The Chicago Journal

MacBook Demand Decline: Insights from Renowned Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on December 4, 2023

A Decline in MacBook Shipments

In a development that has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has recently made a noteworthy prediction regarding Apple’s MacBook computers. According to Kuo, in 2023, shipments of these iconic laptops are expected to decline by approximately 30% year over year, totaling around 17 million units. This forecast indicates a significant departure from the robust growth that Apple has historically enjoyed in the MacBook segment. As we dive deeper into this revelation, it becomes clear that several factors contribute to this downward trend.

The Struggle of the 15-inch MacBook Air

One of the central aspects of Kuo’s analysis revolves around the challenges faced by the new 15-inch MacBook Air. He pointed out that demand for this particular model has slipped significantly, especially following the back-to-school shopping season, which is typically a period of heightened consumer interest. The decline in demand for this specific MacBook variant is poised to impact MacBook shipments during Apple’s fourth quarter, a period traditionally known for its importance as consumers flock to purchase devices for holiday gifting.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

Delving deeper into the nuances of this decline, several factors come into play. Firstly, the transformation in the work landscape, precipitated by the global events of the past years, has led to a surge in remote work. As more individuals work from home, the need for portable laptops has somewhat diminished, impacting MacBook sales. This shift in consumer behavior highlights the profound impact external events can have on the tech industry’s trajectory. Secondly, Kuo identified what he referred to as a “waning consumer appeal” in Apple’s mini-LED and silicon technologies. These cutting-edge innovations, which once drew significant attention, are now facing shifting consumer sentiments. This element has further contributed to the decline, with shipments of the 15-inch MacBook Air projected to be down by more than 20% this year.

A Pause in Product Releases

Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of Kuo’s analysis is his revelation that Apple intends to abstain from launching any new products during the fourth quarter. This strategic pause is seen as an opportunity for the company to “clear inventory and reformulate new product and marketing strategies” for the upcoming year. Such a move, while uncharacteristic for a tech giant known for its consistent product releases, reflects Apple’s commitment to adapt to the changing market dynamics and consumer preferences.

Implications for the Tech Industry

Kuo’s insights extend beyond Apple’s specific circumstances. They prompt broader questions about the evolving nature of the tech industry and how unforeseen events can reshape market dynamics. As the demand for remote work solutions wanes, tech companies may need to pivot and adapt to changing consumer needs. The era of remote work has brought about a reevaluation of technology priorities, forcing companies to think innovatively to remain competitive in a dynamic landscape.

A Challenging Road Ahead

The insights provided by Ming-Chi Kuo not only shed light on the challenges Apple is currently facing in the MacBook market but also signal a broader shift in the consumer technology landscape. As demand patterns shift and consumer preferences continue to evolve, Apple is taking a proactive approach by pausing product releases and reevaluating its strategy. The coming months will be crucial as the tech giant navigates the ever-changing terrain of consumer technology and strives to maintain its market leadership.

MLS Season Pass becomes huge stepping stone

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on December 4, 2023

MLS Season Pass – Soccer has increased in popularity in the United States over the previous decade, owing to World Cup improvements.

Major League Soccer (MLS), the country’s domestic league, has also played a significant part in bringing one of the world’s most popular sports to the attention of Americans.

The MLS Season Pass has been in the works for years, and it will see the sport grow even further in 2023.

The news

The MLS Season Pass studio facility on Park Avenue and 106th Street in Manhattan had not yet been erected two months prior.

The goal was achieved thanks to a cooperation between MLS and Apple that worked under a specific timeframe: February 25, the start of the 2023 MLS season.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber stated during a season-launch event on Wednesday:

“I love this expression: no pressure, no diamonds. If you don’t put yourself to task, then you’re never going to be able to achieve the impossible.”

The ceremony was held in a building that will soon house MLS 360, a new whip-around program that will provide live look-ins, analysis, and conversations for every match.

There are also separate studios for pregame and postgame shows, which start and conclude each match night and use cutting-edge technology, capabilities, and designs.

“It’s been 27 years of waiting for this moment, to see this studio, to see MLS be put on the forefront,” said Taylor Twellman, an MLS Season Pass match analyst.

“I think all of us need to be reminded of how monumental today is and what this season’s going to be because I’ve never seen a studio like this.”

Read also: Riqui Puig has high hopes for 2023 LA Galaxy campaign

Streaming

The MLS Season Pass is a one-of-a-kind package that offers fans a consistent location to watch the regular season, Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup.

