Apple is holding off on expanding production in Vietnam until workers' conditions improve, according to local news reports.
The reports indicate that Apple representatives visited Vietnam earlier this month to investigate existing Luxshare-ICT facilities. Luxshare-ICT has apparently not met Apple's welfare requirements yet, which include adequate dormitories and living conditions for workers. Luxshare-ICT has set out to improve the conditions to expand production for Apple.
"The Apple side continually surveyed the workshop of Luxshare-ICT Vietnam in Bac Giang on iPhone production conditions. Apple is impressed by the speed at which our facility is built here. At the same time, through practical research, Apple highly appreciates the potential in Bac Giang province and hard-working workers," said Tang Due Bang, Foreign Affairs Manager of Luxshare-ICT Vietnam.
Apple demands that manufacturers offer dormitories for workers near manufacturing plants. As Luxshare-ICT Vietnam cannot meet the huge demand for workers, the company has sought to hire workers from further afield. Apple is concerned that this would mean workers have to travel too far to work, and is therefore asking for more nearby dormitories to be built. Construction is waiting on permission from local government.
In May, AirPods Pro manufactured in Vietnam began circulating, and it has been widely rumored that Apple has already begun production of the upcoming AirPods Studio there. Luxshare hopes to expand to manufacture iPhones and Apple Watches in the region.
Major Apple manufacturing contractors Foxconn, Pegatron, and Compal Electronics are reported to be expanding production in Vietnam. Companies are increasingly reducing reliance on China and diversifying supply chains to prevent concentration risks. Vietnam is emerging as a major manufacturing and assembly hub for large technology companies, and Samsung manufactures as many as half of its smartphones there already.
Apple partner Wistron is reportedly hiring up to 10,000 extra staff to man its iPhone plant in Narasapura, India, claims a new report today.
According to The New Indian Express, the Taiwanese contract manufacturer is expected to start the commercial production of iPhones at its plant in the Kolar district in the next few days.
The manufacturing facility in Kolar is expected to generate around 10,000 jobs. As per the Karnataka Industrial Policy, 70 per cent of jobs should be given to locals. Accordingly, at least 7,000 people from Karnataka are expected to get jobs here. The company is believed to have already recruited about 2,000 people so far.
"We are happy to note that recruitment process has begun," said Gaurav Gupta, Principal Secretary to India’s Industries and Commerce Department. He added that they are “going to start production soon." Wistron has not yet confirmed the news.
The new plant, which came online in April, is about 40 miles outside of Bengaluru, and is believed to specialize in PCB assembly.
A PCB serves as a bed for key iPhone components like processors, storage, and memory, and usually accounts for about half the cost of a smartphone. That makes PCB assembly in the country a major boon for Apple, as it avoids taxes levied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to boost local manufacturing and create new jobs.
Apple has been setting up iPhone manufacturing hubs in India ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi began promoting his "Made in India" initiative, which requires that 30 percent of products sold by foreign companies be manufactured or produced within the country.
India is also the world's second largest smartphone market, but just one in four Indians are said to own a smartphone, providing Apple with an opportunity to sell iPhones to millions of new customers, while also diversifying its supply chains and moving away from its heavy reliance on China as an operations base.
A report from The Times of India earlier this month claimed an unnamed Apple supplier is planning to move a significant amount of production operations to India, with the aim of accommodating the export of $5 billion worth of devices from India.
Apple suppliers Wistron, Pegatron, Foxconn, and Samsung, are all expected to set up production facilities in India, and Foxconn has already announced that it plans to invest as much as $1 billion in India, and has already established its first manufacturing plant in the country.
Facebook's long-term plan to integrate Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp chat platforms appeared to kick into gear over the weekend as Instagram users in the U.S. were notified of a "new way to message" on the photo-sharing social network that merges the app's chat feature with Facebook Messenger.
Image via The Verge
As a result of the merging of the chat services, the change means Instagram users will be able to chat with Facebook users and vice versa. After the update is applied, some features previously only available on Facebook Messenger can be accessed in Instagram, including colorful chats, more emoji reactions, and swipe-to-reply.
In addition, the regular paper airplane DM icon in the top-right corner of the Instagram UI is replaced by the Facebook Messenger logo, and the Messenger features noted above are applied.
Image via The Verge
However, as The Verge notes, it's still not possible to message Facebook users from Instagram, but unification is clearly the plan, as Facebook explained back in January 2019.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly wants all the apps to incorporate end-to-end encryption, like WhatsApp does now. When the unification is complete, the services will continue to operate as their own standalone apps, but the company's work will make them interoperable with one another.
Ultimately, by stitching the apps' infrastructure together, Zuckerberg seeks to increase keep their billions of users highly engaged inside the Facebook ecosystem, in an attempt to ward off rival texting apps like Apple's iMessage.
Secure messaging app Telegram has announced the launch of a video calling feature for its iOS app that the company says is end-to-end encrypted, just like phone calls and text-based messages conducted over the chat platform. Calls can be started from a contact's profile page.
All video calls are protected with end-to-end encryption. To confirm your connection, compare the four emoji shown on-screen for you and your chat partner – if they match, your call is 100% secured by time-tested encryption also used in Telegram's Secret Chats and Voice Calls.
The feature is an alpha version, so there's more work to do on it before it's fully robust, but it already includes support for switching from audio to video and vice versa at any time, as well as picture-in-picture mode, which means users can read and respond to other messages while they're chatting to the person on the other end of the call.
