The European Union's Court of Justice today said it has confirmed the European Commission's 2016 decision that Ireland had given illegal tax benefits worth €13 billion to Apple from 1991 to 2014. This is a final ruling, so Ireland is now required to recover these funds, which were placed into an escrow account by Apple around six years ago.
In 2020, the European Union's General Court reversed the Commission's decision, as it found that the Commission had not sufficiently established that Apple had received preferential treatment in Ireland. On appeal, the Court of Justice has now set aside the General Court's judgment, meaning that the Commission's decision is now upheld.
Ireland's government had sided with Apple in its attempt to appeal the decision, but today it said it will "respect" the Court of Justice's findings and recover the €13 billion from Apple that is considered to be illegal state aid.
“We are disappointed with today's decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case," said Apple, in response to the Court of Justice's ruling. "There has never been a special deal," added Apple.
"Today is a big win for European citizens and for tax justice," said the European Union's competition chief Margrethe Vestager.
The 2016 Decision
Following a three-year inquiry, the European Commission in 2016 found that Apple paid between 0.005% and 1% in taxes in Ireland between 2003 and 2014, compared to the country's headline 12.5% corporate tax rate during that period.
Here is how Vestager explained the scheme in her remarks today:
These tax rulings attributed the bulk of taxable profits - of two Irish subsidiaries of Apple - to stateless "head offices". These head offices existed only on paper. No tables, no chairs, no activities. The profits were thus not taxed anywhere. As an example, in 2011, one of Apple's Irish subsidiaries recorded profits of approximately 16 billion euros. Of these, thanks to the tax rulings, only around 50 million euros were taxable in Ireland. So, this subsidiary paid less than 10 million euros of taxes in Ireland in 2011 - an effective tax rate of about 0.05% of these overall annual profits.
At the time, Apple CEO Tim Cook described the accusations as "total political crap," and he said the 0.005% tax rate was a "false number."
Ireland's government today said it has already changed its laws regarding the attribution of profits to branches of non-resident companies operating in the country. It said the laws that applied to Apple are no longer in force.
Update - 6:09 a.m. Pacific Time: In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today, Apple said it "expects to record a one-time income tax charge in its fourth fiscal quarter ending September 28, 2024, of up to approximately $10 billion."
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Apple today held the "It's Glowtime" fall event to debut new iPhone 16 models, a new version of the Apple Watch, new AirPods, and more. It took Apple more than an hour and a half to introduce the new devices, but we've recapped everything in a quick 13 minute video for our readers who want a short but detailed overview of what's new.
We've also rounded up our full event coverage, so make sure to take a look at our articles to avoid missing any key details about Apple's updated devices.
The Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 can be pre-ordered as of today. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 models will start on Friday, September 13. All of the new devices will launch on Friday, September 20.
Following the debut of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple has started letting customers prepare for pre-orders, which are set to begin on Friday, September 13 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time or 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
If you plan to buy an iPhone 16, you can use the Apple Store app or Apple's website to choose a preferred phone, confirm your status with your carrier, add accessories, choose an AppleCare+ plan, and add a preferred payment method ahead of when pre-orders go live. Payment in full and other payment options are supported.
iPhone Upgrade Program members are able to choose their preferred iPhone 16 model and complete pre-approval steps that include checking upgrade eligibility, securing credit lines, and confirming shipping details.
Apple has offered a "Get Ready" feature for several years now, providing customers with a streamlined way to pre-order their iPhones with the tap of a button.
Pricing on the iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Plus is priced at $899. The iPhone 16 Pro is available starting at $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is available starting at $1,199.
Following the September 13 pre-orders, the iPhone 16 models will launch on Friday, September 20.
Though pre-launch Apple Watch rumors suggested that Apple would update its entire Apple Watch lineup this year, Apple ended up focusing primarily on the Apple Watch Series 10. We didn't get a new Apple Watch SE or a new Apple Watch Ultra 3, with Apple only adding a new color option for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
As late as last Friday, rumors pointed toward refreshes for the standard Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE, and the Apple Watch Ultra. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, for example, said in his Friday "Everything to Expect" article that all three models would get an update.