Before, games were shown on local or regional television.

They may now watch globally on Apple TV thanks to MLS’s partnership with Apple.

However, the matches will not be unique to Apple because there are still conventional partners that telecast some games, such as:

  • FOX Sports
  • TelevisaUnivision (Leagues Cup matches)
  • TSN
  • RDS

Schedules for MLS Season Passes have also been altered to around 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and occasionally Wednesdays are local time.

A new age

“Someone shared with me awesome insight, that an MLS executive recently said how baseball was born on the radio, football on TV, and soccer is being born now in the age of digital streaming,” said Jillian Sakovits, one of the MLS Season Pass hosts.

The MLS Season Pass also includes the following figures:

  • MLS Season Pass broadcaster Maurice Edu
  • MLS Commissioner Don Garber
  • Deputy Commissioner Gary Stevenson
  • MLS Season Pass Broadcaster Taylor Twellman

“We are playing in the global game and we’re not yet the global league that we want to be,” said Garber.

“And what better way to do that than with a global digital partner that is ubiquitous around the world?”

“It’s just starting, and I can tell you what it’s like to have our clubs talk to a player from Argentina or from Brazil or from Croatia or from England and know that you’ll be able to deliver a game directly to one of their fans with the click of a button,” he continued.

“That is perhaps the most exciting part of this new partnership.”

League expansion

For the next season, the MLS has increased its roster to 29 clubs, with St. Louis City SC making their debut.

Don Garber revealed on Wednesday that San Diego and Las Vegas, like they have in previous years, are viable candidates for the 30th franchise.

He also claimed that an announcement will be made by the end of the year, underlining the possibility of expanding beyond 30 clubs.

“I don’t ever say never in Major League Soccer,” said Garber. “There are many other markets that are opportunities for us.”

“Soccer is exploding professionally everywhere on the professional side, on the men’s and women’s side. So we’ll see.”

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Apple aware of thieves eyeing iPhone passcodes

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on September 5, 2023

Apple – When it comes to quality products, no other company comes close to Apple’s reputation.

Apple iPhones have been among the market’s most popular items.

As a result, if left unsecured, it may become the target of a swarm of bandits seeking to grab one from its owners.

Yet, thieves have adopted a new technique in their illegal operations.

iPhone thieves, according to studies, are increasingly seeking for a victim’s passcode before making their move.

The news

The Wall Street Journal reports that iPhone thieves are paying attention to their victims’ passcodes before snatching the Apple device.

They will then reset the settings, denying the owners access.

Victims have reported having their Apple iPhones taken from their hands in public areas such as pubs, only to discover that they had been locked out.

Passcode-savvy thieves can rapidly reset the victim’s Apple ID password.

They may also turn off the Locate My iPhone feature, leaving consumers in the dark and unable to track their iPhones.

Customers are also unable to delete additional devices associated with their Apple ID.

Criminals can also add a recovery key, denying the victim access to account recovery.

More than an isolated case

There were several reports, all alleging the same issue.

One victim, for example, said that a thief obtained an Apple Card by using the last four digits of their Social Security number in photographs.

Meanwhile, another woman had all of her family pictures destroyed.

The great majority of victims have previously reported to the authorities.

In one case, a victim reported identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission, alleging their loss.

Apple acknowledges the situation

With so many people experiencing the same problem, Apple is scrambling to come up with backup solutions.

The iPhone, according to a spokeswoman, is the most secure consumer mobile device on the market.

They went on to stress that the corporation is “tirelessly” striving to safeguard against new and emerging threats.

“We sympathize with users who have had this experience, and we take all attacks on our users very seriously, no matter how rare,” said the spokeswoman.

“We will continue to advance the protections to help keep user accounts secure.”

According to an Apple spokesperson, the new round of thefts is uncommon in that it includes both the device and the password or passcode.

Read also: Nvidia stands with the Microsoft deal

Preventing theft

Most systems recommend using a strong, unique password when creating passwords for devices and accounts.

The passcode, on the other hand, is a clear weak link, particularly when users select a short string of numbers for convenience.

Despite recent Apple improvements, the issue remains.

Apple has unveiled new ways to safeguard the Apple ID, such as physical security keys.

Apple suggests using Face ID and placing your palm over the screen when entering a passcode.

When Face ID (or Touch ID on prior versions) fails, the phone prompts the user for a password.

