Latest news with #WorldwideDeveloperConference
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
WWDC 2025: Apple may unveil iOS 26, not iOS 19
With just a few weeks left for Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference to kick off, the Cupertino-based tech giant is reportedly planning to rename its operating systems as part of a new strategy. According to a new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, citing people with knowledge of the matter, Apple's upcoming operating systems will be named by the year rather than a version number. What it means is that the next version of iOS, which Apple is expected to call iOS 19, will be renamed to iOS 26. The renaming scheme will apply to Apple's other operating systems, meaning we may see macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26. Gurman says that Apple may be going ahead with the move as it wants to move away from an approach that, at times, may be confusing for some users and bring consistency to its branding. In case you are wondering, the company's current operating systems, like iOS 18, visionOS 2, macOS 15 and others, are using different version numbers as they were not launched in the same year. The current year is 2025, but Apple seems to be adopting the +1 approach, which is similar to how Electronic Arts updates their FC series. While the tech giant's upcoming operating systems will be launched later this year, sometime in September, they will be named for the year 2026. However, this isn't the first time Apple has attempted such a thing. Back in 2007, the company had unveiled iWork'08 and iLife'08, which were then followed by iLife '11, which was up for sale in October 2020. Samsung did the same thing back in 2020 when it unveiled the Galaxy S20 series, the successor to 2019's Galaxy S10. Apart from renaming its operating systems, Apple is reportedly working on bringing a more Mac-like experience to iPads, which may help boost productivity. The report also suggests that the new branding will be accompanied by changes to the user interface across multiple operating systems. Internally dubbed Solarium, the UI overhaul includes tvOS, watchOS and some parts of visionOS. Also, it looks like the tech giant will open up its AI models to third-party developers, enabling them to leverage the power of Apple Intelligence. On the AI Front, the company is planning to bring new health features alongside an AI-powered battery management mode. As for other devices, Apple is rumoured to be working on a new live translation mode for AirPods and Siri, as well as an eye scrolling mechanism for its mixed reality headset – the Vision Pro. All these changes and features are expected at the WWDC 2025, which will take place on June 9.
TechCrunch
5 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Ahead of WWDC, Apple says App Store blocked $2B in fraud transactions last year, $9B in past 5 years
Apple on Tuesday announced new figures related to its App Store's ability to protect app developers and consumers from fraud. The company said it has prevented more than $9 billion in fraudulent transactions over the past five years. In 2024, Apple stopped $2 billion in fraudulent transactions and blocked nearly 2 million risky app submissions from being published. The release of these metrics, in the days before Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC 2025), aren't just meant to highlight the benefits of selling software on the App Store. They also serve as a stark reminder of what developers will face if they try to go it alone on mobile payments. After Fortnite maker Epic Games successfully prevailed in a high-stakes legal battle with Apple over App Store antitrust issues last month, Apple was forced to give U.S. app developers the ability to link to alternative payment methods inside their apps, where Apple couldn't take a commission. Though larger apps like Fortnite, Spotify and Amazon Kindle were quick to take advantage of the new functionality, smaller app developers may still be on the fence as to whether it makes financial sense for them to process their own payments due to the risks of fraud, chargebacks, refunds, and other issues that Apple's App Store handles in exchange for a 15%-30% commission on in-app purchases. Demonstrating the scale of its operation, Apple said it prevented over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024 alone across its App Store, which is live in 175 regions globally and sees an average of more than 813 million visitors per week. Image Credits:Apple The iPhone maker also reminded developers that transaction fraud isn't the only kind of risk that Apple protects against, noting that bad actors try to exploit users in other ways, like stealing personal data, creating fraudulent accounts, and pirating apps, among other things. Apple said it terminated more than 146,000 developer accounts in 2024 over fraud concerns, and rejected an additional 139,000 developer enrollments from bad actors. It also rejected over 711 million customer account creations and deactivated nearly 129 million customer accounts last year. And it blocked over 10,000 illegitimate apps on pirate storefronts, which included malware, pornography apps, gambling apps, and pirated versions of developers' legitimate fraudulent transactions and blocked nearly 2 million risky app submissions from being published. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Under the EU's Digital Markets Act, people in the region are now allowed to access alternative app stores that host the kind of apps that Apple's policies don't allow, or apps that want to market themselves to users outside Apple's control for other reasons. Apple's message to developers here suggests that those app stores are also often the place where developers' own software is pirated and resold, putting them at risk. The company also noted it stopped nearly 4.6 million attempts to install or launch apps outside the App Store or other approved third-party marketplaces. Apple has long used the argument that its App Store commissions are about more than just processing payments, saying it's also about providing security, hosting, distribution, discovery as well as blocking fraud. That's a compelling case for smaller app developers, including those who already pay the reduced 15% commission as part of Apple's Small Business Program. In fact, early data from RevenueCat, which provides developers with subscription infrastructure, indicates that small businesses are unlikely to financially benefit from switching to their own payment systems. In its announcement, Apple also reviewed other aspects of its App Store business and how it benefited consumers and developers, sharing other, more detailed metrics around App Review, discovery fraud, payment and credit card fraud, and more. Image Credits:Apple Combined, these numbers are designed to remind developers why they should choose the App Store in a market where it's now no longer the only way to reach users or monetize mobile apps.
