Apple Updates Age Rating System to Better Protect Young Users - Jordan News
At a time when tech companies are under growing legislative pressure to verify the ages of underage users, Apple demonstrates its ability to balance safety with digital freedom.
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Jordan News
5 days ago
- Jordan News
Apple Updates Age Rating System to Better Protect Young Users - Jordan News
Apple has announced a comprehensive update to its App Store age rating system, adding three new categories: 13+, 16+, and 18+, to complement the existing 4+ and 9+ classifications. اضافة اعلان The update is designed to strengthen parental controls and protect children and teens from accessing inappropriate content, coinciding with the anticipated launch of iOS 26 and other Apple system updates this coming fall. Previously, Apple's age classifications for teens were limited to just 12+ and 17+. The new system introduces more precise categories that reflect varying maturity levels, enabling more accurate content labeling. For example, apps with mild violence or fantasy content can now be clearly distinguished from those dealing with sensitive topics or user-generated content. Developer Role in the New System Alongside the update, Apple redesigned the age rating questionnaire within the App Store Connect platform. Developers are now required to provide detailed information about the content of their apps, including moderation tools, medical or violent content, ads, and user-generated material. This ensures more accurate app ratings and allows developers to update the classifications if necessary. Apple has already reclassified existing apps based on previously submitted developer questionnaires. Developers can review and adjust their app ratings as needed. The new system also adapts to local legal and cultural standards to ensure a safe and age-appropriate experience across regions. Expanding Child and Teen Safety Tools The updated rating system is part of Apple's broader initiative to enhance child safety across its platforms. New tools include easier creation of child accounts, the ability to share age information with apps (with parental consent), and features like PermissionKit that let parents manage in-app permissions. Additional protections for teens include blurred sensitive images in Messages and content filtering in FaceTime. Rather than relying on sensitive data like birth dates, Apple now uses a new API that enables apps to receive age information with parental approval—striking a balance between privacy protection and compliance with child safety demands. Apple reaffirmed its opposition to certain U.S. state laws, such as those in Utah and Texas, which it views as threats to user privacy. Implementation Timeline Developers have until January 2026 to complete the updated rating questionnaires in App Store Connect. Once completed, the new age ratings will be displayed on app pages to provide more transparency and content accuracy. These changes are already appearing in beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26, with the official rollout expected in September alongside the launch of the iPhone 17. This marks a significant shift in Apple's approach to child and teen protection in the digital space. It equips parents with stronger control tools, gives developers clearer guidelines, and provides users with a safer experience—all while respecting privacy. At a time when tech companies are under growing legislative pressure to verify the ages of underage users, Apple demonstrates its ability to balance safety with digital freedom.
Al Bawaba
5 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Apple and Amazon Earnings in Focus Amid Market Pressures and AI Expectations
As the tech world awaits two of the most anticipated earnings announcements this week, Apple and Amazon are firmly in the spotlight. Both companies face high investor expectations amid shifting economic dynamics and intensifying competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) A Pivotal Quarter AheadApple's stock has fallen roughly 15% year-to-date, placing added importance on its upcoming earnings results. Investors are closely watching for updates on consumer demand, supply chain resilience, and the company's approach to emerging pressing concern is the new U.S. import tariffs on China-made devices, which analysts estimate could shave off approximately $900 million from Apple's profits this quarter. To offset the impact, Apple has been accelerating its manufacturing diversification, shifting production to India and Vietnam. Additionally, Apple's pricing power—evident in its 47% gross margin last quarter—may provide a cushion, allowing it to pass on higher costs without significantly denting Wall Street will be listening for clarity on Apple's AI roadmap. The company offered limited insight into generative AI at its June developer conference, raising concerns about falling behind rivals. Analysts will be eager for updates on AI integration into Siri, new on-device features, or potential AI investments. While Apple has historically adopted a privacy-first, cautious stance on AI, signs of acceleration would be a welcome signal for Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, said: Outside of AI, product and service demand remains in focus. iPhone sales are forecast to reach around USD $47 billion, though ongoing weakness in China may weigh on performance. Meanwhile, recent launches—including the 11th-gen iPad and the new M4 MacBook Air—may drive stronger results for the Mac and iPad segments. Any updates around the upcoming iPhone 17 will also be closely current challenges, Apple remains a major player—but may no longer be the standout of the 'Magnificent Seven' tech Cloud Power and E-Commerce ResilienceAmazon's upcoming earnings will be anchored by performance in its two core segments: Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its sprawling retail Amazon's highly profitable cloud unit, remains the engine of growth, delivering $11.5 billion in operating income last quarter with nearly 40% margins. The company's aggressive push into AI cloud services is at the center of investor attention. CEO Andy Jassy recently described demand as 'insatiable,' with the company allocating around $100 billion in capital expenditures for 2025 to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure. With Alphabet recently raising its capex, investors will be watching for a similar move from commentary on how generative AI is driving cloud usage will be critical. While early signs are encouraging, any indication of slowing growth may impact the retail side, Amazon's drive for efficiency is paying off. The company has undertaken extensive cost-cutting, laying off around 27,000 employees and restructuring its fulfillment operations. As a result, North America retail margins improved to 6.2% in Q1, up from 5.8% a year prior. Automation has been key, with over 750,000 robots now deployed across its logistics network, and further AI-driven enhancements expected to continue driving margin Prime Day results—estimated at USD $24.1 billion in U.S. online sales—suggest healthy consumer demand despite inflationary pressures. Investors will be keen to hear whether this momentum is expected to carry through the remainder of the quarter. As the world's largest cloud provider, Amazon must show it's not just keeping pace in the AI race, but setting the standard.
Jordan News
10-07-2025
- Jordan News
Does Google's Gemini Read Your WhatsApp Messages? Here's How to Stop It - Jordan News
Google has rolled out a new update to its Gemini app for Android users starting July 7. A recent email from the company has raised questions and concerns—here's everything you need to know about this upcoming change. اضافة اعلان Last week, many Android users were surprised when they received an email from Google informing them that, as of July 7, Gemini would become more integrated with core phone apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and system tools—even if users had previously disabled "Gemini apps activity." In the statement, Google said: "Gemini will soon be able to help you with phone, messages, WhatsApp, and tools on your device." But the vague wording in the email left many users confused. On its website, Google explains: 'Gemini apps give you direct access to Google's AI,' 'Your conversations are saved in your account for up to 72 hours, whether Gemini apps activity is on or off.' In other words, Google may still retain some of your data—including sensitive information from WhatsApp chats—for a short period even if you choose to disable Gemini activity tracking. These updates are intended to make Gemini more helpful, such as reading your WhatsApp messages and replying on your behalf, but they've raised privacy concerns among users who feel the integration may be too intrusive. How to Control Gemini App Activity If you're uncomfortable with Gemini accessing your app data, follow these steps: Open the Gemini app on your Android phone Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner Select 'Gemini apps activity' A new page will open where you can disable the feature using a toggle switch Even if you turn the feature off, Google will still retain your data for up to 72 hours 'to ensure the safety and security of Gemini apps.' If you want to restrict Gemini's access to specific apps: Tap your profile picture again in the Gemini app Choose 'Apps' Select from the list which apps Gemini is allowed to access Alternatively, you can uninstall the Gemini app entirely from your phone to stop any tracking or interaction. As Gemini evolves, Google is attempting to strike a balance between enhancing AI integration and respecting user privacy. For now, users retain some level of control—but whether it's enough remains a subject of heated debate.
