[Update: See the retraction below.]
On the web, if I build something that works within the standards, it works. Whether people use it is up to them. On iOS, there is another question entirely: whether Apple decides it should exist.
[…]
In the past couple of years I’ve built three apps that were rejected from the App Store on various grounds.
[…]
A while ago I tried to submit an iOS app for Dark Hours, my astronomy website for normal people. It was rejected on the grounds that it was astrology.
[…]
I see countless ChatGPT wrappers with nearly identical icons and eye-watering subscriptions. I see astronomy apps requesting permissions that have nothing to do with looking at the night sky. My kids download games that interrupt play every few minutes to advertise the developer’s other subscription apps, each with their own $20–50 yearly plans.
Via John Gruber (Mastodon, Hacker News):
But if you actually look at Godier’s Dark Hours, for even just a few seconds, it is instantly obvious that it pertains to the science of astronomy and has absolutely nothing — zero, zilch, nada — to do with astrology.
[…]
Godier proceeded through a series of escalations up to the App Review Board and the Review Board responded that they determined the original rejection was valid because, I shit you not, “We understand that the app includes a live tarot reading feature.” Which isn’t even about astrology. It’s straight out of Kafka.
[…]
This isn’t just contrary to the benefit of developers, like Godier. It’s obviously contrary to the benefit of Apple itself, which should not just accept an app like Dark Hours, but celebrate it as an exemplar of the platform.
Mistakes happen. But in a functioning system mistakes get corrected, and mistakes as obvious as this one get corrected almost instantly and include a quick apology for the conflation. The App Store is not a functioning system.
Previously:
Update (2026-08-10): John Gruber:
To the best of my recollection, this is the first post I’ve retracted in the 24 years I’ve been writing Daring Fireball. I hope it’s the last. I was misled, both overtly and through omissions[…]
[…]
The truth is, the app, as originally submitted by Godier to the App Store (under the name “Asterly”, not “Dark Hours”), was entirely dedicated to astrology, not astronomy, and did in fact include a “Tarot card of the day” feature amongst other occultist horseshit.
[…]
I wrongly took Godier at his word, both in his public blog post and in private iMessage correspondence yesterday, that the rejection wasn’t just merely debatable, but completely and rather preposterously ungrounded. Whether Godier ever submitted a build of “Asterly” to the App Store that contained no occult horseshit and only the hard-science astronomy features that were present in his “Dark Hours” website that was available for the last week, I don’t know. But I have no reason to believe that he did.
[…]
In an uncomfortable exchange between Beher and Godier on Bluesky, Beher pointed out that Godier’s Dark Hours had the same bug as Beher’s that routed people to “random fields in Mexico”. Earlier today, Godier took his web app down and redirected his
darkhours.iodomain to Beher’sdarkhours.app.
I’m really unhappy about this, both for my role in spreading a false story and because I think it will hurt the cause of reforming App Review. I know there are many crazy rejections and have experienced some first-hand. This story was believable because of that well-known history and because Godier didn’t seem like a nobody trying to get attention—he was the developer of another highly regarded app. But now people are going to point to true developer stories and accuse them of being fakes, too.
Terry Godier has just published a so-called “Mea Culpa” blaming Claude for cloning an open source app and denying foreknowledge.
There’s no mention of or apology for how Godier deceived Gruber and the world about the astronomy/astrology App Store submission/rejection.
The blog post essentially confirms that this person cannot be trusted.
Update (2026-08-11): Colin Cornaby:
BOTH projects were generated using Claude. So you have two people - both generating the same app from the same training data - having a public throw down over who copied who.
[…]
The “original” developer does claim to know how to code - which wasn’t clear from my research. That still doesn’t necessarily mean the original app was the source of the training data. They both may be a result of the same training data.
Holy shit, so the “Claude plagiarised an app” story is actually “Claude produced the same app twice when prompted to do so by two separate developers” 😅
It’s not clear to me exactly how much each developer relied on Claude or which training data was used, but I wanted to note this angle of the story.
