Category: Apple Insider

The meeting came a few weeks before the House’s Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee is set to grill prominent tech executives like Apple CEO Tim Cook, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Alphabet and Google CEO Sundai Pichai.

Amid the ongoing antitrust probe, the committee met with Smith via videoconference earlier in the summer, The Information reported. According to sources familiar with the meeting, the primary goal was to get Microsoft’s perspective as a major technology company that has faced past antitrust regulation.

But The Information notes that Smith also discussed some of Microsoft’s “concerns” about how Apple operates its App Store — an issue at the forefront of the House committee’s investigation.

Specifically, the concerns centered on the “arbitrariness of Apple’s practices around approving apps, while also criticizing Apple’s requirement that developers use the company’s payment mechanism through their apps.” Smith did not levy any criticisms against other tech companies, sources claimed.

Spotify, Basecamp and other companies have complained about Apple’s 15% to 30% cut of in-app purchases made through its payment system. In June, the House antitrust chairperson called the fees “highway robbery.”

Apple, for its part, says that those fees are meant to ensure consistency across the App Store — not to generate excess profits.

In addition to antitrust scrutiny in the U.S., Apple is also in the spotlight elsewhere in the world. In June, the European Commission launched their own probe investigation alleged anticompetitive practices on both the App Store and Apple Pay.

Shoppers looking for a back-to-school Mac or a work-from-home laptop can pick up last year’s 13-inch MacBook Pro for just $1,099 thanks to a $400 markdown using the activation instructions below.

The $1,099 special is the lowest 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro price available, with the 2020 model ringing in at $125 more. Factor in free shipping within the contiguous U.S., along with your choice of no interest financing when paid in full within 12 months with the B&H Financing Card or an instant sales tax refund on orders shipped to qualifying zip codes with the Payboo Card — and the savings increase even further.

As mentioned above, there are special activation instructions and you must shop from the special pricing links in this section from a laptop, desktop or iPad.

2019 13″ MacBook Pro (1.4GHz, 8GB, 256GB) Gray: $1,099* ($400 off)

To activate the exclusive price, you must shop through the special pricing links above or the B&H link on our Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro product page from a laptop, desktop or iPad. We apologize, but the offers cannot be redeemed in mobile apps at this time. Need help? Send us a note at [email protected] and we will do our best to assist.

B&H Photo is also launching a special promotion offering shoppers a free set of Audio-Technica Consumer ATH-CKR7TW True Wireless In-Ear Headphones valued at $249 with the purchase of select Late 2018 (last-gen) iPad Pros. To verify the deals, add one of the iPad Pros to your shopping cart below and look for the free earbuds.

Free Audio-Technica ATH-CKR7TW earbuds with these iPad Pros

• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (512GB, LTE) Gray: $1,049 ($450 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (512GB, LTE) Silver: $1,049 ($450 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (1TB, LTE) Gray: $1,199 ($500 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + AppleCare (512GB, LTE) Gray: $1,098 ($530 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + AppleCare (512GB, LTE) Silver: $1,098 ($530 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + AppleCare (1TB, LTE) Gray: $1,298 ($530 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard (512GB, LTE) Gray: $1,348 ($500 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard (512GB, LTE) Silver: $1,348 ($500 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard (1TB, LTE) Gray: $1,548 ($500 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard + AppleCare (512GB, LTE) Gray: $1,447 ($530 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard + AppleCare (512GB, LTE) Silver: $1,447 ($530 off + free earbuds)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard + AppleCare (1TB, LTE) Gray: $1,647 ($530 off + free earbuds)

Exclusive iPad Pro deal (no earphones)

• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (256GB, Verizon Unlocked) Silver: $849* ($450 off)

To activate the exclusive price, you must shop through the special pricing link above or the B&H link on our Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro product page from a laptop, desktop or iPad. We apologize, but the offers cannot be redeemed in mobile apps at this time. Need help? Send us a note at [email protected] and we will do our best to assist.

