Facebook parent company Meta is investing heavily in AI-powered humanoid robots, according to a report from Bloomberg. Meta wants to create robots that can act like humans and help people with physical tasks, and has developed a new team in its Reality Labs hardware to work on the project.
Meta's first focus will be on robots that can do household chores, but the company's overarching goal is to develop AI, sensors, and software for robots that can be manufactured and sold to third-party companies to allow those companies to develop their own robots. Meta is aiming to be the Android of robots.
Robot technology is not currently advanced enough to allow robots to fold clothes, do dishes, or complete other household chores, but Meta feels that its work in artificial intelligence and virtual reality could boost robot development.
In 2025, Meta will spend around $65 billion on artificial intelligence infrastructure, robotics, and virtual reality products. Meta plans to build some of its own hardware, and work with robotics manufacturers to build prototypes.
If Meta does end up creating a humanoid robot, it could compete with an Apple-designed robot in the future. Apple is working on both humanoid and non-humanoid robots, but the company's work on humanoid robotics is in the proof-of-concept stage and years away from launching.
Non-humanoid robots could come sooner. Apple is said to be working on a tabletop robot with an iPad-style display that's attached to a robotic arm, and such a product could come as early as 2026 or 2027.
Apple robotics researchers recently shared details on a lamp-like robot prototype with lifelike movements and human-like interaction capabilities.
Apple's smarter version of Siri that incorporates Apple Intelligence features could end up being delayed, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple is running into engineering problems and software bugs that could push back the launch of the new functionality.
Rumors suggested that Apple planned to introduce the new Siri features in iOS 18.4, but the first iOS 18.4 beta is expected as soon as next week, and it appears Siri won't be ready in time.
Apple has already promised that Apple Intelligence will be available in new languages in April, suggesting that's when the iOS 18.4 update will launch, so Apple has a limited amount of time to get Siri ready to go. Some features may now need to be postponed until May later, with Apple perhaps planning to introduce them in an iOS 18.5 update.
Apple has promised three Apple Intelligence features for Siri, including personal context to better understand and respond to requests, the ability to do more in and between apps, and on-screen awareness to respond to requests that involve content the user is looking at. Employees testing the new Siri features have reportedly said that they are not yet working consistently.
Major new features rarely come as late as May, because Apple typically transitions to working on the next-generation version of iOS in June after WWDC.
Gurman says that Apple could still debut the features in iOS 18.4, but turn them off by default as testing continues until iOS 18.5, and in that case, we'd still see the new functionality in iOS 18.4. We should be getting the first iOS 18.4 beta soon, though it is not likely that Siri will be in the initial beta given today's report.
Apple Downtown Detroit is "coming soon," according to Apple. The store page does not provide any further details, including an address or grand opening date.
Apple does mention that the Downtown Detroit store is now hiring.
Last year, it was reported that the Downtown Detroit store will be located on the 1400 block of Woodward Avenue, and construction was already underway.
Apple already has three stores in the Detroit area, but this would be the first location serving the city's downtown core, which has been experiencing a revival in recent years. The store could also serve customers from nearby Windsor, Ontario in Canada.
Apple launched the original MacBook Pro 19 years ago today.
Jobs announced the MacBook Pro at the Macworld Conference & Expo in 2006. It was the first Mac notebook to transition from PowerPC processors to Intel's Core Duo architecture. Designed to be an Intel-based replacement for the PowerBook line, the MacBook Pro took a similar aluminum chassis and added an Intel Core processor, a webcam, and the MagSafe power connector. Its display was 67% brighter than its predecessor, matching the luminance of Apple's standalone Cinema Displays.
Apple claimed that the Intel processors delivered "up to four times the performance of the PowerBook G4." The transition was supported by Rosetta, a software translation layer that allowed PowerPC applications to run on Intel-based Macs.
The original MacBook Pro came in two configurations, both with 15.4-inch widescreen displays offering 1440 x 900 resolution. The entry-level model featured a 1.67 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, and an 80GB hard drive, while the higher-end model boasted a 1.83 GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 100GB hard drive. Both models included ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics cards. The 15-inch model weighed just 5.6 pounds and was only one inch thick.
