Tech Giant Apple has sent a fresh round of threat notifications to some of its users in India along with 91 other countries why well the company has said that they might have been possible victims of a mercenary spy wear attack.

Apple warns users in 92 countries of spyware attack

Apple has issued a global alert to users in India and 91 other countries, cautioning them about the potential threat of a Pegasus-type "mercenary spyware." This spyware has the capability to infiltrate iPhones from afar.

In its alert, Apple highlighted&nbsp;the sophisticated nature of spyware attacks, particularly those carried out by entities like the NSO Group's Pegasus.

These attacks require big financial investments, often costing millions of dollars. Consequently, they target a very small group of people, making them different from&nbsp;typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware.

Also watch |&nbsp;Apple secretly collects user data: Study

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<h2>Apple's warning to users</h2>

The notification sent out to iPhone users states, "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID."

It said&nbsp;that the attack is likely aimed at the individual recipient, based on their identity or occupation. Apple urged&nbsp;users to take the warning seriously, acknowledging that while absolute certainty is not always achievable in detecting such attacks.

Apple told&nbsp;users to activate lockdown mode on their iPhones and to avoid opening links or attachments from unknown senders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/apple-ai-coming-later-this-year-confirms-ceo-tim-cook-686363">Also read |&nbsp;Apple AI coming 'later this year', confirms CEO Tim Cook</a>

It also said that mercenary spyware attacks are significantly more complex than regular cybercriminal activities and consumer malware. These attacks involve substantial resources and target only a small number of specific individuals and their devices. Due to their high cost and short shelf life, they are challenging to detect and prevent. As a result, the vast majority of users are unlikely to be targeted by such attacks.

At the time of writing, Apple's updated support page reiterated&nbsp;the complexity and rarity of mercenary spyware attacks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Apple has issued a global alert to users in India and 91 other countries, cautioning them about the potential threat of a Pegasus-type "mercenary spyware." This spyware has the capability to infiltrate iPhones from afar.

Apple has issued a global alert to users in India and 91 other countries, cautioning them about the potential threat of a Pegasus-type "mercenary spyware." This spyware has the capability to infiltrate iPhones from afar. In its alert, Apple highlighted the sophisticated nature of spyware attacks, particularly those carried out by entities like the NSO Group's Pegasus. These attacks require big financial investments, often costing millions of dollars. Consequently, they target a very small group of people, making them different from typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware. Also watch | Apple secretly collects user data: Study Apple's warning to users The notification sent out to iPhone users states, "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID." It said that the attack is likely aimed at the individual recipient, based on their identity or occupation. Apple urged users to take the warning seriously, acknowledging that while absolute certainty is not always achievable in detecting such attacks. Apple told users to activate lockdown mode on their iPhones and to avoid opening links or attachments from unknown senders. Also read | Apple AI coming 'later this year', confirms CEO Tim Cook It also said that mercenary spyware attacks are significantly more complex than regular cybercriminal activities and consumer malware. These attacks involve substantial resources and target only a small number of specific individuals and their devices. Due to their high cost and short shelf life, they are challenging to detect and prevent. As a result, the vast majority of users are unlikely to be targeted by such attacks. At the time of writing, Apple's updated support page reiterated the complexity and rarity of mercenary spyware attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple warns of Pegasus-style spyware in India, 91 other countries

Several major iPhone applications, including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X, are allegedly circumventing Apple's privacy regulations to collect user data via alerts, according to tests done by security researchers at Mysk Inc., an app development company. Watch to know more.

Apple secretly collects user data: Study

Siri and Bixby, voice assistants by Apple and Samsung respectively, are going to get smarter with an infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since the emergence of generative AI, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, several phone makers are rushing to better incorporate AI into their devices. Until now, most voice assistants have been less conversational and have relied on users asking questions and getting answers. But this might change with the AI upgrade of both Siri and Bixby.

<h2>Siri to get smarter</h2>

A research paper published by Cornell University has revealed a Multimodal Large Language Model (MLLM) that explains how the current version of Siri has shortcomings.

Watch:&nbsp;CES 2024: AI Technology dominates at annual tech extravaganza in Las Vegas

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Now, Ferret UI, launched in October last year, is being developed to let Siri understand how apps work in a phone.&nbsp; The MLLM, as per the paper, is also likely to have "referring, grounding, and reasoning capabilities."

The new language model will be able to understand and interact with app interfaces. Owing to the model, Siri might be able to get a lot smarter. Talking about Ferret, it is an open-source, multimodal large language model that was jointly released by Apple and Cornell University.

<h2>Samsung to upgrade Bixby</h2>

Last week, CNBC quoted a top Samsung executive as saying that the South Korean giant will add generative artificial intelligence technology to its voice assistant Bixby.

Bixby, launched in 2017, currently offers a number of functions, including live translations or restaurant recommendations. But after the update, it will become more conversational.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiGtJG83reFAxV94DgGHaQCBWgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-entrepreneur-bryan-johnson-stuns-with-dramatic-aging-reversal-pics-709821" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-entrepreneur-bryan-johnson-stuns-with-dramatic-aging-reversal-pics-709821&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiGtJG83reFAxV94DgGHaQCBWgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson stuns with dramatic aging reversal pics</a>

The company is already working on upgrading its mobiles with AI. For instance, a new feature lets users circle something on their screens and search for it on Google.

“So Bixby has been a key voice assistant for Samsung not just for the mobile devices, but also for TVs and digital appliances that exist in Samsung’s ecosystem. So it has been the core voice assistant so far,” said Won-joon Choi, executive vice president at Samsung’s mobile business.

The executive didn’t give a timeline as to when the upgraded version will be rolled out but stressed that the company was “working so hard” to deliver it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Siri and Bixby, voice assistants by Apple and Samsung respectively, are going to get smarter with an infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since the emergence of generative AI, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, several phone makers are rushing to better incorporate AI into their devices.

Siri and Bixby, voice assistants by Apple and Samsung respectively, are going to get smarter with an infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since the emergence of generative AI, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, several phone makers are rushing to better incorporate AI into their devices. Until now, most voice assistants have been less conversational and have relied on users asking questions and getting answers. But this might change with the AI upgrade of both Siri and Bixby. Siri to get smarter A research paper published by Cornell University has revealed a Multimodal Large Language Model (MLLM) that explains how the current version of Siri has shortcomings. Watch: CES 2024: AI Technology dominates at annual tech extravaganza in Las Vegas × Now, Ferret UI, launched in October last year, is being developed to let Siri understand how apps work in a phone. The MLLM, as per the paper, is also likely to have "referring, grounding, and reasoning capabilities." The new language model will be able to understand and interact with app interfaces. Owing to the model, Siri might be able to get a lot smarter. Talking about Ferret, it is an open-source, multimodal large language model that was jointly released by Apple and Cornell University. Samsung to upgrade Bixby Last week, CNBC quoted a top Samsung executive as saying that the South Korean giant will add generative artificial intelligence technology to its voice assistant Bixby. Bixby, launched in 2017, currently offers a number of functions, including live translations or restaurant recommendations. But after the update, it will become more conversational. Also read: Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson stuns with dramatic aging reversal pics The company is already working on upgrading its mobiles with AI. For instance, a new feature lets users circle something on their screens and search for it on Google. “So Bixby has been a key voice assistant for Samsung not just for the mobile devices, but also for TVs and digital appliances that exist in Samsung’s ecosystem. So it has been the core voice assistant so far,” said Won-joon Choi, executive vice president at Samsung’s mobile business. The executive didn’t give a timeline as to when the upgraded version will be rolled out but stressed that the company was “working so hard” to deliver it. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Hey Siri, Hi Bixby’: Apple and Samsung to make their voice assistants smarter using AI

Tesla has reached a settlement in a lawsuit stemming from a 2018 car crash that claimed the life of an Apple engineer. <o:p></o:p>

The accident occurred when the engineer's Tesla Model X, operating on Autopilot, veered off a highway near San Francisco. <o:p></o:p>

The settlement was reached just before the trial was set to begin.<o:p></o:p>

Walter Huang, a 38-year-old Apple engineer, lost his life in the 2018 crash and his family alleged that Tesla's Autopilot system steered the Model X into a highway barrier. <o:p></o:p>

Court documents revealed that plaintiffs' lawyers had questioned a Tesla witness about the company's awareness of drivers potentially not paying attention to the road while using Autopilot. <o:p></o:p>

In defence, Tesla argued that Huang misused the system by playing a video game just moments before the accident.<o:p></o:p>

The terms of the settlement remain confidential. <o:p></o:p>

This development comes at a time when Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, is actively promoting self-driving technology as pivotal to the company's financial future. <o:p></o:p>