Upon unlocking the smartphone, enabling Apple Pay, and activating the iCloud Keychain password manager, the passcode shows.

Course of actions

It’s impossible to avoid theft, but Apple device users may make it more difficult for those who do.

Screen cover

Criminals routinely devise methods to get people’s passcodes, according to police authorities.

Some will even record their targets from a safe distance.

In public, users should use Face ID or Touch ID to prevent thieves from adding them to their list.

When a password or passcode is required, it is recommended that they input them like ATM pins.

Passcode strength

According to Adam Aviv, an associate professor of computer science at George Washington University, using six digits is a good practice.

Passcodes that are longer and more sophisticated will be more difficult to “shoulder surf,” according to Aviv.

Owners of Apple devices should use alphanumeric passcodes.

It is also advised to include a quick auto-lock to make it more difficult for thieves to change anything.

Additional protection

Most online banking applications require passcodes, and experts recommend generating one that is unique to the iPhone.

Users may also activate account limitations by setting up a Screen Time passcode, similar to how parents do with their children’s devices.

Third-party password manager

Although Apple’s built-in iCloud Keychain password manager is beneficial, passcode-protected passwords may also be read.

As a consequence, scammers can acquire access to bank accounts on their victims’ iPhones.

Nevertheless, users can use a third-party password manager that enables biometric authentication, like 1Password or Dashlane.

Delete traces of sensitive information

Some people are forgetful and may use photos of sensitive information, such as forms including their Social Security number, to help them remember.

As a result, it is wise to destroy duplicates of such documents.

As an alternative, users can use safe file storage in third-party password managers.

Act quickly if phone is stolen

If an iPhone is stolen, the owner must act quickly by checking in to iCloud from another device to locate and wipe the device clean.

Victims may easily call their carrier or go to a retail shop and have the sim deactivated to prevent them from receiving verification codes.

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MacBook to perform better with two new M2 chips

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on January 24, 2023

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MacBook: It was big news when Apple revealed on Tuesday that customers could now select between the M2 Pro and M2 Max CPUs for the new Macs.

The two CPUs are Apple’s most powerful processors used in Macs and MacBooks.

The M2 chips

Apple’s newest systems on chips (SoCs), the M2 Pro and M2 Max boost performance.

The Pro enhances the M2 architecture with more than 32GB of fast, unified memory, a 12-core CPU, and a 19-core GPU.

While the Max improves those characteristics, the M2 Pro includes a 38-core GPU that boosts the unified memory bandwidth and 96GB of unified memory.

The CPUs feature improved proprietary technologies, including Apple’s powerful and renowned media engine and a faster 16-core Neural Engine.

The M2 Max significantly improves the performance and usefulness of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, while the M2 Pro premieres on the Mac mini.

“Only Apple is building SoCs like M2 Pro and M2 Max,” said Johny Srouji, the senior vice president of Apple’s Hardware Technologies.

“They deliver incredible pro performance along with industry-leading power efficiency.”

“With an even more powerful CPU and GPU, support for a larger unified memory system, and an advanced media engine, M2 Pro and M2 Max represent astonishing advancements in Apple silicon.”

The Mac mini

The new Mac mini is more capable and influential at a reasonable rate, and it delivers features including faster speed, more unified memory, and cutting-edge networking.

While the M2 Pro version can accommodate up to three displays, the M2 model only supports two.

The Mac mini comes with the innovative and user-friendly Mac OS Ventura, the Studio Display, and Magic Access.

Greg Joswiak, the Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Apple, said:

“With incredible capabilities and a wide array of connectivity in its compact design, Mac mini is used in so many places, in so many different ways.”

“Bringing even more performance and a lower starting price, Mac mini with M2 is a tremendous value.”

“And for users who need powerful pro performance, Mac mini with M2 Pro is unlike any other desktop in its class.”

Furthermore, Apple no longer produces or sells Mac minis equipped with Intel Processors.

The last gadget with an Intel Processor installed is the Mac Pro.

Read also: NetChoice claims California law violates First Amendment, sues state

Launch

The M2 Pro and M2 Max processors and the Mac mini were introduced following Luca Maestri’s word of caution in October.

The revenue for the December quarter was expected to decrease annually, according to Apple’s chief financial officer.

While this is happening, it’s possible that Apple’s failure to deliver the MacBooks in time for the holiday shopping season is causing the decline.

In October, Apple announced the results of its fiscal fourth quarter, and its earnings and sales per share outperformed expectations on Wall Street.

