Apple is adding two new content-descriptor questions to App Store Connect, asking developers whether their app shares a user's real-world location and whether it includes dating features with real people or virtual companions involving sexual or romantic content. Apps that disclose dating or relationship features will automatically receive a minimum 18+ age rating, restricting visibility for users under parental content controls. The new questions appear in App Store Connect starting November 16, and developers must answer them for all apps by January 12, 2027.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-03
Investigators uncovered a network of more than 400 apps and websites distributed through the App Store and Play Store that pose as ordinary tools—language tutors, pet photo editors, workout coaches—but secretly contain deepfake nudity generators. The apps display a normal interface after download but contact a remote server that decides whether to unlock the explicit feature, with the operators also running Meta ads showcasing explicit deepfake content to drive installs.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-11-03
Apple announced new App Store content descriptors requiring developers to disclose whether apps include real-world location sharing or dating, relationship and sexual features involving real people or virtual companions. Apps with dating or relationship features will get a minimum age rating of 18, while location-sharing apps may see rating changes depending on regional regulations. The new questionnaire fields launch November 16th, with all developers required to complete declarations by January 12th, 2027.
theverge.com
· 2026-11-03
The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments in Apple's appeal of a civil contempt ruling stemming from its App Store dispute with Epic Games. The case concerns whether Apple violated the 'spirit' of a 2021 injunction requiring it to allow external payment links, after a district judge found it in contempt in April 2025 for imposing fees and restrictions on those links.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-11-03
On its latest earnings call, Apple CFO Kevan Parekh said the company sees opportunities to grow services revenue through third-party apps and partnerships involving AI, without specifying details. Reuters reported that investors are speculating Apple could earn a cut by distributing third-party AI agents through the App Store.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-11-03
Apple announced that beginning November 16, developers must declare in the App Store Connect age rating questionnaire whether their apps include shared-location features or dating and relationship features, including virtual companions offering romantic or sexual content. Apps with dating and relationship features will automatically receive a minimum 18+ rating, while location-sharing apps may or may not affect the rating depending on region. Apple said Brazil has separate rules requiring A16 or A18 ratings for such apps, with all developers required to complete the new declarations by January 12, 2027.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-11-03
Google Translate's camera mode lets users point a phone at real-world text and translate it in real time between hundreds of languages, with offline downloads available for frequent languages. Google Lens offers similar functionality on many Android phones without a separate app, and recent iOS versions include a Live Text translation option built into the Camera app.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-02
Apple's fourth-quarter earnings report shows iPhone revenue hit $57.58 billion, up 17 percent year-over-year, even though the company skipped releasing a standard iPhone in its latest lineup refresh. Overall company revenue rose 12 percent to $114.5 billion, with Mac revenue up 24 percent to $10.79 billion and services revenue reaching $31.57 billion, while iPad sales fell 10 percent to $6.23 billion.
theverge.com
· 2026-11-02
A Wired investigation identified more than 400 interconnected apps and domains, reportedly built by a single Chinese organization, that disguise themselves as ordinary tools like language-learning or pet-photo apps. Once activated through hidden server checks—often triggered via Facebook or Instagram ads—the apps reveal interfaces for generating explicit and violent deepfake images, including depictions of rape and knife threats, using photos uploaded by users. Apple removed 19 of the apps after being contacted by Wired, while similar apps remained available on Google Play.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-11-02
Apple's smart-home screen interface, HomeView, departs from the traditional App Store-centric approach that defined the iPhone era. Instead of requiring users to download individual apps, the system is built around Siri as the primary way to interact with connected devices. The design reflects Apple's deep integration with its existing ecosystem while signaling a different approach for home-based AI interfaces compared to its rivals.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-11-01
Apple told developers it is cutting its standard App Store commission on paid apps and in-app purchases in Taiwan from 30% to 26%, effective Saturday, October 31. The company said the change follows talks with Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission, and developers need not sign updated terms by that date to receive the lower rate. Apple is also updating its Developer Program License Agreement, with translated versions due within a month.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-29
A counterfeit crypto trading app called Padre Terminal was distributed through Apple's App Store and linked to the theft of roughly $23,000 from 27 Solana wallets, according to blockchain investigator Iris. The app allegedly drained funds after users entered their private keys, and has since been removed from the App Store. Iris traced the stolen funds to a Solana wallet address and said the attacker converted USDC holdings into SOL to avoid having funds frozen.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-10-29
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