Hasty Briefsbeta

All tags

#apple

359 stories total

Bilingual

Apple announces sweeping App Store changes in the EU
10 months ago
- Apple announces major changes to App Store guidelines in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
- Developers can now promote offers across all channels, not just their own websites.
- Multiple destinations and tracking parameters are now allowed in apps.
- Users will see a disclosure sheet the first time they tap on an external link, with an option to opt out for future interactions.
- New business terms include an Initial Acquisition Fee of 2% for new users for the first six months.
- Store Services Fee is split into two tiers: Tier One (5%) with limited services and Tier Two (13%, reduced to 10% for Small Business Program members).
- Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per install over 1 million for developers on alternative terms.
- Core Technology Commission of 5% on sales through in-app promotion of alternative payments for developers on standard terms.
- Apple plans to shift to a unified business model by January 1, 2026.
- Apple disagrees with the European Commission's requirements and plans to appeal.
- Apple has until July 7 to file its appeal.
App Store search is not a user feature
10 months ago
- Apple announced updates for apps in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- New App Store policies introduce two tiers: Tier 1 (reduced fees, limited services) and Tier 2 (full services, higher fees).
- Tier 1 developers pay a 5% commission, while Tier 2 developers pay 13% (or 10% for small businesses).
- Tier 1 excludes features like broad match search, search suggestions, and natural language search.
- Apple's distinction between tiers treats App Store search as a developer feature, not prioritizing user experience.
- App Store search ads prioritize paid placements over relevant results, harming both users and developers.
- The App Store's monetization strategies, like search ads, prioritize Apple's profits over user or developer benefits.
- The comparison between the App Store and retail stores highlights the App Store's shortcomings in customer service.
More on Apple's Trust-Eroding 'F1 the Movie' Wallet Ad
10 months ago
- Apple sent a push notification from the Wallet app promoting F1 The Movie, which was seen as destructive to user trust.
- Physical wallets don't have ads, so Apple Wallet should maintain the same privacy and intimacy.
- Apple Wallet is trusted with sensitive information like finances, identity cards, and keys, making ads inappropriate.
- Users might think Apple Wallet is tracking their interests if they receive targeted ads, harming trust in privacy.
- The ad undermines Apple's efforts to position Wallet as private and trustworthy compared to other tech companies.
- The perception of privacy is crucial, and this ad damages that perception, warranting accountability for the decision.
The Original Macintosh: Calculator Construction Set
10 months ago
- Chris Espinosa started working at Apple at age 14 and became one of its earliest employees.
- He left Apple in 1978 for college but continued freelance work, including writing the Apple II Reference Manual.
- In 1981, Steve Jobs convinced Chris to drop out of college to join the Mac team full-time as the manager of documentation.
- Chris focused on documenting Quickdraw, the Macintosh's graphics package, and created a demo program featuring a calculator.
- Steve Jobs critiqued the initial calculator design, leading Chris to develop a customizable 'Calculator Construction Set' with adjustable parameters.
- Steve Jobs fine-tuned the calculator's design using the new tool, and this design became the standard Macintosh calculator for years.
A brief history of web browsers
10 months ago
- Apple released the first version of Safari in January 2003, replacing earlier browsers like Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer.
- Early browsers like Netscape Navigator (1994-2007) and Microsoft's Internet Explorer (1996) were prominent before Safari's introduction.
- Apple's Cyberdog, an innovative browser, was abandoned in 1997, leading to Internet Explorer being bundled with Macs.
- Alternatives to Internet Explorer included Camino (2002-2012) and OmniWeb (1995-2012), which were popular among Mac users.
- Safari was first bundled with Mac OS X 10.3 Panther in October 2003 and has since been a staple in Apple's operating systems.
- Early versions of Safari had performance issues, with Safari 2.0.4 in 2006 being the first stable release.
- Safari 3 (2007) claimed to be the fastest browser but faced bugs and security issues initially.
- Safari 4 (2009) introduced performance improvements and integration with Google Safe Browsing Service.
- Safari 5 (2010) added Reader mode and support for third-party extensions.
- By 2016, Safari had reached version 10, with enhanced controls for plugins like Adobe Flash Player.
