Its apples

NEW YORK: Apple on Tuesday (Sep 8) filed counter claims against Fortnite creator Epic Games asking for lost App Store fees and other damages, and seeking an order to stop the game maker from operating its own in-app payment system. Apple and Epic have been in a legal battle since August, when the maker of the popular game launched its own in-app payment system to circumvent what it called Apple's monopolistic practices. Apple's App Store requires developers to use Apple's payment system and pay a 30 per cent commission. Apple blocked Epic's ability to distribute updates or new apps through the App Store, and Epic sued Apple alleging that its App Store practices violate antitrust laws. The court allowed Apple to block Epic from distributing new titles as the case plays out, but the existing version of Fortnite still works, as does Epic's payment system. Apple had said it would allow Fortnite back into the store if Epic removed the direct payment feature to comply with its … [Read more...] about Apple seeks damages from Fortnite creator in App Store dispute

REUTERS: Apple Inc on Tuesday invited media to a "special event" it is streaming on Sept. 15, with high anticipation that the iPhone maker will launch new versions of its core products. The event will be streamed on the company's website from its campus in Cupertino, California, Apple said, without providing further details. While Apple uses its September events to showcase its most important products, new versions of iPhone handsets might still take time as the company in July had flagged a delay by few weeks from the usual timeline. Other products usually unveiled in September include new versions of Apple Watch and iPad. Apple's typically cryptic invitation for media read: "Time flies." (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Bernard Orr and Maju Samuel) … [Read more...] about Apple to hold event on Sept. 15; new products anticipated

NEW YORK: Apple Inc on Tuesday (Sep 8) scheduled a special event for Sep 15, with fans and investors expecting a refresh in the lineup of some of the company's core products. While Apple uses its September events to showcase its most important products, new versions of iPhone handsets might still take time as the company in July had flagged a delay of a few weeks from the usual timeline. Other products usually unveiled in September include new versions of Apple Watch and iPad. The event will be streamed on the company's website from its campus in Cupertino, California, Apple said, without providing further details. The iPhone maker's typically cryptic invitation for media read: "Time flies". Apple, known for splashy launches packed with hundreds of journalists at its campus, would be forced to tone down some of the excitement this year with the event running virtually for the first time due to COVID-19. Apple's marketing chief tweeted a video teaser, with the launch … [Read more...] about Apple plans special event for Sep 15, new products anticipated

CANBERRA: Australia's competition regulator on Tuesday (Sep 8) said it would look into the extent of competition between the app stores of Apple and Google, and also examine whether more pricing transparency is needed in the country's mobile apps market. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is "interested in how data is used and shared in the app ecosystem, including the data available to Google and Apple as a result of their control of the major app stores," Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said in a statement. Google and Apple representatives did not respond to Reuters' requests for a comment. Regulators Down Under have been among the most aggressive in trying to rein in the reach of US tech giants, with Australia set to become the first country to make Facebook and Google pay for news sourced from local providers. The commission's decision also comes amid Apple's legal tussle with Epic Games, after the Fortnite creator implemented a feature to let iPhone … [Read more...] about Australian watchdog to examine competition between Apple, Google app stores

When Apple Marina Bay Sands opens its doors to the public on Thursday (Sep 10), it will be the world’s first Apple store to sit directly on the water – an eye-catching spherical structure that will boast an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline. It’s an architectural treat of sorts – the dome was inspired by Rome's Pantheon, for one. And according to Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president for retail and people, this “first of its kind” all-glass dome structure comprises 114 pieces of glass, with only 10 narrow vertical mullions serving as a structural connection. SEE: What's it like inside the new Apple Store at Marina Bay Sands? But more than just bragging rights for local fanboys and fangirls, Apple’s decision to to do it here is an affirmation of the tech giant’s affinity for Singapore. “We're here for the long term in Singapore,” O’Brien said in an exclusive interview with CNA Lifestyle. "We are very committed to Singapore and … [Read more...] about World’s first floating Apple Store officially opens Sep 10 at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands