Welcome to our Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in one handy roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, but it’s cool if you want to read it during lunch or dinner hours as well.
You became the very thing you swore to destroy
These harmless EU bureaucrats are quickly gaining a reputation as a bunch of ruthless corporate enforcers: you have to take your hat off to anyone who can make Apple do something they don’t want. News emerged late last week that Cupertino, after receiving the political equivalent of a cease-and-desist letter last summer, is dutifully producing USB-C EarPods ahead of the iPhone launch. 15 this fall. Lightning’s days are numbered as the company complies with new regulations mandating the use of a common charging port.
Rationally, we’ve known this was coming for a while, but it’s still a surprise to see Apple give in so easily. As tight as the regulations may be and as strong as the political consensus appears, many of us assumed that the notoriously stubborn society would find a loophole or push for a repeal. We’re just not used to seeing the company lose.
But maybe that’s starting to change because USB-C is just one of a growing list of concessions Cupertino has made in response to dissatisfaction with its methods. He reluctantly started a self-service repair program, after bullying customers into having their kit repaired at approved partners. It reduced fees on the App Store and allowed developers to use alternative payment systems. And most important of all (although perhaps only in Europe), the company looks set to allow third-party app stores on the iPhone as soon as iOS 17 launches.
The striking thing about these concessions is that they push Apple down a specific path: one that leads to Android, the antithesis of everything the iPhone stands for. Android (to simplify things) is about letting the user do what they want and live with the consequences; iOS is all about creating the perfect experience and asking the user not to interfere. Both philosophies have their pros and cons, and I like that customers can decide what they like.
Regulators smelling blood, however, the two platforms are expected to converge as Cupertino loosens its grip. Want to use an Android cable? Of course, Apple said through gritted teeth. Want to install apps from unofficial sources? Go for it. Want to completely bypass Apple’s payment systems? You just made Craig Federighi cry, but be my guest.
The key for Apple, I think, is to absorb the cool qualities of Android while keeping the ones that made the iPhone special. Customer choice can be empowering, but it can also lead to insecurity: so Apple must resist the temptation to simply demonize sideloading (easier said than done), and instead find a way to make it as safe as possible. A user-designed interface – an area where Apple has increasingly ceded ground in recent years, from the customizable lock screen widgets and custom app library folders expected this year – is unlikely to be. as effective as one created by a UX professional. But the UX professional can create easy-to-use, attractive building blocks and set simple rules that get things done. Choice, in other words, but with a few discreet handrails.
Most importantly, I wish Apple would stop treating this as a war, and its software partners, and even users, as the enemy. The principle behind Apple’s success is simple: it has strived to make great products that customers love. That’s what it’s all about, not fighting tooth and nail to protect passive revenue streams. If you want iPhone owners to use the official App Store, don’t spend your time scaring them about malware on competing stores, make your own store a wonderful experience. (Getting rid of search ads would be a good start.) Instead of limiting the speed of non-MFi charging cables, increase the quality of official cables. Anyway, try using the stick a little less, and give us a taste of the carrot.
Foundry
Trending: Top Stories
Does Apple even need to make a Mac Pro more?
Ads on Apple TV+ are inevitable because Apple hates losing and love money.
Another Apple Epic L leaves Tim Sweeney mad at everyone.
Following some recent schemers financial movementsthere’s one question you need to ask yourself: are you willing to give all your money to Apple?
What are AR, VR and MR? We tell you everything you need to know about Apple’s impending Reality Pro Helmet.
Microsoft has brought iMessage to Windows 11 PCs. Let’s just hope owners I don’t want to send pictures.
THE iPhone 14 feature you never want to use rescued three trapped BYU students.
The rumor mill
Three new Macs have been spotted in Apple’s Find My app WWDC speculation rises in power.
Reports of possible macOS 14 names and features shed light on the next Mac update.
Apple is reportedly working on a 42 inch iMac as part of a 4-year transition to OLED.
The Apple Watch might be able to sync with multiple devices, including Macs and iPadsfrom this year.
Apples AirPods Pro Killer will launch on May 18, according to an Amazon leak.
Apples next service will use AI to help you get fit and stay healthy.
Podcast of the week
In this episode of the igamesnews Podcast, we talk about the latest rumors about Apple’s new platform: how it’ll be powered, what software it’ll run, and whether it could possibly blow our minds.
You can watch every igamesnews podcast episode on Spotify, Soundcloud, Podcasts app or our own site.
Software updates, bugs and issues
New AMOS Mac Malware Targets Passwords, Personal Files, and crypto wallets.
Apple would develop a “special” version of iPadOS 17 for the 14 inch iPad.
Some iPad Pro owners will need to upgrade if they want to install iPadOS 17.
Woo-hoo! iOS 16.5 beta 3 is here with only minor improvements.
And with that, we’re done for this week. If you want to receive regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters. You can also follow us or on Facebook to discuss the latest news from Apple. See you next week, and stay Appley.
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