Update (2026-08-14): Rosyna Keller:
With all this talk of an astrology app being rejected by App Store review I’m reminded there’s still a flat Earth/astrology app on the App Store that actively leaks the location of all of its users.
Apple raised trade-in values again. See how much you can get from that older iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch.
(via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
Apple has increased its estimated trade-in values for most current iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models in the United States. The adjustments give customers slightly more credit toward a new device, although some older Apple hardware and several Android phones have moved in the opposite direction.
The updated values are maximum estimates rather than guaranteed payments. Apple calculates the final credit after confirming the model and inspecting its condition. A damaged display, enclosure problems, missing functionality, or an inaccurate description can reduce the amount offered.
Most of the increases are modest, but they arrive across several of Apple’s largest product categories at the same time. Recent iPhones receive between $10 and $25 more, every iPad category listed in Apple’s summary gains value, and several popular Macs receive larger increases.
The revisions also reinforce the role of trade-ins within Apple’s retail operation. Credit can reduce the cost of a regular purchase, be delivered through an Apple Gift Card, or lower payments at the beginning of an eligible Apple Upgrade lease.
Every iPhone 16 model included in the update receives a higher maximum estimate. The iPhone 16 Pro Max moves from $685 to $695, retaining the highest listed value among the affected iPhones.
The iPhone 16 Pro increases from $550 to $560, while the iPhone 16 Plus moves from $455 to $465. The standard iPhone 16 receives the largest increase within the family, rising by $25 from $435 to $460.
These changes narrow the difference between the standard iPhone 16 and the larger Plus model. The Pro models retain substantially higher estimates, reflecting their higher original prices and stronger position in the used-device market.
An additional $10 or $25 will not transform the cost of an upgrade, but it can offset part of a case, charger, AppleCare plan, or storage upgrade. The difference also becomes more relevant for customers comparing Apple’s direct program with a third-party reseller offering a similar amount.
Apple’s iPad adjustments are more consistent. The maximum estimate for an iPad Pro rises from $670 to $690, an increase of $20. The iPad Air moves from $445 to $460, while the standard iPad rises from $220 to $235.
The iPad mini also gains $15, moving from a maximum of $250 to $265. That means every current iPad category displayed in Apple’s trade-in summary receives a higher estimate.
Apple’s direct trade-in values are generally lower than the prices an owner might obtain through a private sale. The program instead emphasizes convenience: the device can be returned at an Apple Store or sent using Apple’s online process, with the credit connected directly to a new purchase.
A private sale can produce a better return, especially for a recent device in excellent condition. It also requires the owner to set a price, find a buyer, manage payment, and handle the transfer independently. Apple’s program trades some resale value for a simpler exchange.
Mac trade-in values receive some of the largest increases, but the category also includes notable reductions.
The MacBook Air rises from a maximum of $485 to $520, adding $35. The Mac mini receives the same increase, moving from $340 to $375. The MacBook Pro changes only slightly, increasing from $685 to $690.
Apple leaves the current iMac estimate unchanged at $355. The Mac Studio receives a larger increase from $975 to $1,045, reflecting the higher value retained by recent desktop configurations.
Older professional desktops move in the other direction. The iMac Pro falls from $325 to $315, while the top Mac Pro estimate declines from $2,090 to $2,045.
That $45 reduction at the top of the Mac range means Apple’s maximum Mac trade-in offer decreases even though several mainstream models receive more credit. The changes appear more closely connected to the resale position of individual product families than to a uniform increase across every computer.
Mac estimates can vary considerably because one model name can cover different years, processors, memory configurations, storage capacities, and physical designs. Apple asks for a serial number before producing a more specific estimate for a Mac.
The Apple Watch adjustments are similarly mixed. Apple Watch Ultra 2 rises from $295 to $305, while Apple Watch Series 9 increases from $120 to $130.
Apple Watch Series 10 remains unchanged at a maximum of $150. The original Apple Watch Ultra falls from $215 to $205, losing $10.