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive discounts on Mac hardware that will not only deliver the best Apple prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus savings on AppleCare protection plans, Office 365 and more. These offers are as follows:

We took a look at Lepow’s 15.6-inch portable gaming monitor to see whether or not it was worth adding to our setup. We were surprised to find how much we enjoyed being able to use it, and it’s small size and reasonable price makes it an excellent alternative to traditional displays.

The Lepow Portable Monitor features a 15.6-inch screen on the diagonal, making it feel remarkably similar to laptop screens that you may already be used to using, making it a great desktop companion for those who want to expand their laptop screens.

The slim size makes it extremely portable. It only weighs 1.76 pounds — just a hair more than a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and at little over 7 millimeters thick, it’s half the thickness of a MacBook Air.

Its lightweight and minimal profile make it perfect for tossing into a backpack and hitting the road.

HDMI mini, USB-C, and 3.5mm audio port

Getting connected to the monitor is relatively easy, though it depends on your device. For example, if you’ve got a phone or laptop that can support video through USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, you’ll need one cable.

It will drain your battery fairly quickly though, so it may be worth it to power the monitor with the included USB-C wall adapter instead.

If your device doesn’t support it — like the Nintendo Switch — you’ll want to use the included HDMI-to-mini HDMI cable. You’ll need to provide additional power to the monitor when connected to HDMI.

We found that the original Switch’s dock provided enough power and minimized the amount of outlet space we needed to take up.

Included on the side of the monitor above the power button is a volume toggle wheel

The screen is crisp and bright, with 72% NTSC coverage. Even after playing video games for several hours, our eyes weren’t tired, which we’ve experienced with lower-quality displays before.

It’s worth mentioning that its 1920-by-1080 pixel resolution can feel a bit cramped if you’re working in programs that require a lot of space. However, for gaming, watching videos, or general internet browsing, it’s significantly better than trying to use a smaller screen.

The sound quality is decent, though nothing worth writing home about. The monitor does feature a 3.5mm audio jack, so if you’ve got a favorite pair of headphones, we suggest plugging them in for a better audio experience.

The included cover is designed to hold the monitor in a couple of different positions

While it’s a small gripe, we weren’t impressed with the included smart-cover style flip stand. It attaches magnetically to the back of the monitor and allows a user to prop it up in a few different configurations, but we found that it doesn’t hold nearly as tightly as we hoped.

We had a few issues where relatively minor bumps to the table it was sitting on would cause it to fall over. It may be worth looking into alternative stands if you plan on using it where it could be bumped or jostled about.

Its small size makes it easy to throw in a bag or store in a desk drawer

While this monitor probably isn’t for everyone, there are a few use cases that make a lot of sense.

If you’re the type of person — say, a college student — who regularly travels with their Switch, it’s an ideal portable party system. Instead of expecting your friends to crowd around the Switch’s 6.2-inch screen for a game of Mario Kart, everyone can look at the Lepow’s 15.6-inch display.

The ability to give yourself a secondary, portable screen to extend a MacBook display is ideal for artists, designers, and workers who need to travel, too. Because of its slim profile, you can easily slip the Lepow portable monitor into the same padded laptop compartment of your favorite grab-and-go tech bag.

For some users, the ability to flip the screen into portrait mode and use it to monitor social media feeds or browse lengthy websites is also nice.

It’s also a convenient monitor for occasional use. If you’ve got a particularly cramped space to work in but still want the benefits of a second monitor or small TV, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better solution than a portable monitor. Simply pop it up when needed, and when you’re finished, it tucks away easily into a desk drawer or shelf.

If you’re looking for a portable monitor, the Lepow portable gaming monitor offers great picture quality and a decent price. While we weren’t a fan of the included cover, we still think it’s a good monitor for what it claims to be.

If you want one of your own, you can head to Amazon and pick one up for $188.98. There is a limited-time promotion that allows users to take an extra $15 off by checking the Amazon coupon box on the listing.

• Great screen quality
• Excellent size and weight
• Powered via USB-C
• Includes HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI and USB-C cables.

