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Apple Raises Prices of TV+ to $9.99 from $6.99 per Month

Apple Raises Prices of TV+ to $9.99 from $6.99 per Month

According to various publications, Apple TV discreetly increased the cost of its premium membership by three dollars per month on Wednesday. This makes Apple TV the fifth streaming provider to hike its monthly fee this year, following Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and Max due to intensifying rivalry among streaming providers.

Apple Raises Prices of TV+ to $9.99 from $6.99 per Month
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The price of the business’s TV+ streaming service was raised from 6.99 dollars to 9.99 dollars per month. News increased to 12.99 dollars from 9.99 dollars, while Arcade went up to 6.99 dollars from 4.99 dollars. The US and several other markets are affected by the changes. In TV+’s four-year existence, this price rise is only the second. When it first came out in 2019, the price was 4.99 dollars.

The yearly cost of TV+ is shifting to 99 dollars from 69 dollars. Currently, some customers get TV+ for free through offers with mobile phone carriers, like T-Mobile USA Inc.

“Since launching four years ago, Apple TV+ has made history for streaming services by crossing major milestones in a short span of time, thanks to its extensive selection of award-winning and broadly acclaimed series, feature films, documentaries, and kids and family entertainment,” Apple said in a statement.

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Apple wants to establish itself as the go-to source for streaming media. The company receives 20 percent of its income from services. Later this year, Bloomberg has learned, the business is overhauling its TV app to combine its many video products. The application compiles material from third-party services including Amazon Prime, iTunes, live sports networks, including the TV+ service.

With the TV app at the core of its growing video strategy, Apple hopes to attract more users to it. The adjustments come after pricing increases for subscription-based services were made by Netflix Inc. and other companies. Enterprises like Disney, Netflix, as well as Amazon.com Inc., have also implemented tier-based ad-supported services.

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Apple continues to be the only significant streaming service that is uninterrupted. Additionally, it continues to be the most affordable big supplier.

In the past few months, Apple TV+ has increased the amount of content it delivers and increased the variety of games available in Apple Arcade, which gives users a collection of over 200 games that can be accessed on Mac computers, Apple TV, iPhones, and iPads.

iPhone Assembler Hon Hai Dives After China Starts Probes

iPhone Assembler Hon Hai Dives After China Starts Probes

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., the Taiwanese company widely known as Foxconn and a key assembler for Apple Inc., has witnessed a significant stock tumble, marking its most substantial decline in over three months. This drop came in response to a series of investigations initiated by the Chinese government into Foxconn’s operations within the country. The probes target one of China’s largest employers and a crucial contributor to Apple’s production chain.

iPhone Assembler Hon Hai Dives After China Starts Probes
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In early trading on Monday, Hon Hai shares plummeted by 3.4%, reflecting the uncertainty and concerns surrounding these investigations. The company, renowned for manufacturing a substantial portion of the world’s iPhones, operates multiple factories in central and southern China.

The focal point of this investigation revolves around Foxconn’s sprawling complex located in Zhengzhou, famously referred to as “iPhone City.” Chinese tax authorities are now engaged in detailed examinations of Foxconn’s subsidiaries located in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, as reported by China’s state-run media outlet, the Global Times, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Simultaneously, natural resources officials are delving into the company’s land usage practices in Henan and Hubei provinces. However, the specifics of these investigations remain shrouded in mystery, as no further details have been disclosed.

Foxconn’s response to these inquiries has been measured. The company has announced its commitment to cooperate fully with the Chinese authorities throughout the investigations. Nevertheless, the filing submitted by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. to Taiwan’s stock exchange refrains from divulging specific strategies or approaches the company intends to take in response to the probes.

This situation has sparked concerns within the tech industry and global financial markets. The fallout from any adverse outcomes of these investigations could potentially ripple through the supply chain, affecting not only Foxconn but also Apple Inc. and its vast network of suppliers. The supply chain disruptions or legal consequences could impact the production of Apple’s popular devices, including the iPhone, potentially leading to shortages and delays that could have a global impact.

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These investigations come amidst China’s broader push to scrutinize foreign companies and enforce stricter regulations within its borders. For companies like Foxconn, which have a significant presence in China, navigating these regulatory challenges becomes paramount to maintaining their operations and their standing as key players in the global tech industry.

