By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) The Democratic Republic of Congo has told Apple it believes the iPhone maker’s supply chain is using materials linked to militia groups.Apple has been asked to verify that it doesn’t use “conflict minerals” in the iPhoneApple and at least most Big Tech manufacturers have long been accused of sourcing tin, tungsten, and tantalum — the 3T materials — from regions where that means funding violent groups. In 2020, Apple revealed that it had stopped using 18 smelters and refiners for flouting the rules over these conflict materials.Then in 2022, it ceased working with a further 12 suppliers over the issue. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Andrew Orr) After nearly four decades at Apple, Frank Casanova, the Senior Director of Product Marketing who recently spearheaded the launch of the Vision Pro headset, has retired.Apple bids farewell to Frank Casanova after pivotal 36-year tenureOver his extensive career, Casanova contributed significantly to the company, including his crucial role in expanding the iPhone’s carrier network, ultimately shaping how consumers interact with Apple’s products worldwide.Casanova’s journey with Apple began in the late ’80s, and since then, he has been a pivotal figure in the company’s evolution. His early work included marketing Apple’s foundational products, according to a Wednesday report by Bloomberg. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Malcolm Owen) A update to Spotify’s app in the App Store is on hold, after the streaming service failed to follow rules allowing links to external sites for purchases.Spotify’s app in the EUApple has already made a number of changes to its App Store rules, primarily to comply with EU legislation like the Digital Markets Act. While Apple has laid out new rules developers must follow to perform specific actions, not all apps have gone down the correct route.An App Review email sent to Spotify and viewed by AppleInsider states that version 8.9.33 of Spotify’s app was halted from publication to the App Store. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Andrew Orr) The iPhone’s slice of the smartphone activation pie has shrunk to its smallest size in six years, marking a concerning trend for Apple as it grapples with the longest gap yet between its iPhone releases.iPhone sales slip to lowest activation share in yearsThe latest data reveals that the iPhone now accounts for only one-third of all new smartphone activations in the US, a significant decline from its 40% share over the past year, as noted by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).Apple’s once-dominant position in the smartphone market is now under threat as it faces fierce competition from Android devices, which now hold a commanding two-thirds share of new activations. The shift in market dynamics mirrors the situation six years ago when iOS and Android pushed out competitors like Blackberry and Windows. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) A new supply chain rumor claims that Apple will switch to thinner resin-coated copper motherboards for a future Apple Watch, echoing previous reports of the same coming to the iPhone 17.Apple Watch Series 9Resin-coated copper (RCC) is exactly what it says it is — a thin film of copper, coated in resin. It replaces the typically green, grey or black nonconductive bonding sheet material on motherboards. In October 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple would adopt it for the iPhone because it is thin, light, and has benefits in manufacturing.And now, according to Digtimes, unspecified sources in the supply chain say that this same RCC technology is to be used in at least one forthcoming Apple Watch model. It’s not known whether this will certainly mean the 2024 models, but a major redesign has previously been rumored for the “Apple Watch Series X.” Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) President Biden has now formally signed the bill that means TikTok owner ByteDance must sell the platform, or face being banned in the US from 2025.TikTok could be banned in the US from 2025As expected following the Senate’s passing of the combination bill regarding funding for Ukraine and the potential ban of TikTok, President Biden has now signed the measure into law. From today, ByteDance has nine months in which to sell or divest itself of TikTok, although there may be a further three-month extension if a deal is being negotiated.”The path to my desk was a difficult path,” President Biden said in a statement seen by CNBC. “It should have been easier and it should’ve gotten there sooner.” Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Mike Wuerthele) Supply chain sources apparently vary on when Apple may release a 12.9-inch iPad Air with mini LED, with a new rumor pushing the release much later.Apple’s current iPad Air 5Less than two weeks away from Apple’s “Let Loose” iPad-centric event in May, it’s still not fully clear what Apple is going to release. A previous rumor claimed with certainty that the 12.9-inch iPad Air would get the same mini LED screen that the present M2 iPad Pro has.And now, the same source, Ross Young, isn’t so sure based on what he’s heard from other suppliers. In a post on X to paid subscribers, he now says that it’s not coming at the event. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Christine McKee) The best M2 Mac mini price we’ve seen at Amazon has returned, with the standard model dipping to just $499.99. Plus, save up to $250 on upgraded models with an exclusive coupon discount.The cheapest M2 Mac mini price is currently available at Amazon, with the standard model featuring an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU discounted to $499.99. The savings are in the form of a $49.01 on-page coupon that stacks with a $50 instant rebate already in place.Buy for $499.99If you’re looking for the best deal on upgraded models, our M2 Mac mini Price Guide is home to exclusive coupon savings on every configuration — with discounts of up to $250 off using promo code APINSIDER during Step 4 of checkout at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama. Continue Reading on AppleInsider
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Epic Games has convinced a US District Court to order a hearing over its assertion that Apple is failing to comply with the games company’s one App Store victory.Fortnite on an iPhoneThe long-running legal case of Fortnite developer Epic Games versus Apple appeared to suddenly resolve in December 2023, but legal cases don’t seem to ever end completely. While Apple won on practically every count, it lost over an anti-steering accusation, the issue that it prevented developers from informing customers of alternative payment options.Apple formally told the court in January 2024 that it was complying with the order and would now allow developers to inform users. The company has been criticized, however, for imposing stipulations that mean the new rules are little better than the original ones. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Apple is launching a “Made for Business” series of Today at Apple sessions about Apple technology for small business owners — and led by small business owners.A “Today at Apple” session in an Apple Store (Source: Apple)”Today at Apple” is a series of free training workshops that began in 2017, and now take place in Apple Stores worldwide. Following special series of events for creatives, “Today at Apple” is now launching ongoing events for small business owners and entrepreneurs.”At Apple, we know small businesses are the backbone of local communities,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail in a statement, “which is why we are constantly innovating to help at every stage of their growth.” Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