The tech behemoth missed its sales targets for many product categories, including the iPhone business and services.

In a precarious economic climate, the new Macs will be released when many consumers are still dealing with inflation.

In light of the ongoing recessionary worries, most consumers have likewise learned to be more modest with their spending.

Earnings report

Apple’s earnings report will be made public at the end of this month.

Sales for the tech company’s December quarter were $10.85 billion, up 25% from the same time in 2022

Despite the effects of the epidemic and problems with the supply chain, the company at the time had its biggest quarterly revenues ever.

Pricing

Pre-orders for Apple’s innovative products, which will go on sale on January 24, will be processed starting on Tuesday.

The price of the Mac mini with an M2 processor is $599, which is $100 less than the previous models.

However, the M2 Pro model would cost you roughly $1,299.

The cost of the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is $1,999 as well.

Last but not least, the 16-inch MacBook Pro model costs about $2,499.

References:

Apple announces new Mac mini, MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips

Apple introduces new Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro – more powerful, capable, and versatile than ever

Apple unveils M2 Pro and M2 Max: new-generation chips for next-level workflows

Tesla and Apple face major China headwinds

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on January 10, 2023

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Tesla: Apple and Tesla, two of the leading US tech firms, are currently experiencing problems with their stock values.

Because the two firms are facing significant challenges in China, investors are concerned.

Apple’s stock decreased by more than 3% as concerns about the iPhone lineup for the December quarter increased.

Tesla, however, saw a 12% drop on Tuesday when the company reported that deliveries missed the mark of analyst expectations.

China’s influence

Challenges in China may factor in the two tech giants’ stock values declining.

The country contributes 17% of Apple’s sales and 23% of Tesla’s income, making it a big market for both companies.

Daniel Ives of Wedbush Securities, offered his opinion on the companies’ issues.

“China is the heart and lungs of both demand and supply for both Apple and Tesla.”

“The biggest worry for the Street is that the China economy and consumer are reining in spending, and this is an ominous sign.”

He continued:

“In 2022, the worry was supply chain issues and zero Covid-related issues, 2023 is the demand worry and this has cast a major overhang on both Apple and Tesla, which heavily relied on the Chinese consumer.”

Tesla delivery

The share price of Tesla decreased as a result of the delay in vehicle deliveries.

Deliveries of cars fell short of expectations in the fourth quarter, falling to 405,278 from 427,000.

Both the supply chain and Chinese demand were factors in the drop.

During the entirety of 2022, Covid interruptions impacted Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory.

However, analysts have also voiced concerns about Chinese consumer demand.

“Tesla will point to supply disruptions and lockdowns as the main problem in China in 2022,” said Bill Russo, the CEO of Shanghai-based Automobility.

“While these are real headwinds, it cannot hide the fact that demand has softened for a variety of reasons, and their order backlog is 70% smaller than it was prior to the Shanghai lockdown.”

Shanghai saw lockdowns in the latter weeks of March 2022 as the authorities sought to contain an outbreak of Covid.

Headwinds

Investors are concerned that Tesla may reduce pricing to draw customers, which puts pressure on margins.

In October, Tesla lowered the price of the Model 3 and Model Y in China, returning to the 2022 pricing company had previously established.

Another obstacle for Tesla in China is the escalating domestic competition from companies like Nio and Li Auto.

Additionally, this year will see the launch of new models from domestic rivals at lower pricing.

“Tesla’s models have been in the market for a while and are not as fresh to the Chinese consumer as other alternatives,” offered Russo.

“What we are learning is, EV product life cycles are short as they are shopped for their technology features.”

“Buying an older EV is like buying last year’s smartphone,” he continued.”

“They need new or refreshed models to reignite the market. Just pricing lower can damage their brand in the long run.”

Read also: Prices of 2022: the highs and lows

iPhone factory problems

Investors are anticipating Apple’s fiscal first-quarter results, which will probably include the December holiday season.

The largest iPhone manufacturer in China, Zhengzhou, experienced a Covid incident in October.

Foxconn, the factory’s owner, placed restrictions.

By November, there had been numerous employee walkouts due to a salary dispute.

Foxconn tried to entice them back with incentives.

Since then, things have become more stable.

Additionally, according to Reuters, the factory was almost running at full capacity on Tuesday.

The incident exposed Apple’s reliance on China for iPhone production.

According to the tech titans, the facility was reportedly operating at significantly lower capacity due to the Covid ban.

