Can Apple Arcade re-create the magic of iOS gaming on the Mac?
When Apple Arcade launches this fall, it could be big news for Mac gamers. All signs so far are pointing to a games service that’s tailor-made for Macs, finally giving Mac gamers the platform they’ve been crying out for. Can Apple bring the iOS gaming magic to the Mac?
Report finds Apple routinely favors its own apps in App Store searches
According to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, Apple routinely ranks its own apps higher than those of competitors in the App Store, despite the fact that competitors' apps are often more popular. The report highlights that Apple could be considered to be operating a monopoly in the App Store.
Apple backs down, returns parental control app OurPact to App Store
Controversial parental control app OurPact has returned to the iOS App Store. In April this year, Apple removed a number of parental control apps which used a technology called Mobile Device Management that allows access to user location, app use, email accounts, camera permissions, and browsing history.
Mobile games are the biggest earners among 30.3 billion apps downloaded in Q2
According to a new report from AppAnnie, app downloads hit an all-time high in the second quarter of 2019. Games, in particular, saw a ton of growth, despite only accounting for 35% of downloads, games also accounted for 75% of consumer spending on mobile.
No, Apple isn’t moving toward a Mac App Store-only future. At least, not yet
Unlike iOS, you can get Mac apps from anywhere you want, not just the Mac App Store. But the word on the street is that Apple wants to put an end to that and make even more money by making the Mac App Store a monopoly. Don’t believe the hype -- it’s not true.
Apple Music and App Store return to normal after early morning outages
Apple Music, the iOS App Store, and the Mac Store, all experienced some pretty major outages early in the morning, only one day after Apple began seeding new operating systems to developers. The outages have since been resolved, and it's currently unclear if they had anything to do with the new software.
Apple increases cellular download limit from 150MB to 200MB
For the past few years, iOS has barred users from downloading files larger than 150MB, posing an issue for those who want to download large apps on the go. Now, however, that limit is being increased -- from 150MB to 200MB. Still, the fact that the limit can't be bypassed is frustrating for some.
Apple’s new website defends App Store from charge of monopolistic practices
Apple has published a new website about the App Store and App Store practices, in an attempt to highlight that the App Store is now a monopoly. The website highlights that Apple allows apps from competitors like Google, and has paid out over $120 billion to developers so far.
Apple might have to open iPhone to other app stores — here’s what that means
The Supreme Court ruled that an antitrust case against Apple can go ahead. The case is over whether or not Apple is a monopoly because of the way that it operates the App Store, and prevents the iPhone from being able to download apps from other stores. Here's what the ruling could mean for you.
Apple claims it removed Screen Time competitors over data privacy concerns
Apple is said to be taking aim against apps in the App Store that are competitors to its Screen Time feature, according to The New York Times. Apple claims that the apps are violating certain policies, but some have already been around for a while and downloaded millions of times.
Apple Arcade might be the new game subscription service worth signing up for
Apple will launch Apple Arcade -- a game subscription service with cross-platform support for iOS, Mac, and Apple TV -- this fall. At launch, the service will feature more than 100 exclusive games, with more added to the service regularly. Pricing details have not been revealed.
Apple is offering bonus credit for iTunes and App Store shoppers
Apple is offering a 10 percent bonus when you add funds to your Apple ID account, paving the way for a few free purchases of apps, music tracks, movies, and any other content you can find in its online stores. The offer runs through March 14, so you'll have to hurry if you want to take advantage of it.
Twice as many publishers earned first million on Apple App Store vs Google Play
Apple's App Store has created 164 new millionaire publishers in 2018, compared to only 88 from the Google Play Store. Games continue to lead the way for both platforms in terms of revenue, but the breakdown of the publishers in terms of app categories that they focused on were very different.
Apple v. Pepper: The Supreme Court could rule the App Store is a monopoly
The Supreme Court has decided to hear an interesting case that could decide whether or not Apple has a monopoly on app distribution. The case could have far-reaching implications for a number of tech companies, though it's likely to be a matter of years before the case is resolved.