Telegram originally announced in April that it planned to introduce group video calls later this year. In its latest post, the company said group video calls will arrive in the coming months, offering users an alternative to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and other rival video-conferencing enabled platforms.
Security researchers at Trend Micro have discovered a new kind of Mac malware which can "command and control" a target system.
The researchers described the malware, which is part of the XCSSET family, as "an unusual infection related to Xcode developer projects." The malware is unusual because it is injected into Xcode projects, and when the project is built, the malicious code is run. A developer's Xcode project was found to be able to contain the malware, which "leads to a rabbit hole of malicious payloads."
The discovery poses a significant risk for Xcode developers. Trend Micro identified developers affected by the malware who share their projects via GitHub, leading to a potential supply-chain attack for users who rely on repositories for their own projects. Google's VirusTotal scanning software managed to identify the malware, which indicates the threat is at large.
The malware spreads via infected Xcode projects because it can create maliciously modified applications. Specifically, the malware was found to be capable of abusing Safari and other browsers to steal data. It can use a vulnerability to read and dump cookies, create backdoors in Javascript, and in turn modify displayed websites, steal private banking information, block password changes, and steal newly modified passwords. It was also found to be able to steal information from apps such as Evernote, Notes, Skype, Telegram, QQ, and WeChat, take screenshots, upload files to the attacker's specified server, encrypt files, and display a ransom note.
Affected developers may unwittingly distribute the trojan to their users in the form of compromized Xcode projects and built applications. The malware is particularly dangerous because verification methods, such as checking hashes, would not identify infection as the developers would be unaware that they are distributing malicious files.
To protect against this type of threat, Trend Micro encourages users to only download apps from official marketplaces and consider multilayered security solutions.
In this week's App Recap, we've highlighted health and fitness app "Heart Reports," productivity app "HibiDo: To-Do List & Notes," and weather app "Weather on the Way" as three apps that are worth checking out.
Apps to Check Out
Heart Reports (iOS, $1.99) - Heart Reports is an app that lets users generate reports based on data from the Health app. Several forms of data can be aggregated into a report like heart rate, number of steps, sleep time, calories burned, blood sugar and pressure (if entered into the Health app), and more. As for privacy, all data is handled offline within the app. Heart Reports provides an easy way to export data, as all generated reports can be created and stored in either a PDF or a CSV file.
HibiDo: To-Do List & Notes (iOS, Subscription) - HibiDo features an easy way to manage tasks and notes together in a single app. Reminders can be customized with a deadline, priority flag, checklist, note, or by being designated as a recurring task. Users can subscribe to the app's premium version priced at $1.49 per month or $15.99 per year to access collaboration and sharing features, a sync across multiple devices, automatic note backup, and the creation of an unlimited number of tasks and notes.
Weather on the Way (iOS, Subscription) - Weather on the Way lets users enter a start and end point for a trip, and the app will intelligently display detailed weather information like temperature, precipitation, and wind speed at any point. This can be useful when planning for the best possible time to travel. Once trip details have been entered, users can select a route with the best weather. The app's developers have emphasized the importance of user privacy, as the app doesn't collect any personal information as well as location or driving route data. Weather on the Way is free to download, but some features like alternative routes, road visibility, wind speed, and UV index are limited subscribed of the app's Pro plan. The Pro plan is available in monthly and annual subscription options as well as a lifetime purchase priced at $0.99, $9.99, and $29.99 respectively.
Are you using a great new app we've missed? Let us know in the comments and we'll check it out for next week's App Recap. Are you a developer of a unique app you'd like us to consider? Send us a message through our tip line at the top of the page and we'll check it out.
The biggest story of this week was the blow-up between Apple and Epic Games, with Google also getting involved in the dispute. In brief, Epic remotely updated Fornite to offer an option to bypass Apple's in-app purchase mechanism, leading Apple to pull Fortnite from the App Store. Epic was ready, though, and launched a lawsuit and PR campaign to fight back.
Other stories this week included rumors about launch timing for the iPhone 12, Apple Watch Series 6, and new iPads, as well as the possibility of a cheaper LTE-only iPhone 12 model in early 2021.
There were several other big stories from this week, so make sure to watch our video above and check out our roundup below for all of the details!
Apple Removes Fortnite From App Store After Epic Games Introduces Direct Payment Option
The direct payment option allowed players to purchase 1,000 V-Bucks — Fortnite's in-game currency — for $7.99 rather than $9.99 through Apple's in-app purchase mechanism. The move was seemingly intentional in defiance of Apple's App Store Review Guidelines, with developer Epic Games calling Apple's 30 percent fee on in-app purchases "exorbitant."
The saga has quickly escalated, with Epic Games filing a lawsuit against Apple in California, referring to Apple as a "monopoly power" and accusing the iPhone maker of "unfair and anti-competitive actions." Google likewise removed Fortnite from the Google Play store, leading Epic Games to also file suit against Google.
To get up to speed, check out our timeline overview of the dispute that began as a slow burn but has quickly escalated.
Rumor: Apple Watch Series 6 and iPads Launching in September, iPhone 12 Event to Take Place in October
While new iPhones are usually announced in September, 2020 has been anything but an ordinary year, so it should come as no surprise that Apple's plans will apparently be a little different this fall.
Apple will still host its annual iPhone event, but during the second week of October, according to Prosser. iPhone 12 models would become available to pre-order within a few days of the event, while iPhone 12 Pro orders would begin in November, based on his information.
