DailyTech

Tag: app

  • Apple approves Spotify replace so US customers can purchase audiobooks throughout the app

    Spotify announced on Monday that Apple has authorised a brand new app replace, permitting iPhone customers within the U.S. to buy particular person audiobooks straight throughout the app. Customers may view audiobook costs and simply purchase further listening hours past the preliminary 15 hours.

    “This variation lowers the limitations for extra customers to embrace their first — or tenth — audiobook, whereas permitting publishers and authors to achieve followers and entry new audiences seamlessly,” the corporate wrote within the announcement. 

    This long-awaited replace follows a recent U.S. court ruling that ordered Apple to cease charging charges on purchases made exterior of the App Retailer.

    The power to purchase audiobooks straight throughout the iOS app and see pricing will probably be a pleasant enchancment for customers who beforehand had to purchase audiobooks on the internet earlier than they might entry them throughout the app. Spotify removed audiobook purchases again in 2022 as a consequence of Apple’s strict guidelines round in-app purchases. Now, customers should buy an audiobook with only a few faucets.

    Moreover, iPhone customers had been beforehand required to go to the net to buy extra listening hours, known as “top-ups.” With the replace, they will now make these purchases straight throughout the app. Every top-up prices $13 for 10 further hours.

    Earlier this month, Spotify started permitting iPhone customers to buy subscriptions exterior the App Retailer, as Apple authorised an replace enabling entry to pricing data and exterior cost hyperlinks. 

  • Epic Games says Apple is blocking Fortnite from the US and EU App Stores

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    Epic Video games claims that Apple is obstructing its Fortnite app from the U.S. and EU App Shops.

    After winning a decisive victory for app developers in a authorized battle with Apple, forcing the tech big to permit exterior funds in its U.S. App Retailer with out charging fee, Epic Video games tried to resubmit Fortnite to the U.S. App Store on Could 9, 2025.

    Nonetheless, Apple failed to simply accept its submission for per week, main Epic Video games to tug its request and take a look at once more. In response to Epic Video games CEO Tim Sweeney, the update was pulled because Epic Video games must launch a weekly Fortnite replace with new content material, and all platforms should be up to date concurrently.

    The corporate then submitted a brand new model to the U.S. App Retailer for assessment on Wednesday, Could 14, with the up to date content material.

    In a Friday morning put up on X, Fortnite stated that Apple has blocked its newest U.S. submission and has made it so Epic Video games can’t launch its app to the European Union, both.

    “Now, sadly, Fortnite on iOS can be offline worldwide till Apple unblocks it,” the post from Fortnite reads.

    TechCrunch reached out to Epic Video games and Apple for remark.

    Apple disputed Epic Video games’ characterization of the problem. A spokesperson for Apple stated the next:

    “We requested that Epic Sweden resubmit the app replace with out together with the U.S. storefront of the App Retailer in order to not influence Fortnite in different geographies. We didn’t take any motion to take away the reside model of Fortnite from different distribution marketplaces within the EC.”

    Up to date after publication with Apple’s remark.

  • TikTok rolls out a new meditation feature to help you get off the app and sleep

    TikTok is launching in-app guided meditation workout routines, the social community introduced on Thursday. The corporate started testing the meditation exercises with choose teenagers earlier this yr and is now making the function out there to all customers on its app.

    The concept behind the function is to assist customers enhance their sleep high quality and encourage them to place the app down throughout these late-night limitless scrolling periods.

    For teenagers beneath the age of 18, meditation will probably be turned on by default. If a teen is utilizing the app after 10 p.m., their For You feed will probably be interrupted by a guided meditation train that encourages them to wind down for the evening. The meditation encompasses a calming display and smooth music alongside respiratory workout routines.

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    Picture Credit:TikTok

    If teenagers select to disregard the message and proceed to make use of the app, they’ll see a second full-screen immediate that can nudge them to fall asleep.

    TikTok has been introducing new teen security options over the previous few years in response to considerations over the app’s impact on its youngest customers. The brand new meditation function marks the corporate’s newest effort to appease lawmakers.

    Adults who’re within the meditation function can flip it on by navigating to the app’s Display Time settings web page. From there, you simply must toggle on the “sleep hours” function. You’ll be able to select what time you need to see the meditation train every evening.

    TikTok additionally introduced that it’s going to donate $2.3 million in advert credit to 31 psychological well being organizations in 19 international locations around the globe as a part of its Psychological Well being Schooling Fund.