 to 20 million units for 2022. Kuo said the lower shipments were a result of low demand.

Apple released the new ‌iPhone SE‌ earlier this month with the same 4.7-inch form factor as the previous model but with the addition of 5G. The new ‌iPhone SE‌ is the only ‌iPhone‌ in the lineup that still features a physical Home Button and Touch ID but now benefits from the faster and more energy-efficient A15 Bionic chip. The ‌iPhone SE‌ starts at $429 with 64GB of storage.

See our roundup to learn everything you need to about Apple's latest ‌iPhone‌.

Update: Two Apple suppliers responsible for AirPods have refuted Nikkei Asia's report that production has been cut, according to posts shared on Twitter by analyst Ming-Chu Kuo.

Apple TV+ film "CODA" has won Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards, becoming the first film from a streaming service to ever win the award.

Academy Award for Best Picture category:

• "Belfast"
• "CODA" — Winner
• "Don't Look Up"
• "Drive My Car"
• "Dune"
• "King Richard"
• "Licorice Pizza"
• "Nightmare Alley"
• "The Power of the Dog"
• "West Side Story"

"CODA" cast and crew also won multiple Academy Awards. Troy Kotsur became the first deaf male actor to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, while "CODA" writer and director Siân Heder won in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.

"On behalf of everyone at Apple, we are so grateful to the Academy for the honors bestowed on 'CODA' this evening," said Zack Van Amburg, Apple's co-head of Worldwide Video. "We join our teams all over the world in celebrating Siân, Troy, the producers, and the entire cast and crew for bringing such a powerful representation of the Deaf community to audiences, and breaking so many barriers in the process."

"CODA" revolves around a young woman named Ruby, the sole hearing member of a deaf family. Using sign language, Ruby acts as an interpreter for her parents while working for her family's struggling fishing boat business. After joining her high school's choir club, Ruby finds herself torn between family obligations and pursuing her dreams.

Ruby is played by Emilia Jones, with other family members played by Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant.

Apple acquired the rights to "CODA" for a reported $25 million after the film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. The film, produced by Vendome Pictures and Pathé, has been streaming on Apple TV+ since August 2021.

The increased size of the iPhone 14 Pro and ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro Max's rear camera array is due to all-new 48-megapixel Wide camera systems, according to reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a tweet, Kuo responded to leaked schematics recently shared by Max Weinbach. The schematics showed that the rear camera plateau of the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro models will increase by about five percent in each dimension, increasing from a width of 35.01mm to 36.73mm and a height of 36.24mm to 38.21mm. The bump itself is also set to protrude further from the device, increasing from 3.60mm on the iPhone 13 Pro to 4.17mm on the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro.

Kuo said that "the main reason for the larger and more prominent camera bump" is due to "upgrading the rear camera to 48MP." He added that the diagonal length of the ‌iPhone‌'s contact image sensor (CIS) is set to increase by to 25 to 35 percent with the jump to 48MP. Likewise, the height of the camera's lens system will increase by five to ten percent.

Along with the replacement of the notch with a new, pill and hole-punch TrueDepth camera array design, the 48MP Wide camera is among the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro's most widely rumored features, having been repeatedly mentioned by Kuo, Taiwanese research firm TrendForce, and Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu.

The 48MP camera system is expected to be limited to the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro models and allow for 8K video recording, offering a significant upgrade over the ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro's 12MP camera and 4K video recording capabilities. High-resolution 8K videos recorded with the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro are also said to be be suitable for viewing on Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset.

Kuo has previously said that he believes that the camera quality of the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro models will "elevate mobile phone camera photography to a new level."

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects next-generation iPad Pro models to launch in the fall of this year, according to his latest newsletter.

In his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman speculated that since Apple did not launch new iPad Pros this month at its "Peek Performance" event, it is reasonable to now expect new models to arrive between September and November this year. In a previous report, Gurman said that Apple was planning "the wildest array of new hardware products in its history" for the fall of 2022, and this selection of new releases now looks increasingly likely to include updated ‌iPad Pro‌ models.