The coming weeks will likely see investors, industry analysts, and Apple aficionados closely monitoring developments in this case, as the outcome could have far-reaching implications for one of the world’s most prominent technology companies and its intricate web of international suppliers.

Apple’s Challenge for the Next Vision Pro: Making It Easier to Wear

Apple’s Challenge for the Next Vision Pro: Making It Easier to Wear

In a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it has been revealed that Apple is diligently working on enhancing the wearability of its upcoming Vision Pro headset. 

Apple’s Challenge for the Next Vision Pro: Making It Easier to Wear
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The current iteration of the Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), has received acclaim for its performance and features. However, a significant concern arises due to its perceived bulkiness and discomfort during prolonged usage.

Gurman’s report indicates that Apple is addressing these concerns through a focus on a “smaller and lighter design” for the next Vision Pro. The current model, weighing approximately a pound, has been deemed too heavy for some users even in short durations. While an over-the-head strap is considered for the initial model, the long-term solution rests in making the hardware itself lighter, possibly incorporating lighter materials. The anticipated launch for this improved headset is speculated to be next year.

One of the prominent issues faced by users of the current Vision Pro is its lack of accommodation for prescription eyeglasses. Apple’s attempt to address this by partnering with Zeiss for special lenses has posed challenges in dealing with various combinations of these lenses. As a potential solution, Apple is reportedly contemplating manufacturing headsets with prescription lenses pre-installed in the factory.

However, this solution is not without its complications. Gurman highlights concerns that Apple might be perceived as a healthcare provider, a role the tech giant may not want to assume. Additionally, the inclusion of built-in prescription lenses may limit the sharing or resale of headsets, and with people’s vision prescriptions changing over time, this approach might not be universally effective in the long run.

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Apple’s commitment to improving the wearability of the Vision Pro signals a strategic move towards making mixed reality a mainstream computing platform. If Apple can successfully create a headset that is comfortable for extended use, it could revolutionize the landscape of AR and VR applications, ushering in a new era of immersive and user-friendly experiences. As technology enthusiasts eagerly await the release, Apple’s pursuit of comfort in the next Vision Pro may indeed mark a significant milestone in the evolution of mixed reality devices.

Apple Releases iPhone Software Update to Fix Overheating Issue

Apple Releases iPhone Software Update to Fix Overheating Issue

Apple has published an update to address the overheating problems with its most recent batch of iPhones. iOS 17.0.3, which according to the manufacturer, offers significant enhancements and safety fixes and resolves a problem that could cause the iPhone to function warmer than anticipated. There is also an update for iPadOS 17.

Apple Releases iPhone Software Update to Fix Overheating Issue
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Apple attributed a portion of the overheating problem to an iOS 17 bug. Additionally, it mentioned that some recent modifications to third-party apps are overloading the system. To fix the issue, the business has been collaborating with the creators of such apps.

It’s possible that your iPhone is set up to automatically upgrade to the most recent version of iOS while it’s charging. On your iPhone, navigate to Settings then General, and go into About then, Software Update to manually upgrade your device. You can immediately install iOS 17.0.3 if it becomes accessible to prevent your iPhone from being overheated.

Apple has admitted that the iPhone 15 as well as the 15 Pro can grow very hot, something many customers have seen over the past week. According to the business, the issue is being caused by background activities, an iOS 17 flaw, and third-party apps, Forbes revealed over the weekend. Apple also mentioned that an update to the software and programmer patches will be available soon.

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“We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring [it] because of increased background activity. We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We’re working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out.”

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The in-question applications include Asphalt 9, Instagram, as well as Uber. It’s important to make sure you have the most recent version because Meta is currently releasing a patch for Instagram. Given that not every user has experienced it, the overheating problem may be limited to specific circumstances and app combinations.

Apple to Testify It Sees No Need to Deploy Google Alternative

Apple to Testify It Sees No Need to Deploy Google Alternative

In a pivotal moment during the Department of Justice trial against Google, Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, is set to testify on Tuesday, defending the tech giant’s longstanding partnership with Google as the default search engine on Apple devices, including the iPhone. 

