Tag: App Store (iOS/iPadOS)

BusinessSoftwareTechnology

UK Tribunal Rules Apple Abused App Store Dominance, Faces Potential $2 Billion Penalty

A UK tribunal has ruled Apple abused its dominant market position through App Store commission practices. The landmark decision could result in penalties approaching $2 billion, with Apple immediately announcing plans to appeal the ruling.

Landmark Ruling Against Apple’s App Store Practices

A London tribunal has delivered a significant blow to Apple’s App Store business model in the United Kingdom, ruling that the tech giant abused its dominant market position. According to reports from Reuters, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) found Apple guilty of anti-competitive practices that could potentially cost the company up to $2 billion in damages.

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologySoftware Guides

Apple Vision Pro Companion App Expands to iPad with iPadOS 26.1 Release

Apple is expanding the Vision Pro companion app to iPad users with the upcoming iPadOS 26.1 release, according to company announcements. The expansion marks the first time iPad owners can manage spatial content and explore Vision Pro experiences without wearing the headset. The move follows the app’s initial launch on iPhone earlier this year.

Vision Pro App Expansion to iPad Platform

Apple will bring the Vision Pro companion mobile app to the iPad with the release of iPadOS 26.1, according to reports from the company’s recent announcements. This expansion marks the first time iPad users can manage and explore spatial content for the Vision Pro headset directly from their devices, creating what analysts suggest could function as an enhanced second screen experience.

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologySoftware Guides

Apple Intelligence Expands with 20+ New Features in iOS 26, Device Compatibility Shifts

Apple’s latest iOS 26 update reportedly brings more than 20 new Apple Intelligence features across communication tools, app integrations, and AI enhancements. However, sources indicate these capabilities will require iPhone 15 Pro or newer devices, marking a significant compatibility shift for the AI platform.

Major Apple Intelligence Expansion in iOS 26

Apple Intelligence is receiving its most substantial update since its debut, with over 20 new features arriving in iOS 26 according to reports from 9to5Mac’s social channels. The update represents a significant expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities across iOS devices, though analysts suggest the promised Siri upgrades remain pending.

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologyPolicy

Google Proposes Search Results Overhaul to Comply with EU Digital Markets Act

Google is proposing significant changes to how search results are displayed to comply with EU regulations. The company would give equal treatment to vertical search services alongside its own products like Google Flights and Google Hotels.

In a significant move to avoid potential billions in European Union fines, Google has proposed substantial changes to how its search engine displays results for travel, hotel, and other specialized queries. The proposed overhaul comes in response to EU regulators’ concerns that Google has been unfairly favoring its own services over competing vertical search providers.

EU Regulatory Pressure Forces Google’s Hand

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologyGaming Hardware

Apple AirPods Pro 2, Pro 3, AirPods 4 Beta Firmware Released for Public Testing

Apple has launched public beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4, featuring build 8B5014c. This release supports Live Translation in new languages and requires iOS 26.1 beta for installation.

Apple has officially rolled out new public beta firmware for its latest wireless earbuds, marking a significant step in the software release life cycle for audio accessories. The update targets the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 models, with a build number of 8B5014c, following an earlier developer release. This move underscores Apple Inc.‘s commitment to refining user experience through iterative testing, aligning with broader industry trends in firmware development for connected devices.

Overview of the AirPods Beta Firmware Release

by Ortega Rafael
Assistive TechnologySoftware Guides

Spotify Managed Accounts Launch to Protect Parental Music Recommendations

Spotify’s new managed accounts feature provides dedicated sub-accounts for young listeners, preserving parental music recommendations and Wrapped results. The feature includes parental controls and is rolling out globally after successful pilot testing. Available exclusively on Premium Family plans.

Spotify has officially launched managed accounts for Premium Family subscribers, addressing a long-standing frustration for parents whose music recommendations and annual Spotify Wrapped summaries have been compromised by their children’s listening habits. The feature creates separate sub-accounts for younger listeners while maintaining parental control, ensuring that musical preferences remain distinct across family members.

How Spotify Managed Accounts Work

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologySoftware Guides

Apple TV App Gets Vibrant New Icon in iOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1 Beta

Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 developer beta reveals a colorful new Apple TV app icon as part of the streaming service’s rebranding. The vibrant design replaces the previous white-to-gray gradient with dynamic colors. This visual refresh accompanies the company’s broader identity update for its streaming platform.

Apple is introducing a vibrant new Apple TV app icon with the release of iOS 26.1 developer beta 3 and tvOS 26.1, reflecting the company’s recent streaming service rebranding from Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV. The colorful redesign represents Apple’s commitment to what the company describes as “a vibrant new identity” for its streaming platform, marking a significant visual departure from previous iterations while maintaining the familiar app silhouette that users recognize across Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple TV Rebranding and Visual Identity Evolution

by Bennett Laura