As the MacRumors Buyer's Guide shows, new ‌iPad Pro‌ models have launched in March 2016, June 2017, October 2018, March 2020, and April 2021, meaning that Apple seems to take between 13 and 16 months to update the product line. Gurman's expectation seems to suggest a longer timeframe for the ‌iPad Pro‌ this year, postulating that its launch could be up to 19 months after the release of the current model. This also means that the current, 2021 ‌iPad‌ Pros could be among the longest-lasting models to date.

There have been few rumors about the next-generation iPad Pro in recent months, but Gurman affirmed that he expects the new ‌iPad Pro‌ models to feature MagSafe charging, as well as the "M2" chip. The M2 chip is expected to have the same 8-core CPU as the ‌M1‌, but will benefit from speed and efficiency improvements thanks to TSMC's 4-nanometer process. It is also rumored to have additional GPU cores, with 9- and 10-core GPU options, up from the 7- and 8-core GPU options in the ‌‌M1‌‌ chip.

In 2021, Apple sent out digital invitations for its 32nd Worldwide Developers Conference in late March. Given that an all-digital conference is expected to occur again this year rather than an in-person event, we could see Apple send invitations as soon as this week.

Apple last year sent out invitations to developers and the press for WWDC on March 30, with the dates of the conference being June 7 to June 11. During the conference, Apple announced iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, watchOS 8, and more.

Apple used to hold its Worldwide Developers Conference in the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, but since 2020, all of Apple's events have been digital with no in-person attendance. It's unclear when the next in-person Apple event might be, but it's likely not to be WWDC this coming June.

During WWDC, Apple will announce iOS and iPadOS 16, macOS 13, watchOS 9, and possibly some new hardware. Apple last announced hardware during WWDC in 2019, when it unveiled the Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR. Apple is working on an updated version of the ‌Mac Pro‌ with Apple silicon which could be announced during WWDC.

Reactions to the new Mac Studio and Studio Display are still coming in now that users have finally gotten the products into their hands, but we're also seeing other news and rumors ramp up as we look toward what's coming later this year and beyond.

One big piece of news this week was the long-awaited debut of digital driver's licenses on the iPhone and Apple Watch. The feature is only available in one U.S. state so far, but more will be coming soon. Otherwise, this week saw a bunch of rumors about future updates to Apple's notebook and iPhone lineups, and a potential new option for how to pay for your Apple products, so read on for all of the details!

Apple Launches iPhone Digital Driver's License Feature in Arizona, More States Coming Soon

Apple this week announced that Arizona residents can now add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age. The feature requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 15.4, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.4 or later.

Arizona is the first U.S. state to support IDs in the Wallet app, and 11 other states have committed to offering the feature.

After adding a driver's license or ID to the Wallet app, users can simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on an identity reader at select TSA security checkpoints at select airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International. The feature is secured by Face ID or Touch ID.

iFixit Tears Down Mac Studio and Studio Display

Repair website iFixit has shared a new video in which it disassembled Apple's new Mac Studio and the companion Studio Display.

iFixit is still working on its traditional, more detailed teardowns, but the video provides a few interesting details about the ‌Mac Studio‌, including that same-capacity storage replacements are possible.

As for the Studio Display, it was discovered this week that the monitor is equipped with 64GB of storage and runs a full version of iOS 15.4.

For even more on the Mac Studio and Studio Display, check out the most recent episode of The MacRumors Show, with special guest Rene Ritchie.

Larger 15-Inch MacBook Expected in 2023

Apple is developing a larger 15-inch MacBook that could be released in 2023, according to research shared by Display Supply Chain Consultants. Follow-up information indicates the display will measure 15.2 inches, but it won't feature mini-LED or 120 Hz ProMotion technology and may not, and sources have differed on whether it will be marketed as a MacBook Air or something else.