It also featured two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 400 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and an ExpressCard/34 slot for expandability. The exclusion of FireWire 800 in the initial 15-inch models drew criticism from some users, but this port was later restored in subsequent revisions. Initially only available with a 15-inch display, Apple introduced a 17-inch variant in April 2006.
Over the years, the MacBook Pro line evolved through various design and technological iterations, including the unibody construction in 2008, the Retina display in 2012, and the controversial Touch Bar in 2016. The transition from Intel to Apple Silicon in 2020 marked the end of the Intel-based MacBook Pro era, as Apple moved to its proprietary M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max chips.
Earlier today, some Netflix users in the United States began seeing Netflix content in the Apple TV app's Continue Watching queue, which prompted speculation that Netflix was rolling out Apple TV integration.
As it turns out, Netflix content showing up in new places in the Apple TV interface was a bug, and Netflix is not introducing expanded Apple TV functionality. In a statement to The Verge, a Netflix spokesperson confirmed that temporary support for the Continue Watching feature was an error, and it has been rolled back.
Netflix is one of the only major streaming services that has refused to offer integration with the Apple TV app, preferring instead for customers to manage watch lists and browse for content directly in the Netflix app.
Netflix has never supported integration with the built-in content tracking feature in the Apple TV app, so Apple TV users are not able to see Netflix shows and movies in their watchlists. Content from Apple TV+, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and other services can be tracked with the Apple TV app across Apple devices, but that is not the case for Netflix.
Instagram is testing a "dislike" button that can be used for comments, Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed today. The dislike button is designed to give people a "private" way to signal that they don't feel good about a particular comment.
Mosseri says that the feature is just a test at the current time, but the goal is to help "make comments more friendly." If the test goes well, the dislike signal could be integrated into comment ranking to move disliked comments lower down in the comment section of an Instagram post or reel.
There is no dislike count for posts, nor can the post creator or other commenters see if a user has disliked a post. Dislikes are an internal signal hidden from users. In a statement to TechCrunch, an Instagram spokesperson said the company is testing the feature with a small number of users.
We're working on ways to help people better control their Instagram experience and what they're seeing on the app. We're testing a new button next to each comment on a Reel or Feed post for people to privately signal they don't feel good about that particular comment or find it relevant. We're testing this with a very small group of people to start. Later, we may also test moving these comments lower down in the comments section to help create a better experience.
Users who have access to the dislike feature will see a downward pointing arrow available to tap, which is similar to the downvote feature that Reddit uses.
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the imminent Apple product "launch" that is widely expected to be the fourth-generation iPhone SE.
In a social media post on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cookteased an upcoming "launch" of some kind scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. "Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," he said, with an #AppleLaunch hashtag. The post includes a short video with an animated Apple logo inside a circle.
We analyze the possibilities for the announcement and why it's most likely to be a new iPhone SE, with rumored features including the A18 chip, a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, Apple Intelligence support, and more. The launch of other new devices, such as the M4 MacBook Air, also appear to be right around the corner.
We also discuss Apple's new Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones, which tout Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, an H2 chip for improved power efficiency and Apple ecosystem integration, and Heart Rate Monitoring–a first time for an Apple audio product. We talk through the utility of the heart rate monitoring feature, fit, and how they compare to the AirPods Pro 2.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
Apple is likely to sell over 20 million iPhone SE 4 units this year, making it the most popular iPhone SE model ever, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a new post on X, Kuo said that the fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to see shipments of approximately 12 million in the first half of 2025 and 10 million in the second half of 2025–which is apparently better than previous iPhone SE models.
The new device will reportedly reduce the impact of lower iPhone shipments at this time of year, as well as "accelerate the penetration of models that support Apple Intelligence."
Kuo also noted that the iPhone SE's custom modem may be the source of patent litigation from Qualcomm. The company apparently believes it may be able to obtain part of the patent licensing fees from Apple's custom modem to reduce losses from cancelled component orders.
The new iPhone SE is expected to debut as soon as next week, featuring the A18 chip, a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, Apple Intelligence support, and more.
Amazon this week updated its Prime Video app for the Apple TV with several improvements.