Tesla's reputation has been at stake due to several lawsuits related to Autopilot-related accidents, which could lead to significant financial implications and reputational harm for the automaker.<o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina specialising in autonomous vehicle law, who said, "It is striking to me that Tesla decided to go this far publicly and then settle... What this does do, though, is it says to other attorneys, we might settle. We might not always fight it. That is the signal." <o:p></o:p>

Previously, Tesla had successfully defended itself in two California trials over Autopilot by arguing that the drivers had failed to maintain attention while using the system.<o:p></o:p>

Despite Musk's promises over the years about Tesla's imminent production of an autonomous car, the company has yet to deliver on this front. <o:p></o:p>

Musk recently announced plans to unveil a self-driving robotaxi on August 8, after shifting focus from an inexpensive car plan to robotaxis. <o:p></o:p>

To attract more users, Tesla also revealed intentions to offer US customers a free one-month trial of its Full Self-Driving driver-assist technology.<o:p></o:p>

Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at Guidehouse Insights, noted the potential repercussions of negative publicity for Tesla, especially when the company is already struggling with declining sales and reputational damage due to controversial remarks from Musk. <o:p></o:p>

"The last thing they would want right now is to have a public trial showing all of the problems with Full Self-Driving," Reuters quoted Abuelsamid as saying.<o:p></o:p>

Tesla's Autopilot system, priced at $6,000, offers features like speed adjustment to surrounding traffic and lane navigation on highways. <o:p></o:p>

The enhanced Autopilot adds capabilities such as automated lane changes and self-parking. <o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the Full Self-Driving option, costing $12,000, incorporates automated features tailored for city streets, including stop-light recognition. <o:p></o:p>

Tesla maintains that despite these advanced features, the car does not become fully autonomous and requires a "fully attentive driver" prepared to take control at any moment.<o:p></o:p>

Musk's past statement on social media in 2022 indicated a firm stance against settling cases. <o:p></o:p>

"We will never surrender/settle an unjust case against us, even if we will probably lose," he said. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Tesla has reached a settlement in a lawsuit stemming from a 2018 car crash that claimed the life of an Apple engineer. The accident occurred when the engineer's Tesla Model X, operating on Autopilot, veered off a highway near San Francisco.

Tesla has reached a settlement in a lawsuit stemming from a 2018 car crash that claimed the life of an Apple engineer. The accident occurred when the engineer's Tesla Model X, operating on Autopilot, veered off a highway near San Francisco. The settlement was reached just before the trial was set to begin. Walter Huang, a 38-year-old Apple engineer, lost his life in the 2018 crash and his family alleged that Tesla's Autopilot system steered the Model X into a highway barrier. Court documents revealed that plaintiffs' lawyers had questioned a Tesla witness about the company's awareness of drivers potentially not paying attention to the road while using Autopilot. In defence, Tesla argued that Huang misused the system by playing a video game just moments before the accident. The terms of the settlement remain confidential. This development comes at a time when Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, is actively promoting self-driving technology as pivotal to the company's financial future. Tesla's reputation has been at stake due to several lawsuits related to Autopilot-related accidents, which could lead to significant financial implications and reputational harm for the automaker. Reuters cited Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina specialising in autonomous vehicle law, who said, "It is striking to me that Tesla decided to go this far publicly and then settle... What this does do, though, is it says to other attorneys, we might settle. We might not always fight it. That is the signal." Previously, Tesla had successfully defended itself in two California trials over Autopilot by arguing that the drivers had failed to maintain attention while using the system. Despite Musk's promises over the years about Tesla's imminent production of an autonomous car, the company has yet to deliver on this front. Musk recently announced plans to unveil a self-driving robotaxi on August 8, after shifting focus from an inexpensive car plan to robotaxis. To attract more users, Tesla also revealed intentions to offer US customers a free one-month trial of its Full Self-Driving driver-assist technology. Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at Guidehouse Insights, noted the potential repercussions of negative publicity for Tesla, especially when the company is already struggling with declining sales and reputational damage due to controversial remarks from Musk. "The last thing they would want right now is to have a public trial showing all of the problems with Full Self-Driving," Reuters quoted Abuelsamid as saying. Tesla's Autopilot system, priced at $6,000, offers features like speed adjustment to surrounding traffic and lane navigation on highways. The enhanced Autopilot adds capabilities such as automated lane changes and self-parking. Meanwhile, the Full Self-Driving option, costing $12,000, incorporates automated features tailored for city streets, including stop-light recognition. Tesla maintains that despite these advanced features, the car does not become fully autonomous and requires a "fully attentive driver" prepared to take control at any moment. Musk's past statement on social media in 2022 indicated a firm stance against settling cases. "We will never surrender/settle an unjust case against us, even if we will probably lose," he said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Tesla settles lawsuit over fatal autopilot crash involving Apple engineer

As per reports Apple has entered a deal with shutter stock (a stock photos and videos library) to use its licensed data to train its artificial intelligence model. Watch in for more details!

Apple inks deal with Shutterstock for AI model training

Apple has confirmed the layoff of 614 employees in California, marking the first major job cut at Apple's since the onset of the pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

According to a notice posted by the state of California, the affected employees were based across eight different facilities in Santa Clara, CNBC reported.<o:p></o:p>

They were formally notified about the job cuts on March 28, with the changes set to take effect on May 27. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, none of the impacted locations are at Apple's main Cupertino headquarters. <o:p></o:p>

Instead, they are at smaller, satellite offices that are more likely to be associated with secretive projects.<o:p></o:p>

The reduction in workforce comes after Apple decided to terminate a long-standing project focused on the development of an electric, self-driving car. <o:p></o:p>

This project was being managed by a team known as the Special Projects Group. <o:p></o:p>

Although the official notice did not specify which projects the job cuts are related to, sources indicate that positions like machine shop managers, hardware engineers, and product design engineers have been affected.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the job cuts, Apple has managed to avoid extensive downsizing compared to some of its tech counterparts. <o:p></o:p>

The company's slower growth during the pandemic has been attributed as a factor that spared it from more severe job cuts.<o:p></o:p>

Apple representatives are yet to provide a statement on the matter.<o:p></o:p>

Apple has confirmed the layoff of 614 employees in California, marking the first major job cut at Apple's since the onset of the pandemic. According to a notice posted by the state of California, the affected employees were based across eight different facilities in Santa Clara, CNBC reported.

Apple has confirmed the layoff of 614 employees in California, marking the first major job cut at Apple's since the onset of the pandemic. According to a notice posted by the state of California, the affected employees were based across eight different facilities in Santa Clara, CNBC reported. They were formally notified about the job cuts on March 28, with the changes set to take effect on May 27. Notably, none of the impacted locations are at Apple's main Cupertino headquarters. Instead, they are at smaller, satellite offices that are more likely to be associated with secretive projects. The reduction in workforce comes after Apple decided to terminate a long-standing project focused on the development of an electric, self-driving car. This project was being managed by a team known as the Special Projects Group. Although the official notice did not specify which projects the job cuts are related to, sources indicate that positions like machine shop managers, hardware engineers, and product design engineers have been affected. Despite the job cuts, Apple has managed to avoid extensive downsizing compared to some of its tech counterparts. The company's slower growth during the pandemic has been attributed as a factor that spared it from more severe job cuts. Apple representatives are yet to provide a statement on the matter.

Apple announces layoffs of 614 employees in California following car project shutdown

Months after Apple abandoned decades of work towards building a self-driving electric car, it has emerged that the world's second biggest company by market cap is looking for its "next big thing" in potential home robots, Bloomberg reported.

The report added that Apple's hardware engineering division and AI and machine-learning group are working together on the potential new product.&nbsp;

Apple is reportedly building a prototype for a table-top home device that can move a display around using robotics.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chinas-ban-on-apples-iphone-accelerates-670281">China`s ban on Apple`s iPhone accelerates</a>

Last year, Apple reported two per cent growth in sales, breaking its four-quarter streak of declining revenue.

But all is not well for Apple in China. Its sales in the world's second-biggest economy dropped from $23.9 billion to $20.8 billion in the last quarter of 2024.&nbsp;

The iPad sales also dropped to $7 billion from $9 billion in the same quarter in the previous year.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean?&nbsp;</h2>

This could potentially help the company introduce another Apple device in the homes of its consumers.&nbsp;

But it still won't be the first company to do so.&nbsp;

Amazon in 2021 launched a robot called the Astro, a screen in the automobile that works with the Alexa software.&nbsp;

It is not yet clear as to what Apple’s robot would look like if it makes it to the shelves.

Amazon's Astro did not taste success but other home robots, such as iRobot's Roomba — a home cleaning robot — has found great success with sale of about 40 million units according to the company.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Decoding India's rise as Apple's go-to consumer market

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Amazon also attempted to acquire iRobot but the acquisition could not happen due to regulatory issues.

Meanwhile, the Apple Vision Pro, the company’s latest product offering about the virtual reality/augmented reality has been a relative success.