- Recent versions of Safari (since 2021) feature on-the-fly translation and are bundled across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS.
- Despite competition from Google Chrome, Safari remains the preferred browser for many Apple users.
The F1 movie is a cinema smash hit, on track to outperform previous Apple films
10 months ago
- Apple's F1 movie is set to earn $145 million in its opening weekend, surpassing all previous Apple Original Films' debuts.
- Previous Apple films like 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and 'Napoleon' had lower opening weekends and total earnings compared to F1.
- Audience reception for F1 is positive, likely leading to strong word-of-mouth sales and higher demand for premium tickets like IMAX.
- Industry analysts predict F1's worldwide gross could reach $500-$600 million, outperforming all previous Apple films combined if it crosses $517 million.
- Apple's future commitment to theatrical releases is uncertain, with recent misfires causing hesitation, though director Joseph Kosinski's next project is promised a wide theatrical run.
Apple patent leap in camera sensor tech, nearing human eye dynamic range
10 months ago
- Apple is investigating new image sensor technology with up to 20 stops of dynamic range, surpassing professional cinema cameras like ARRI ALEXA 35.
- The patent describes a stacked sensor design with a 1,048,576:1 contrast ratio, capturing light without loss of detail.
- Current iPhone 15 Pro Max dynamic range is estimated at 11-13.4 stops, lagging behind professional cameras and human eye capabilities.
- Apple's sensor combines a sensor die for light capture and a logic die for processing, featuring LOFIC and real-time noise cancellation.
- Potential applications include cinematic HDR on mobile devices, real-time noise-free video, and professional-quality imaging in compact form factors.
- The technology could disrupt mobile cinematography, HDR streaming, AR/VR, and professional filmmaking.
- Skepticism remains due to unanswered technical questions and the speculative nature of patents.
Apple looked into building its own AWS competitor
10 months ago
- Apple is considering launching its own developer cloud services, dubbed Project ACDC (Apple chips in data centers), to compete with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- The service would leverage Apple's own chips, offering better AI inference performance at a lower cost compared to traditional servers with Intel chips.
- Apple has already started using its own chips in data centers for services like Private Cloud Compute and Siri, improving performance and reducing costs.
- The project was championed by Michael Abbott, but its current status is unclear following his departure in 2023.
- Apple's move into cloud services aligns with its broader strategy to grow services revenue amid regulatory pressures on App Store fees and its Google search deal.
- The service could appeal to developers by offering a more cost-effective alternative to third-party cloud providers' GPU instances.
About that A18 Pro MacBook rumor
10 months ago
- Digitimes reported in late 2023 that Apple was developing a low-cost MacBook, sparking speculation.
- Apple's strategy involves reusing older technologies to create more affordable products, like the M1 MacBook Air.
- The M1 MacBook Air is still available at Walmart for $649, showing its longevity.
- Ming-Chi Kuo reports a more-affordable MacBook with an A18 Pro processor may enter production in late 2025 or early 2026.
- The A18 Pro processor is 46% faster than the M1 in single-core tasks and similar in multi-core and graphics tasks.
- A new low-cost MacBook could attract customers who wouldn't buy a full-priced Mac, similar to the M1 MacBook Air's audience.
Apple just released a weirdly interesting coding language model
10 months ago
- Apple released a new AI model called DiffuCode-7B-cpGRPO on Hugging Face.
- The model uses a diffusion-based approach for code generation, allowing out-of-order token generation.
- Adjusting the temperature setting makes the model behave more like an autoregressive model or allows more flexibility.
- DiffuCode-7B-cpGRPO is built on top of Alibaba's Qwen2.5-7B model and fine-tuned for better code generation.
- The model shows a 4.4% improvement on coding benchmarks but still lags behind GPT-4 and Gemini Diffusion.
- Apple's generative AI efforts are progressing with novel ideas, though real-world applications remain uncertain.
- AirPods deals on Amazon include discounts on various models.
macOS Icon History
10 months ago
- Apple introduces Liquid Glass UI in macOS 26, featuring softer, shinier, glassier icons.
- Icon design changes include slightly more rounded rectangles and no elements extending beyond the icon rectangle.
- The update is one of the most dramatic visual overhauls in macOS history.
- A collection chronicling the evolution of macOS system icons is being shared on social media and will be updated over the summer.
