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Topic: App Store

Kimi app posed as a vision testing app but, upon opening, revealed a collection of TV shows and movies for users to download and watch. News 

A Vision Test Disguised as a Pirated Movies App Successfully Infiltrates the Apple App Store

Adriana Marais,

Apps that violate the rules of Apple’s App Store or Google Play are rarely made available to users. However, sometimes they manage to bypass the reviewers and are downloaded several times from the App Store or Play Store. One such case is Apple’s App Store’s Kimi app, which streams pirated movies and unexpectedly reached No. 8 on the trending list of free entertainment apps on the Apple iOS App Store, as reported by The Verge. The app posed as an eye test app, but when opened revealed a collection of…

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Meta and other tech companies aren't pleased with Apple's new App store rules in Europe which allows them to offer third-party app stores but with conditions News 

Meta Unlikely to Launch App Store for iPhone Users in Europe

Jim Hendler, , ,

Apple has made it difficult for other competing app stores to build in the European Union (EU), Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said. Apple claims that sideloading is a security threat. However, the upcoming EU Digital Market Act (DMA) has forced the tech giant to make changes to the App Store in the region, including new fees. “I don’t think the Apple thing makes any difference to us. Because I think the way they’ve implemented it, I’d be very surprised if any developer decided to go to the…

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Apple is being forced to make a raft of changes in Europe this year which includes sideloading of apps and other new features for users. News 

Europe’s iPhone Users Can Expect 5 Major Changes

Nitin Misra, , ,

Apple continues to make major changes in its business and most of them are forced on the company due to new rules imposed by the European Union. We’ve already seen iPhones finally adopt a USB-C port for charging, which made it to all countries. But the new EU rules will bring many changes through the Digital Markets Act (DMA), putting more pressure on the company to adapt its strategy for consumers and developers. Several reports suggested the extent of new policies that Apple will introduce to the EU market starting…

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Apple is being forced to make big changes to its App Store policies which includes the option to support sideloading of apps on iPhones. News 

Apple App Store to Undergo Significant Modifications in Accordance with EU Regulations

Adriana Marais

The App Store in Europe has to follow different rules, which is why Apple has decided that it needs a major overhaul of its strategy in the region, which is different in other markets. Apple plans to bring app sideloading to iPhone users in the European Union (EU), but the new changes don’t apply to iOS devices, they’re in other countries. Tat is right, Apple apparently has two versions of the App Store, one for the EU region and one for all non-EU markets. The new details suggest that Apple…

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Apple and Google are now on the same page regarding sideloading of apps which is a big change compared to how Android has been used. News 

“Unlock the Possibilities: Sideload Apps on Your Mobile Device”

Sanjay Patil

Sideloading apps has been a really active topic in the newssphere lately, and there are good and bad reasons for that. Google has always guaranteed sideloading of apps for Android users to enjoy the freedom of the open source platform, while Apple has refused to sign on to this method for reasons the company has explained several times. So what exactly is app sideloading, how does it work, and why have the CEOs of Google and Apple banned their users from doing it on their phones? Here’s a detailed paragraph…

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Apple has started requiring new apps to show proof of a Chinese government license before their release on its China App Store, joining local rivals years that had adopted the policy years earlier to meet tightening state regulationss News 

Apple Implements Additional Verification for Apps in China as Beijing Strengthens Regulation

Adriana Marais,

HONG KONG: Apple has started requiring new apps to show proof of a Chinese government license before they are listed on China’s App Store, joining local rivals who had adopted the policy years earlier to meet tightening government regulations. Last Friday, Apple began requiring app developers to submit an “Internet Content Provider (ICP) Notice” when they publish new apps on its App Store, it said on its developer website. ICP filing is a long-standing registration system required for websites to operate legally in China, and has been implemented by most…

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The Indus Appstore Developer platform comes with sweeteners - app listings on it will be free for the first year, after which a nominal annual fee will apply. (Indus Appstore/X platform) News 

PhonePe Launches Indus Appstore to Compete with Google for Android Developers

Adriana Marais

PhonePe has recently introduced the Indus Appstore developer platform, aiming to attract Android app developers by offering them the advantage of no platform fee or commission for in-app payments. This strategic move by the digital payments company is a direct challenge to Google’s dominance in the app marketplace, as they establish their own Indian app store. Akash Dongre, the founder of Indus Appstore, decried the fact that app developers are forced to cooperate with only one app store – Google Play Store – to distribute their apps, and vowed that…