According to The Verge, the app is now better optimized for the tvOS platform. You can now use the Siri Remote to swipe through TV shows and movies, and touchpad gestures for fast forwarding and rewinding content are now supported.
Suggested search results now appear as you type, and you can search with the Siri Remote.
The app now shows higher-resolution imagery, and there are new motion and sound effects.
Last, the app now supports the Apple accessibility features VoiceOver, Hover Text, and Bold Text.
All in all, the app now provides a more "native" experience on tvOS.
You can download the Prime Video app from the App Store for free, but you will need a Prime subscription to stream content. The latest version of the app is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models.
February has been full of great Apple deals, and this week continued the trend with ongoing all-time low prices on AirPods, AirTag, Apple Pencil Pro, iPad, and MacBook Air. We're also still tracking solid deals on third-party earbuds and headphones over at Woot.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The best deals this week centered on AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, both of which are seeing the year's best prices so far on Amazon. You can get the AirPods 4 from $99.99 and the AirPods Pro 2 for $169.00 on Amazon.
Amazon this week has the AirTag 4-Pack for the all-time low price of $69.99, down from $99.00. You can also find a solid deal on the 1-Pack on Amazon right now, available for $22.99.
Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale kicked off earlier this week, and there are still an abundance of iPads on sale today. You can find record low prices on iPad mini 7, M2 iPad Air, and M4 iPad Pro in this sale, so be sure to visit our original post for more details about the event.
In addition to iPads, Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale has solid discounts on MacBook Air as well. The highlight of this sale is the 256GB 13-inch M2 MacBook Air for the all-time low price of $749.00 for My Best Buy Plus/Total members, down from $999.00.
Woot
What's the deal? Save on earbuds and headphones from Beats and more
Finally, Woot introduced a big sale on earbuds and headphones this week, and you can get up to 75 percent off select accessories during the event. This includes Beats products like the Beats Studio Buds+ for $99.99 and Beats Fit Pro for $129.95, both record low prices.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Deals Newsletter
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Apple may have a fight on its hands in the 27-inch 5K display space. Recently we've seen a solid budget competitor to the $1,600+ Apple Studio Display arrive on the market with the $799 ASUS ProArt 5K Display, and now here we have the BenQ PD2730S, part of the company's Designer Series that promises "always accurate and consistent colors."
Price-wise, this monitor sits $400 either side of the Apple and ASUS offerings at $1,200. As you'd expect, it packs more features than the cheaper ASUS display. For a start, it's Thunderbolt 4. But the extra capabilities don't end there. I've spent several weeks with it, putting it through its paces alongside an Apple Studio Display. So how did it fare?
Key Display Specifications
Panel Type: 27-inch IPS with Nano Matte coating
Resolution: 5120 x 2880 (5K)
Brightness: 400 nits peak
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 (IPS Black technology)
Color Gamut: 98% P3, 100% sRGB
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Response Time: 5ms (GtG)
HDR Support: VESA DisplayHDR 400
VESA Mount: 100 x 100mm
Built-in Speakers: 2x 3W stereo
Included Accessories: HotKey Puck G3 wireless controller
Design and Build Quality
First off, the PD2730S doesn't match Apple's all-aluminum aesthetic. Let's be honest, nothing on the market quite does. But BenQ has remained faithful to the same design ethos that was evident in our MA270U 4K monitor review. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it's tried and tested.
The monitor combines black, white, and silver elements into a cohesive whole. The black bezels remain pleasantly slim, the rear of the display is a white plastic that curves outwards slightly, and the silver stand is a brushed metal pipe about 2.5 inches in diameter. Assembly is extremely simple and requires no tools. You just click the neck of the stand to the back and then use the key-screw to fasten on the rectangular base.
Once set up, the monitor feels remarkably solid, and the stand deserves special mention - it's a robust piece of engineering that provides great stability. I particularly like how the display panel remains steady even when adjusting its position, something that's surprisingly rare in this price range.
Speaking of adjustments, BenQ hasn't skimped here. The stand offers a comprehensive range of movement: height adjustment up to 150mm, -5° to 20° tilt, and smooth 60° swivel capabilities. This versatility comes as standard - no $400 upgrade required, Apple. For those preferring alternative mounting solutions, there's a standard VESA mount option.