Tumblr for iOS vanishes from App Store, possibly due to inappropriate content
Tumblr for iOS is currently only allowing searches in Safe Mode, and it is not available on the App Store. The speculation is that the app's disappearance had something to do with inappropriate content, since Tumblr is known for the adult-oriented blogs and art pieces on its platform.
Microsoft Office 365 apps will hit the revamped Mac App Store later this year
During the Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, Apple said Microsoft is working on Office 365 apps for the Mac App Store. They're likely based on Apple's just-revealed support for the iOS development platform in MacOS Mojave arriving later this year. Adobe Lightroom CC is on the way, too.
Apple removes apps with CallKit framework from the app store in China
Following the enforcement of new regulation from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Apple is removing apps that use the CallKit framework. Just last year, Apple removed VPN apps from China.
Apple is removing apps that overshare your location data with third parties
Apple has begun removing apps from the App Store that are in violation of location data policies. That means that if an app shares your location with third parties without your permission, it's being kicked off the platform. It's unclear as of yet exactly how many apps are affected by this crackdown.
Apps featured by the Apple App Store saw a bump of up to 800% in downloads
As per a new report from Sensor Tower, apps that are featured in the App Store -- particularly as the "App of the Day" or "Game of the Day," can see their download numbers increase by as much as 800 percent. That makes good on Apple's claim that the App Store redesign boosted discoverability for developers.
The amount users spent on iPhone apps in the U.S. rose 23 percent last year
In 2017, U.S. iPhone owners spent nearly a quarter more money on in-app purchases than they did in 2016. The average user spent $58 on in-app purchases -- up 23 percent from 2016. While that's not a staggering amount, it is about a dozen Starbucks lattes. The average iPhone owner had 45 apps installed.
Can you really trust app store ratings? We asked the experts
You may assume positive app store reviews are a sign of quality and vice versa, but that’s not always true. We look at whether you can trust app store reviews.
‘Florence’ is a superb meditation on love from the designer of ‘Monument Valley’
Designed by the man behind Monument Valley, Florence is brief but memorable journey about falling in and out of love.
Google Play sees 19 billion apps downloaded in previous quarter
Google Play and Apple's App Store are only growing. A hefty 19 billion apps were downloaded from Google Play in the fourth quarter, giving Google a 145-percent lead over Apple in app downloads.
Apple redesigns App Store web interface to be more in line with iOS
Apple has finally updated the web interface of the App Store to bring the design much more in line with the design of iOS.
App Store guidelines require developers to disclose loot box reward chances
A new update to the App Store guidelines now requires developers to disclose the reward chances for any loot box in their games.
Impressive ‘Cuphead’ iOS game is actually an elaborate scam
An iOS version of the platformer game Cuphead, found its way onto the App Store. The app was taken down after it was confirmed to be scam.
Apple builds excitement for future releases with App Store pre-orders
Apple has introduced a pre-order system for the App Store, where you can register to receive a new app automatically on the day of release.
Apple developers in China have made $17 billion in revenue since App Store launch
Apple executive Tim Cook shared that developers on the Apple platform have earned 112 billion yuan, or $16.93 billion in China.
Here’s how to easily navigate the redesigned App Store in iOS 11
Download Apple's latest mobile OS and notice something different? Here's how to navigate the App Store in iOS 11.
Hundreds of fraudulent trading apps pulled from Google Play, Apple App Store
More than 300 fraudulent binary trading apps have been pulled from Google Play and the Apple App Store after an investigation.
App Store update gives support reps the ability to respond to user reviews
This week, the App Store is extending the ability to reply to user reviews to customer support representatives, rather than just developers.
Apple Clears App Store of VPN apps and ad-blockers
Based on the App Store Developer Guidelines, Apple is only allowing ad blockers that use the Safari Content Blocker.
Apple’s new App Store policy will cut down on annoying ratings reminders
Apple is making an effort to cut down on ratings reminders -- the pop-ups that ask you to give a positive app review -- with new guidelines.
Apple's redesigned App Store brings cleaner look puts new apps front and center
Apple has taken the wraps off of a totally redesigned App Store for iOS 11, its latest and greatest mobile operating system.