Despite its price tag of $3,500, it sold more than 150,000 units on opening weekend, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Months after Apple abandoned decades of work towards building a self-driving electric car, it has emerged that the world's second biggest company by market cap is looking for its "next big thing" in potential home robots, Bloomberg reported.

Months after Apple abandoned decades of work towards building a self-driving electric car, it has emerged that the world's second biggest company by market cap is looking for its "next big thing" in potential home robots, Bloomberg reported. The report added that Apple's hardware engineering division and AI and machine-learning group are working together on the potential new product. Apple is reportedly building a prototype for a table-top home device that can move a display around using robotics. Also read | China`s ban on Apple`s iPhone accelerates Last year, Apple reported two per cent growth in sales, breaking its four-quarter streak of declining revenue. But all is not well for Apple in China. Its sales in the world's second-biggest economy dropped from $23.9 billion to $20.8 billion in the last quarter of 2024. The iPad sales also dropped to $7 billion from $9 billion in the same quarter in the previous year. What does it mean? This could potentially help the company introduce another Apple device in the homes of its consumers. But it still won't be the first company to do so. Amazon in 2021 launched a robot called the Astro, a screen in the automobile that works with the Alexa software. It is not yet clear as to what Apple’s robot would look like if it makes it to the shelves. Amazon's Astro did not taste success but other home robots, such as iRobot's Roomba — a home cleaning robot — has found great success with sale of about 40 million units according to the company. Also watch | Decoding India's rise as Apple's go-to consumer market × Amazon also attempted to acquire iRobot but the acquisition could not happen due to regulatory issues. Meanwhile, the Apple Vision Pro, the company’s latest product offering about the virtual reality/augmented reality has been a relative success. Despite its price tag of $3,500, it sold more than 150,000 units on opening weekend, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. (With inputs from agencies)

Home robots the 'next big thing' for Apple? A table-top device is reportedly in the works

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which is part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, issued a "high-risk" warning for users of Apple's iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets. The government team has referred to a critical vulnerability that poses a significant security threat.&nbsp;

The overview of the report noted that a Remote Code Execution vulnerability has been reported in Apple Products which could be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targetted system.&nbsp;

A range of Apple software and hardware are impacted due to the issue. Apple Safari versions prior to 17.4.1, Apple macOS Ventura versions before 13.6.6, Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.4.1, Apple visionOS versions before 1.1.1, Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.4.1, and Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.7 are affected.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-makes-chatgpts-accessible-without-requiring-sign-ups-706819">OpenAI makes ChatGPT's generative AI chatbot accessible without requiring sign ups</a>&nbsp;

Users of iPhone XS, iPad Pro 12.9-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini are susceptible if their devices are running iOS and iPadOS versions before 17.4.1, the advisory stated.&nbsp;

In addition to that, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation users are at risk if their devices are not updated to iOS and iPadOS versions 16.7.7 or later.&nbsp;

The advisory mentioned that the vulnerability exists in Apple products because of an "out-of-bound write issue in WebRTC and CoreMedia".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-grave-step-backwards-meta-to-scrap-misinformation-monitoring-tool-crowdtangle-ahead-of-2024-us-elections-706469">'A grave step backwards': Meta to scrap misinformation monitoring tool CrowdTangle ahead of 2024 US elections</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Meta to shut down misinformation monitoring tool CrowdTangle&nbsp;

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It said that this particular vulnerability could be exploited by a remote attacker by persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted request.&nbsp;

"Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targetted system," the advisory published on Tuesday (Apr 2) said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which is part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, issued a "high-risk" warning for users of Apple's iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which is part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, issued a "high-risk" warning for users of Apple's iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets. The government team has referred to a critical vulnerability that poses a significant security threat. The overview of the report noted that a Remote Code Execution vulnerability has been reported in Apple Products which could be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targetted system. A range of Apple software and hardware are impacted due to the issue. Apple Safari versions prior to 17.4.1, Apple macOS Ventura versions before 13.6.6, Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.4.1, Apple visionOS versions before 1.1.1, Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.4.1, and Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.7 are affected. Also read: OpenAI makes ChatGPT's generative AI chatbot accessible without requiring sign ups Users of iPhone XS, iPad Pro 12.9-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini are susceptible if their devices are running iOS and iPadOS versions before 17.4.1, the advisory stated. In addition to that, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation users are at risk if their devices are not updated to iOS and iPadOS versions 16.7.7 or later. The advisory mentioned that the vulnerability exists in Apple products because of an "out-of-bound write issue in WebRTC and CoreMedia". Also read: 'A grave step backwards': Meta to scrap misinformation monitoring tool CrowdTangle ahead of 2024 US elections Watch: Meta to shut down misinformation monitoring tool CrowdTangle × It said that this particular vulnerability could be exploited by a remote attacker by persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted request. "Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targetted system," the advisory published on Tuesday (Apr 2) said. (With inputs from agencies)

India issues ‘high-risk’ warning for users of Apple’s iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, Vision Pro headsets

The tech world is experiencing a seismic shift as giants like Tesla, Apple, and Google grapple with challenges both internal and external. Amid growing scrutiny from governments and investors alike, these once unstoppable forces are now facing headwinds in the stock markets.

‘Magnificent 7’ tech stocks face concentration risk

The European union has launched investigations into apple, google, and meta. The companies are suspected of breaching the newly enacted digital markets act, which aims to create a fairer playing field for smaller businesses. Watch in for more details!

Apple, Google, Meta under scrutiny for compliance issues

The European Union has launched investigations into Apple, Meta, and Google as a part of its first investigations into “non-compliance” with the 27-nation bloc’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which could lead to hefty fines for the companies.&nbsp;

<h2>About the new law</h2>

The probes will be conducted after a sweeping new digital competition law came into effect on March 7. The law has sought to prevent big tech companies, including those in the United States, from cornering digital markets, while making it easier for users to move between competing online services, like social media platforms and browsers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-launches-several-anti-drug-raids-across-country-in-major-crackdown-ahead-of-elections-704213">France launches several anti-drug raids across country in major crackdown ahead of elections</a>

“We are not convinced that the solutions by Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Apple and Meta respect their obligations for a fairer and more open digital space for European citizens and businesses,” said EU’s internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton.

The violation of the law could lead the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, to impose fines of up to 10 per cent of a company’s total global turnover and raise it to 20 per cent for repeat offenders.

<h2>EU probe</h2>

The EU probe comes after the tech companies assured that they have deployed thousands of engineers to meet a DMA requirement of six “gatekeepers” to give users and rivals more choices.

However, the EU regulators are not convinced. Margrethe Vestager, EU antitrust chief, said that they believe that the three companies are not fully complying with the solutions that they proposed last week.

The EU officials, on Monday (Mar 25), were also asked if they were rushing the process just two weeks after the law was enacted, to which Breton said the investigations should not be a surprise.&nbsp;

“The law is the law. We can’t just sit around and wait,” he said, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Why these three companies?</h2>

The EU officials have raised concerns about constraints the tech companies place on the developers’ ability to communicate and promote their offers to the users.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/boeing-ceo-dave-calhoun-to-step-down-704093">Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to step down amid aircraft safety issues crisis</a>

The bloc’s executive arm will also check the changes Google made to its search results in Europe since, as per the new rule, it cannot give its own service preference over similar services offered by rivals.&nbsp;

It will also check if Apple is imposing limitations that hinder app developers from informing users about alternatives outside its own App Store that may be free of charge.

Meanwhile, Breton said Meta should offer free alternative options. This comes after the Instagram and Facebook parent company introduced a no-ads subscription service in Europe&nbsp;last year&nbsp;which triggered criticism from rivals and users.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union has launched investigations into Apple, Meta, and Google as a part of its first investigations into “non-compliance” with the 27-nation bloc’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which could lead to hefty fines for the companies.