• 1920 by 1080 pixel resolution can feel cramped in certain programs
• Included cover does not securely hold monitor upright

Filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the suit alleges Apple is at fault for allowing iTunes gift card scams to continue despite their relatively straightforward and predictable nature.

Further, Apple’s control of the App Store, iTunes and backend payments processing system supposedly affords transparency into, and veto power over, fraudulent transactions. The company is able to end scam transactions at multiple points in the process, but fails to act in the interest of its customers, the complaint argues.

In support documents, Apple notes scams typically follow a “formula” in which an attacker persuades a victim — sometimes under duress — to send them money in the form of an iTunes gift card. With a card number in hand, scammers can redeem the funds by making in-app purchases in apps they control. Alternatively, scammers can resell the card number on the black or gray markets.

Scammers net a diminished take of the gift card’s value in the above scenarios, but Apple comes out ahead with its customary 30% share of App Store purchases. This money is not returned to victims, the lawsuit notes.

As purveyor of iTunes gift cards and the App Store, Apple has unique insight into fraudulent dealings and can monitor, halt and reverse such processes with minimal effort, according to plaintiffs.

As noted in the complaint, Apple knows where gift cards are purchased, the Apple IDs to which card values are applied and where the funds are spent. The company also holds iTunes gift card payments for approximately 45 days before transferring the money to third-party app makers, a window that could be used to investigate complaints and reverse fraudulent transactions.

The case further claims Apple misrepresents its ability to deal with iTunes gift card scams. The company in its support documentation says, “Once [card] numbers are provided to the scammers, the funds on the card will likely be spent before you are able to contact Apple or law enforcement.” Terms and conditions outlined by the company attempt to limit its liability when cards are lost or stolen. Today’s suit in part challenges those claims.

“Even if that limitation of liability applied by its terms – which it arguably does not – Apple cannot disclaim liability for loss or damage resulting from scams which it intentionally aids, abets, and perpetuates,” the filing reads. “Any attempt by Apple to disclaim liability for loss or damage resulting from iTunes gift card scams would be unconscionable and unenforceable in light of its role in those scams and the profit that it makes and retains from such scams.”

Losses from victims who reported iTunes gift card scams to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission exceeded an estimated $93.5 million between 2015 and 2019. While exact numbers are unknown, the suit asserts only a small percentage of affected consumers report incidents to the FTC. If the true value of collective scam operations hit $1 billion, for example, Apple would have retained some $300 million in commissions.

Plaintiffs claim violation of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, violation of the California False Advertising Law, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, aiding and abetting intentional torts, violation of the California Elder Abuse Law, violation of the Elder Abuse Laws of Other States, and violation of the Oregon Elder Persons and Persons with Disability Abuse Prevention Act. They seek class certification, damages and court fees.

Teased on Apple’s regional retail website last week, the Sanlitun outlet is located in the Taikoo Li mall in Beijing. It replaces Apple’s first store to open in China, which closed its doors on Tuesday.

Just steps away from the original Apple Sanlitun, the new location is twice the size and features a number of firsts including an integrated solar panel array positioned on the store’s roof. The system will power the outlet which, like other Apple facilities, runs completely on renewable energy.

“This store sets a new standard for Apple Retail in China and we’re thrilled to build on our history in Beijing,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple SVP of retail and people. “We look forward to operating Apple Sanlitun, and all of our stores around the world, with the health and safety of our customers and teams as our top priority.”

Like other flagships, Apple Sanlitun includes a Forum, Viewing Gallery and Boardroom. The forum will host Today at Apple sessions, while the Viewing Gallery on the grand upper level looks out over Taikoo Li’s central square. Boardrooms at Apple retail stores are dedicated sales and support meeting spots for small businesses.

Architectural flourishes and materials sourced from local businesses complete the store’s aesthetic fingerprint. For example, the outlet’s 33-foot glass panels were made in Xiamen, while the floor is covered in Padang Light stone from the Shandong province. Planters on the west terrace hold Sophora japonica trees, the official tree of Beijing. Some 185 team members work at the Sanlitun location.