Fears

According to Evercore ISI analysts, Apple had a $5 to $8 billion sales imbalance in the quarter ending in December.

However, according to Refinitiv’s estimate, the company may report a 1% yearly decline in revenue in the December quarter.

Investors who expected the iPhone 14 to do well have also expressed concern.

However, Apple is facing more than just supply chain issues.

China has modified its zero-Covid policy to reopen its economy.

But, widespread Covid-19 outbreaks in the country could affect iPhone demand.

IDC research manager Will Wong offered his opinion on the matter and stated:

“The key challenge is expected to be on the demand side, especially since resilient high-end consumers may have started to shift their spending to travel while some may have shifted their focus to medical supplies.”

“The shift in spending will pose a key challenge in the short term.”

Reference:

China risks loom over US tech giants Tesla and Apple as share prices plunge

TikTok receives ban on government devices

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on December 26, 2022

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TikTok: It’s a new step that the bipartisan spending agreement will forbid TikTok from being utilized on equipment used by the government.

On Friday, the legislation was approved by both Houses of Congress.

The decision highlights the growing anxiety surrounding the popular video-sharing app, which is owned by the Chinese corporation ByteDance.

The bill

President Joe Biden has not yet given his approval to the bipartisan spending plan.

It urges e-commerce retailers to conduct more research to halt the sale of counterfeit goods online.

The measure also increases the filing fees for companies seeking to merge with federal antitrust regulators.

However, Congress was unable to pass a number of strict measures aimed at the tech industry, including:

  • Antitrust legislation that requires Apple and Google app stores to give developers more payment options
  • A measure mandating new guardrails to protect children online

In spite of progress made by Congress in 2022 toward a compromise measure on national privacy standards, a patchwork of state laws continue to govern the protection of consumer data.

Reaction to the bill

The Chamber of Progress, a center-left-leaning organization in the tech sector, praised the rejection of many antitrust bills that would have targeted its donors which included:

  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • Google
  • Meta

Following the presentation of the package, Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress, made the following official statement:

“What you don’t see in this year’s omnibus are the more controversial measures that have raised red flags on issues like content moderation.”

The company has previously expressed worries about the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, a well-known antitrust statute.

NetChoice, another tech organization, praised Congress for refusing to include unrestrained extremist progressive ideas to alter American antitrust law.

However, the legislation that was enacted by lawmakers as part of the budget package would have an impact on the industry in a number of different ways.

Read also: Sam Bankman-Fried to receive bail for $250 million

TikTok ban

The removal of TikTok from devices provided by the government may have an influence on rival platforms like Snap, Facebook, and Instagram that are fighting for the attention of younger users.

Exemptions from the law are also provided for research, national security, and law enforcement purposes.

Lawmakers and FBI Director Christopher Wray are concerned that TikTok’s ownership structure may expose US user data to Chinese firms that may be required by law to turn over user information.

Although TikTok has often stated that the information it gathers from US users is not kept in China, these assertions have had little impact.

The company has been attempting to come to an agreement with the government through the US Committee on Foreign Investment to allay worries about national security.

A spokesperson for TikTok released the following statement after the announcement:

“We’re disappointed that Congress has moved to ban TikTok on government devices – a political gesture that will do nothing to advance national security interests – rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review.”

“The agreement under review by CFIUS will meaningfully address any security concerns that have been raised at both the federal and state level.”

“These plans have been developed under the oversight of our country’s top national security agencies – plans that we are well underway in implementing – to further secure our platform in the United States, and we will continue to brief lawmakers on them.”

Mergers

Even though other antitrust measures targeting digital platforms were not included in the end-of-year legislation, a bill that helps raise funds for the antitrust institutions that investigate mergers did.

The Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act raises the filing fee that companies pursuing significant mergers must pay to the antitrust agencies in order to comply with the law’s requirements.

Additionally, the bill lowers the cost of smaller fees and allows for yearly charge adjustments in accordance with the CPI.

The measure’s targeted beneficiaries are the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice Antitrust Division.

Both have seen a large increase in merger filings over the past few years without adequate budget increases.

Despite falling short of antitrust groups’ hopes, the measure incorporating the merger filing fee was praised.

According to Sarah Miller, executive director of the American Economic Liberties Project, the bill would strengthen antitrust law for the first time since 1976.

“This is a major milestone for the anti-monopoly movement,” said Miller.