The European Union has launched investigations into Apple, Meta, and Google as a part of its first investigations into “non-compliance” with the 27-nation bloc’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which could lead to hefty fines for the companies. About the new law The probes will be conducted after a sweeping new digital competition law came into effect on March 7. The law has sought to prevent big tech companies, including those in the United States, from cornering digital markets, while making it easier for users to move between competing online services, like social media platforms and browsers. Also Read | France launches several anti-drug raids across country in major crackdown ahead of elections “We are not convinced that the solutions by Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Apple and Meta respect their obligations for a fairer and more open digital space for European citizens and businesses,” said EU’s internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton. The violation of the law could lead the European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, to impose fines of up to 10 per cent of a company’s total global turnover and raise it to 20 per cent for repeat offenders. EU probe The EU probe comes after the tech companies assured that they have deployed thousands of engineers to meet a DMA requirement of six “gatekeepers” to give users and rivals more choices. However, the EU regulators are not convinced. Margrethe Vestager, EU antitrust chief, said that they believe that the three companies are not fully complying with the solutions that they proposed last week. The EU officials, on Monday (Mar 25), were also asked if they were rushing the process just two weeks after the law was enacted, to which Breton said the investigations should not be a surprise. “The law is the law. We can’t just sit around and wait,” he said, as quoted by Reuters. Why these three companies? The EU officials have raised concerns about constraints the tech companies place on the developers’ ability to communicate and promote their offers to the users. Also Read | Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to step down amid aircraft safety issues crisis The bloc’s executive arm will also check the changes Google made to its search results in Europe since, as per the new rule, it cannot give its own service preference over similar services offered by rivals. It will also check if Apple is imposing limitations that hinder app developers from informing users about alternatives outside its own App Store that may be free of charge. Meanwhile, Breton said Meta should offer free alternative options. This comes after the Instagram and Facebook parent company introduced a no-ads subscription service in Europe last year which triggered criticism from rivals and users. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple, Google, Meta probed under EU’s new Digital Markets Act

A big shift could take place in the world of artificial intelligence as a Wall Street Journal report suggests that Apple has held preliminary talks with Baidu using the Chinese company's generative artificial intelligence technology in its devices.

Report: Apple in talks with Baidu on using Gen-AI in China

The federal government’s aggressive crackdown on Big Tech expanded on Thursday to include an antitrust lawsuit by the Justice Department against Apple, one of the world’s best-known and most valuable companies. Watch to know more.

US  FTC sues Apple for violating antitrust laws

The US Department of Justice, along with 15 states, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of monopolising the smartphone market and driving up prices. <o:p></o:p>

This legal action is part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech companies, with Apple joining the ranks of competitors like Google, Meta Platforms, and Amazon that have faced regulatory scrutiny under both the Trump and Biden administrations.<o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Attorney General Merrick Garland who said, “Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws. If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.” <o:p></o:p>

The lawsuit alleges that Apple charges exorbitant prices for its iPhones, with some models priced as high as $1,599, and reaps larger profits compared to its industry peers.<o:p></o:p>

The Justice Department claims that Apple imposes various fees on its business partners, including software developers, credit card companies, and even rivals like Google. <o:p></o:p>

These hidden charges allegedly contribute to higher prices for consumers and boost Apple's profits. <o:p></o:p>

The lawsuit seeks to challenge Apple's longstanding business model, which focuses on controlling nearly every aspect of its technology products, from hardware to software.<o:p></o:p>

In response to the allegations, Apple denied any wrongdoing, with the company stating, “This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect.” <o:p></o:p>

Despite Apple's denial, the Justice Department is pushing for significant changes, including potential structural reforms or breakup of the company to restore competition in the smartphone market.<o:p></o:p>

The 88-page lawsuit, filed in US federal court in Newark, New Jersey, aims to “free smartphone markets from Apple's anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct and restore competition to lower smartphone prices for consumers, reduce fees for developers, and preserve innovation for the future.” <o:p></o:p>

The lawsuit cites five specific instances where Apple allegedly suppressed technologies that could have increased competition among smartphones, such as super apps, cloud stream game apps, messaging apps, smartwatches, and digital wallets.<o:p></o:p>

One of the key issues raised in the lawsuit is Apple's restrictive app store policies, which the Justice Department claims have hindered competition and consumer choice. <o:p></o:p>

The government seeks to define the market as that of smartphones in the United States, where Apple holds slightly over half of the market share. <o:p></o:p>

However, Apple representatives argue for a global market definition, where the iPhone accounts for only one-fifth of consumers.<o:p></o:p>

The Justice Department also referenced an email chain from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who passed away in 2011, where he expressed frustration over consumers switching from iPhones to Android phones. <o:p></o:p>

Jobs vowed to “force” developers to use Apple's payment systems in an attempt to lock in both developers and consumers. <o:p></o:p>

The specific changes sought by the Justice Department remain unclear, but the complaint calls for measures to prevent Apple from using its control over app distribution and contracts to undermine rivals.<o:p></o:p>

This is not the first time Apple has faced antitrust probes and legal challenges. <o:p></o:p>

The company has been subject to investigations and orders in Europe, Japan, and Korea, as well as lawsuits from corporate rivals like Epic Games. <o:p></o:p>

In Europe, Apple's App Store business model has already been impacted by the Digital Markets Act, which requires the company to allow developers to offer their own app stores without paying commissions.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

The US Department of Justice, along with 15 states, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of monopolising the smartphone market and driving up prices.

The US Department of Justice, along with 15 states, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the tech giant of monopolising the smartphone market and driving up prices. This legal action is part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech companies, with Apple joining the ranks of competitors like Google, Meta Platforms, and Amazon that have faced regulatory scrutiny under both the Trump and Biden administrations. Reuters cited Attorney General Merrick Garland who said, “Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws. If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.” The lawsuit alleges that Apple charges exorbitant prices for its iPhones, with some models priced as high as $1,599, and reaps larger profits compared to its industry peers. The Justice Department claims that Apple imposes various fees on its business partners, including software developers, credit card companies, and even rivals like Google. These hidden charges allegedly contribute to higher prices for consumers and boost Apple's profits. The lawsuit seeks to challenge Apple's longstanding business model, which focuses on controlling nearly every aspect of its technology products, from hardware to software. In response to the allegations, Apple denied any wrongdoing, with the company stating, “This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect.” Despite Apple's denial, the Justice Department is pushing for significant changes, including potential structural reforms or breakup of the company to restore competition in the smartphone market. The 88-page lawsuit, filed in US federal court in Newark, New Jersey, aims to “free smartphone markets from Apple's anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct and restore competition to lower smartphone prices for consumers, reduce fees for developers, and preserve innovation for the future.” The lawsuit cites five specific instances where Apple allegedly suppressed technologies that could have increased competition among smartphones, such as super apps, cloud stream game apps, messaging apps, smartwatches, and digital wallets. One of the key issues raised in the lawsuit is Apple's restrictive app store policies, which the Justice Department claims have hindered competition and consumer choice. The government seeks to define the market as that of smartphones in the United States, where Apple holds slightly over half of the market share. However, Apple representatives argue for a global market definition, where the iPhone accounts for only one-fifth of consumers. The Justice Department also referenced an email chain from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who passed away in 2011, where he expressed frustration over consumers switching from iPhones to Android phones. Jobs vowed to “force” developers to use Apple's payment systems in an attempt to lock in both developers and consumers. The specific changes sought by the Justice Department remain unclear, but the complaint calls for measures to prevent Apple from using its control over app distribution and contracts to undermine rivals. This is not the first time Apple has faced antitrust probes and legal challenges. The company has been subject to investigations and orders in Europe, Japan, and Korea, as well as lawsuits from corporate rivals like Epic Games. In Europe, Apple's App Store business model has already been impacted by the Digital Markets Act, which requires the company to allow developers to offer their own app stores without paying commissions. (With inputs from Reuters)

US government and 15 states sue Apple for alleged smartphone market monopoly

The United States Department of Justice along with 15 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday (Mar 21) over monopolising the smartphone market.

Earlier, the competitors of the iPhone maker were sued by regulators, which include Alphabet's Google, Meta Platforms and Amazon.com across the administrations of both former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

"Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly."

The Justice Department stated that Apple in terms of earnings outperforms its rival companies by charging up to $1,599 for an iPhone.&nbsp;

The officials additionally stated that Apple levies hidden fees on various business partners, including software developers, credit card firms, and also its competitors like Google, which eventually raises consumer costs and boosts Apple's profits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-donald-lose-his-trump-tower-new-york-attorney-general-could-seize-it-to-cover-454mn-civil-fraud-fine-702459">Trump Tower among properties that could be seized to cover $454mn civil fraud fine</a>

<h2>Apple denies allegations</h2>

Apple rebuffed the allegations stating that the lawsuit threatened the core principles that set apart the products manufactured by the company in the industry.

"This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect," the iPhone maker said in a statement.

The 88-page lawsuit, filed in a US&nbsp;federal court in Newark, New Jersey, said it was focused on “freeing smartphone markets from Apple’s anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct and restoring competition to lower smartphone prices for consumers, reducing fees for developers, and preserving innovation for the future.” 
&nbsp; 
The Justice Department along with the District of Columbia filed the lawsuit seeking changes at Apple.

An official said, "the remedy has to be tailored to the harm that we are required to prove at trial" and suggested that break-up or reduction of the size of Apple was one of the possibilities as it was noted that "structural relief is also a form of equitable relief."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Department of Justice along with 15 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday (Mar 21) over monopolising the smartphone market.