For the first time in two years, the company is preparing to update all of its Apple Watch models at once. There will be a new low-end Apple Watch SE, a mid-level Series 10 model and an Ultra 3.
Late last night, Gurman changed his prediction and said that Apple would not introduce an Apple Watch Ultra 3 model, and he suggested there could be a "delay" for a new Apple Watch SE.
It's likely the addition of a new black color for the Ultra 2 was mistaken for an Ultra 3, as Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also flip flopped on the possibility of a new Ultra model earlier in the year.
Though the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple's most expensive Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 10 now has a superior LTPO3 OLED display with wider-angle viewing and a faster S10 chip, plus it gained the previously Ultra exclusive temperature sensor, depth gauge, and Depth app. Apple also released a titanium version of the Series 10, using the material that once made the Apple Watch Ultra unique.
The new sleep apnea detection health feature is not a Series 10 exclusive, and it will be available on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9, with Apple also bringing the new Tides app to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The changes mean the Ultra 2 and Series 10 are much closer in terms of feature set, though there are still some areas where the Ultra has an edge, such as diving and battery life. The Ultra 2 still has twice the battery life of the Series 10.
With the new Apple Watch Ultra color, it's likely we're not going to see a new version of the device until September 2025. As for the Apple Watch SE, it's possible Apple could release that earlier, timing it with the iPhone SE 4 launch instead of waiting until September of next year to debut it.
Apple discontinued the Series 9 when it introduced the Series 10, so the Apple Watch lineup now includes the Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the Apple Watch SE.
With iOS 18, Apple is adding a new option that will let you pause a video in the middle of a recording, providing an option for capturing multiple shots in a single video rather than having to start and stop new videos each time.
When you start a video in iOS 18, you'll see a new pause button on the left side. Pressing it pauses the video, and pressing the button again unpauses. You can still stop a video at any time using the middle stop button.
Apple added the new video pausing feature in the iOS 18 release candidate that was provided to developers and public beta testers today.
It's likely that pausing and recording video will be a feature of the Camera Control button that's included on all of the iPhone 16 models.
iOS 18 is set to be released on Monday, September 16, while the iPhone 16 models will launch on Friday, September 20.
There are no major differentiating features between the two Pro iPhone models this year, with Apple aiming for feature parity between the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Last year, the iPhone 15 Pro Max was updated with a 5x Telephoto lens that used Tetraprism technology, but the iPhone 15 Pro was limited to 3x zoom. This year, Apple has made improvements that allow both models to offer the 5x Telephoto lens.
Some pre-launch iPhone 16 Pro rumors suggested that Apple might introduce a new camera sensor that was exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, or a new super zoom feature, but that did not happen. Both models have the same 48-megapixel "Fusion" camera with f/1.78 aperture, as well as the same 12-megapixel Telephoto lens with f/2.8 aperture. Both models were also upgraded with a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera that lets in more light and supports better quality macro photos.
With the same camera technology included in both iPhone 16 Pro models, the only difference comes down to display size, starting storage capacity, and battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256GB of storage with no 128GB option available. Both can be upgraded to 1TB of total storage.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display. As for battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro lasts for up to 27 hours when playing video, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts for up to 33 hours.
Both of the iPhone 16 Pro models will be available for pre-order this Friday.
The iPhone 16 Pro models will support the JPEG-XL file format, according to code found in iOS 18. Compared to JPEG, JPEG-XL has improved compression for smaller file sizes.
Apple did not mention JPEG-XL support during today's event, but this feature was rumored ahead of the iPhone 16 launch. It appears that the Pro models will support capturing images in JPEG-XL.
Compared to the HEIC format that Apple introduced several years ago, JPEG-XL supports both lossy and lossless compression. HEIC is a lossy format, and while it retains better quality than JPG images, pros will likely prefer JPEG-XL for zero image degradation. HEIC has never gained wide support, which has hindered its usefulness.
HEIC will still be available alongside JPEG, JPEG-XL, and other formats.