- Recent updates include icons for System Preferences/Settings, Folders, Stickies, Notes, Messages, Calculator, Game Center, Dictionary, App Store, Maps, Podcasts, and Photo Booth.
Show HN: I extracted the safety filters from Apple Intelligence models
10 months ago
- Decrypted Generative Model safety files for Apple Intelligence containing filters.
- Directory structure includes 'decrypted_overrides/', 'com.apple.*/', 'Info.plist', and 'AssetData/'.
- Scripts provided: 'get_key_lldb.py' to retrieve encryption key and 'decrypt_overrides.py' to decrypt overrides.
- Dependency required: 'cryptography' installed via pip.
- Steps to retrieve encryption key using LLDB and Shortcuts app.
- Example command to decrypt overrides: 'python decrypt_overrides.py' with specified paths and key file.
- Overrides are JSON files containing safety filters for generative models, including reject, remove, replace, regexReject, regexRemove, and regexReplace fields.
- Example metadata.json shows filtering rules for harmful content.
Swedish Campground: "There are too many Apples on the screen!" (1983)
10 months ago
- The Apple key was introduced to allow users to invoke menu commands directly from the keyboard, similar to the Lisa computer.
- Steve Jobs objected to the overuse of the Apple logo on screen, demanding a new symbol for the command key.
- Susan Kare found a Swedish campground symbol to represent the command key, which is still used in Macintosh systems today.
The First Time I Was Almost Fired from Apple
10 months ago
- The author was hired by Apple in 1995 during a tumultuous period for the company.
- Initially working on QuickdrawGX, the author later transitioned to the ColorSync team due to project changes.
- Tasked with adapting the Color Picker for PowerPC chips, the author rewrote assembly code in C.
- The author created additional color pickers (HSV, HTML, crayon, CMYK) based on personal interest and market needs.
- An Easter egg involving T.S. Eliot's poetry almost got the author fired, highlighting a lack of corporate awareness.
- Despite the mishap, the author retained their job and became more cautious about corporate policies.
- The crayon color picker included playful Easter eggs, like worn-down crayons and anagrams of team members' names.
- The author reflects on their early professional missteps and the learning curve at Apple.
Ad for 'F1' in Apple TV App Linked Directly to Web, Nothing Bad Seemed to Happen
10 months ago
- Apple TV app displayed a full-screen ad for F1 The Movie, linking out to a web browser for ticket purchases without typical scare sheets or confirmation dialogs.
- Criticism arises from Apple's double standard: requiring other developers to show scare sheets for digital content purchases but not for real-world experiences like movie tickets.
- The distinction between digital content (consumed on Apple devices) and real-world goods (like movie tickets) is subtle and likely confusing for most iPhone users.
- Few iPhone users understand why in-game purchases use Apple's IAP system while services like Uber or Lyft do not, highlighting potential user confusion.
- Apple's inconsistency in handling outbound links for transactions raises questions about user experience and fairness in app policies.
Apple announces chief operating officer transition
10 months ago
- Jeff Williams transitions from Apple COO to Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of Operations.
- Williams will continue overseeing Apple’s design team and health initiatives until his retirement later in the year.
- Tim Cook praises Williams for his contributions, including the Apple Watch, health strategy, and supply chain leadership.
- Sabih Khan, with 30 years at Apple, is highlighted for his supply chain innovations and environmental sustainability efforts.
- Khan has led Apple’s global supply chain, focusing on product quality, manufacturing, and supplier responsibility programs.
- Williams reflects on his 27-year tenure at Apple and expresses confidence in Khan’s leadership as COO.
- Khan’s background includes roles at GE Plastics and degrees in economics and mechanical engineering.
Apple's plan: Stall, cheat, repeat
10 months ago
- Apple's new proposed system under the DMA appears to offer developers more freedom but is criticized as malicious compliance with hidden fees.
- The system includes confusing fees like the Core Technology Fee (CTF) and Core Technology Commission (CTC), making it hard for developers to understand costs.
- Apple's strategy seems designed to deter developers from leaving the App Store, maintaining its monopoly and high commission rates (30% for new subscriptions, 15% for renewals).
- Developers face multiple fee structures depending on their choice: staying within Apple's ecosystem, linking outside with high fees, or opting for reduced fees with limited App Store features.
- Apple imposes strict requirements on developers who choose to link outside the App Store, including transaction reporting and audits, with the threat of removal for non-compliance.