The United States Department of Justice along with 15 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday (Mar 21) over monopolising the smartphone market. Earlier, the competitors of the iPhone maker were sued by regulators, which include Alphabet's Google, Meta Platforms and Amazon.com across the administrations of both former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. "Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly." The Justice Department stated that Apple in terms of earnings outperforms its rival companies by charging up to $1,599 for an iPhone. The officials additionally stated that Apple levies hidden fees on various business partners, including software developers, credit card firms, and also its competitors like Google, which eventually raises consumer costs and boosts Apple's profits. Also read: Trump Tower among properties that could be seized to cover $454mn civil fraud fine Apple denies allegations Apple rebuffed the allegations stating that the lawsuit threatened the core principles that set apart the products manufactured by the company in the industry. "This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect," the iPhone maker said in a statement. The 88-page lawsuit, filed in a US federal court in Newark, New Jersey, said it was focused on “freeing smartphone markets from Apple’s anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct and restoring competition to lower smartphone prices for consumers, reducing fees for developers, and preserving innovation for the future.” The Justice Department along with the District of Columbia filed the lawsuit seeking changes at Apple. An official said, "the remedy has to be tailored to the harm that we are required to prove at trial" and suggested that break-up or reduction of the size of Apple was one of the possibilities as it was noted that "structural relief is also a form of equitable relief." (With inputs from agencies)

US government sues Apple over monopolising smartphone markets

Apple under U.S. FTC's scanner

The US antitrust agency has decided to sue Apple for alleged violation of antitrust laws while Apple has denied any wrongdoing...Watch in for more details!

US FTC sues Apple for violating antitrust laws

Apple is facing impending legal action from the US Justice Department, which is expected to file a lawsuit as early as Thursday.<o:p></o:p>

According to a report by Bloomberg, the lawsuit accuses the tech giant of violating antitrust laws by allegedly impeding rivals from accessing essential hardware and software features of its iconic iPhone. <o:p></o:p>

This move marks a significant escalation in the Biden administration's ongoing antitrust crackdown on major US technology firms. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, the Justice Department is already engaged in antitrust battles against other tech giants like Google, Meta Platforms Inc., and Amazon.com Inc.<o:p></o:p>

According to sources familiar with the matter, the lawsuit against Apple is set to be filed in federal court. <o:p></o:p>

While neither Apple nor the Justice Department has officially commented on the impending legal action, the development has already impacted Apple's stock performance. <o:p></o:p>

Apple shares experienced a decline of up to 1.4 per cent, dropping to $176.10 in late trading upon news of the impending lawsuit. <o:p></o:p>

This downturn adds to the company's challenges, as its shares had already fallen 7.2 per cent year-to-date as of Wednesday's close.<o:p></o:p>

This anticipated lawsuit will mark the third time in the past 14 years that Apple has faced legal action from the Justice Department for alleged antitrust violations. <o:p></o:p>

However, it notably represents the first instance where the company is accused of unlawfully maintaining its dominant position. <o:p></o:p>

The legal scrutiny intensifies as Apple faces increased regulatory pressure in Europe over alleged anticompetitive practices. <o:p></o:p>

Earlier this month, the company was fined €1.8 billion for allegedly stifling competition by preventing music streaming rivals from offering lower-priced deals.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to the impending legal action in the US, Apple is also facing heightened regulatory scrutiny in Europe. <o:p></o:p>

The European Union's new regulations for Big Tech, known as the Digital Markets Act, have come into force, potentially subjecting Apple to a full-blown investigation. <o:p></o:p>

Rivals have criticised Apple's new App Store rules, expressing concerns that the changes could lead to higher prices for developers. <o:p></o:p>

Non-compliance with the EU's regulations could result in significant penalties, amounting to as much as 10 per cent of the company's annual worldwide revenue.<o:p></o:p>

The Justice Department initiated the latest investigation into Apple's practices in 2019 during the tenure of former President Donald Trump. <o:p></o:p>

While the antitrust division initially focused on twin cases against Google, it later became embroiled in litigation as Epic Games Inc. sued Apple for alleged monopolisation in 2020. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

Apple is facing impending legal action from the US Justice Department, which is expected to file a lawsuit as early as Thursday. According to a report by Bloomberg, the lawsuit accuses the tech giant of violating antitrust laws by allegedly impeding rivals from accessing essential hardware and software features of its iconic iPhone.

Apple is facing impending legal action from the US Justice Department, which is expected to file a lawsuit as early as Thursday. According to a report by Bloomberg, the lawsuit accuses the tech giant of violating antitrust laws by allegedly impeding rivals from accessing essential hardware and software features of its iconic iPhone. This move marks a significant escalation in the Biden administration's ongoing antitrust crackdown on major US technology firms. Notably, the Justice Department is already engaged in antitrust battles against other tech giants like Google, Meta Platforms Inc., and Amazon.com Inc. According to sources familiar with the matter, the lawsuit against Apple is set to be filed in federal court. While neither Apple nor the Justice Department has officially commented on the impending legal action, the development has already impacted Apple's stock performance. Apple shares experienced a decline of up to 1.4 per cent, dropping to $176.10 in late trading upon news of the impending lawsuit. This downturn adds to the company's challenges, as its shares had already fallen 7.2 per cent year-to-date as of Wednesday's close. This anticipated lawsuit will mark the third time in the past 14 years that Apple has faced legal action from the Justice Department for alleged antitrust violations. However, it notably represents the first instance where the company is accused of unlawfully maintaining its dominant position. The legal scrutiny intensifies as Apple faces increased regulatory pressure in Europe over alleged anticompetitive practices. Earlier this month, the company was fined €1.8 billion for allegedly stifling competition by preventing music streaming rivals from offering lower-priced deals. In addition to the impending legal action in the US, Apple is also facing heightened regulatory scrutiny in Europe. The European Union's new regulations for Big Tech, known as the Digital Markets Act, have come into force, potentially subjecting Apple to a full-blown investigation. Rivals have criticised Apple's new App Store rules, expressing concerns that the changes could lead to higher prices for developers. Non-compliance with the EU's regulations could result in significant penalties, amounting to as much as 10 per cent of the company's annual worldwide revenue. The Justice Department initiated the latest investigation into Apple's practices in 2019 during the tenure of former President Donald Trump. While the antitrust division initially focused on twin cases against Google, it later became embroiled in litigation as Epic Games Inc. sued Apple for alleged monopolisation in 2020. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

US Justice Department set to sue Apple for alleged antitrust violations

In a collective move against tech giant Apple, several prominent companies have joined forces with "Fortnite" developer Epic Games, accusing the Cupertino-based company of breaching a court-ordered injunction of payments within its App Store.

Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk's X, and Match Group, all creators of popular apps on the platform, asserted that Apple's actions create a "clear violation" of the September 2021 injunction, making it arduous for users to opt for cheaper payment methods for digital content.

According to the filing submitted to the Oakland, California federal court, Apple's actions have been deemed as contrary to the stipulations outlined in the injunction.

Despite Apple's assertion of full compliance with the court's directives, concerns persist among the technology conglomerates regarding the obstruction of alternative payment options for consumers.

Apple, however, declined to offer a specific comment on the accusations, repeating its commitment to consumer protection and the preservation of its ecosystem.

The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple dates back to 2020 when Epic filed a lawsuit alleging antitrust violations, particularly regarding the mandatory use of the App Store for app distribution and the imposition of hefty commissions on developers.

The following ruling mandated Apple to allow developers to incorporate links and buttons redirecting users to alternative payment methods.

However, Epic's recent dispute suggests that Apple's implementation of new regulations and a 27 per cent fee renders these links ineffective, prompting accusations of contempt.

In their filing, the collective of technology companies expressed concerns over Apple's actions, which they argue would boost the company's high commissions and restrict competition.

By limiting developers' communication channels with users regarding payment options, Apple allegedly creates tough barriers to competition and artificially inflates prices, impacting both consumers and developers.

The ending of legal disputes between Epic Games and Apple reached a significant juncture in January when the US Supreme Court opted not to hear Apple's appeal against the injunction.

Similarly, the Court declined to entertain Epic's appeal challenging lower court rulings that deemed Apple's policies compliant with federal antitrust laws.

Apple now faces a deadline of April 3 to formally address Epic's allegations, with the tech giant headquartered in Cupertino, California, and Epic Games based in Cary, North Carolina.

(With inputs from Reuters)

In a collective move against tech giant Apple, several prominent companies have joined forces with "Fortnite" developer Epic Games, accusing the Cupertino-based company of breaching a court-ordered injunction of payments within its App Store.