Tom's Guide
20-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates — here's what to expect
We knew WWDC 2025 was coming, as Apple has held its Worldwide Developer Conference every year for as long as we can remember. The event is scheduled for June 9-13, so we won't need to wait long to see the latest Apple hardware and software. The Apple keynote, where most announcements happen, is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST on June 9. The other stuff will be developer-focused (hence the event's name), but the keynote usually features new consumer-focused goodies. Apple's release doesn't tell us much about the event — it's a pastel-colored rainbow that fades to gray at the top with WWDC25 written below it. The tagline "On the horizon" finishes off the invite. However, we can speculate what the company might show off. Like last year's WWDC event, we expect AI to be a significant focus for the company. The AI rollout has been underwhelming so far, but hopefully Apple can right the ship. There's a good chance Apple shows off the upcoming redesign for iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 in more detail, as WWDC is usually where we get a taste of the latest mobile operating system. Some features already rumored include AI-powered battery management, which sounds exciting. Mac will also be a focus, with macOS 16 likely shown off. We expect a new look for icons, menus, apps, and other key OS visual elements, but we don't know exactly what to expect. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. watchOS 12 could also be displayed with visionOS-like design changes and other new features. As of this writing, there aren't any rumors about new hardware, but that doesn't mean Apple won't announce something. If you're interested in what WWDC 2025 will bring, keep it locked to Tom's Guide; we'll get you everything as it happens.
TechCrunch
05-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Apple appeals court decision that forced it to allow links to external payments in apps
As promised, Apple has now filed its appeal to the recent court ruling that required it to open up its App Store to external payment mechanisms. Last week, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers took the tech giant to task for defying the court's orders in its battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games by not freely allowing apps to link to alternative payment options outside its U.S. App Store. The decision upends Apple's profitable App Store business in the U.S., which relies on taking commissions on in-app purchases for virtual items, subscriptions, premium upgrades and more. In her ruling, Rogers reminded Apple that 'this is an injunction, not a negotiation,' while calling out Apple for attempting to route around the court's order with its excessive requirements and rules. In addition, the court accused Apple VP of Finance Alex Roman of lying under oath and referred the matter to a U.S. Attorney's office to determine if criminal contempt proceedings were now needed. Following the judge's decision, Apple immediately complied with the ruling, changing its App Store rules for U.S. developers and accepting app updates, like Spotify's, which referenced other means of making in-app purchases. However, Apple also said it strongly disagreed with the court's decision and noted it would appeal. That notice of appeal was filed by Apple on Monday, according to court documents, indicating that Apple's threat to fight the ruling stands firm. Apple believed it had followed the letter of the law by allowing app developers to request an entitlement (an exception to its App Store rules), while also requiring a 27% commission on purchases made outside its App Store. It also required the use of 'scare screens,' or full-screen pop-up messages warning consumers of the dangers of making in-app purchases from the app developer's own website. As the appeals process plays out, Apple will continue to comply with the court's decision. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | BOOK NOW However, if Apple knows this battle is lost, it may come up with another way to entice developers to continue to use its own in-app purchases mechanism. For example, Apple could announce a discounted commission at its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference in June for all developers, instead of only those in its Small Business Program.
TechCrunch
05-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Apple appeals decision that forced it to allow links to external payments in apps
As promised, Apple has now filed its appeal to the recent court ruling that required it to open up its App Store to external payment mechanisms. Last week, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers took the tech giant to task for defying the court's orders in its battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games by not freely allowing apps to link to alternative payment options outside its U.S. App Store. Apple thought it had followed the letter of the law by allowing app developers to request an entitlement (an exception to its App Store rules), while also requiring a 27% commission on purchases made outside its App Store. It also required the use of 'scare screens,' or full-screen pop-up messages warning consumers of the dangers of making in-app purchases from the app developer's own website. In her ruling, Rogers reminded Apple that 'this is an injunction, not a negotiation,' while calling out Apple for attempting to route around the court's order with its excessive requirements and rules. In addition, the court accused Apple VP of Finance Alex Roman of lying under oath and referred the matter to a U.S. Attorney's office to determine if criminal contempt proceedings were now needed. Following the judge's decision, Apple immediately complied with the ruling, changing its App Store rules for U.S. developers and accepting app updates, like Spotify's, which referenced other means of making in-app purchases. However, Apple also said it strongly disagreed with the court's decision and noted it would appeal. That notice of appeal was filed by Apple on Monday, according to court documents, indicating that Apple's threat to fight the ruling stands firm. As the appeals process plays out, Apple will continue to comply with the court's decision. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | BOOK NOW However, if Apple knows this battle is lost, it may come up with another way to entice developers to continue to use its own in-app purchases mechanism. For example, Apple could announce a discounted commission at its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference in June for all developers, instead of only those in its Small Business Program.