“Big Tech, Big Ag, and Big Pharma spent extraordinary sums in an unprecedented effort to keep Congress from delivering on antitrust reform and undermine the ability of state and federal enforcers to uphold the law – and they lost.”

The bill’s proponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, claimed that updating merger fees after decades is vital to provide antitrust enforcers with the resources they require to carry out their duties.

“This is clearly the beginning of this fight and not the end,” she said.

“I will continue to work across the aisle to protect consumers and strengthen competition.”

Read also: Twitter and Elon Musk sued by former workers

Tech impact on children

The bill contains the Children and Media Research Advancement (CAMRA) Act.

It authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to do research on how media and technology affect young children, teenagers, and infants.

According to the law, the following technological advancements may have an effect on physical, mental, and cognitive health:

  • Social media
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Video games
  • Virtual reality

The director of the National Institutes of Health must provide a report to Congress on the organization’s operations within two years of the law’s adoption.

Reference:

TikTok banned on government devices under spending bill passed by Congress

Twitter Blue is $3 more for iPhone users

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on December 19, 2022

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With an emphasis on the Twitter Blue subscription service, Elon Musk and Twitter have been collaborating to improve the organization’s revenue model.

On Monday, the social media company revealed a new iteration of Twitter Blue.

Last month, Elon Musk halted and postponed the launch, which prompted the upgrade.

Apple service

For web users, Twitter Blue is $8 per month; however, Apple customers are in for a shock since the subscription costs them $11.

There is an additional $3 fee for iOS users who purchase the subscription through the Apple App Store.

The price rise is a result of Elon Musk, the new owner, lately expressing his displeasure with the tech giant’s 30% decline in digital revenue generated by applications.

The cut

Musk began criticizing Apple in November over its decreased Twitter advertising expenditures and its 30% decline in digital sales due to applications.

Tesla’s CEO added that Apple has threatened to remove Twitter from the App Store.

Musk said that he was “going to war” in a later deleted tweet.

Additionally, he suggested he would design his own brand of cellphones from the ground up.

Apple’s reactions

Apple CEO Tim Cook remained silent on Musk’s activities despite numerous provocations.

From a commercial standpoint, Twitter is just another app, and the major tech company doesn’t make much money from its in-app transactions.

Read also: Apple upgrades iCloud security for user safety

Government intervention

Republicans JD Vance, the next senator from Ohio, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advised Musk on how to pressure Apple.

DeSantis stated that Congress should investigate Apple’s use of monopoly power if it carried out its threat to fire Twitter.

“You also hear reports Apple is threatening to remove Twitter from the App Store because Elon Musk is actually opening it up for free speech,” said DeSantis.

“And [Musk] is restoring a lot of accounts that were unfairly and illegitimately suspended for putting out accurate information about Covid.”

“If Apple responds to that by nuking them from the app store, I think that would be a huge, huge mistake, and it would be a really raw exercise of monopolistic power.”

On the other hand, JD Vance expressed similar views and said:

“This would be the most raw exercise of monopoly power in a century, and no civilized country should allow it.”

Previous pullouts

The digital behemoths will likely delist Twitter’s app from the App Store if Apple stops collecting platform fees.

Fortnite launched a feature to the iPhone app in 2020 that allowed players to purchase in-game cash from Epic Games directly, lessening Apple’s typical 30% cut of purchases.

Apple took Fortnite off the App Store the same day.

Later, Apple prevailed in a court battle with the other party.

An appeal, however, is still ongoing.

Musk wants to generate more revenue through Twitter subscriptions rather than through adverts.

Twitter is cutting costs while carrying a sizable debt, which reduces Apple’s advertising, a significant challenge.

The subscription

Twitter announced on Saturday that users with verified phone numbers would see a blue checkmark when an account is reviewed and approved.

Subscribers to the Blue service will have access to exclusive features and services, such as tweet editing.

Twitter also promised users the following:

  • Fewer ads on their timeline
  • The option to post longer videos
  • Priority in replies and mentions

The relaunch includes a feature that enables companies to get a gold checkmark.

To avoid impersonations, governments will also have a gray checkmark.

Users can modify their username, display name, and profile photo, according to Twitter.

But if they did, their blue check would be forfeited until their account was again examined.

Elon Musk also disclosed that there would be other functionalities.

Early launch

An early version of Twitter Blue went live in November.

After some users started mimicking companies, the government, and prominent people, Musk promptly shut down the service.