Apple is widely expected to announce four iPhone 12 models this year, including a 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and a 6.7-inch model, all with OLED displays, 5G, and a flat-edged design. While new iPhones usually begin shipping in late September, Apple recently indicated that supply will be available "a few weeks later" this year.
Apple to Launch Bundled Subscription Services Called 'Apple One'
Apple has been rumored for some time to be considering bundling some of its subscription services together, and a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman provides some new details including a potential October launch.
Apple will reportedly offer several tiers of bundles, known internally as "Apple One," starting with a basic package of Apple Music and Apple TV+. Higher tiers would add Apple Arcade, Apple News+ and iCloud storage. Family Sharing will be supported with the bundles, and they should save subscribers anywhere from $2 to upwards of $5 per month over subscribing to the services individually.
Separately, Apple appears to be on the verge of launching a new bundle of CBS All Access and Showtime through its Apple TV Channels service in the Apple TV app. The bundle will be exclusive to Apple TV+ subscribers, who will be able to receive access to both CBS All Access and Showtime for a total of $9.99 month, just over 50% off the price of subscribing to both individually.
In an Instagram post, Prepear claimed that Apple "has decided to oppose and go after our small business' trademark saying our pear logo is too close to their apple logo and supposedly hurts their brand." The post goes on to describe the action as "a big blow to us at Prepear," and sets out its intentions to defend the logo and "send a message to big tech companies that bullying small businesses has consequences."
A petition on Change.org titled "Save the Pear from Apple" has already received over 70,000 signatures from supporters.
iPad Pro Keyboard Comparison: Logitech's $160 Folio Touch vs. Apple's $300 Magic Keyboard
Logitech recently debuted the Folio Touch, a $160 keyboard and trackpad case designed for the 11-inch iPad Pro that serves as a cheaper alternative to Apple's $300 Magic Keyboard.
Apple Releases iOS 13.6.1 With Fix for Storage Issue and Green Tinted Displays
Apple this week released iOS 13.6.1 and iPadOS 13.6.1, minor bug fix updates that address a thermal management issue that caused some iPhone displays to exhibit a green tint, an issue where unneeded system data files might not be automatically deleted when available storage is low, and an issue where Exposure Notifications could be disabled for some users.
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.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order giving ByteDance 90 days to sell its TikTok business in the United States, citing evidence of possible national security threats from the China-based company.
In the order, the Trump Administration said there's "credible evidence" to suggest that ByteDance "might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States."
The order also requires ByteDance to destroy all U.S. user data within the 90-day window, and the company will need to "certify in writing" to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States that the data was deleted.
The move, which comes just over a week after Trump signed an executive order that would prohibit "any transaction by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States" with ByteDance in 45 days, now gives the company a bit more time to formulate a decision on the app's future.
More recently, it was reported that TikTok plans to sue the Trump administration and challenge the President's previous executive order that would ban the video sharing platform from the United States.
TikTok can avoid a potential ban by selling its United States business to an American-based company. Microsoft has publicly confirmed its intention to purchase TikTok in the U.S. within 45 days, and the company is currently in discussions with ByteDance. Twitter has also reportedly expressed interest in a possible acquisition of the service.
In a statement to The Verge, ByteDance said that "TikTok is loved by 100 million Americans because it is a home for entertainment, self-expression, and connection," and the company is "committed to continuing to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on [its] platform for many years to come."
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Apple in iOS 14 and watchOS 7 introduced a new Sleep Tracking feature that's designed to help you monitor how much sleep you're getting each night with Apple Watch and improve your sleep habits through bedtime reminders and a winding down process.
This guide walks through all of the Sleep Tracking functionality available on the iPhone and the Apple Watch in Apple's 2020 software updates.
Sleep Schedule
In the Health app on the iPhone or in the Apple Watch, you can set up a Sleep Schedule with the amount of sleep you want to get each night and your standard sleep and wake up goals.
The first step of setting a Sleep Schedule is to set a Sleep Goal, which lets the Health app on iPhone (and Apple Watch) recommend a bedtime and provide a wake-up alarm. It also lets you know if you've hit your sleep goals for the night.
From there you'll want to set up a schedule with the time that you want to go to bed and the time that you want to wake up. Based on the sleep goal you set in the step before, the Health app will let you know if your chosen times will result in adequate sleep.
You can use the same Sleep Schedule every day or choose different schedules for different days. With this feature, you can have a set schedule for workdays and a different schedule for weekends.
Setting a Sleep Schedule allows you to enable or disable a Wake Up Alarm, and you can customize the sound and whether you want haptic feedback. If you're wearing an Apple Watch for Sleep Tracking, the alarm will go off on the watch instead of on the iPhone. Adjusting Sleep Schedule options can be done in the Health app, or, more conveniently, in the Clock app under Alarm.
Sleep Mode is an optional mode that goes along with the Sleep Schedule feature. When enabled, it will simplify your Lock Screen at your chosen bedtime, hiding notifications and turning on Do Not Disturb.
Sleep Mode can be set to turn on and off automatically to match your Sleep Schedule, but it can also be toggled on or off in the Control Center.
Wind Down accompanies Sleep Mode and Sleep Schedule as an optional feature. If enabled, Wind Down allows Sleep Mode to begin before bedtime to help reduce distractions and help you relax.
Like Sleep Mode, Wind Down turns on Do Not Disturb, and it can also surface Shortcuts to apps or features that you might want to use as part of your night time routine. If you read before bed, for example, the app might suggest your reading app, or if you like to meditate, it suggests your favorite meditation app.