In a collective move against tech giant Apple, several prominent companies have joined forces with "Fortnite" developer Epic Games, accusing the Cupertino-based company of breaching a court-ordered injunction of payments within its App Store. Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk's X, and Match Group, all creators of popular apps on the platform, asserted that Apple's actions create a "clear violation" of the September 2021 injunction, making it arduous for users to opt for cheaper payment methods for digital content. According to the filing submitted to the Oakland, California federal court, Apple's actions have been deemed as contrary to the stipulations outlined in the injunction. Despite Apple's assertion of full compliance with the court's directives, concerns persist among the technology conglomerates regarding the obstruction of alternative payment options for consumers. Apple, however, declined to offer a specific comment on the accusations, repeating its commitment to consumer protection and the preservation of its ecosystem. The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple dates back to 2020 when Epic filed a lawsuit alleging antitrust violations, particularly regarding the mandatory use of the App Store for app distribution and the imposition of hefty commissions on developers. The following ruling mandated Apple to allow developers to incorporate links and buttons redirecting users to alternative payment methods. However, Epic's recent dispute suggests that Apple's implementation of new regulations and a 27 per cent fee renders these links ineffective, prompting accusations of contempt. In their filing, the collective of technology companies expressed concerns over Apple's actions, which they argue would boost the company's high commissions and restrict competition. By limiting developers' communication channels with users regarding payment options, Apple allegedly creates tough barriers to competition and artificially inflates prices, impacting both consumers and developers. The ending of legal disputes between Epic Games and Apple reached a significant juncture in January when the US Supreme Court opted not to hear Apple's appeal against the injunction. Similarly, the Court declined to entertain Epic's appeal challenging lower court rulings that deemed Apple's policies compliant with federal antitrust laws. Apple now faces a deadline of April 3 to formally address Epic's allegations, with the tech giant headquartered in Cupertino, California, and Epic Games based in Cary, North Carolina. (With inputs from Reuters)

Tech giants unite against Apple's app store policies, allege breach of court order

Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's antitrust chief, issued warnings to tech giants Apple and Meta Platforms regarding their new fee structures and practices that may undermine competition and consumer choice. <o:p></o:p>

Vestager's remarks come as both companies face scrutiny over their compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at fostering fair competition in the digital ecosystem. <o:p></o:p>

Apple's recent announcement of a new fee structure, including a core technology fee of 50 euro cents per user account per year, has drawn attention from Vestager. <o:p></o:p>

Despite Apple's efforts to comply with EU tech legislation by opening up its closed ecosystem to rivals, concerns have been raised, particularly by major app developers such as Epic Games, regarding the impact of these fees on competition. <o:p></o:p>

Vestager emphasized the need to investigate whether Apple's fee structure hinders the objectives of the DMA, limiting users' ability to benefit from increased choice.<o:p></o:p>

In an interview with Reuters, Vestager expressed reservations about Meta's new subscription fees for Facebook and Instagram. <o:p></o:p>

While Meta has proposed reducing its monthly subscription fee, concerns persist regarding the implications for competition and consumer welfare. <o:p></o:p>

Vestager stressed the importance of engaging in dialogue with Meta to ensure compliance with the DMA and to explore alternative monetisation methods that do not impede competition. <o:p></o:p>

The Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems highlighted broader concerns beyond the fee levels, emphasising the significance of contextual advertising as an alternative revenue model.<o:p></o:p>

Vestager also cautioned against companies disparaging rivals in a manner that could discourage users from switching platforms. <o:p></o:p>

She warned that such behaviour could trigger antitrust investigations, highlighting&nbsp;the need for fair competition and market openness. <o:p></o:p>

Apple's assertion regarding security risks associated with changes has drawn scrutiny, with Vestager emphasising that the DMA primarily focuses on promoting competition rather than addressing security concerns. <o:p></o:p>

Feedback from developers will play a crucial role in determining whether investigations into potential DMA violations will be initiated against the six companies subject to scrutiny.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's antitrust chief, issued warnings to tech giants Apple and Meta Platforms regarding their new fee structures and practices that may undermine competition and consumer choice.

Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's antitrust chief, issued warnings to tech giants Apple and Meta Platforms regarding their new fee structures and practices that may undermine competition and consumer choice. Vestager's remarks come as both companies face scrutiny over their compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at fostering fair competition in the digital ecosystem. Apple's recent announcement of a new fee structure, including a core technology fee of 50 euro cents per user account per year, has drawn attention from Vestager. Despite Apple's efforts to comply with EU tech legislation by opening up its closed ecosystem to rivals, concerns have been raised, particularly by major app developers such as Epic Games, regarding the impact of these fees on competition. Vestager emphasized the need to investigate whether Apple's fee structure hinders the objectives of the DMA, limiting users' ability to benefit from increased choice. In an interview with Reuters, Vestager expressed reservations about Meta's new subscription fees for Facebook and Instagram. While Meta has proposed reducing its monthly subscription fee, concerns persist regarding the implications for competition and consumer welfare. Vestager stressed the importance of engaging in dialogue with Meta to ensure compliance with the DMA and to explore alternative monetisation methods that do not impede competition. The Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems highlighted broader concerns beyond the fee levels, emphasising the significance of contextual advertising as an alternative revenue model. Vestager also cautioned against companies disparaging rivals in a manner that could discourage users from switching platforms. She warned that such behaviour could trigger antitrust investigations, highlighting the need for fair competition and market openness. Apple's assertion regarding security risks associated with changes has drawn scrutiny, with Vestager emphasising that the DMA primarily focuses on promoting competition rather than addressing security concerns. Feedback from developers will play a crucial role in determining whether investigations into potential DMA violations will be initiated against the six companies subject to scrutiny. (With inputs from Reuters)

EU antitrust chief warns Apple, Meta over fees and disparagement of rivals

Apple&nbsp;is in talks to build Google's Gemini artificial intelligence engine into the iPhone, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the situation.

The negotiations are about licensing Gemini for some new features coming to the iPhone software this year, the report said, adding that the terms or branding of an AI agreement or how it would be implemented have not been decided.

Alphabet shares jumped more than 6% in early U.S. trading, while&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;was up 2.5%.

It is unlikely that any deal would be announced until June, when&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;plans to hold its annual conference of developers, and the iPhone maker also recently held talks with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI about using its model, according to the report.

Apple, Alphabet-owned Google and OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

A potential deal between the firms could help Google expand the use of its AI services to more than 2 billion active&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;devices, boosting the search giant's efforts to catch up with Microsoft-backed OpenAI.

It could also help allay investor fears about the slow roll-out of AI apps by&nbsp;Apple, which has lost the crown of the world's most valuable firm after a 10% decline in its shares this year.

The firms have a years-long partnership that makes Google the default search engine on&nbsp;Apple's Safari web browser, and a genAI tie-up may help the Alphabet unit navigate fears that services like ChatGPT could threaten its search dominance.

But the agreement could also invite sharper scrutiny from U.S. regulators, who have sued Google on grounds that it unlawfully stifled competition by paying billions of dollars to&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;to maintain its monopoly in search.

"This strategic partnership is a missing piece in the&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;AI strategy and combines forces with Google for Gemini to power some of the AI features&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;is bringing to market," said Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush.

"This is a major win for Google to get onto the&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;ecosystem and have access to the golden installed base of Cupertino with clearly a major licence fee attached to this," he said, referring to&nbsp;Apple's California headquarters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/apple-ai-coming-later-this-year-confirms-ceo-tim-cook-686363">Apple AI coming 'later this year', confirms CEO Tim Cook</a>

Google in January partnered with&nbsp;Apple's rival Samsung to deploy its genAI technology in the South Korean firm's Galaxy S24 series of smartphones, as part of its efforts to boost the use of Gemini after some missteps during its roll-out.

Apple&nbsp;CEO Tim Cook said last month that the company was investing "significantly" in generative AI and would reveal more about its plans to put the technology to use later this year.

Also watch |&nbsp;Apple to integrate Gemini's AI service into the iPhone: Report

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The Bloomberg report said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;was planning to use its own homegrown AI models for some new capabilities in its upcoming iOS 18, but was seeking a partner to power genAI features, including functions for creating images and writing essays based on simple prompts.