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A boom in deepfake porn is outpacing US and European efforts to regulate the technology. (AFP) AI 

Google and Microsoft Take Steps to Enhance AI-Generated Fake Porn

Adriana Marais, , , , , , , , , , ,

Fans of Kaitlyn Siragusa, a well-known internet personality called Amouranth, can choose to subscribe to her channel on Amazon.com Inc.’s Twitch for $5 per month to watch her play video games. Alternatively, if they wish to view her adult content, they can subscribe to her explicit OnlyFans page for $15 per month. And when they want to watch him do things he doesn’t and has never done for free, they search Google for so-called “deepfakes” — videos made with artificial intelligence that create a realistic simulation of a sexual act.…

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The first phase of the European Union’s groundbreaking new digital rules will take effect this week. (AFP) News 

Europe’s Regulations for Tech Giants Google, Facebook, TikTok and Others to Take Effect – Explaining the Details

Jim Hendler, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some of the largest technology companies, including Google, Facebook, and TikTok, are currently confronting a significant initiative in Europe aimed at purifying the online content that users come across. The first phase of the European Union’s ground-breaking new digital rules comes into effect this week. The Digital Services Act is part of a technology-focused code drawn up by the 27-nation bloc, which has long been a world leader in cracking down on tech giants. The DSA, which the major platforms must begin on Friday, is designed to keep users safe…

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The Supreme Court rejected a request to immediately enforce an on-hold injunction. Gaming 

Epic Fails to Secure Immediate Change to Apple’s App Store Payment Rules

Adriana Marais, , ,

According to Bloomberg, Epic Games’ bid to expedite changes to Apple’s App Store payment practices has been unsuccessful. The company, known for creating Fortnite, had appealed to the Supreme Court to reverse a ruling by the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that postponed an injunction against Apple regarding its App Store regulations. However, Justice Elena Kagan declined the request without offering any explanation. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction in April. However, it suspended the injunction in July to allow Apple to take the case to…

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It introduces the rhythm series’ first story mode. Gaming 

Apple Arcade to Feature Samba de Amigo Game This Month

Adriana Marais, , , ,

Sega’s beloved rhythm game franchise, Samba de Amigo, is making a comeback this year with a new installment arriving on both Apple platforms and Nintendo Switch simultaneously. Additionally, a VR version for Meta Quest, which was announced in early June, is set to be released sometime this autumn. “Shake it with your maracas and create 40 hit songs from the world’s most popular genres,” reads the game’s App Store description. Exclusive songs for the Apple version include Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory,” Psy’s “Daddy” (of “Gangnam Style” fame), and…

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A federal judge's 2021 order could require Apple to allow developers to provide links and buttons that direct consumers to payment options outside the App Store. (Unsplash) News 

Epic Games Requests US Supreme Court Uphold App Store Ruling

Jim Hendler,

On Thursday, Epic Games urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a lower court’s decision that could potentially compel Apple Inc to modify its payment policies within the App Store. Epic, the maker of the popular Fortnite video game, filed a petition asking the nation’s highest court to overturn a July 17 decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to suspend an injunction against Apple. The decision gave Apple 90 days to appeal to the Supreme Court. In a closely followed case, Epic filed an…

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Starting with iOS 17, developers will need to explain why they're using certain APIs. News 

Apple Imposing Restrictions on ‘Fingerprinting’ with New App Store API Regulations

Adriana Marais, , ,

Apple plans to take action against Apps that engage in “fingerprinting” by collecting data on users’ devices to track them. An article on Apple’s developer site, discovered by 9to5Mac, reveals that the crackdown will begin with the launch of iOS 17, tvOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma. Developers will be obligated to provide an explanation for their use of “required reason APIs,” and any Apps that fail to do so adequately will face rejection starting in spring 2024. “Some APIs… can be misused to identify a device or user,…

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Know all about Remini, the viral AI photo editing app. (Remini) AI 