One account tweeted that insulin was free while posing as the pharmaceutical company Eli Lily.

As a result of the false assertion, the company’s stock price fell sharply.

The same issue also plagued the website of the pharmaceutical business AbbVie.

It was once more delayed despite Musk’s assurances that the service would resume on November 29.

Read also: Meta threatens to remove news content on FB

Musk

The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX paid $44 billion in October to purchase the social media site.

He has concentrated on Twitter Blue since taking over to replace advertising revenue.

The “huge lever” and the power of the people would be provided by the new verification mechanism, according to Musk.

Before his acquisition, Musk was a vociferous opponent of Twitter’s prior verification process since it favored users like:

  • Politicians
  • Executives
  • Members of the press
  • Organizations

Other social networking sites operated by Meta, like Facebook and Instagram, utilize similar verification mechanisms.

Users who were verified under Twitter’s previous strategy are now regarded as legacy verified accounts that “may not be notable” due to the debut of the new service.

Elon Musk announced Monday that all legacy blue checks would soon be destroyed.

“The way in which they were given out was corrupt and nonsensical,” said Musk.

References:

Twitter Blue relaunches, now costs $11 per month if you subscribe from an iPhone

Elon Musk may be luring Apple into a fight with Republicans

Apple upgrades iCloud security for user safety

Nicholas Alexander Nicholas Alexander on December 19, 2022

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Apple: On Wednesday, the tech giants announced plans to expand end-to-end data encryption to strengthen user data protection.

The extension covers backups, photos, notes, chat history and other services.

However, Apple’s plan will increase tensions with law enforcement agencies around the world.

The expansion

The new security tools add a new feature called Advanced Data Protection.

It allows users to protect specific data from hackers, government, spies and Apple data leaks.

Additionally, the extension will prevent law enforcement from accessing the data.

Apple’s end-to-end encryption ensures that even the platform cannot access the data.

Only the sender and the recipient have access to the data.

Previous clashes

As a result, the tech giant cannot honor requests to disclose data stored in the cloud to investigators.

Apple previously butted heads with law enforcement over attempts to access device data.

An instance came when the FBI tried to break into the iPhone of one of the shooters from the 2015 attack in San Bernardino, California.

Read also: Lensa AI terms and conditions prove to be dangerous

Privacy

Apple recently made privacy an essential pillar of user pitch through a mix of new tools, including a feature to protect journalists and human rights activists from spyware.

The company has framed the expansion as part of its efforts to combat increasingly complex threats to user data from hackers and a spike in data breaches.

Privacy groups have been urging Apple to increase encryption for iCloud backups for years.

Craig Federighi is the senior vice president of software engineering at Apple.

He spoke to the Wall Street Journal about some of the steps the company took more than a decade ago in designing iCloud and how it encrypts its data needed to build to date.

Encryption

Apple published a blog post stating that iCloud already protects 14 categories of sensitive data with standard end-to-end encryption.

Categories include Passwords in the iCloud keychain and Data Health.

It also adds nine more categories.

However, due to interoperability issues, the new list doesn’t include encryption for iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar.

Read also: TikTok a security concern according to FBI

Impact

Matthew Green, cryptographer and associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Information Security Institute, believes Apple’s move will raise the standard for others to improve encryption.

On Wednesday, he tweeted:

“Why is this a big deal? Because Apple sets the standard on what secure (consumer) cloud backup looks like.”

“Even as an opt-in feature, this move will have repercussions all over the industry as competitors chase them.”

Meanwhile, the FBI released a statement indicating that it is still concerned about the end-to-end thread and user access-only encryption.

“This hinders our ability to protect the American people from criminal acts ranging from cyber-attacks and violence against children to drug trafficking, organized crime and terrorism,” said the FBI.

“End-to-end and user-only-access encryption erodes law enforcement’s ability to combat these threats and administer justice for the American public.”

Reference:

Apple plans to expand encryption of iCloud data

Foxconn production is back, reviving iPhone city

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on December 12, 2022

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Foxconn, Apple’s supplier, has announced plans to gradually restore manufacturing capacity at its sprawling campus in central China.

Covid-19 restrictions and worker protests hit the site two months ago.

Statement

Known as iPhone City, Foxconn has hundreds of thousands of employees.

The Taiwanese contractor said that they recently brought the factory’s epidemic situation under control.

“We have also started to recruit new employees,” the statement said.

“And [we] are gradually moving toward the direction of restoring production capacity to normal.”