Apple is in talks to build Google's Gemini artificial intelligence engine into the iPhone, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Apple is in talks to build Google's Gemini artificial intelligence engine into the iPhone, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the situation. The negotiations are about licensing Gemini for some new features coming to the iPhone software this year, the report said, adding that the terms or branding of an AI agreement or how it would be implemented have not been decided. Alphabet shares jumped more than 6% in early U.S. trading, while Apple was up 2.5%. It is unlikely that any deal would be announced until June, when Apple plans to hold its annual conference of developers, and the iPhone maker also recently held talks with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI about using its model, according to the report. Apple, Alphabet-owned Google and OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. A potential deal between the firms could help Google expand the use of its AI services to more than 2 billion active Apple devices, boosting the search giant's efforts to catch up with Microsoft-backed OpenAI. It could also help allay investor fears about the slow roll-out of AI apps by Apple, which has lost the crown of the world's most valuable firm after a 10% decline in its shares this year. The firms have a years-long partnership that makes Google the default search engine on Apple's Safari web browser, and a genAI tie-up may help the Alphabet unit navigate fears that services like ChatGPT could threaten its search dominance. But the agreement could also invite sharper scrutiny from U.S. regulators, who have sued Google on grounds that it unlawfully stifled competition by paying billions of dollars to Apple to maintain its monopoly in search. "This strategic partnership is a missing piece in the Apple AI strategy and combines forces with Google for Gemini to power some of the AI features Apple is bringing to market," said Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush. "This is a major win for Google to get onto the Apple ecosystem and have access to the golden installed base of Cupertino with clearly a major licence fee attached to this," he said, referring to Apple's California headquarters. Also read | Apple AI coming 'later this year', confirms CEO Tim Cook Google in January partnered with Apple's rival Samsung to deploy its genAI technology in the South Korean firm's Galaxy S24 series of smartphones, as part of its efforts to boost the use of Gemini after some missteps during its roll-out. Apple CEO Tim Cook said last month that the company was investing "significantly" in generative AI and would reveal more about its plans to put the technology to use later this year. Also watch | Apple to integrate Gemini's AI service into the iPhone: Report × The Bloomberg report said Apple was planning to use its own homegrown AI models for some new capabilities in its upcoming iOS 18, but was seeking a partner to power genAI features, including functions for creating images and writing essays based on simple prompts.

Apple to integrate Google's AI Gemini in iPhone: Report

Apple users may soon be able to use Google's Gemini artificial intelligence engine on their iPhone. According to reports negotiations between Apple and Google are currently underway and official announcement can be expected post June this year. Watch to know more!

Apple to integrate Gemini's AI service into the iPhone: Report

Apple in talks to let Google's Gemini power iPhone AI features

Apple has defended its adherence to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), countering criticism that it hasn't taken sufficient steps to open up its closed ecosystem as mandated by the legislation. <o:p></o:p>

The DMA, which came into effect on March 7, imposes a set of obligations and prohibitions on tech giants such as Apple, Google, Amazon, ByteDance, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. <o:p></o:p>

Despite scrutiny, Apple maintains it has aligned with the DMA's requirements, citing recent changes aimed at fostering a more open app distribution ecosystem within the EU.<o:p></o:p>

In response to concerns raised during a day-long hearing organized by the European Commission, Apple's lawyer Kyle Andeer emphasised the company's commitment to compliance with the law. <o:p></o:p>

Andeer highlighted Apple's focus on ensuring alignment with its core values and user-centric approach, stating, "We were guided first and foremost by ensuring that we've complied with the law. And then second, that we did it in a way that was consistent with our values and consistent with the language that we've developed with our users over a very long period of time." <o:p></o:p>

While Apple asserts its compliance with the DMA, other tech giants are set to present their respective compliance efforts in separate hearings organized by the European Commission. <o:p></o:p>

Meta Platforms, Amazon, Alphabet, ByteDance, and Microsoft are scheduled to outline their approaches in the coming days, signalling a broader scrutiny of industry practices in alignment with the DMA's objectives. <o:p></o:p>

The DMA imposes significant penalties on companies failing to meet its requirements, including fines of up to 10 per cent of their global annual turnover, underscoring the gravity of regulatory non-compliance in the digital market landscape. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Apple has defended its adherence to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), countering criticism that it hasn't taken sufficient steps to open up its closed ecosystem as mandated by the legislation.

Apple has defended its adherence to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), countering criticism that it hasn't taken sufficient steps to open up its closed ecosystem as mandated by the legislation. The DMA, which came into effect on March 7, imposes a set of obligations and prohibitions on tech giants such as Apple, Google, Amazon, ByteDance, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. Despite scrutiny, Apple maintains it has aligned with the DMA's requirements, citing recent changes aimed at fostering a more open app distribution ecosystem within the EU. In response to concerns raised during a day-long hearing organized by the European Commission, Apple's lawyer Kyle Andeer emphasised the company's commitment to compliance with the law. Andeer highlighted Apple's focus on ensuring alignment with its core values and user-centric approach, stating, "We were guided first and foremost by ensuring that we've complied with the law. And then second, that we did it in a way that was consistent with our values and consistent with the language that we've developed with our users over a very long period of time." While Apple asserts its compliance with the DMA, other tech giants are set to present their respective compliance efforts in separate hearings organized by the European Commission. Meta Platforms, Amazon, Alphabet, ByteDance, and Microsoft are scheduled to outline their approaches in the coming days, signalling a broader scrutiny of industry practices in alignment with the DMA's objectives. The DMA imposes significant penalties on companies failing to meet its requirements, including fines of up to 10 per cent of their global annual turnover, underscoring the gravity of regulatory non-compliance in the digital market landscape. (With inputs from Reuters)

Apple asserts compliance with EU's digital markets act amidst scrutiny

It's Flashback Friday, and this week we take a nostalgic journey back to June 29th, 2007 – a date etched in history as the day Apple unveiled a revolutionary device that would forever redefine the mobile phone industry: the iPhone.

Back then, Apple was primarily known for its sleek computers and the universal iPod music player.

But with the iPhone, they dared to challenge the status quo, presenting a phone unlike anything the world had ever seen – a phone that traded the familiar, albeit bulky, physical keyboard for a vast, multi-touch display.

A Pre-iPhone World: The age of clunky keyboards and limited options

Before the iPhone's arrival, the mobile phone landscape looked vastly different.

Dominated by established players like Nokia and Blackberry, phones offered basic functionalities like calling, texting, and a primitive internet experience, all navigated through the cumbersome interface of physical keyboards.

Blackberry, though a strong contender, offered features like email, but the overall user experience was far from intuitive, demanding patience and a certain dexterity to navigate its button-heavy design.

The iPhone Revolution: A touch of genius

The iPhone wasn't just a phone; it was a revolution meticulously crafted by Steve Jobs and his team.

Its core features were a revelation – a large, multi-touch display that responded fluidly to your fingertips, a user-friendly operating system that broke away from complexity, and the masterwork: the App Store.

This App Store, a novel concept at the time, opened a gateway to a universe of possibilities. Users could now download and install a vast array of applications, transforming the iPhone from a simple communication tool into a powerful pocket computer capable of handling an ever-expanding range of tasks – from navigation and social media to gaming and mobile productivity suites.

The impact was immediate and seismic. According to a CNBC report, the iPhone's influence drove Apple to sell a staggering 2 billion iPhones globally since its launch.

Competitors, caught flat-footed by Apple's innovation, were forced to play catch-up, scrambling to develop touchscreens and user interfaces that could even begin to rival the iPhone's intuitive design.

While some initial criticisms pointed out limitations like the lack of a copy-paste function, the iPhone's user-centric approach and sleek design quickly won over consumers, making it a coveted status symbol.

The iPhone's Legacy: A transformation beyond the phone

The iPhone's influence stretched far beyond the confines of the mobile phone industry. It revolutionised the way we interact with the internet.

Websites needed to adapt to a touch-based world, leading to a new era of web design optimised for the intuitive swiping and tapping gestures the iPhone pioneered.

Mobile photography, once limited to grainy, low-resolution images captured on flip phones, was catapulted into a new era with the iPhone's easy-to-use camera.

Suddenly, everyone had a powerful camera in their pocket, fostering a generation of social media-savvy photographers who documented their lives with a tap.

Perhaps most significantly, the iPhone fuelled the meteoric rise of app usage, social media platforms, and mobile entertainment.

This transformed how we communicate, access information, and consume leisure, fundamentally altering the social and cultural landscape.

A Legacy Still Unfolding: The enduring appeal of the iPhone

Today, Apple remains the undisputed leader in the smartphone market, a testament to the iPhone's enduring impact and influence. According to Business of Apps, iPhone sales account for a whopping 52 per cent of Apple's total revenue, generating a staggering $383.2 billion in 2023.

But the story doesn't end there.

With each new iteration, Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, integrating features like facial recognition and advanced camera systems that boast professional-grade capabilities.

As we look back at the beginning of the iPhone's reign, a question lingers: what ground-breaking innovations will grace the next iPhone?

It's Flashback Friday, and this week we take a nostalgic journey back to June 29th, 2007 – a date etched in history as the day Apple unveiled a revolutionary device that would forever redefine the mobile phone industry: the iPhone.