Apple Sanlitun opens on Friday at 10 a.m. local time. The company notes standard Chinese coronavirus protocols are in place, meaning customers should expect to show and scan their personal health QR code upon entry. Apple is also implementing a mask requirement, temperature checks and social distancing for visitors.

In related Apple retail news, the company on Thursday opened an updated and relocated store in Reston, Virginia. The new storefront, located next door to the previous outlet, is noticeably larger and features the usual accoutrements like a large central display and all-glass facade.

Apple has long allowed iPhone and iPad users to automatically install software updates overnight after they were manually downloaded. The new feature in iOS 13.6 and iPadOS 13.6 further automates the process by downloading new operating system versions without user intervention. That said, the system still alerts users before installing the software.

A new message that reads “iPhone will automatically download updates over Wi-Fi” is placed under the new toggle below the Automatic header in the Software Update panel.

To enable automatic iOS update downloads:

• Head to Settings
• Go to General > Software Update > Customize Automatic Updates
• Enable the “Download iOS Updates” toggle

Users may prefer to turn off automatic iOS update downloads so they can manually initiate the download at a preferred time, such as when they are at a home or work with faster Wi-Fi or if their home Wi-Fi has a data limit. Major iOS updates can be up to a few gigabytes in size.

Apple initially rejected PopVote over issues with the app’s code, and subsequently failed to review an updated version of the app, reports Quartz. Developers who attempted to contact the company have yet to receive a response.

Developed by organizers of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, PopVote was approved for use on Android and is currently available on the Google Play store. The app helped log a portion of the more than 600,000 digital and paper ballots cast in the unofficial primary held last weekend.

“We think it is being censored by Apple,” said Edwin Chu, IT advisor for the voting platform.

Prior to the vote, local officials cautioned the initiative might be construed as a violation of the national security law passed by Beijing on July 1, the report said. A Chinese government liaison called the primary “illegal” on Monday, according to a separate Quartz report.

Apple has not issued a statement on the matter and did not responded to a request for comment.

The tech giant has in the past sided with the Chinese government on Hong Kong protest matters, decisions that seemingly contradict a well crafted public persona as an advocate for free speech and human rights.

For example, Apple last year removed, reinstated and finally ousted HKmap Live, an app used by demonstrators to monitor police movement. CEO Tim Cook at the time defended the move, saying malcontents were utilizing the app to target police personnel and “victimize individuals and property.” Apple also removed the Quartz app from the Chinese App Store at the request of government officials. The outlet provides extensive coverage of the ongoing protests, often with pro-democracy slant.

Most recently, the Cupertino company is said to be evaluating the legal implications of Hong Kong’s national security law, an edict denounced by tech giants including Facebook, Google and Twitter. The law forbids separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign countries, among other ill-defined crimes, each of which can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Facets of the new regulations are designed to suppress protests, a commonly used and effective tool for pro-democracy advocates to voice displeasure of the ruling Communist Party.

In response to Beijing’s aggression, some companies have stopped responding to user data requests from Hong Kong. Apple has yet to take that step and in a statement last week said it does not process government directives directly from city officials. Instead, the company relies on U.S. Department of Justice guidance under the U.S.-Hong Kong Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.

Without citing sources, Italian blog Aggiornamenti Lumia in a tweet last week appears to claim an Apple-branded app will soon debut on Microsoft’s online storefront.

“A new Apple app coming soon to the Microsoft Store?” the cryptic tweet reads.

Aggiornamenti Lumia has no track record when it comes to predicting Apple product launches.

Late last year, a job listing on LinkedIn revealed Apple was looking to hire a software engineer who would work on the “next generation” of media apps for Windows. According to the post, Apple sought an individual with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) experience. The API, introduced alongside Windows 10, allows developers to write and deploy software for use on Windows 10, Xbox One and HoloLens.