Remini App Becomes Viral Sensation, Tops App Store Charts

Sanjay Patil,

There seems to be a new popular app in town! After holding the top spot in the App Store’s list of top apps for a while, Threads, Meta’s text-based platform powered by Instagram, has been overtaken by another competitor. Surprisingly, it’s not a new app that took its place, but rather an app that has been quietly around since 2019 and has suddenly gained immense popularity. This app is called Remini, an AI photo editing app. So, what caused its sudden rise in popularity and high ratings in 2023? The…

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Prior rulings could reduce its App Store profits. Gaming 

Apple Appeals to Supreme Court in Epic Games Dispute

Adriana Marais, , , ,

According to Reuters, Apple is making a final attempt to secure a portion of in-app sales by requesting the Supreme Court to review Epic Games’ anti-trust case. Two previous court rulings have mandated that Apple abandon its regulations that prohibit apps from incorporating their own payment alternatives, a policy that has been beneficial for Apple’s financial performance. The battle began in 2020 when Epic released a new Fortnite update that allowed players to purchase digital coins through a direct payment feature. The move violated Apple’s policy requiring all iOS games…

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Apple Inc. is set for a showdown with European Union antitrust regulators (REUTERS) News 

Apple Refuses to Comply with EU’s Antitrust Investigation of Spotify

Adriana Marais, , , ,

Apple Inc. is preparing for a confrontation with European Union antitrust regulators, asserting that it does not have to implement any further modifications to its App Store. This comes after the company faced formal accusations regarding its treatment of competitors in the music streaming industry, including Spotify Technology SA. Ahead of a hearing in Brussels on Friday, the iPhone maker claims it was unfairly accused by the EU of having illegal restrictions similar to Spotify’s that prevent developers from driving users away from the App Store. Apple believes it has…

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Asmi had emerged as a winner of the Swift Student Challenge at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). (Apple) News 

Apple CEO Tim Cook Congratulates India’s Asmi Jain on Winning Swift Student Challenge at WWDC 2023

Adriana Marais, , ,

During the WWDC 2023, Asmi Jain, a 20-year-old Indian who won the WWDC award for developing a healthcare app playground, had the opportunity to meet with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Asmi had emerged as one of the winners of the Swift Student Challenge at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The challenge was to create an original app playground for students around the world using the Swift coding language. 20-year-old Asmi Jain from Indore won the award for her app. Now, for Jain, coding is an opportunity to not only create…

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Apple wants to restrict clone apps for iPhone users and developers need to comply with the new rules or else will be removed. News 

Apple Introduces App Store Guidelines To Prevent Cloned Apps For iPhone Users

Adriana Marais, ,

This week, Apple unveiled its latest MacBook and its inaugural mixed reality headset. However, the WWDC 2023 also brought some noteworthy developments that are significant to users. Apple has implemented new policies in the App Store to combat the problem of app clones and imitators. In fact, the company has gone to the extent of claiming that clone apps violate its App Store rules, potentially getting them blacklisted from the App Store. The new rules clearly state that no developer can use the same code, interface, or even name that…

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With the latest iOS 17, the iPhone maker has also introduced an important update to the App Store app, informing users about the estimated duration of an app download once initiated. News 

Apple iOS 17: App Store To Display App Download Time Estimates

Adriana Marais, ,

Apple has just unveiled its newest operating system for iPhones, known as iOS 17, which boasts a range of captivating enhancements and features such as StandBy mode, Contact Posters, NameDrop, and many others. With the latest iOS 17, the iPhone maker has also added an important update to the App Store app that tells users the estimated time it will take to download an app once it’s started. According to Macrumors, when you tap the “Apply” button in the app list in the App Store in iOS 17 and a…

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The Apple App Store was launched 15 years back in 2008. Apple claimed that iOS developers have earned more than $320 billion on the App Store from 2008 to 2022. News 

Apple App Store is celebrating 15 years; $1.1 trillion spent by users for Apps in 2022

Adriana Marais, ,

Apple announced that its App Store ecosystem generated $1.1 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2022. The Cupertino-based tech giant claimed that more than 90 percent of billings and sales are attributable solely to developers, with no compensation paid to Apple. “We’ve never been more optimistic—or more inspired—by the amazing community of developers around the world. As this report shows, the App Store is a vibrant, innovative marketplace where opportunity flourishes, and we’re more committed than ever to investing in developer success and the future of the app economy.…

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