It's Flashback Friday, and this week we take a nostalgic journey back to June 29th, 2007 – a date etched in history as the day Apple unveiled a revolutionary device that would forever redefine the mobile phone industry: the iPhone. Back then, Apple was primarily known for its sleek computers and the universal iPod music player. But with the iPhone, they dared to challenge the status quo, presenting a phone unlike anything the world had ever seen – a phone that traded the familiar, albeit bulky, physical keyboard for a vast, multi-touch display. A Pre-iPhone World: The age of clunky keyboards and limited options Before the iPhone's arrival, the mobile phone landscape looked vastly different. Dominated by established players like Nokia and Blackberry, phones offered basic functionalities like calling, texting, and a primitive internet experience, all navigated through the cumbersome interface of physical keyboards. Blackberry, though a strong contender, offered features like email, but the overall user experience was far from intuitive, demanding patience and a certain dexterity to navigate its button-heavy design. The iPhone Revolution: A touch of genius The iPhone wasn't just a phone; it was a revolution meticulously crafted by Steve Jobs and his team. Its core features were a revelation – a large, multi-touch display that responded fluidly to your fingertips, a user-friendly operating system that broke away from complexity, and the masterwork: the App Store. This App Store, a novel concept at the time, opened a gateway to a universe of possibilities. Users could now download and install a vast array of applications, transforming the iPhone from a simple communication tool into a powerful pocket computer capable of handling an ever-expanding range of tasks – from navigation and social media to gaming and mobile productivity suites. The impact was immediate and seismic. According to a CNBC report, the iPhone's influence drove Apple to sell a staggering 2 billion iPhones globally since its launch. Competitors, caught flat-footed by Apple's innovation, were forced to play catch-up, scrambling to develop touchscreens and user interfaces that could even begin to rival the iPhone's intuitive design. While some initial criticisms pointed out limitations like the lack of a copy-paste function, the iPhone's user-centric approach and sleek design quickly won over consumers, making it a coveted status symbol. The iPhone's Legacy: A transformation beyond the phone The iPhone's influence stretched far beyond the confines of the mobile phone industry. It revolutionised the way we interact with the internet. Websites needed to adapt to a touch-based world, leading to a new era of web design optimised for the intuitive swiping and tapping gestures the iPhone pioneered. Mobile photography, once limited to grainy, low-resolution images captured on flip phones, was catapulted into a new era with the iPhone's easy-to-use camera. Suddenly, everyone had a powerful camera in their pocket, fostering a generation of social media-savvy photographers who documented their lives with a tap. Perhaps most significantly, the iPhone fuelled the meteoric rise of app usage, social media platforms, and mobile entertainment. This transformed how we communicate, access information, and consume leisure, fundamentally altering the social and cultural landscape. A Legacy Still Unfolding: The enduring appeal of the iPhone Today, Apple remains the undisputed leader in the smartphone market, a testament to the iPhone's enduring impact and influence. According to Business of Apps, iPhone sales account for a whopping 52 per cent of Apple's total revenue, generating a staggering $383.2 billion in 2023. But the story doesn't end there. With each new iteration, Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, integrating features like facial recognition and advanced camera systems that boast professional-grade capabilities. As we look back at the beginning of the iPhone's reign, a question lingers: what ground-breaking innovations will grace the next iPhone?

Flashback Friday | The Reign of the iPhone: A story of innovation and disruption

IPhone maker Apple has made a huge concession in the European market...the tech giant will allow software makers to sell apps there..through their own websites or online marketplaces. Previously, the iPhone maker required all software makers to distribute their apps through its app store. The move is meant to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which kicked in last week. What does this mean for the company and for the software makers? We find out in the next report.

Apple allows developers to sell apps through their own websites

Apple encountered a significant setback in China as its iPhone sales plummeted by 24 per cent in the initial six weeks of 2024, as revealed by a report by research firm Counterpoint. <o:p></o:p>

Huawei, Apple's staunch competitor, witnessed a contrasting surge, with unit sales skyrocketing by 64 per cent during the same period. <o:p></o:p>

This contrast raises concerns about Apple's market standing and potential demand slowdown, with its share in the Chinese smartphone market slipping to 15.7 per cent, securing the fourth position.<o:p></o:p>

Counterpoint's report highlights a challenging landscape for Apple, attributing its decline to heightened competition from domestic rivals, particularly Huawei, which now claims the second spot in the Chinese market with a market share of 16.5 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

Apple's response to the competition includes recent subsidies for certain iPhone models and prior discounts, reflecting aggressive strategies while the overall smartphone market in China, shrank by 7 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

Counterpoint's Senior Analyst, Mengmeng Zhang, emphasises that Apple is grappling with a challenging scenario, squeezed in the middle due to aggressive pricing from competitors like Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi. <o:p></o:p>

The report notes that Huawei's resurgence in premium smartphone sales, especially with the Mate 60 series, has contributed to its remarkable growth despite previous struggles under US sanctions. <o:p></o:p>

Honor, Huawei's spin-off, is the only other brand in the top five to witness sales growth during the first six weeks of the year, rising by 2 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

The report indicates Apple's market share drop from 19 per cent to 15.7 per cent, slipping to the fourth position from second place a year ago. <o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Huawei's ascent to the second position underlines its successful rebound. <o:p></o:p>

Vivo, despite a 15 per cent sales decrease, retains its position as China's top-selling smartphone maker. <o:p></o:p>

Apple's proactive measures, including discounts and subsidies, aimed to counter the decline and boost sales amid the challenging market conditions in China.<o:p></o:p>

Apple's struggle in the Chinese market is evident in its share prices, which went down by 1.6 per cent in premarket trading, and an overall 10 per cent loss in value this year. <o:p></o:p>

The report underscores Huawei's resilience and unexpected success in overcoming challenges, including US sanctions, to dominate the Chinese premium smartphone market. <o:p></o:p>

The outcome of Apple's aggressive strategies and competition in China will likely impact its revenue performance, potentially influencing investor confidence.<o:p></o:p>

Apple shares saw a decline of 2.8 per cent in New York trade following reports of its falling revenue.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Apple encountered a significant setback in China as its iPhone sales plummeted by 24 per cent in the initial six weeks of 2024, as revealed by a report by research firm Counterpoint.

Apple encountered a significant setback in China as its iPhone sales plummeted by 24 per cent in the initial six weeks of 2024, as revealed by a report by research firm Counterpoint. Huawei, Apple's staunch competitor, witnessed a contrasting surge, with unit sales skyrocketing by 64 per cent during the same period. This contrast raises concerns about Apple's market standing and potential demand slowdown, with its share in the Chinese smartphone market slipping to 15.7 per cent, securing the fourth position. Counterpoint's report highlights a challenging landscape for Apple, attributing its decline to heightened competition from domestic rivals, particularly Huawei, which now claims the second spot in the Chinese market with a market share of 16.5 per cent. Apple's response to the competition includes recent subsidies for certain iPhone models and prior discounts, reflecting aggressive strategies while the overall smartphone market in China, shrank by 7 per cent. Counterpoint's Senior Analyst, Mengmeng Zhang, emphasises that Apple is grappling with a challenging scenario, squeezed in the middle due to aggressive pricing from competitors like Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi. The report notes that Huawei's resurgence in premium smartphone sales, especially with the Mate 60 series, has contributed to its remarkable growth despite previous struggles under US sanctions. Honor, Huawei's spin-off, is the only other brand in the top five to witness sales growth during the first six weeks of the year, rising by 2 per cent. The report indicates Apple's market share drop from 19 per cent to 15.7 per cent, slipping to the fourth position from second place a year ago. Meanwhile, Huawei's ascent to the second position underlines its successful rebound. Vivo, despite a 15 per cent sales decrease, retains its position as China's top-selling smartphone maker. Apple's proactive measures, including discounts and subsidies, aimed to counter the decline and boost sales amid the challenging market conditions in China. Apple's struggle in the Chinese market is evident in its share prices, which went down by 1.6 per cent in premarket trading, and an overall 10 per cent loss in value this year. The report underscores Huawei's resilience and unexpected success in overcoming challenges, including US sanctions, to dominate the Chinese premium smartphone market. The outcome of Apple's aggressive strategies and competition in China will likely impact its revenue performance, potentially influencing investor confidence. Apple shares saw a decline of 2.8 per cent in New York trade following reports of its falling revenue. (With inputs from Reuters)

Apple faces 24 pc dip in China iPhone sales amid Huawei's 64 pc surge

Traders may have felt more confident a year ago when Apple decided to end the development of its electric cars and redirect the funds to AI programs. A year on, the opposite is true; the stock's decline has worsened. Despite CEO Tim Cook assuring shareholders that the business will "Break new ground" in AI, the firm has been tight-lipped about its AI initiatives. The stock's 9% year-to-date decline has pushed its market worth below that of Microsoft, indicating mounting investor impatience.

Apple's market value below Microsoft's net worth

Nvidia is now the third most valuable firm in the world, surpassing Saudi Aramco in market value. It is just behind Apple and Microsoft. This marks another milestone for the chipmaker.

Nvidia leaps Aramco to be in top 3 list, claims another milestone

Apple has been fined a staggering $2 billion by the European Union for breaking the blocs competition laws. The tech giant has been found guilty of using unfair methods to promote its own music streaming service over its rival.

Apple accused of breaking EU competition law, EU fine Apple $2 billionof

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