Apple began transitioning to USB-C instead of Lightning with the launch of the iPhone 15 lineup, and USB-C is also used for charging for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. Apple did not improve connectivity speeds with the USB-C port in any of the new models, maintaining the status quo.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus continue to have USB 2 transfer speeds of up to 480Mb/s, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature USB 3 transfer speeds up to 10Gb/s. 480Mb/s is the same transfer speed that the Lightning port supported.
During today's event, Apple mentioned faster USB 3 speeds when discussing the A18 Pro, which implied that it would be faster than the A17 Pro. It looks like Apple instead was comparing the A18 Pro to the A18 in that instance, ultimately highlighting a feature that was already present in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Despite the confusing wording, technical specifications for the new iPhone 16 models suggest Apple has not made changes to any USB-C transfer speeds. Note that taking advantage of the 10Gb/s transfer speeds in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max requires an appropriate 10Gb/s USB-C cable.
Apple's iPad Pro models, which also have a USB-C port, support Thunderbolt transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s.
Apple today announced the latest lineup of iPhones, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Pre-orders for these devices begin September 13, and if you plan on ordering from a cellular carrier in the United States, there will be plenty of options for discounts from the major carriers.
AT&T is offering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro at no cost with eligible trade-in, and the iPhone 16 Plus for up to $830 off with eligible trade-in. Finally, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available at up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in.
If you plan on signing up for AT&T Fiber you'll also be eligible to get the iPhone 16 Pro Max at no extra cost. AT&T will also have the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 available for order this Friday, but the carrier hasn't detailed any offers on those devices yet.
T-Mobile's offers are nearly identical to AT&T. You can get the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro at no cost when you trade in an old device and purchase the new device on an eligible unlimited plan. Otherwise, you can get the iPhone 16 Plus for up to 830 off and the iPhone 16 Pro Max for up to $1,000 off, both with eligible trade-in on unlimited plans.
Additionally, customers can get $200 back for every new line added to a Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plan (up to four times). Families can also get four iPhone 16 models at no cost and four new voice lines for $25/line when trading in four eligible devices.
For Apple Watches at T-Mobile, if you buy any new Apple Watch device, you can get $300 off a second model when adding a new watch line to your plan.
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The iPhone 16 models that Apple previewed today all feature a new Camera Control button that's located on the right side of the iPhone under the power button. The Camera Control button can be used for a number of different functions when capturing images and video.
Apple says that the Camera Control button is meant to work in either landscape or portrait mode, and it was built with a force sensor and touch sensor to support different gestures.
Single click - Open up the Camera app (or a third-party app).
Single click, Camera open - Take a photo.
Click and hold - Open Camera app, start a video recording.
Light press - Open up controls like zoom. This button will also lock focus and exposure (coming this fall) for reframing shots without losing focus.
Double light press - Bring up the camera preview menu to choose different controls like exposure or depth of field.
Swipe - Swap through available adjustment options, and also change parameters like zoom, exposure, or depth of field when a control is selected.
The button has deep software support, so you can also swap between control functions without having to go into the Camera app manually.
Adjust zoom
Adjust exposure
Adjust depth of field
Swipe through different stylistic options
Third-party developers will be able to take advantage of the Camera Control for their apps for adjusting settings, and it will work in social media apps like Snapchat.
Later this year, Camera Control will be able to work with a new visual intelligence feature. Users will be able to open the Camera app and point it at an object to get information about that object with a click and hold gesture. Pointing it at a restaurant, for example, will bring up hours and ratings, while pointing it at a plant will identify the plant. Using visual control with something that has a date, such as a flyer, will add the date to the Calendar app.
Camera Control will work as a gateway to third-party tools, such as when users want to search Google for an item to buy or use ChatGPT to solve a problem.
There are settings that will allow users to change the double press speed and the sensitivity of the button for a light press.
The Camera Control has a sapphire crystal covering with a smooth texture, surrounded by stainless steel trim. It is inset into the iPhone's frame just a bit, and the force sensor has haptic feedback to make it feel like a DSLR camera shutter.