Connectivity and Features
Connectivity is where the PD2730S really shines. The monitor boasts a genuinely useful selection of ports. The Thunderbolt 4 input delivers 90W of power delivery, which is enough for my 14-inch MacBook Pro. You'll also find HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port supporting display daisy-chaining. These ports face outward rather than downward - a small detail that makes a big difference in daily use.
A thoughtful array of USB ports rounds out the package. There's both USB-C (2x) and USB-A (3x) connectivity, making this an effective hub for any desk setup. That said, most of these are located directly under the panel next to a headphone jack and they face downwards, so the dangling cables can look a bit messy if you use them all. On the other hand, BenQ includes a hook that attaches to the stand behind the monitor for funnelling cables through, which is a much more aesthetically pleasing cable management system than the one found on the ASUS ProArt 5K Display.
Another point worth noting is that the hub can provide power even when the display is off, so you can keep your MacBook and whatever else plugged in and charging regardless.
BenQ also includes its unique HotKey Puck G3 controller. This wireless dial provides quick access to display settings and input switching. It's customizable and works well, and creative professionals might appreciate it, but it's not something I've found myself using regularly.
Display Performance
Let's get down to brass tacks: image quality. The IPS panel delivers outstanding clarity. Text on the panel appears razor-sharp, and images pop with vivid detail. With 5120x2880 resolution, you're getting the same pixel density as Apple's Studio Display. And just like the Apple Studio Display, you get 218 pixels per inch, ensuring that sweet spot for 5K Retina.
Likewise, color accuracy impresses right out of the box. The monitor covers 98% of the P3 color gamut, which is crucial for creative work. BenQ's factory calibration proved spot-on as far as I'm concerned, although you can fine-tune things further using the included software tools. Display ColorTalk lets you easily match colors between a MacBook and the monitor or between two monitors – no calibrator needed – while Palette Master Ultimate lets you achieve more precise color matching using a calibrator.
The panel employs BenQ's Nano Matte coating, which effectively manages reflections without compromising image clarity. The panel's maximum brightness reaches 400 nits, which is less than the Studio Display's 600 nits. This is the one visually noticeable difference between the two panels, but I've found 400 nits to be perfectly adequate for my environment. It's worth noting that the panel is "only" 60Hz. That may irk hard-core gamers, but I had no problems playing Resident Evil 2, and it's totally adequate for everyday tasks and image editing work. Lastly, the PD2730S has 2000:1 contrast ratio, providing a solid dynamic range.
Software Integration
We covered BenQ's Display Pilot 2 software in the MA270U review, but it deserves special mention. It enables seamless brightness and volume control using your Mac's keyboard - a feature that's surprisingly rare in third-party monitors. The software also provides straightforward access to color profiles and monitor settings. ICCsync ensures consistent color matching between your MacBook and external display, and while HDR support is limited to HDR400, it's there if you need it. The KVM switch functionality should also prove handy when working with multiple computers.
All that being said, you don't have to use the software to control the monitor, since you can access all of the settings in the OSD menu via the physical controls along the bottom of the display.
Summing Up
The BenQ PD2730S makes a compelling case for itself. At $1,199, it delivers 5K resolution, excellent color accuracy, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and other thoughtful features at a significantly lower price point than Apple's Studio Display. Yes, the speakers are terrible, but that seems par for the course in third-party monitors. And no, it doesn't have a webcam like the Studio Display, but that just means you can invest in a better one than the latter offers. While the PD2730S can't match Apple's premium build quality or 600-nit brightness, it compensates with superior ergonomics and connectivity options.
This monitor deserves serious consideration by creative professionals seeking a high-resolution display without breaking the bank. It strikes an impressive balance between performance and value, offering most of what makes the Studio Display great at a more accessible price point.
Where to Buy
The BenQ PD2730S is available directly from BenQ's website and through authorized retailers for $1,199.
Note: BenQ provided MacRumors with a BenQ PD2730S monitor for the purpose of the review. No other compensation was received.
Netflix appears to have softened its stance on Apple TV integration, with some users in the US now reporting seeing prompts to connect their Netflix accounts directly to Apple's TV app.