Wearable trade-in values can decline quickly because watches receive frequent updates and are exposed to greater physical wear than many computers or tablets. Battery condition, display damage, case wear, and working buttons can influence whether the device receives the estimated credit.
Apple also accepts devices that no longer qualify for monetary value. Those products can be returned for recycling, including older hardware and accessories that would otherwise remain unused.
Apple accepts selected smartphones from Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers when customers move to an iPhone. The latest revisions are less favorable to several Android devices.
The maximum Android estimate across Apple’s displayed range decreases from $370 to $360. Individual changes vary by model.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra drops from $230 to $200, a $30 reduction. Google’s Pixel 8 Pro declines from $170 to $165.
Other devices remain unchanged. The standard Galaxy S23 continues to carry an estimated value of up to $125, while the OnePlus 12 remains at up to $200.
Apple’s Android offers are primarily designed to remove friction for people moving to the iPhone. They do not necessarily match the amount available from the manufacturer, a carrier promotion, or a private buyer.
Carrier promotions can advertise considerably higher trade-in credits than Apple, particularly around a new iPhone launch. Those offers commonly require an eligible unlimited plan, a new line, monthly bill credits, or a commitment lasting two or three years.
Apple’s direct credit is easier to understand because it is tied to the assessed value of the device rather than a long carrier agreement. The best choice depends on whether the customer values flexibility, immediate credit, or the largest possible promotional discount.
Apple’s published figures represent the maximum available for qualifying devices in suitable condition. The online estimate is based on the answers supplied before the product is inspected.
After receiving the device, Apple or its trade-in partner verifies its identity and checks whether it powers on, functions properly, and matches the reported condition. A difference can produce a revised offer.
Customers can accept or reject a lower revised value. Rejecting it cancels the trade-in and returns the device, although the payment arrangement for the accompanying purchase may also be adjusted. If the inspected value is higher than the original estimate, Apple says it automatically increases the credit.
The way the credit is delivered depends on the purchase. When a customer pays in full for a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, the confirmed value can be returned to the original payment method up to the price of the new product. Any remaining amount can be issued through an Apple Gift Card.
With an eligible monthly payment arrangement, the estimated credit can be applied directly to the new device’s purchase price. Under Apple Upgrade, a qualifying trade-in owned by the customer can reduce payments across the initial lease term. Another device cannot be traded in each time the customer exercises the lease’s upgrade option.
Values also differ between countries and can change without a product announcement. The revised dollar amounts apply to Apple’s United States program, while local market prices, available models, currencies, and trade-in partners determine estimates elsewhere.
Anyone considering an exchange should obtain a fresh estimate shortly before purchasing. Apple requires the trade-in device to arrive within the specified return period and says an online estimate is generally protected for 14 days after the customer receives the new product.
The post Apple Raises Trade-In Values for Most iPhone, iPad, Mac, & Watch Models appeared first on AppleMagazine.
Apple briefly removed Telegram from the App Store on Monday night after a review found content that violated its guidelines against child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but restored the app a short while later, according to Reuters.
It seems like this was a symbolic gesture. Removing the app didn’t affect any of the customers who had already downloaded it. Probably none of them saw the image. And restoring the app doesn’t mean that it’s completely free from CSAM—probably none of the major platforms is. It just means that Telegram did the obvious thing after the violation was reported, which presumably they would have done, anyway.
They removed an entire app for ONE app user???
And before even contacting the developer? Telegram banning the account is what actually prevented users from potentially seeing the CSAM. Apple’s action seems like either a mistake or trying to send them a message.
I would note, by the way, that the Telegram app was apparently never removed from the Mac App Store. Which goes to show how little Apple cares about the Mac App Store.
I’m sure this stance will be applied equally to all other apps in the store, in the future right? @Apple
Pavel Durov (Telegram, MacRumors):
Because Telegram quickly removes illegal content from public groups using all kinds of moderation tools, the attacker had to resort to a technical trick. He inserted AI-modified illegal content by editing an old message in an active group chat. As a result the content was effectively hidden from the group’s members, preventing them from seeing/reporting it.
