iOS’s Lock Screen weather widget is apparently showing some users a file icon instead of snow, as reported by 9to5Mac. Are you seeing this, too? I’ve asked Apple what might be going on.
The Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) ruled in July that Apple is charging “an additional and inexplicably higher fee,” to companies that offer in-app subscription services, such as Tinder and Match, according to a confidential decision seen by Bloomberg.
Last year, Apple proposed decreasing the in-app commission it charges dating apps in the Netherlands from 30 percent to 27 percent. But the ACM’s decision reportedly stated that isn’t enough, potentially forcing Apple to lower its fees further.
I had been optimistic about the new sticker reactions, but based on Jason Snell’s writeup about them in the iOS 17.2 beta, they don’t sound great.
Emoji reactions are one area where Google Messages has Apple beat.
[Six Colors]
In iOS 14, Apple introduced a privacy feature that was supposed to hide iPhone MAC addresses whenever you joined a network. As Ars Technica points out, that’s important since MAC addresses can be used to track individuals across networks. But while the feature partially obscured your MAC address, the real one was still broadcast to other connected devices on a network. The good news is the bug appears to have been fixed in iOS 17.1, which was publicly released on Wednesday.
There’s not likely to be a lot of fall out, but it’s a good reminder why updating your software is important.
The iOS 17.2 beta adds a new translate option for the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. According to 9to5Mac, using the shortcut lets you translate a spoken conversation via Apple’s Translate app. That makes for a total of 10 different Action Button options so far.
A feature that’s been exclusive to the newest HomePod is coming to the Mini and original models. According to MacRumors, the HomePod software 17.1 update will give those speakers the Enhance Dialogue feature for hearing clearer dialogue when paired with an Apple TV 4K.
Wonderful, now my kid can get crystal-clear audio from the HomePod Mini behind our living room TV while she’s watching Catch! Teenieping.
Unrelated: Send help.
It’s annoying when you have to update your new smartphone right after you buy it, right?
Mark Gurman wrote in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg today that Apple Stores will start getting a “proprietary pad-like device” this year that, when employees put a box of unopened iPhones on it, will prompt the phones to turn on, update themselves, then turn off.
Neat!
