App Store

Google lowers Play Store fees for subscription and music streaming apps to 15%

Evan Selleck ∙ October 21, 2021

The landscape for digital storefronts is changing quite a bit. That is thanks, at least in part, to a lot of outside voices demanding those changes. Apple, for its part, remains reluctant to make any sweeping changes that don't ultimately benefit the company. But, it has made some changes, and there appear to be even more in the works. Meanwhile, Google has had to make some changes to its Play Store, too, and today marks the arrival of yet another.

Apple is bringing back developer Tech Talks beginning October 25, 2021

Evan Selleck ∙ October 20, 2021

It has been a long while since Apple hosted a developer "Tech Talk." The company used to host them on a pretty regular basis years ago, but they ended the run back in 2016. At the time, and by the next year, it looked like Apple wasn't planning on bringing them back. And that was the case for several years, but, here we are in 2021, and Apple has seen a way forward with new developer talks.

Apple has reportedly held internal discussions about launching a cloud gaming service

Evan Selleck ∙ October 18, 2021

Technically speaking, after plenty of attention and pressure put on Apple, the company does allow for cloud-based streaming services to be used on its devices. However, it's not via the App Store, and it's not with an app via the App Store. Instead, services like Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming, Google's Stadia, and Amazon's Luna are accessible via Safari. But it sounds like Apple's considered something else for its own service.

Apple doesn’t appear ready to budge in South Korea regarding required App Store changes

Evan Selleck ∙ October 15, 2021

Earlier this year, the South Korean government enacted the Telecommunications Business Act. With it, the legislative body ruled that companies designated as having market dominance must allow for alternative payment options beyond first-party ones. Unsurprisingly, despite Google being a primary focus for the new law, Apple has picked up the majority of attention due to its own rules for the App Store.

Apple appeals ruling in Epic Games case that may delay App Store changes

Evan Selleck ∙ October 9, 2021

Back in September, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers came to a decision regarding the lawsuit against Apple brought by Epic Games. The latter wants change when it comes to the former's digital storefront, the App Store, and, by all accounts, earned itself a pretty big win in that regard. However, the judge's ruling also included many wins for Apple, too -- but the company has decided to appeal anyway.

App Store’s “Report a Problem” link is back with two major improvements

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 13, 2024

In a major reversal, the App Store's Report a Problem link is back after being removed without explanation a few years ago. This time around, however, the feature includes a pair of significant improvements that are aimed at better tackling scams and fraud on the platform.

You can now leave App Store ratings on Apple’s own apps, like the bug-ridden Podcasts app

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 30, 2021

Are you sick and tired of serving as a guinea pig for Apple's flawed software engineering (we're looking at you, Podcasts)? If so, then you'll be surprised to learn that App Store now finally permits people to rate and review preinstalled Apple apps for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

Apple, Google given until mid-October to file plans to allow third-party payment systems in apps in South Korea

Evan Selleck ∙ September 29, 2021

Changes, they are a-coming. Apple's not too pleased with it, and Google might be arguing behind the scenes, but when the legal decisions arrive there's not much else they can do. That's the situation in South Korea, where the government ruled that both companies need to allow alternative App Store payments.

Apple tells Epic Games it won’t allow Fortnite back into the App Store until verdict is finalized

Evan Selleck ∙ September 22, 2021

Earlier this month, the judge overseeing the legal action between Apple and Epic Games came to a decision. With it, it mostly ruled in Apple's favor -- with the exception of one major ruling. However, there is still room for appeals. And Epic Games is even appealing one of the decisions on its own. As a result, it's not quite as finalized as some might hope, including Apple and Epic.

Apple and Google remove voting app from digital stores to comply with Russian government

Evan Selleck ∙ September 17, 2021

While Apple champions all sorts of things, including individual privacy, user security, being a positive element for the environment, and no software backdoors which could give government agencies too much access. The reality is, if it wants to work in certain markets, then it must abide by local laws, regulations, and even demands. Which can lead to some noteworthy changes.

Spotify is pleased with judge’s ruling against Apple related to anti-competitive behavior

Evan Selleck ∙ September 10, 2021

Spotify has been a vocal opponent to Apple's App Store rules for years now. As such, some of the company's executives are more than happy to voice their concerns or praises as needed after major revelations are revealed. Today, for instance, a judge ruled partially against Apple, and Spotify is very happy with those specific results.

Apple must allow other forms of in-app purchase options judge rules in Epic Games vs Apple trial

Evan Selleck ∙ September 10, 2021

It has been a few months since the trial between Epic Games and Apple wound down. Now, the judge leading the trial has made an initial ruling. And it's a big win for Epic (and Fortnite).

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers has filed a permanent injunction against Apple, with the ruling arriving early on Friday morning. This applies some major pressure to Apple, and it's a giant setback for Apple's App Store rules moving forward.