In his newsletter last year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple considered building a 15-inch MacBook Air, but decided not to move forward with the idea for the "next generation," which suggests that the rumored 2022 MacBook Air with an M2 chip will remain a 13-inch model.

Apple's Studio Display vs. LG's UltraFine 5K Display

When Apple unveiled the Studio Display earlier this month, it immediately drew comparisons to LG's UltraFine 5K Display released in 2016.

Both displays feature a 27-inch screen size with 5K resolution, but the Studio Display has a $300 higher starting price, so we decided to compare the two displays to determine which is a better value.

Watch our Apple Studio Display vs. LG UltraFine 5K Display video to see the winner.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Schematics Leaked

While we are likely still a little under six months away from Apple unveiling its so-called "iPhone 14" lineup, leaked schematics have revealed some potential details about the upcoming Pro models.

Specifically, the schematics show that the "iPhone 14 Pro" and "iPhone 14 Pro Max" could feature a larger rear camera bump and a slightly thicker overall design compared to the iPhone 13 Pro models.

Farther ahead, it was rumored this week that iPhone 15 Pro models could feature an under-display Face ID system developed by Samsung.

Apple Developing Hardware Subscription Service for iPhones and Other Devices

Apple is developing a hardware subscription service that would allow customers to "subscribe" and receive an iPhone or other Apple device as part of their subscription, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple is said to be aiming to make the process of buying an ‌iPhone‌ or an ‌iPad‌ "on par" with purchasing ‌iCloud‌ storage or paying for an Apple Music subscription, with customers able to subscribe to hardware with their Apple ID and App Store account.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

If you've been wondering how the top-end Mac Studio compares to the highest-end MacBook Pro, look no further, because we have a real-world usage comparison that doesn't rely solely on benchmarks. Over on YouTube, MacRumors videographer Dan tested both machines with his real world workflow.

Dan has been using the M1 Max ‌MacBook Pro‌ to edit the MacRumors videos since it came out, and it has met and exceeded his expectations and needs. Obviously, the M1 Ultra does the same, but even for a professional video editor for a tech site, it may be a little bit too much machine for the price.

As a quick example, a standard 4K 10 minute video exported in 4 minutes and 50 seconds on the ‌M1 Max‌ ‌MacBook Pro‌, and three minutes on the ‌M1 Ultra‌ ‌Mac Studio‌. An hour long podcast exported in 26 minutes on the ‌MacBook Pro‌, and just over 14 minutes on the ‌M1 Ultra‌.

The ‌M1 Ultra‌ is definitely a time saver, but the ‌M1 Max‌ is already pretty good compared to prior Intel chips used in machines like the Mac Pro. In situations where money is no object, the ‌M1 Ultra‌ is a no brainer, but if budget is a concern, it's worth carefully considering the benefits you get with the ‌M1 Ultra‌ over the ‌M1 Max‌ in the ‌MacBook Pro‌ or the ‌Mac Studio‌.

As for form factor, the ‌Mac Studio‌ has far more ports with up to six Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and four USB-A ports, but you do get a decent number with the ‌MacBook Pro‌, plus the ‌MacBook Pro‌ is obviously the winner when it comes to portability. Choosing between the ‌MacBook Pro‌ and the ‌Mac Studio‌ really comes down to your form factor needs unless you require the maximum power of the ‌M1 Ultra‌ for your workflow.

Make sure to watch Dan's full comparison to see both machines in action and to get his thoughts on how each form factor works for a videographer's workload.

Apple this week suspended its Apple Pay service for the Mir card payment system in Russia, effectively closing a loophole that had allowed Russians to continue to use the ‌Apple Pay‌ service.

According to Reuters, Mir had remained connected to ‌Apple Pay‌ even after Apple restricted the use of the payments service in Russia on March 1 for Mastercard and Visa cardholders.