You need to set these Shortcuts up when activating and customizing the Wind Down feature. The Health app surfaces relevant options based on the selection of apps that you have installed for before bed activities like journaling, meditating, listening to music, listening to a Podcast, reading, checking off tasks on the calendar, yoga, and more.
When Wind Down activates at a set time ahead of your set bedtime, it will provide a the time, a note about when bedtime is, and a link to the Shortcuts that you've set up so you can go about your pre-bedtime routine.
Sleep Tracking, which keeps track of how long you sleep each night and wakes you up with a haptic alarm, is available if you have an Apple Watch. You can set up Sleep Tracking on Apple Watch through the Health app, and it uses the same setup process as all of the features above.
With Sleep Tracking enabled, the Apple Watch dims and locks itself based on your Sleep Schedule so it won't wake you up during the night. Sleep data from the Apple Watch can be viewed in the Health app on the iPhone. If your Sleep Schedule is set up with a bedtime and a wakeup time, all you need to do is make sure your watch is charged up and ready to wear at night. Sleep tracking happens automatically during the night as long as your Apple Watch has battery.
Apple Watch also lets you view summaries of your Sleep Schedule, it will notify you about Wind Down and bedtime settings, and it shows some of the sleep tracking data that's listed in the Health app.
Waking Up
When you wake up in the morning, the alarm that's set will go off on either the iPhone or the Apple Watch and the iPhone will offer up a "Good Morning" message with the time and the weather forecast.
Setup Summary
If you've used the setup process in the Health app, at the end, the iPhone provides you with a rundown of all of your settings. From there, the Sleep Schedule, Wind Down, and Sleep Tracking features work automatically when you go to bed each night. Changes can be made in the Sleep section of the Health app.
Third-Party Sleep Sources
It's worth noting that if you have a device that also contributes sleep data to the Health app, such as the Apple-owned Beddit sleep monitor, this data can be used in lieu of the Apple Watch to power Apple's Sleep Mode features and sleep data section in the Health app.
Sleep data can also be contributed by third-party sleep tracking apps for the iPhone and the Apple Watch.
Viewing Sleep Data
Sleep data collected by the Apple Watch can be viewed in the Sleep section of the Health app. The Health app displays data on a weekly or monthly basis, allowing you to see your sleep trends over time.
The Apple Watch collects sleep time, time in bed, and heart rate, but it doesn't provide data beyond that. Some other fitness trackers include information on light sleep, deep sleep, and other parameters, but the Apple Watch sleep tracking functionality does not.
The Sleep section of the Health app offers charts on sleep length over time, heart rate while sleeping, and weekly, monthly, and yearly highlights. It also shows average sleep time over the past week and has a chart on sleep consistency over time.
Along with this data, Apple offers articles that iPhone users can take advantage of to improve their sleep such as "Why Sleep is so Important" and "Getting a Good Night's Sleep" with sleep tips and info.
Battery Level Notifications for Apple Watch
iOS 14 and watchOS 7 include new notifications that are designed to let you better track the battery level of your Apple Watch so that it can be used both during the day and at night. There's a notification when the battery level is low and another notification that's sent when an Apple Watch has reached its full charge level so you know when it can be removed from the charger for a night's sleep.
Battery usage when sleep tracking varies, but the feature appears to use somewhere around 30 percent battery during the night.
Features You Can Use Without Apple Watch
The actual sleep tracking feature that measures how long you've slept is limited to the Apple Watch, but all of the other related features like Sleep Mode and Wind Down are available even if you don't have a watch.
As mentioned up above, you can get started setting these up in the Health app. Just open up the Health app, tap Browse, scroll down to Sleep, and then tap it. From there, tap on "Get Started" to set parameters that include a sleep goal, a schedule, and an alarm.
Guide Feedback
Have questions about the sleep related features in iOS 14 and watchOS 7, know of a feature we left out, or or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here. If you want to know more about what's coming in iOS 14, make sure to check out our iOS 14 roundup.
When Apple introduced updated iPad Pro models earlier this year they came with a new accessory, the Magic Keyboard. Priced starting at $299, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is Apple's most advanced keyboard yet, offering backlit full-size keys and, more importantly, a trackpad.
At launch, there was no third-party equivalent to the Magic Keyboard because trackpad support for the iPad Pro was new, but last month, Logitech unveiled the Folio Touch, a $160 keyboard case that works with 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models.
The Folio Touch is more affordable than the Magic Keyboard while offering much of the same functionality, and in some cases, design choices that are more convenient, making it a worthy alternative to Apple's own keyboard option. There's one caveat -- at the current time, the Folio Touch is only available for the 11-inch iPad Pro, with no 12.9-inch model.
Design wise, the Folio Touch features a case that attaches to the iPad Pro along with an attached keyboard, all of which is covered with a soft gray fabric-like material. It feels pleasant to the touch, and isn't too far off from the fabric material that Microsoft uses for its Surface Pro accessories. I prefer the fabric feel of this case to the more rubbery feel of the material that Apple uses for the Magic Keyboard, and it is less prone to spots, dust, and scuffs.
Even as a person that makes an effort to keep the Magic Keyboard clean, my iPad Pro Magic Keyboard's cover still has some spots from water drips and scuffs from day to day usage, and while it's not too difficult to clean, those spots and marks don't always come off. The Folio Touch isn't going to show spots like these and the color and pattern will mask grime, too.
