Apple
Apple business and news from across the web.
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An OLED iPad mini could finally arrive this year
Apple is reportedly planning to refresh the iPad mini with an OLED display this fall. The company's broader iPad lineup is expected to receive updates in the first half of 2027.
AppleCare+ prices just went up for Macs and iPads
Apple has increased the monthly and annual prices for AppleCare+ on Mac and iPad products by $0.50 per month or $5 per year. This price adjustment affects the extended warranty service for these devices.
Apple quietly hid a big change coming for CarPlay with iOS 27
Apple has quietly introduced a significant change to its CarPlay system with the upcoming iOS 27 update. This announcement follows a similar feature update from Google for Android Auto.
Apple is reportedly shopping for AI chip companies
Apple is reportedly exploring the acquisition of AI chip companies to enhance its server capabilities. The company's current M2 Ultra-powered servers are deemed insufficient, prompting a search for more powerful hardware solutions.
You'll soon be able to play the biggest football game on your iPhone thanks to an upcoming Apple Arcade release…
EA Sports Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is launching exclusively on Apple Arcade on August 6, 2026, playable on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. This version will feature full controller support, no microtransactions, and streamlined controls for mobile play, alongside franchise management and a new narrative messaging system. EA believes Apple Arcade is the ideal platform for this no-compromise Madden experience.
Apple Intelligence finally gets regulatory approval in China
Apple's AI service, Apple Intelligence, has reportedly received regulatory approval in China. The company is expected to partner with Chinese firms Baidu and Alibaba to launch the service in the country.
XSOLLA RELEASES NEW INDUSTRY REPORT HIGHLIGHTING THE SHIFT TOWARD DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER MODELS AS THE NEW BASELINE FOR MONETIZATION
Xsolla's latest report highlights the significant shift towards direct-to-consumer (D2C) models in the video game industry, moving from an experimental strategy to a core operating model. The report indicates that D2C revenue is growing substantially faster than overall mobile game revenue, driven by regulatory changes and publisher adoption. This shift allows studios to build direct relationships with players, optimize lifetime value, and improve margins.
OpenAI is reportedly working on a speaker AI companion
OpenAI is reportedly developing a new screenless AI home computer device that features a speaker and integrates ChatGPT capabilities. The device is designed to connect with home appliances, play media, and learn from users via sensors and a camera, with a rechargeable battery allowing portability. Apple has recently sued OpenAI, alleging the company stole trade secrets related to hardware and security for its nascent hardware business.
Midday Mobilization
Apple has achieved a 20% global smartphone market share, though a new report indicates slowing iPhone builds due to price increases. Separately, the Madden NFL franchise is removing its microtransaction mode and will be available on Apple Arcade.
Madden Ditches Its Microtransaction Mode To Come To Apple Arcade
Madden NFL 27 is launching on Apple Arcade on August 6, offering a version of the popular football simulation game without microtransactions. This iteration will include core modes like Quick Play and Franchise, but will omit the Madden Ultimate Team mode due to Apple Arcade's policy against in-app purchases. The game will be playable on iOS devices with touch controls or external controllers.
AI Yi-Yi!
Apple is integrating its AI capabilities across its products and services, aiming to make Siri a more comprehensive tool. This move signifies a significant push by Apple into the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
iCloud+ vs. Apple One: Which is worth it for you?
This article compares Apple's iCloud+ and Apple One subscription services, highlighting that both offer more than just cloud storage. It aims to help users determine which service provides better value and savings based on their individual needs.
Morning Tech Bits
Valve has updated the Steam Machine's firmware to address false overheat warnings that would interrupt gameplay. The update raises the temperature threshold to 100°C, resolving the issue for affected users. Separately, Apple is reportedly planning an M7 Ultra chip with a substantial amount of unified memory.
'After stealing an open source AI charity, you then stole all of Apple’s phone technology! Wow': Elon Musk and Sam Altman are fighting on the internet again
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk are engaged in a public dispute on X, with Musk accusing Altman of scamming and Altman retorting about Musk's business practices. The feud touches on allegations of stealing open-source AI charity funds and Apple's phone technology, stemming from recent legal battles and lawsuits involving both parties.
Report suggests the US gov may have 'urged' Apple into Intel chipmaking deal to avoid tariffs, at almost the same time it took a $9 billion stake in blue team stock
A report suggests the US government, under Donald Trump, urged Apple to use Intel's manufacturing plants for its chips to avoid tariffs. This occurred around the same time the government took a significant stake in Intel. Apple reportedly committed to investing $100 billion in US manufacturing and secured an exemption from semiconductor tariffs.
PlayStation Ending Discs is Like Apple Shipping PCs Without Disc Drives in 2008, Says Analyst
Analyst Daniel Ahmad compares Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production to Apple's removal of disc drives from PCs in 2008, suggesting the move is a future-facing inevitability driven by the dominance of digital sales. He notes that digital sales now account for around 80% on PlayStation and over 90% on Xbox, with physical media representing only about 5% of Sony's software revenue. Ahmad believes this shift allows Sony to increase margins, strengthen its ecosystem by preventing game resales, and focus on higher-spending core gamers.
Evening Reading - July 10, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news items, including a trailer for Dune 3, QuakeCon 2026 plans, a Pokemon GO anniversary event, and Id Software confirming layoffs. It also touches on business news like SK Hynix's stock performance, Apple suing OpenAI, Meta suspending an AI feature, and EA College Football 25 removing microtransactions. Additionally, it highlights deals for Nintendo and Square Enix games, Palworld exiting Early Access, and new map collections.
Evening Legal Briefs
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the artificial intelligence company stole trade secrets. The lawsuit claims that OpenAI's scheme to use these secrets was present at every level of its operations.
Apple (AAPL) sues OpenAI over stolen trade secrets related to hardware and security
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the company, led by former Apple designer Tang Tan, stole trade secrets to develop AI hardware products. The lawsuit also names Jony Ive, founder of io Products acquired by OpenAI, though he is not a defendant. This legal action comes as OpenAI prepares for an IPO and follows a 2024 partnership between Apple and OpenAI for AI features in Apple products.
Apple calls OpenAI's hardware business 'rotten to its core' in trade secret theft lawsuit
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the artificial intelligence company of stealing trade secrets. The lawsuit also names io Products, a hardware company led by Jony Ive, as a defendant. Apple alleges that OpenAI used its proprietary information to develop its AI models.