- Critics argue Apple is testing the EU's resolve to enforce the DMA, betting on prolonged legal battles to avoid compliance.
- The European Commission is urged to take strong action, including fines, to ensure Apple adheres to the DMA and fosters a fair digital marketplace.
- Apple's approach is seen as prioritizing rent-seeking over innovation, with calls for the EU to prove it can enforce regulations that promote competition and innovation.
macOS 26 hints at sealed Mac updates at Apple Stores
10 months ago
- Apple developed Presto, a system for wirelessly updating sealed iPhones to the latest iOS version before unboxing.
- Apple is now working on a similar system for Macs, as seen in macOS Tahoe 26 beta 3.
- This system would allow Apple to ship hardware first and update the software wirelessly before sale, avoiding issues like those seen with the iPhone 15 launch.
- The system could also enable future Macs to come pre-associated with the user’s Apple Account.
- Apple uses a proprietary 'two-slot toaster' device for Presto updates on iPhones, raising questions about how a similar system would work for Macs, which lack NFC chips.
- Apple might re-add NFC hardware or use Bluetooth for Mac updates.
- AirPods deals on Amazon include significant discounts on various models.
Apple vs the Law
10 months ago
- Apple and Google attended DMA compliance workshops in Brussels, focusing on their approaches to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- The DMA requires gatekeepers like Apple and Google to interoperate with competitors, allowing third-party browser engines and app stores on iOS.
- Apple used the workshop as a marketing opportunity, emphasizing their uniqueness and expressing dissatisfaction with DMA compliance.
- Apple and Google avoided answering many questions, often providing unhelpful generalizations or skipping them entirely.
- Apple has a history of obstructing regulation, challenging gatekeeper designations and delaying investigations.
- Apple's responses to technical questions were somewhat acceptable, but their history suggests these are not promises.
- Apple was hypocritical about competitors in the room while having paid attendees supporting their stance.
- Apple's georestriction of third-party browsers and stores to the EU is a unique and bizarre restriction.
- Apple's approach undermines the rule of law and damages trust in democracy, with rhetoric painting the DMA as extreme.
- The workshops highlighted the challenges of enforcing the DMA against powerful gatekeepers like Apple and Google.
Apple's Browser Engine Ban Persists, Even Under the DMA
10 months ago
- Apple's rules and technical restrictions prevent other browser vendors from offering their own engines on iOS in the EU.
- Safari is Apple's highest-margin product, contributing 14-16% of its annual operating profit and $20 billion in search engine revenue from Google.
- Apple's restrictions ensure other browsers cannot compete fairly, maintaining control over web apps to prevent competition with native apps.
- No other gatekeeper imposes a browser engine ban like Apple, making it non-compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- Apple forces browser vendors to create new apps to use their own engines, abandoning existing EU users.
- Web developers outside the EU cannot test third-party browser engines on iOS, hindering compatibility.
- Apple's contractual terms for browser engines are harsh and incompatible with DMA requirements.
- Apple has addressed some issues, like allowing dual engine support and testing, but critical barriers remain.
- The DMA's intent is to prevent gatekeepers from controlling browser functionality and web app standards.
- Apple's resistance stems from protecting its $20 billion annual revenue from Safari and App Store dominance.
- Enforcement of the DMA is crucial to allow fair competition and interoperability on iOS globally.

first prev5next

About|Login

#apple

Apple announces sweeping App Store changes in the EU

App Store search is not a user feature

More on Apple's Trust-Eroding 'F1 the Movie' Wallet Ad

The Original Macintosh: Calculator Construction Set

A brief history of web browsers

The F1 movie is a cinema smash hit, on track to outperform previous Apple films

Apple patent leap in camera sensor tech, nearing human eye dynamic range

Apple looked into building its own AWS competitor

About that A18 Pro MacBook rumor

Apple just released a weirdly interesting coding language model

macOS Icon History

Show HN: I extracted the safety filters from Apple Intelligence models

Swedish Campground: "There are too many Apples on the screen!" (1983)

The First Time I Was Almost Fired from Apple

Ad for 'F1' in Apple TV App Linked Directly to Web, Nothing Bad Seemed to Happen

Apple announces chief operating officer transition

Apple's plan: Stall, cheat, repeat

macOS 26 hints at sealed Mac updates at Apple Stores

Apple vs the Law

Apple's Browser Engine Ban Persists, Even Under the DMA