FlatpanelsHD was first to spot the reports. The change means users can add Netflix Originals to their TV app watchlist. After accepting the integration prompt, these shows appear in the "Continue Watching" queue.
The integration currently seems restricted to Netflix Original content rather than the service's full catalog of licensed shows and movies. When users select content to watch, they are still directed to the Netflix app for playback.
Historically, Netflix has refused integration with Apple's TV app ecosystem. Before now, Netflix users had to use the company's standalone app exclusively.
The feature appears limited to the US at this time, as users with non-US Apple IDs are not seeing the integration option. It's worth noting that the functionality is limited to Apple TV set-top boxes, since there are no reports of the connect prompt appearing in the Apple TV app on iPhones, iPads, or third-party devices like smart TVs.
Neither Apple nor Netflix has made an official announcement about the integration, and it remains unclear whether this is part of a test or the beginning of a broader rollout. As always, watch this space.
Update: Netflix says that Netflix content appearing in the Apple TV was a bug, and it has since been addressed. Netflix is not adding Apple TV integration at this time.
Apple is working to bring its AI features to China as early as May, with Alibaba and Baidu acting as local partners to help the company meet strict state regulations, according to a new Bloomberg report.
Apple is said to have dedicated teams in both China and the US working to adapt its Apple Intelligence platform for the Chinese market, as it navigates the country's complex regulatory system.
Alibaba is Apple's primary partner in the endeavor, with the e-commerce giant reportedly building an on-device system to analyze and modify Apple's AI models for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users in China. The system will include built-in censorship and filtering capabilities to comply with Chinese government requirements. Meanwhile, Baidu will act as a secondary partner, handling features like Visual Intelligence for the upcoming iPhone 16.
The Chinese version of Apple Intelligence will differ significantly from the one featured on US Apple devices. The US version combines on-device features, server-based processing (Private Cloud Compute), and ChatGPT integration. In contrast, the Chinese version will rely heavily on local partnerships. Alibaba's software will basically be an intermediary layer that allows government-directed content filtering without the user knowing it.
The AI features that result from the partnership will only be available on Apple devices sold within China, while devices purchased elsewhere and brought into the country won't have access to the local AI system. Apple has reportedly submitted materials to Chinese authorities for approval, but it still faces some regulatory hurdles before the features can be launched.
The combined effort comes as Apple faces declining sales in China, its largest market outside the US, where local smartphone brands have gained market share partly thanks to their AI offerings.
WhatsApp has announced the introduction of chat themes, giving users the freedom to personalize their conversations using custom colors for both chat bubbles and backgrounds. The encrypted messaging platform is also adding 30 new wallpaper options to help users further customize their chat experience.
The new customization options let you either choose from preset themes that modify both chat bubbles and backgrounds simultaneously, or mix and match colors to create your own unique combinations.
You can apply a unified theme across all your conversations and channels, but the new options mean you also have the flexibility to customize individual chats with different themes. WhatsApp notes that these customizations are visible only to the user who sets them, so personal preferences won't affect other people in the conversation.
To set a default theme for all chats, navigate to Settings ➝ Chats ➝ Default chat theme. For individual chat customization, simply tap the chat name at the top of the screen. The new theme options are currently rolling out and will become available to all WhatsApp users over the next few weeks.
There have been several alleged leaked details of the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's rumored new slim iPhone, but images have been limited to grainy shots taken in component factories. However, this hyper-realistic concept created by WEIS Studio gives us the best idea yet of what Apple's thin device might actually look like.
The concept design is inspired by recent leaks indicating that the device will have a super-slim 5.5mm profile. For comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro measures 8.25mm in thickness, while the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro comes in at 5.3mm. That measurement doesn't include the camera bump, which could be thicker to accommodate the single 48-megapixel rear camera rumored for the device.
In terms of size, rumors suggest the iPhone 17 Air will have a 6.6-inch display, which will put it in between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in size. As mentioned, it will have a single-lens rear camera, and Apple could be planning for a horizontal bar-like camera bump at the back.
The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to come with a 120Hz ProMotion display and Apple's in-house 5G modem. It's also expected to feature the A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7, and a more durable display material designed to resist drops and scratches.