The iPad Pro is designed to fit into the case portion of the Folio Touch, which is made from a malleable rubber material. There's a square-shaped camera cutout that's able to accommodate both the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models, plus there's a cutout at the side where the USB-C port on the iPad is located, a Smart Connector attachment point, and a cutout for Apple Pencil charging.
With the Smart Connector, the Folio Touch is powered by the iPad Pro and does not need to be recharged nor does it need Bluetooth to connect. The Magic Keyboard has a passthrough charging feature that lets the iPad Pro be charged through the case through an extra USB-C port - this is not present on the Folio Touch and the standard USB-C port on the iPad must be used. There's a cutout for the USB-C port, but it's small, so if you're using a dock or dongle that's wider than a USB-C connector, you're going to run into trouble.
Because it's a case and a cover, the Folio Touch is a little bit thicker than the Magic Keyboard, which is not ideal because the Magic Keyboard is already bulky. It's still thinner and lighter than most laptops, though, and it can always be removed when not in use. I didn't find it too difficult to get my iPad Pro in and out of the Folio Touch, and it fits like a traditional case. The Folio Touch is a bit longer and wider than the Magic Keyboard, but they're ultimately similar enough in size that there's not much difference using one over the other.
The case feels protective, especially when the keyboard portion is closed, and there is a strong magnetic flap that keeps it shut and holds an Apple Pencil in place. If you have a Logitech Crayon instead of an Apple Pencil, there's a slit in the flap where you can store it so it never gets lost or misplaced.
There's a pull-out stand that's at the back of the case that's designed to prop the iPad Pro and upright while you type on the keyboard. The stand is okay. It's not the sturdiest platform and I wasn't a fan of using it in my lap because of the flex of the stand, but it works well enough on a flat surface. I'm not sure that the Folio Touch would be comfortable to use in a lap for a longer period of time due to the instability of the stand, which is something to keep in mind.
The stand and case have several viewing and usage modes. There's Type Mode where the keyboard is extended and the iPad Pro is propped up with the stand, which is the most obvious way of using the Folio Touch, along with three modes where the keyboard is folded back.
View Mode for watching videos works by folding the keyboard and kickstand backward, Sketch Mode is similar to View Mode but with the stand pushed down to make a slightly angled surface ideal for drawing, and Read Mode is where the keyboard and the stand are both collapsed and the keyboard can be folded back so the iPad can be used in a standard tablet mode without the need to remove the case.
This is one area where the Folio Touch outshines the Magic Keyboard because Apple's keyboard does not fold back and needs to be removed if you want to use the iPad in a flat orientation. The stand offers 40 degrees of adjustment, but since it doesn't operate with a hinge or a locking mechanism, I'm a worried about how it's going to hold up over time. It uses tension, and it seems like a mechanism that could loosen over time, but I don't yet know if this will be the case.
I've been using the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro for several months, and while it's not difficult to take it off, it's a hassle, so I appreciate the versatility the Folio Touch offers. The design of the case allows the Apple Pencil to be attached to the iPad Pro for charging purposes, and there is sleep/wake functionality for activating the iPad's display when the cover is opened.
Those who have used a Logitech iPad keyboard before will probably be familiar with the feel of the keys. They're clicky, satisfying to press, and offer a decent amount of travel so there's no serious compromise using the keyboard case over a standard keyboard. The feel is similar to the feel of the keys on the Magic Keyboard, but with a touch less travel and a touch more softness.
If forced to choose, I would say I prefer the feel of the keys on the Magic Keyboard, but the Folio Touch isn't too far off, and it's easy to adjust to a different key feel. The Logitech keyboard offers a function row of keys for adjusting screen brightness, accessing the Home Screen, searching, and controlling sound and media playback, which is something Apple's keyboard doesn't have and a feature I've missed with day to day usage.
The lack of these easy access function keys is one of the negatives to the Magic Keyboard, so anyone who uses those keys frequently might want to consider the Folio Touch. The Folio Touch also has backlit keys, much like the Magic Keyboard. The keys adjust to the ambient lighting but can be adjusted directly on the keyboard.
There's a small trackpad at the bottom of the keyboard on the Folio Touch, which is what puts the case on par with Apple's Magic Keyboard. The trackpad has a smooth, plastic like feel that's hard to distinguish from the trackpad of the Magic Keyboard. Usage is close identical too, but you do need to press harder on the Folio Touch for it to register a click. With Tap to Click turned on, a feature I always use, it doesn't matter.
Both trackpads support the exact same gestures and features that are baked into iPadOS, so there's not much difference between them. Below, I've listed the pros and cons of each keyboard to make it easier to see the difference at a glance and to outline why you might want to choose one over the other.
Magic Keyboard Pros and Cons
Costs $300+
Available for 11 and 12.9-inch models
Adjustable viewing angles, but case must come off for tablet mode
Works well in the lap
Silicone material picks up dust, grime, and fingerprints but feels more premium
Thinner than Folio Touch, but not by too much
No full iPad Pro coverage
Space for charging Apple Pencil
No function keys
Backlit keys
Keys have good travel and feel sturdy under the fingers
Trackpad is responsive and easy to use
Has extra USB-C port built into hinge for accessories
Connects with Smart Connector
Logitech Folio Touch Pros and Cons
$160 price point ($140 cheaper than Magic Keyboard)
Only available for 11-inch iPad Pro
Stand with multiple viewing angles and usage modes, including an option to fold case back
Does not work well in the lap
Soft fabric cover material is less prone to showing dirt
Thicker and heavier than Magic Keyboard
Rubber case protects iPad Pro
Cutout for charging Apple Pencil plus flap to hold it in place when case is closed
Full row of function keys
Backlit keys
Solid key feel with good travel, but not quite as nice as Magic Keyboard keys
Trackpad takes more force for a click
USB-C port is accessible, but doesn't offer an extra port
USB-C port cutout is small and doesn't accommodate all accessories.