The Foxconn statement says that the fourth quarter outlook likely aligns with market consensus.

Read also: Elon Musk wary of Twitter removal from Apple

Disruption

Continued supply disruption to Foxconn’s Zhengzhou campus is costing Apple more than $1 billion a week in lost iPhone sales, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives.

Ives estimates that Apple will be short on just over 10-15 million iPhones before the holiday season.

The disruptions came in October after workers left the campus over concerns about working conditions and food shortages.

The factory offered bonuses to employees due to worker shortages.

However, protests erupted in November when newly hired employees claimed management had not kept its promises.

As a result, employees clashed with security officers before the company offered them cash to quit and leave.

Analysts say the iPhone city’s manufacturing woes are speeding up Apple’s supply chain diversification outside of China.

Read also: Apple to see iPhone 14 models shipment setback

Production shift

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple recently accelerated plans to move production out of China.

Additionally, the tech giant is telling suppliers to move Apple product assembly to other countries like India and Vietnam.

Daniel Ives wrote a report on Sunday, saying:

“The shift out of China will not be easy and come with clear logistical, engineering, and infrastructure hurdles as the aggressive move to India and Vietnam now begins with the Apple ecosystem alerted.”

If Apple acted aggressively, more than 50% of iPhone production could come from India and Vietnam by the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

Reference:

Foxconn says it’s restoring production at the world’s largest iPhone factory

Elon Musk wary of Twitter removal from Apple

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on November 29, 2022

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Elon Musk has claimed that Apple is threatening to remove Twitter from its iOS app store, which could throw off Twitter’s business.

The revelation fell on Monday.

If Apple goes ahead with its plan, it would be devastating for the company that Musk recently bought for $44 billion.

The tweets

On Monday, Elon Musk made several tweets targeting Apple and its CEO over the alleged move that could ruin Twitter’s business.

“Apple has also threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won’t tell us why,” Musk tweeted.

In another, the Twitter owner said Apple has largely stopped advertising.

“Do they hate free speech in America,” he asked, referencing his desire to bolster his idea of free speech on Twitter.

“What’s going on here [Apple CEO Tim Cook]?”

Elon Musk also criticized Apple’s size, claiming the tech giant engages in “censorship.”

He then blasted the 30% transaction fee Apple charges major app developers to get their apps up for the app store.

Read also: Jobless claims exceed analyst’s expectations

Relationship

Elon Musk’s tweets shed light on his relationship with the tech giant.

Before acquiring the social media platform, Musk said when Tesla ran into problems, he considered selling the company to Apple.

However, Cook reportedly refused to meet him.

Removal

Removing Twitter from the Apple App Store (or even Google) would damage Twitter’s operations.

The social media platform is already struggling after losing advertisers following its acquisition.

In addition, the company is trying to increase its profits through its subscription business.

Apple has already shown a willingness to remove apps from its App Store due to concerns about harmful content or attempts to circumvent cuts Apple offers on purchases and subscriptions.

For example, Apple removed Parler in January 2021.

Parler was a popular app among conservatives, especially the far right.

Apple removed it after the Capitol attack over concerns about the platform’s ability to detect and moderate hate speech.

However, Parler returned to the App Store after three months following an update on its content moderation practices.

Read also: Russia threatens Europe, says it may cut gas

Apple

Earlier this month, Tim Cook had an interview with CBS.

He was asked if Twitter could somehow change that would cause Apple to remove the app from the app store.

“They say that they’re going to continue to moderate and so… I count on them to do that,” said Cook.

“Because I don’t think that anybody really wants hate speech on their platform. So I’m counting on them to continue to do that.”

Yoel Roth, former head of trust and safety at Twitter, also hinted that the company has already received calls from App Store moderators since the Musk acquisition.

Roth said Twitter’s failure to follow Google’s and Apple’s App Store rules could be disastrous.

Phil Schiller, head of Apple’s App Store, deleted his Twitter account last weekend.

While the relationship between Apple and Twitter is unclear, the tech giant recently posted Black Friday announcements on social media.

Meanwhile, many companies have recently reduced their digital ad spending due to the economic downturn.

Twitter probably represents a small portion of Apple’s advertising budget.

However, Apple’s impact could be more remarkable, especially if Musk manages to shift his core business to subscription revenue and potentially pay Apple a 30% cut.

Reference:

Elon Musk claims Apple has ‘threatened to withhold’ Twitter from its app store