By news@appleinsider.com (Wesley Hilliard) Apple has removed Meta-owned apps WhatsApp and Threads from the China App Store after government officials claimed national security concerns.China dictates what it allows on its country’s internet and App StoreThe App Store culling continues in China after 30,000 games, then an additional 94,000 games, 44,000 apps, then 100 ChatGPT-like apps were removed over the past four years. The government in China is the driving force behind these app removals, but a more significant App Store removal took place on Thursday night.According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Apple was given orders by the government in China to remove WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store. China’s cyberspace officials claim the apps needed to be removed based on national security concerns. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Andrew Orr) Best Buy has launched an augmented reality app designed exclusively for Apple’s latest wearable, the Apple Vision Pro that offers real-time product previews.Best Buy launches Apple Vision Pro app for augmented reality shoppingNamed Best Buy Envision, the app is set to upgrade the way consumers shop for electronics and home products, Best Buy announced on Thursday. With its advanced augmented reality (AR) capabilities, users can visualize products in their living spaces.The app allows consumers to see how a product would realistically appear in their space in terms of size, style, and color before making a purchase. The app shows the products in 3D and provides essential information like ratings, reviews, and pricing, making it a comprehensive shopping tool. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Wesley Hilliard) Apple has been long rumored to be working on a HomePod with a full touch display that can show more than a waveform, and a new leak offers a look at the potential glossy display glass.HomePod could get a new displayThe HomePod and HomePod mini have a touch-sensitive glass surface, but it is a simple pane of LEDs showing a waveform. Rumors suggest Apple could upgrade the HomePod with a full touch display with a GUI similar to Apple TV, but nothing has been announced.An alleged part image leaked by X user @Kosutami_Ito shows what appears to be the top assembly for a new HomePod display. There’s no way to know how big the glass is without a point of reference, but the leaker says it shows a glossy display cover. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Amber Neely) Apple has plans to move its existing Montreal-based Saint-Cathrerine location to a heritage building in downtown Montreal.Apple’s existing Apple Sainte-Catherine location | Image Credit: AppleThis relocation comes as part of Apple’s efforts to revitalize its physical retail presence across the globe. The new Apple retail store will be located at Apple will settle at 1255 Sainte-Catherine Street West, according to sources who told La Press.The existing store opened in 2008 at 1321 Sainte-Catherine Street West. According to a previous report by Bloomberg, the store is estimated to re-open in its new location by February 2025. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Amber Neely) A $2 million iMessage exploit listed on the dark web probably doesn’t do what the sellers say that it does, but it’s still a reminder that iPhones aren’t hack-proof.iMessage on iPhoneAccording to a post on X made on April 15, Trust Wallet has found credible evidence related to a high-risk, zero-day exploit targeting iMessage users. Allegedly, the exploit can access an iPhone without requiring the user to click any links.1/2: Alert for iOS users: We have credible intel regarding a high-risk zero-day exploit targeting iMessage on the Dark Web. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) A new rumor claims that the forthcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will use the same displays as on the current larger iPad Pro — which could be good or bad news for buyers expecting a lower-cost large screen.Apple’s current iPad Air 5Alongside the repeated and very strong rumor that for the first time there will be a larger iPad Air, has been the presumption that it will be less expensive than the iPad Pro. The iPad Air has always been less costly than the iPad Pro, but it also has to be because otherwise it has little reason to exist.But now a new report from display analyst Ross Young says that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will use the same display panels as the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro. There are of course other component differences between the models, but the screen is a significant part of the cost. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Elgato has released a range of new products that aim to improve video calls, assist streamers or podcasters, make Mac users more productive, and do it with style.Elgato’s new Neo range of devices (monitor not included)When Elgato released a teleprompter, the Elgato Prompter, in December 2023, it was actually game-changing. It was the first time that such a degree of functionality, and such a degree of build quality, came within the budget of non-professional users.Now the company wants to do the same thing for a much wider range of customers, and doing so by announcing five products in a range called Neo. None appear to be entirely new, and instead are redesigned or reworked versions of existing Elgato devices. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Malcolm Owen) Apple’s recycling program has come under fire, with employee theft and the destruction of working iPhones named as big problems in an examination of the environmental effort.Daisy, Apple’s iPhone recycling robotApple has repeatedly promoted its green credentials when it comes to recycling old iPhones and other products handed over by customers via its trade-in program. By taking older customer devices off them, Apple is able to disassemble the hardware and potentially reuse some materials in future products.However, a report from Bloomberg investigating the supply chain and related lawsuits claims that not all is well with the recycling effort. Due to Apple’s stringent standards, recycling firms are constantly monitored to minimize the chance of product theft. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Amber Neely) IHG Hotels & Resorts, the first hospitality chain to offer AirPlay-compatible TVs in-room, has begun rolling out the feature to select locations.Image Credit: IHG Hotels & ResortsStarting Thursday, more than 60 IHG properties in North America will allow guests to connect their iPhone or iPad to the in-room TV. This will allow guests to stream videos, listen to music, play Apple Arcade games, use Apple Fitness+, and more.Guests will connect to a compatible TV by scanning a QR code on the screen. Each code is unique to the hotel room and is designed with privacy in mind. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Malcolm Owen) The Adobe Express mobile app is now out of beta, with iOS Creative Cloud users now able to access the design tool with Firefly generative AI elements.Adobe Express on iPhone gets FireflyAdobe Express is the creative suite’s simplified design tool that lets users quickly create flyers, posters, and documents with little effort.On April 18, the new Adobe Express mobile app exited beta and became available for iOS. Additions this time around include Adobe pushing the use of Adobe Firefly, its generative AI tool. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