Apple to Testify It Sees No Need to Deploy Google Alternative
Image Source: finance.yahoo.com

Cue will assert that this partnership remains the best choice for consumers and that Apple sees no reason to develop its own search tool. The agreement between Apple and Google, established in 2002, has been a lucrative one for both companies, with Google paying billions to secure its position as the default search engine on Apple products. However, this arrangement has drawn scrutiny from the government, which alleges that Google has used its search dominance to stifle competition.

Cue’s expected testimony will emphasize that Apple is committed to providing consumers with choices. While Google is the default search engine, Apple makes it effortless for users to switch to other search providers, such as Microsoft Corp.’s Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia, by offering these options within the Safari internet browser. Apple also receives a share of advertising revenue when users select these non-default search engines.

Apple’s stance on this issue stands in contrast to its approach in other areas where it competes head-to-head with Google. Notably, Apple rivals Google in mapping software, voice assistants, and operating systems for phones and computers.

John Giannandrea, Apple’s machine learning chief and a former leader of search at Google, also testified last week, highlighting a new feature introduced in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. This feature allows users to assign a different default search engine specifically for private browsing, making it easier for consumers to switch between Google and other options.

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The ongoing trial between the Department of Justice and Google holds significant implications for the future of tech giants and their competitive practices. Apple’s testimony, through Eddy Cue, underlines the company’s belief that Google’s search engine remains the preferred choice for its users. As the trial unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these arguments impact the outcome and whether they will result in any changes to the default search engine landscape on Apple devices.

Apple Plans Major ‘Watch X’ Overhaul for Device’s 10-Year Anniversary

Apple Plans Major ‘Watch X’ Overhaul for Device’s 10-Year Anniversary

Apple is gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking smartwatch with a significant redesign of the iconic device. While the upcoming 2023 models are expected to be a modest upgrade, Apple enthusiasts can look forward to the launch of the highly anticipated “Watch X” in the near future.

Apple Plans Major ‘Watch X’ Overhaul for Device’s 10-Year Anniversary
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The yearly refresh cycle of Apple’s flagship smartwatch has seen incremental improvements, often focusing on a specific feature enhancement. For instance, the Series 8 model introduced a body-temperature sensor, while the previous iteration boasted a larger display. Despite these consistent upgrades, industry insiders note that Apple hasn’t provided consumers with compelling reasons to frequently upgrade their watches, unlike the rapid innovation seen in the iPhone lineup.

The imminent 2023 Apple Watch Series 9 lineup, set to be unveiled alongside the latest iPhone on September 12, is projected to retain its current size dimensions. However, the notable advancements will be in the form of enhanced processors and a variety of fresh colors. While these updates may not excite recent Apple Watch buyers, they serve to attract first-time smartwatch adopters and those who are using older models.

The steady pace of incremental improvements has led Apple’s internal discussions about the potential benefits of deviating from this strategy. The company has historically adhered to a yearly upgrade cycle for the smartwatch, consistently releasing new models since the category’s debut in 2015. Yet, the recent evolution of the device has sparked internal deliberations about the necessity of such frequent updates.

However, Apple’s plans for its upcoming 10th anniversary “Watch X” model signal a bold departure from its established upgrade cycle. The company is already in the works to design a thinner watch case and explore novel methods of attaching bands to the device. The current mechanism, which involves sliding bands into the sides of the chassis and securing them with a locking mechanism, has proved functional but constraining in terms of utilizing available space for other components like batteries.

To address these design limitations, Apple’s engineers are reportedly experimenting with a magnetic band attachment system. While it remains uncertain whether this system will make its debut in the “Watch X,” it signifies the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design to create a more efficient and versatile product.

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Beyond the band attachment, “Watch X” is expected to feature transformative upgrades, including a microLED display that offers superior color and clarity compared to existing OLED screens. Additionally, insiders reveal that the company is working on incorporating blood pressure monitoring technology, positioning the smartwatch as a potential health and wellness companion.

As Apple moves towards the launch of the “Watch X,” it not only demonstrates its dedication to innovation but also marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of its smartwatch lineup. With this significant overhaul, the company aims to provide users with a compelling reason to upgrade, further cementing its status as a trailblazer in the tech industry.