Unlike the iPhone 17 Pro models, which prioritize high-end hardware, Apple is reportedly positioning the iPhone 17 Air as a design-focused device. While it may not have the most advanced internal components, its refreshed aesthetic could be a major selling point.
There's no word on battery life for the iPhone 17 Air yet, but space will be limited so there may be battery life compromises. The device is expected to be priced more affordably than the iPhone 17 Pro, which will start at $999.
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly replace the iPhone "Plus" model in Apple's new lineup, which is set to be released around mid-September. Check out the video clip and let us know what you think of the concept.
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro will feature three rear cameras arranged in a familiar triangular layout, but the cameras will be housed in an all-new rectangular camera bar with rounded corners, according to YouTube channel Front Page Tech.
In a video uploaded today, Front Page Tech host Jon Prosser said the camera bar will be considerably larger than many earlier concepts circulating online have showed. The camera lenses are positioned on the left side of the bar, while an LED flash, a rear microphone, and the LiDAR Scanner are lined up vertically on the right side.
Prosser said the iPhone 17 Pro features a two-tone finish, with the camera bar appearing to be darker than the rest of the rear shell.
It is unclear if this alleged design change has any benefits, or if it is purely for aesthetics.
Prosser said his information is based on multiple sources familiar with the iPhone 17 Pro's design, and he said that he has seen the device himself.
The redesigned camera array would presumably extend to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but Prosser did not confirm that. The ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air" is also rumored to feature a rear camera bar, but with only a single camera. It is not clear if the camera bar will extend to the lowest-end iPhone 17 model, but it seems likely for consistency.
Google's Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro also have a rear camera bar, but the lenses are arranged in a horizontal line rather than triangularly.
TikTok is once again available for download from the App Store in the U.S., which means it can be installed on iPhones and will be able to receive updates. Apple's decision to start distributing TikTok again comes after a letter sent from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to Bloomberg, but the letter has not been shared.
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act that led to TikTok being removed from the App Store was first passed in April 2024, and it gave TikTok parent company ByteDance a nine month period to sell the app to a non-Chinese company.
ByteDance fought against the law, claiming that it was unconstitutional and violated the First Amendment, but U.S. courts, including the Supreme Court, were not swayed by the argument.
U.S. President Donald Trump gave TikTok a reprieve by ordering the Department of Justice not to enforce the law for a 90-day period, but Apple did not return the app to the App Store. In a support document explaining TikTok's removal, Apple said that it is "obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates."
Even with the DoJ not technically enforcing the law, it is still a law, and Apple was likely concerned about facing future penalties. Nothing has changed with TikTok as of yet, and the law continues to be in place, but the DoJ has tried to assure Apple that it will not face consequences for allowing TikTok downloads. Apple appears to have been persuaded.
While TikTok has been absent from the App Store for the last month, the social network has remained functional and those who previously downloaded TikTok have been able to continue to use the app.
The Trump administration is attempting to work out a deal that would see TikTok sold to a U.S. buyer, and Vice President J.D. Vance has reportedly been tasked with securing a deal. The Chinese government has maintained that it will not allow TikTok to be sold, which complicates the matter, plus Trump has recently levied an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Square Enix today announced that iOS game Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is shutting down immediately, due to some kind of in-app purchase bug.
Apparently customers have been unable to access content purchased in the iOS app for the last several weeks, which Square Enix says is "due to changes made to the in-app purchases model." Apple hasn't made any known changes to in-app purchases in recent months, so it is not clear what Square Enix is referencing given the limited information provided.
Further, the company says that it is "unable to completely fix the bug and implement the new changes," which means support for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles on the iPhone and iPad is ending.
The game has been removed from the App Store, and customers who made an in-app purchase in January 2024 or later can request a refund by contacting Square Enix support.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles offered online multiplayer and cross-platform play, allowing gamers to team up to conquer dungeons and earn loot. The remastered version of the game continues to be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Android.
Update 8:28 pm: As noted by forum member An_mo_, Apple made a change to the security requirements for App Store receipts that went into effect the day before Square Enix reported receiving complaints, so it appears that may be related to the issue users were experiencing. If so, it still remains unclear why Square Enix was unable to update the app to support the new certificates.
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iPhone 17 Pro camera design render created by 