Connects with Smart Connector
We also did an article and video that compare the Magic Keyboard to the Logitech Folio Touch, and the video is worth watching if you want to see both keyboards side by side.
Bottom Line
The Magic Keyboard is $300 and the Folio Touch is $160, so going by price alone, it's a good deal and a solid alternative to Apple's iPad Pro keyboard. I appreciate the versatility of the Folio Touch's stand and the cover, and my only complaint is that it's not ideal for lap use.
With the Magic Keyboard, I have to take it all the way off if I want to use my iPad for anything other than typing or watching videos, which isn't the case with the Folio Touch. That's a huge factor for someone who prefers a case that can be left on all the time. There are also function keys that are absent from the iPad Pro.
The Folio Touch doesn't have a USB-C port built in for more convenient charging, but it's still possible to charge with the standard USB-C port on the iPad Pro, so I didn't miss this feature. I like the floating style of the Magic Keyboard, the hinge design, and I prefer the feel of the keys and the trackpad, but it's so close that I think most people will want to save $140 and choose the Folio Touch.
If you've been holding off from purchasing a Magic Keyboard because of its price point, the Folio Touch is a solid alternative. Unfortunately, Logitech only makes the Folio Touch for the 11-inch iPad Pro models at this time, so 12.9-inch iPad Pro owners are stuck with Apple's Magic Keyboard.
As Apple battles with Epic Games over its App Store fees, Facebook is joining the fight over its new Paid Online Events feature, which allows small businesses in 20 countries to charge Facebook users to attend online classes and events.
Facebook wants Apple to waive its 30 percent fee taken from in-app purchases or let Facebook process event payments with Facebook Pay, both of which Apple has refused.
We asked Apple to reduce its 30% App Store tax or allow us to offer Facebook Pay so we could absorb all costs for businesses struggling during COVID-19. Unfortunately, they dismissed both our requests and SMBs will only be paid 70% of their hard-earned revenue. Because this is complicated, as long as Facebook is waiving its fees, we will make all fees clear in our products.
When a business owner schedules an event through Facebook on iOS, Facebook will make it clear that Apple is taking a 30 percent cut of the purchase price. Facebook is waiving its own fees for the feature "for at least the next year."
Transactions done on the web or on Android where Facebook Pay is available will allow business owners to keep 100 percent of revenue generated from paid online events. The feature is meant to allow Facebook Page owners to create an online event, set a price, promote the event, collect payment, and host the event all on Facebook.
Without calling out Apple directly, Facebook's announcement for the new feature says that businesses "shouldn't have to worry about fees charged by platforms" and points out that Apple's fees will make it so businesses will only be paid "70 percent of their hard-earned revenue."
Other companies, including Airbnb and ClassPass, have made similar complaints about Apple's refusal to waive in-app fees for virtual classes and features that have been forced to transition to online due to the ongoing pandemic.
ClassPass, for example, normally allows users to book classes at local gyms, but has instead moved its business online and started offering virtual classes. Under Apple's App Store rules, virtual classes require providing Apple its 30 percent commission, which ClassPass has balked at. ClassPass ultimately pulled virtual classes from the iPhone app.
Airbnb offers online experiences like virtual cooking classes and meditation sessions, which Apple also collects fees from. Apple has refused to grant special permission to apps like ClassPass, Facebook, and Airbnb in the name of fairness for other developers who are subject to the fees.
Satechi's Wireless Charging Dock for AirPods is a simple AirPods charging platform that's able to connect to the USB-C port on a MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, or any other device that supports USB-C.
The Charging Dock, priced at $30, adds a small platform to the side of a MacBook where the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case or AirPods Pro can be placed. When charging, there's an LED light at the front that lets you know when the battery is full.
There are grooved edges on the side of the charger that keep the AirPods in place while charging, and the glossy white design perfectly matches the AirPods and AirPods Pro cases.
Because the Wireless Charging Dock for AirPods is so compact, it can be tucked in a pocket or a bag and can be taken anywhere, so you're never without a way to wirelessly charge AirPods. The dock-style design also means there's no need to deal with a cable.
Size wise, the AirPods Charging Dock measures in at just 2.28 inches by 1.75 inches, and it's just 0.48 inches thick. It delivers 5W of power for charging up the AirPods quickly.
We have 15 of Satechi's Wireless Charging Docks for AirPods available for MacRumors readers. To enter to win our giveaway, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
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The contest will run from today (August 14) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on August 21. The winners will be chosen randomly on August 21 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
Apple won an auction for an as-of-yet untitled spy romance film set in Africa that will star Idris Elba, reports Variety.
There was an "intense bidding war" for the title, which is being produced by Elba and Simon Kinberg. The script for the film was written by Travon Free, known for "Black Monday" and "The Daily Show."
Aside from being known as a spy film with romance, there are no other details known on the title at this time.
Idris Elba has signed a "first look" deal with Apple, which will see him producing TV shows and movies for the Apple TV+ streaming service. Simon Kinberg is working on a high-budget, ambitious sci-fi series for Apple.
