Tag: Apple

Categories
News Tech Top News World

Apple Terminates Epic Games’ Developer Account, Battle for App Store Control Escalates

Just when you thought Fortnite was coming back to iOS, Apple and Epic Games take their feud to new heights. Credit: Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Apple’s recent decision to terminate Epic Games’ developer account marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal and public relations battle between the two companies. This conflict, which began in August 2020 when Epic Games introduced a direct payment option in its popular game Fortnite, has now reached a new level of intensity.

Epic Games’ termination means that the company can no longer submit new apps or updates for its existing apps on the App Store. While users who have already downloaded Fortnite or other Epic games can continue to use them, they will not receive any updates, including new content or bug fixes. This move by Apple was justified on the grounds that Epic Games repeatedly submitted updates designed to violate the App Store guidelines, which was seen as unfair to other developers and as putting customers in the middle of their dispute.

Apple’s actions have been met with criticism from Epic Games, which argues that the company’s App Store policies monopolize the mobile app space and harm both developers and consumers by enforcing high commission fees and restricting payment options. This dispute has led to a series of legal challenges, with Epic Games seeking to have the Supreme Court review its case against Apple. The legal battles have focused on whether Apple’s practices violate antitrust laws and whether its control over the App Store constitutes monopolistic behavior.

In a recent development, Apple terminated another developer account of Epic Games, Epic Games Sweden AB, which Epic intended to use to launch a third-party app store on iOS in the EU. This move was in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote competition and regulate the practices of large online platforms within the EU. Apple’s decision to terminate this account has been criticized by Epic Games as a violation of the DMA and as evidence of Apple’s unwillingness to allow competition on its platform.

Throughout this conflict, both companies have presented their actions as being in the best interest of consumers and developers. Apple argues that its App Store policies are designed to ensure a safe and trusted environment for users, while Epic Games contends that Apple’s practices stifle competition and innovation. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the tech industry, potentially affecting how app stores operate and how developers distribute their apps.

As the battle between Apple and Epic Games unfolds, the future of app distribution on iOS remains uncertain. The termination of Epic Games’ developer account is a significant development in this ongoing legal and public relations battle, and its implications for the tech industry are far-reaching.

 

Categories
Business News Tech Top News World

Microsoft’s Surge: AI Leadership and Strong Growth Stock Rating Propel Market Value to $2.9 Trillion

Microsoft briefly overtook Apple as the world’s most valuable company, with its market capitalization reaching as much as $2.903 trillion on January 11, 2024. This surge was attributed to Microsoft’s advancements in generative AI, which have been driving up its stock price. The company’s stock jumped as much as 2%, while Apple’s market cap dropped to $2.871 trillion after shares fell 0.9%, marking the first time since 2021 that Apple’s value dropped below that of Microsoft. Microsoft’s revenue growth of 7% to $52.9 billion, driven by the integration of AI technology into its cloud computing business, also contributed to the surge in its stock price.

 

This surge was driven by several factors:

  • Concerns about iPhone sales: Apple’s stock experienced a 4% drop in 2024 due to worries about smartphone demand, while Microsoft’s stock price increased by about 2% year to date and 57% in 2023.
  • Product launches: Apple’s market capitalization peaked at $3.081 trillion on December 14, 2023, marking the company’s biggest product launch since the iPhone in 2007. However, UBS estimated that the Vision Pro sales would be “relatively immaterial” to Apple’s overall performance.
  • Stock performance: Apple’s stock market value is now at $2.866 trillion, while Microsoft’s value reached as much as $2.844 trillion. Both tech stocks look relatively expensive in terms of price to their expected earnings, a common method of valuing publicly listed companies.

 

Outlook for Microsoft’s Future

The outlook for Microsoft’s future is positive, as the company is expected to report a 16% increase in revenue to $61.1 billion when it reports its results in the coming weeks. This growth is primarily driven by the ongoing expansion of its cloud business. Additionally, some analysts predict that Apple and other tech giants could join the $3 trillion market cap club in the near future.

 

On the other hand, concerns about Apple’s iPhone sales led to a decline in its stock, with rating firms downgrading Apple stock and wiping around $162 billion off its market capitalization in 2024 alone.

 

In conclusion, Microsoft’s brief surge in market value was fueled by its advancements in generative AI and strong financial performance, while concerns about Apple’s iPhone sales impacted its stock performance. The future outlook for Microsoft appears promising, with its focus on AI and cloud computing expected to drive further growth and market success.

Categories
News Tech Top News World

Is the USB-C on the iPhone 15 a downgrade?

Apple’s, iPhone 15 is finally here, and the Apple fanatics can’t keep calm, Apple has once impressed with its new baby, the iPhone 15.

One major change in the iPhone 15s release is the new adoption of the USB-C port. This move is majorly credited to EU’s recent regulation that ‘forced’ all smartphones sold from 2024 going forward, to adopt the USB-C standard for charging ports. Apple’s decision to incorporate this major change and maintain its distinctive design and functionality is a major step to retaining its fanbase.

As diehard Apple fans all over the world religiously camp outside the Apple Stores, they are over excited for this new change, and how this will come out, keeping in mind Apple’s taste for perfection.

Apple fanatics can also get a major boost in charging speeds that will be significant in the Apple legion embracing this change. The good news is that you don’t need to spend on expensive cables. You can easily find 1-meter USB-C cables capable of data transfer at 40Gbps for a reasonable price, with trusted brands like Anker, Plugable, Satechi, and Monoprice offering reliable options.

iPhone 15 USB-C
Photo: Apple

However, it’s essential to exercise caution when using Android USB Type-C cables with iPhone products. (Notable ‘segregations’ has been something of an eyesore all along with the Android Vs Apple users). Some reports suggest this could be a ploy to encourage users to opt for Apple’s original charging cables, potentially boosting Apple’s revenue. To ensure compatibility and safety, it’s best to stick with cables certified for Apple devices.

One of the most significant advantages of the USB-C cable is the level of compatibility that the USB-C brings. With this change, users can now use a single charging cable across multiple devices. The convenience of charging your MacBook, iPad and iPhone with one cable is just unbelievable for all the iPhone users.

In summary, Apple’s iPhone 15, with the adoption of the USB-C connector, is not only keeping pace with global standards but also enhancing the user experience. The iPhone 15 promises faster charging and seamless data transfer while preserving Apple’s iconic design and innovation. As we eagerly await the release of this groundbreaking device, it’s clear that Apple is once again setting the bar high. Hopefully , this USB-C cables won’t have iPhones long standing issue with the usual faults and breakages at the neck of the cables.. Fingers crossed.

Stay tuned for more updates on various news across the Tech world, right here at Smartie News.