The attacker was a takedown extortionist: someone who demands ransom from group owners in exchange for not targeting their communities. These extortionists use automated accounts to plant illegal content in public groups and then report it directly to Apple, attempting to trigger the removal of legitimate communities whose owners refused to pay them.
[…]
Extortionists have found a way to manipulate Apple into overreacting. Apple removed Telegram from the App Store before contacting us. This creates a potential systemic risk for every mobile app that hosts user-generated content. If an app used by more than a billion people can be removed from the App Store without prior warning, any app can be.
During the time the app was unavailable, many speculated that the move was politically motivated, or perhaps in response to the recent discovery that Telegram has allegedly been using an obfuscated private UIKit API to animate its emoji picker.
It’s sad but kind of hilarious that both of these so disparate theories were considered possible. Durov really does have political enemies, and Apple really does seem to have it out for Telegram. But, also, using private API to animate emojis totally seems like something that Telegram would do and that Apple would overreact to.
Previously:
Update (2026-08-06): Matt Burgess (Hacker News):
Over the last nine months, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has run dozens of paid ads that include explicit AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and images of minors alongside sexually suggestive statements, according to details of the ads shared with WIRED. The ads, which in some cases reached several thousand accounts, were targeted at people living in the United States, United Kingdom, and more than a dozen European countries.
This is much worse than what happened with Telegram, yet Apple didn’t overreact.
There’s also the Twitter/Grok case.
Previously:
Apple briefly removed Telegram from its App Store late on Monday after detecting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in a public group. The messaging app was restored within about 40 minutes once Telegram deleted the content and banned the responsible user. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov later described the incident as the work of a “takedown extortionist” who deliberately planted AI-modified illegal content to trigger the removal and pressure online communities.
According to Durov’s statement on X (see below), the attacker edited an old message in an active public group chat to insert the prohibited material. Because the edit was backdated, the content remained effectively invisible to ordinary group members, limiting their ability to report it through normal channels and helping it evade some of Telegram’s automated moderation tools. The perpetrator then reportedly flagged the material directly to Apple.
Durov characterized the actor as a takedown extortionist—someone who demands payment from group owners in exchange for not targeting their communities. These operators, he said, rely on automated accounts to seed illegal material in public groups and then report it to platform gatekeepers such as Apple in an effort to force the removal of legitimate communities whose administrators refuse to pay.
“From a practical standpoint, illegal pornographic content in Telegram’s public groups is not a systemic problem,” Durov wrote. “Our moderation is effective. The fact that attackers must resort to backdated, effectively invisible content and other technical tricks proves this.” He emphasized that Telegram routinely removes illegal material from public groups using a range of moderation tools.
Apple confirmed that a content review had identified CSAM that violated App Store guidelines. The company stated that Telegram “promptly removed the content and banned the user,” after which the app was returned to the store. Apple has not publicly addressed Durov’s claim that an extortionist manipulated the process. Durov noted that Apple pulled Telegram before contacting the company.
Durov framed the episode as a warning for other developers. “Extortionists have found a way to manipulate Apple into overreacting,” he said. “This creates a potential systemic risk for every mobile app that hosts user-generated content. If an app used by more than a billion people can be removed from the App Store without prior warning, any app can be.” He also cautioned that the tactics used by such coordinated reporting groups are evolving and that other platforms may be less prepared to identify and counter them.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between large platforms that host user-generated content, the moderation challenges they face, and the policies of mobile app marketplaces that can unilaterally restrict distribution. Telegram continues to operate normally on iOS following the short-lived removal.
Last night Apple briefly removed Telegram from the AppStore because a user had planted illegal porn in a public chat.
Telegram was restored within hours. But I want to explain what happened — to warn other app developers and help protect online communities from similar attacks.