Apple has faced increasing scrutiny over its App Store practices from both developers and regulators in recent months. One particularly vocal critic has been Fortnite creator Epic Games, which has repeatedly referred to the App Store as a monopoly.
Sweeney quote tweets The Washington Post's story: "Here Apple speaks of a level playing field. To me, this means: All iOS developers are free to process payments directly, all users are free to install software from any source. In this endeavor, Epic won't seek nor accept a special deal just for ourselves."
June 23
Sweeney tweets: "Opening iOS and Android up as truly open platforms with a genuinely level playing field between first party and third party apps and stores is the only way to ensure a competitive, healthy, and fair app economy."
July 24
Sweeney tells CNBC that the App Store is an "absolute monopoly," arguing that "Apple has locked down and crippled the ecosystem by inventing an absolute monopoly on the distribution of software, on the monetization of software."
July 28
Sweeney tweets: "It pains me to complain about Apple in this way. Apple is one of the greatest companies that has ever existed, perhaps the greatest. But they're fundamentally wrong in blocking competition and choice on devices they make, and that holds up entire fields of technological progress."
Sweeney tweets: "This is a critical consideration in these 30% store fees. They come off the top, before funding any developer costs. As a result, Apple and Google make more profit from most developers' games than the developers themselves. That is terribly unfair and exploitative."
August 1
Sweeney tweets: "Apple's intentional anti-competitive strategy has been running for much longer than most realize. Here they are in 2011 muscling Kindle purchases off of iPhone by demanding 30% of e-book revenue, 'which we acknowledge is prohibitive for many things.'"
August 13
Epic Games introduces a direct payment option in the Fortnite app for iPhone and iPad, allowing players to purchase in-game V-Bucks at a 20 percent discount by sidestepping Apple's in-app purchase mechanism. This functionality violates Apple's App Store Review Guidelines, which indicate that apps offering in-game currency must use Apple's in-app purchase mechanism only.
The direct payment option is also added to the Fortnite app on Android in violation of Google's Play Store rules.
Epic Games describes Apple's and Google's 30 percent cut on in-app purchases as "exorbitant." Epic also notes that apps that offer real-life goods and services like Uber, DoorDash, and StubHub are not required to use Apple's in-app purchase mechanism, a rule that it believes should apply to all developers.
Apple removes Fortnite from the App Store. In a statement shared with MacRumors, the company said that "Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users." The full statement is below.
Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users. As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.
Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem - including its tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we're glad they've built such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.
Epic Games files a lawsuit [PDF] against Apple in California, describing the company as a "monopoly power" and accusing it of "unfair and anti-competitive actions." The complaint alleges that "Apple has become what it once railed against: the behemoth seeking to control markets, block competition, and stifle innovation."
Epic Games shares a video called "Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite," parodying Apple's iconic "1984" ad. Whereas Apple's ad portrayed IBM as the evil "Big Brother," Epic Games aims to show that Apple is now the dominant power. "Epic Games has defied the App Store Monopoly. In retaliation, Apple is blocking Fortnite from a billion devices. Join the fight to stop 2020 from becoming '1984.'"
In a blog post, Epic Games encourages Fortnite players to fight against Apple's "app tax" by using the hashtag #FreeFortnite on social platforms.
In an FAQ, Epic Games says that "all mobile developers and consumers have the right to choose alternate payment providers that charge less, as is the norm on all other general-purpose computing platforms, including Web, Windows, and Mac." Epic adds that "Apple even allows Amazon Prime Video to process payments directly as a special deal while holding other apps to a different standard."
Epic Games files a similar anti-competitive lawsuit against Google.
Sweeney tweets: "Today, Apple said Epic is seeking a special deal, but that's not true. We're fighting for open platforms and policy changes equally benefiting all developers. And it'll be a hell of a fight!"
August 14
Sweeney tweets: "At the most basic level, we're fighting for the freedom of people who bought smartphones to install apps from sources of their choosing, the freedom for creators of apps to distribute them as they choose, and the freedom of both groups to do business directly."
August 17
Epic Games reveals that its Apple Developer Program account will be terminated on August 28, 2020 unless it resolves violations of the Developer Program License Agreement, including introducing new payment functionality that was not submitted to or reviewed by Apple's App Review team. Apple says this would result in Epic Games losing access to all of Apple's software, SDKs, APIs, and developer tools. Without that access, Epic Games says it cannot develop future versions of its Unreal Engine game engine for use on iOS or macOS.
In a statement, Apple says "we won't make an exception for Epic because we don't think it's right to put their business interests ahead of the guidelines that protect our customers."
In a court filing, Apple says that Epic Games emailed the company on June 30 asking for a "special deal" that would allow its Epic Games Store app on iOS, sidestepping Apple's in-app purchase mechanism. Apple also likens Epic's behavior to shoplifting: "If developers can avoid the digital checkout, it is the same as if a customer leaves an Apple retail store without paying for shoplifted product: Apple does not get paid."
Sweeney tweets: "Apple's statement is misleading. You can read my email in Apple's filing, which is publicly available. I specifically said in Epic's request to the Apple execs, 'We hope that Apple will also make these options equally available to all iOS developers...'"
August 23
In a court filing, Epic Games argues that Apple's plan to terminate its Developer Program membership would be "overbroad retaliation" and "an unlawful effort to maintain its monopoly and chill any action by others who might dare oppose Apple."