Russia's National Card Payment System said on Thursday that Mir access had been removed, and Mir cards will no longer work with ‌Apple Pay‌ in the coming days.

"Apple has informed NSPK it is suspending support for Mir cards in the Apple Pay payment service. Starting from March 24, users cannot add new Mir cards to the service. Apple will stop all operations of previously added cards over the next few days," NSPK said on Friday.

Apple Pay support launched for the Mir payment system in July 2021. Mir is Russia's national payment system, with 150 banks issuing Mir cards.

Apple on March 1 ended ‌Apple Pay‌ access in Russia and also stopped all product sales in the country. iTunes and App Store purchases were reportedly halted on March 10.

Apple is again providing stock bonuses to some engineers in order to encourage them to stay with the company, reports Bloomberg. Select hardware and software engineers are receiving bonuses of up to $200k, a rare offering from Apple.

Back in December, Apple provided up to $180,000 in bonuses to select engineers in silicon design, hardware, and operations, while the new bonuses are going to both hardware and software engineers. The source who told Bloomberg about the new round of bonuses said that fewer engineers are receiving the special grant this time around.

The bonuses, ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, have been provided in the form of restricted stock units that are set to vest over the course of four years provided the employees stay with Apple and do not take jobs at other companies.

Apple has been providing bonuses to encourage employee retention and to prevent other companies like Meta from poaching its top talent.

Apple is facing yet another €5 million ($5.5 million) fine in the Netherlands for failing to sufficiently meet recently mandated alternative payment system requirements for dating apps, reports Reuters.

Apple has been fined €45 million ($49.5 million) by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) to date, with Apple racking up a new fine each week. The ACM initially said that it planned to fine Apple €5 million per week until it hit a maximum fine of €50 million, but now it looks like the total fines could exceed that.

According to Reuters, subsequent fines after the 50 million euro total could be higher, so we will have to wait to see how this situation ultimately plays out.

Following the ruling that required Apple to allow alternate payment methods for dating apps, Apple said that it would comply. Apple ended up reducing its commission on purchases made using third-party payment systems to 27 percent, down from the standard 30 percent, but the ACM was not satisfied.

To get the reduced fee, Apple is requiring developers to maintain separate app binaries for apps that use third-party payments and it is asking developers to submit monthly records of sales so that applicable commission can be tracked.

The ACM is not pleased with Apple's decision to force dating apps to choose between using the standard in-app purchase system or an alternative payment system, and has said that dating apps must be able to offer both options, leading to the series of fines.

Apple has fought the ACM's order, and submitted another proposal this week in an effort to put a stop to the fees. Apple's newest offer does not fully comply with the order, the ACM said today, so the fines will continue.

Acclaimed Apple content creator Rene Ritchie joins us on The MacRumors Show podcast this week to reflect on the all-new Mac Studio and Studio Display now that users have had a chance to spend some time with the machines.

The eighth episode of The MacRumors Show takes a look at the ‌Mac Studio‌ and Studio Display's real-world performance, ports, and pricing, as we try to get to the bottom of exactly who these devices are meant for. We also take a closer look at the mixed to negative reaction to the Studio Display and discuss whether it is justified, and cast an eye toward what could be next for Apple silicon Macs and Apple external displays.

We were glad to be joined by Rene Ritchie, the prolific YouTuber, podcaster, blogger, writer, and all-round Apple content creator. Rene is the former executive editor of iMore, a founding member of video streaming service Nebula, and has been a prominent voice in the Apple space for over a decade. Business Insider has said that Rene is one of the top 100 most influential tech people on Twitter, one of the top 25 Gadget Gurus, and one of the 15 most important Apple analysts and writers.

Listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, or subscribe by copying our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. You can also watch a video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. If you haven't already listened to the last episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up for an in-depth discussion about everything Apple announced at its spring event.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for more episodes, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by exciting guests, such as Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, and Andru Edwards. Remember to rate and review the show, and let us know what subjects you would like the podcast to cover going forward.