Currently, Apple’s Windows app offerings consist of iTunes and iCloud, the former of which was dismantled on Mac with macOS Catalina.

Instead of one overarching, bloated app, Apple split its streaming services and content collection apps into multiple properties — Apple Music, TV, Podcasts and Books. Device management features previously integrated into iTunes likewise migrated to Mac’s Finder.

On Windows, however, iTunes is still the only official content management hub for iPhone and iPad owners. Further, the app acts as an access portal for Apple Music subscribers. Windows users can stream Apple Music and Apple TV+ content on the web, though Apple has yet to release dedicated software for doing the same on Microsoft’s operating system. That could change in the near future.

Whether Apple plans to issue new Windows apps for its various subscription products remains unclear, though the company is pushing hard to build out a booming services business.

B&H’s latest Deal Zone delivers a record-breaking discount of $450 off MSRP on the 256GB 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Late 2018) in Space Gray.

This model has a Verizon SIM inside, but is unlocked to work with AT&T and T-Mobile as well (a physical SIM card may be needed, please check with your carrier to confirm compatibility). At $849 with free shipping, the 24-hour iPad Pro deal delivers the lowest price available on the spacious tablet that can be paired with the Apple Pencil 2 (sold separately). The iPad Pro can also be bundled with AppleCare, bringing the total savings to $480 off when added together from B&H’s Deal Zone page.

With back-to-school around the corner, it’s a great time to pick up a new device for the student on your shopping list. Shoppers can also select between no interest financing when paid in full within 12 months with the B&H Financing Card or a sales tax refund when shipped to a qualifying zip code with the Payboo Card to further extend the savings.

To snap up the deal, visit B&H’s Deal Zone page and look for the corresponding offer. We’ve also included a few additional iPad Pro deals below that knock up to $500 off 3rd Gen models, with several of the tablets bundled with Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

24-hour iPad Deal Zone

• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (256GB, Verizon Unlocked): $849 ($450 off)

$699 iPad Pro promo with EDU Advantage

2018 iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard bundles

• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (512GB, Verizon LTE) + Magic Keyboard: $1,348 ($500 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (512GB, Verizon LTE) + Magic Keyboard & AppleCare: $1,477 ($500 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (1TGB, Verizon LTE) + Magic Keyboard: $1,548 ($500 off)
• 2018 12.9″ iPad Pro (1TB, Verizon LTE) + Magic Keyboard & AppleCare: $1,677 ($500 off)

Find even more 3rd Gen iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard bundle deals…

Don’t forget an Apple Pencil 2

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive discounts on Mac hardware that will not only deliver the best Apple prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus savings on AppleCare protection plans, Office 365 and more. These offers are as follows:

Subtitled “Inside Look: High Stakes at Sea,” the three-minute video expands on an earlier trailer by explaining the viewpoint of the ordeal from those at the center of “Greyhound.” As suggested by the cast and crew in the video, the people involved would have been under immense pressure, with the grim possibility of death at any time.

“Just imagine any way a sheep would try to ecape a pack of wolves and you’ve got a ship trying to get away from the Nazi submarines,” said Tom Hanks, who plays Captain Ernest Krause, the naval officer in charge of an international armada of ships delivering troops and supplies to allied forces during the Battle of the Atlantic.

“That was the game of The Battle of the Atlantic” Hanks continues. “The Nazis had submarines, U-boats, and their job was to sink any allied ship that was floating at sea.”

The video also includes pieces from military advisor and retired captain Dale Dye, director Aaron Schneider, and co-star Rob Morgan. Much of the video covers the weight on Krause’s shoulders, which Morgan explains was due to having “a lot of lives at his hands, and every decision he makes determines the outcome of the whole crew.”

“Greyhound” was released to Apple TV on July 10, but endured a somewhat turbulent marketing campaign. In an early interview, Hanks expressed disappointment that the film was being shown on Apple TV+ instead of theaters, but later he clarified his comments to say he was “actually thrilled that Apple TV+ is making it possible for everyone to see it.”