Microsoft files a declaration in support of Epic Games, in which Xbox gaming executive Kevin Gammill writes that "Apple's discontinuation of Epic's ability to develop and support Unreal Engine for iOS or macOS will harm game creators and gamers."
August 24
U.S. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers grants a temporary restraining order that will prevent Apple from blocking Epic Games' access to development tools for its Unreal Engine, but as of now, she is not forcing Apple to put Fortnite back on the App Store. The restraining order goes into effect immediately and will remain in force until the court issues a final order on the motion for preliminary injunction in September.
August 25
Apple issues the following statement: "We thank the court for recognizing that Epic's problem is entirely self-inflicted and is in their power to resolve. Our very first priority is making sure App Store users have a great experience in a safe and trusted environment, including iPhone users who play Fortnite and who are looking forward to the game's next season. We agree with Judge Gonzalez-Rogers that 'the sensible way to proceed' is for Epic to comply with the App Store guidelines and continue to operate while the case proceeds. If Epic takes the steps the judge has recommended, we will gladly welcome Fortnite back onto iOS. We look forward to making our case to the court in September."
Epic Games emails players noting that "Apple has blocked Fortnite updates on iOS and Mac devices," adding that "Apple limits competition so they can collect 30% of consumer payments made in apps like Fortnite, raising the prices you pay."
Apple countersues Epic Games, requesting damages for breach of contract. In its answer, Apple describes Epic Games as a "multi-billion dollar enterprise that simply wants to pay nothing for the tremendous value it derives from the App Store."
Epic says Apple has "provided an indefinite extension" to Sign in with Apple support, but Epic still encourages users to transition their accounts to alternative credentials in case Apple does disable the feature at some point in the future.
U.S. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers denies Epic Games a preliminary injunction, meaning that Fortnite will remain unavailable on the App Store for the duration of the lawsuit, assuming that the app remains in violation of the App Store Review Guidelines.
For the latest developments in Epic Games vs. Apple, see our coverage below.
Next Stop Nowhere is a road trip adventure story set in a colorful, cutthroat vision of outer space. The game follows the character of "Beckett," a courier living a simple life until a chance encounter with a former bounty hunter throws him into an unexpected adventure. The game features an "intelligent conversation system" with branching dialogue that changes the story based on every decision, and touts its "completely unique version of space."
The game comes from award-winning studio "Night School Studio," known for the critically-praised titles "Oxenfree" and "Afterparty." Cross-device play is enabled via Apple Arcade.
Apple recently registered the domain name AppleOriginalProductions.com, according to a WHOIS record discovered by MacRumors. The new record indicates that Apple obtained the domain name on Thursday.
The record's domain information lists Apple Inc. as the registrant organization. The registrar is CSC Corporate Domains, a firm that protects domain names for large corporations, and is used by Apple for its domain name registrations.
While the domain does not currently point to an active website, and may never do so, its registration does come at a time when Apple has been ramping up its efforts to pick up Apple TV+ first-look rights deals with various established producers.
Apple has dozens of original TV shows and movies in the works for its Apple TV+ streaming service. For a full list of upcoming and existing original content, check out our comprehensive guide.
Apple has begun selling discounted refurbished 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro models through its online store in the United States for the first time, with up to $200 savings available on some base configurations compared to brand new models.
Currently, Apple's refurbished options for the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro lineup are limited to models with the 8th-generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors (not the faster 10th-generation CPUs), but this spec does come with Apple's new scissor switch Magic Keyboard, which has been positively received by users, especially following the butterfly keyboard troubles of earlier models.
Apple says refurbished MacBook Pro models are thoroughly inspected, tested, cleaned, and repackaged with a USB-C power adapter and USB-C cable in the box. In our view, a refurbished MacBook Pro is virtually indistinguishable from a brand new model, so this represents a good opportunity for savings directly from Apple.
Keep in mind that third-party resellers frequently offer better deals than Apple's refurbished prices, so be sure to monitor our deals roundup.
A refurbished MacBook Pro comes with Apple's standard one-year warranty effective on the date the notebook is delivered. The warranty can be extended to three years from the refurbished purchase date with AppleCare+ at a cost of $269 for the MacBook Pro.
Apple today released "Boys State" and "Ted Lasso," two new shows on its TV+ streaming platform.
"Boys State" is a political documentary that covers a week-long annual program where 1,100 17-year-old teenage boys in Texas participate in a mock exercise to build their own state government.
Filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine closely track the escalating tensions that arise within a particularly riveting gubernatorial race, training their cameras on unforgettable teenagers like Ben, a Reagan-loving arch-conservative who brims with confidence despite personal setbacks, and Steven, a progressive-minded child of Mexican immigrants who stands by his convictions amidst the sea of red. In the process, they have created a complex portrait of contemporary American masculinity, as well as a microcosm of our often dispiriting national political divisions that nevertheless manages to plant seeds of hope.
Apple purchased "Boys State" earlier this year for $10 million. The documentary won the Grand Jury Prize for documentary at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, and Steve Jobs' widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, is one of its executive producers.
"Ted Lasso" is a comedy series from actor and Saturday Night Live alumnus Jason Sudeikis, and revives the character he played for NBC Sports' 2013 English Premier League coverage.
Sudeikis plays Ted Lasso, a small-time college football coach from Kansas hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer.
Apple has been adding new television content to Apple TV+ on a regular basis, and yesterday we learned that Apple is planning to launch an Apple TV Channels bundle that features CBS All Access and Showtime at a discounted price as soon as next week.