While the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are models from last year, Apple today announced that it plans to bring several new features to these two devices specifically via a software update.
Apple has not confirmed when exactly these features will roll out to last year's devices, but they are likely to arrive with watchOS 11 or a subsequent update.
Sleep Apnea Notifications
Just like the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be able to detect signs of sleep apnea. While currently pending FDA clearance, this feature is expected to roll out later in September. The sleep apnea notification feature uses the watch's accelerometer to track breathing disturbances during sleep, offering insights that could indicate moderate to severe sleep apnea. The feature is aimed at adults 18 and older who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Once available, users will receive notifications if potential signs are detected, along with health information and a PDF report for discussion with a healthcare provider.
Action Button Improvements
Apple is also enhancing the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Action Button. Users will be able to assign a variety of new actions, including switching between workout types during multisport activities, starting a stopwatch, using the Flashlight, or invoking Voice Memos or Shazam with a single press. Apple today added that users will be able to press and hold the Action Button to switch between these actions, making it easier to adapt the button's functionality on the fly.
Tides App
An all-new Tides app designed for the Apple Watch Series 10 also comes to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. It provides seven-day rolling forecasts for coastal conditions around the world. Users will have access to high and low tides, tide height and direction, and even sunrise and sunset times—all plotted against a timeline for easy reference. The information is useful for anyone planning activities like surfing, kayaking, or sailing, ensuring they can stay safe and aware of changing ocean conditions. The app also includes complications that can be displayed on the watch face, providing real-time tide updates for users' favorite surf spots or the closest beach.
Audio Playback Through Built-in Speakers
Like the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be able to play audio through the watch's built-in speakers. Previously, these speakers were mainly used for notification sounds and phone calls, but users will soon be able to listen to audio from apps like Apple Music and Apple Podcasts out loud without the need for a Bluetooth accessory.
Apple today announced that new satellite-based communication features are heading to the UK and Canada with iOS 18.
The company today said that Canada will also receive the new Messages via Satellite feature in iOS 18. Initially announced for the United States alone, the feature allows users to send and receive end-to-end encrypted texts, emojis, and even Tapbacks through iMessage and SMS when they are outside cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Apple has said that SMS availability will depend on the user's carrier, and while the service itself is included with the purchase of an iPhone, carrier fees may still apply.
Another significant update coming later this year is the expansion of Apple's Roadside Assistance via Satellite. Initially launched in the U.S., where Apple partners with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, this service allows users to connect with roadside assistance providers when they experience car trouble in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Roadside Assistance via Satellite will soon be available in the UK, where Apple is partnering with Green Flag, one of the country's leading roadside assistance providers. Users in the UK will be able to access these services on a pay-per-use basis if they are not already members of Green Flag or other participating providers. Like other satellite services from Apple, Roadside Assistance is designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky, meaning performance could be affected by obstacles such as dense tree cover or buildings.
In addition to the new satellite messaging features, iOS 18 will introduce Emergency SOS Live Video. This feature will allow users to share a live video feed or photos with participating emergency dispatchers during an emergency call, providing responders with real-time visuals to help assess the situation more effectively.
Apple's satellite services are available for free for the first two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14 or later.
With the launch of the new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple has discontinued some of its older iPhones. As of today, Apple is no longer selling the iPhone 13, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have been replaced with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone SE remains as Apple's most affordable device, with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus each receiving a $100 price drop as they replace the iPhone 13 models. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are also available for $100 less than their equivalent iPhone 16 models, with pricing starting at $699.
iPhone SE - $429
iPhone 14 - $599, down from $699
iPhone 14 Plus - $699, down from $799
iPhone 15 - $699, down from $799
iPhone 15 Plus - $799, down from $899
iPhone 16 - $799
iPhone 16 Plus - $899
iPhone 16 Pro - $999
iPhone 16 Pro Max - $1199
While the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Pro models have been discontinued by Apple, they may still be available from the refurbished store while supplies last, and third-party retailers will also have some stock available until it sells out.
Apple today introduced the new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models, but the update has not expanded mmWave 5G to countries outside of the United States. All four iPhone 16 models offer mmWave 5G in the U.S., but other countries are still limited to sub-6GHz 5G.
mmWave 5G has been a United States exclusive since 5G technology first debuted in the iPhone 12 as an upgrade for LTE. Apple hasn't rolled out mmWave 5G in other countries because other countries largely have yet to widely adopt the faster speeds. There are mmWave networks in countries like Australia, China, and Japan, but it is not a standard that has been fully embraced. In Australia, for example, mmWave is only available in select areas of major cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
While mmWave technology offers the fastest 5G speeds, it is limited to urban areas due to its short range and inability to penetrate obstacles. Sub-6GHz 5G is much more widespread, even in the United States, because it can also be used in rural and suburban areas.
It is worth noting that Apple replaced the mmWave antenna on the iPhone 16 models in the United States with the Camera Control button. There is no obvious mmWave cutout anymore, with the antenna instead built into the iPhone's frame.
Other countries do not have a mmWave antenna at all, and instead have a physical SIM slot, a feature that no longer exists in the U.S.
Apple today unveiled a hearing health experience for the AirPods Pro 2, combining hearing protection, testing, and aid in a single device.
A new active Hearing Protection feature is designed to minimize users' exposure to loud environmental noises. Leveraging the H2 chip, this capability will actively reduce louder, more disruptive sounds at a rate of 48,000 times per second. This is a notable enhancement from current AirPods functionality, which already incorporates noise-canceling technology but does not address real-time environmental noise reduction to the same extent. This protection is designed to work across all listening modes, ensuring that users are safeguarded in settings such as concerts or sporting events while maintaining the integrity of the audio they are listening to. The AirPods Pro's silicone ear tips also contribute to passive noise reduction.
The AirPods Pro 2 will also gain a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature. According to Apple, this test uses pure-tone audiometry, a standard clinical approach, to evaluate hearing ability. Users will be able to complete this test in just minutes using their AirPods Pro 2 with an iPhone or iPad. The results of the test are stored in the Health app, enabling users to share their hearing profiles with healthcare providers if needed. Apple says this is the first time a major consumer technology company has provided such an accessible hearing test feature directly within a widely used personal device.
In addition to testing, AirPods Pro 2 will incorporate an over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature, designed to assist those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The device will use the personalized hearing profile generated by the Hearing Test to make real-time adjustments to amplify sounds around the user, ensuring they remain connected to their environment. Apple notes that this feature will not only be useful in conversations but will also automatically enhance the listening experience for media content, including music, movies, and phone calls. Users can fine-tune their settings to match their specific hearing needs.
The new features for the AirPods Pro 2 will be available this fall in over 100 countries, including the United States, Germany, and Japan. Users will be able to use the Hearing Aid function either through their personalized hearing profile or by uploading an audiogram created by a healthcare professional. Both the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon, ensuring they meet the necessary regulatory required for medical-grade functionalities.
False alarm, everyone! The iconic earbuds live on for now.
Released in 2012, the EarPods have become less popular since Apple launched wireless AirPods in 2016, but they have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years thanks to social media. Starting with the iPhone 12 series in 2020, Apple stopped including EarPods and a charger in the box with new iPhones in order to be more environmentally friendly.
Apple released its original iconic white earbuds in 2001 alongside the launch of the first iPod, and they received a major redesign and the EarPods name in 2012. Apple released the USB-C version of the headphones just last year.
Apple plans to begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max on Friday, September 13 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time, or 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A launch is set to follow on Friday, September 20.
Pricing on the iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199. These are all the same prices as the iPhone 15 lineup.
The iPhone 16 models have a dual-lens camera, A18 chip, Action Button, and Camera Control button, while the iPhone 16 Pro models have the same Camera Control button along with a triple-lens camera that has an upgraded 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens, and a new A18 Pro chip. The Pro models are also equipped with larger 6.3 and 6.9-inch displays.
While Apple won't begin accepting pre-orders for new iPhone models until Friday, the new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 models can be pre-ordered starting today.