Because Telegram quickly removes illegal content from public groups using all kinds of moderation tools, the attacker had to resort to a technical trick. He inserted AI-modified illegal content by editing an old message in an active group chat. As a result the content was effectively hidden from the group’s members, preventing them from seeing/reporting it.
The attacker was a takedown extortionist: someone who demands ransom from group owners in exchange for not targeting their communities. These extortionists use automated accounts to plant illegal content in public groups and then report it directly to Apple, attempting to trigger the removal of legitimate communities whose owners refused to pay them.
From a practical standpoint, illegal pornographic content in Telegram’s public groups is not a systemic problem. Our moderation is effective. The fact that attackers must resort to backdated, effectively invisible content and other technical tricks proves this.
— Extortionists have found a way to manipulate Apple into overreacting. Apple removed Telegram from the App Store before contacting us. This creates a potential systemic risk for every mobile app that hosts user-generated content. If an app used by more than a billion people can be removed from the App Store without prior warning, any app can be.
— The tactics used by takedown extortionists are evolving, putting communities across social platforms at risk. Telegram has extensive experience identifying the tricks used by coordinated reporting gangs and protecting legitimate communities (even when doing so risks our own app being temporarily removed from the App Store). Other platforms may not be equally prepared.
Stay vigilant!
MacDailyNews Take: Apple’s App Store really is one of history’s most profitable cans of worms.
It’s an astonishing money machine: the broader App Store ecosystem facilitated over $1.4 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2025 alone. Physical goods and services (retail, food delivery, travel, etc.) made up the bulk (~$1.1 trillion), where Apple takes no commission. Digital goods and services accounted for about $149 billion, and in-app advertising another $151 billion. On the digital slice Apple typically charges 15–30%, generating many billions in high-margin revenue that helps power its Services business.
Yet the same walld garden that produces those results is a perpetual source of headaches. Apple’s near-total control over iOS distribution and payments has fueled years of antitrust battles — Epic Games, the U.S. DOJ, EU Digital Markets Act enforcement, court findings of non-compliance, and ongoing developer lawsuits. Critics call the commission the “Apple Tax,” complain about arbitrary review decisions, limited sideloading or alternative stores (outside certain regulated markets), and the risk that a single content flag can yank a major app offline without warning.
The recent Telegram episode fits the pattern perfectly. A brief App Store removal triggered by planted illegal content (which Telegram says was the work of a takedown extortionist) showed how Apple’s gatekeeper power can be gamed or lead to rapid, high-stakes reactions.
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The App Store is evolving at a breakneck pace not seen since its earliest days. We saw the first glimmers of what was to come early in 2025, but it wasn’t until late last year that the tsunami of apps developed with the help of AI agents really took hold.
Since then, veteran developers are releasing new apps and updating existing ones faster than ever, and new developers are releasing their first apps in droves. Today, supply is dramatically up, demand is flat, and quality is seemingly simultaneously up and down, depending on where you look.
How these forces play out long-term is anyone’s guess, but it’s worth examining because, just as Federico’s link to Bryan Irace’s post about agentic coding tools foreshadowed the rise of tools like Codex and Claude Code, today’s trends are sparks that have the potential to become tomorrow’s App Store wildfires or simply fizzle out.
Utility apps are on the front lines of this change. The TechCrunch story I linked in April picked up on this trend:
Another interesting tidbit from Appfigures is that the Utilities app category moved up the top five chart.
If anything, the trend has accelerated in the months since.
It’s not surprising at all that utility apps have taken off. They’ve been a staple of new developers since long before agents came along. That’s because many are UI wrappers around command line tools. That isn’t a knock against the developers of those apps; most users don’t want to open Terminal to convert a video or audio file to another format using ffmpeg, for example. By building a great UI around command line tools, developers have made them far easier to use.
However, the relative simplicity and narrow scope of many utility apps have made them a natural fit for AI agents, too. That’s why the App Store (and my inbox) is deluged with Mac menu bar and single-screen iPhone and iPad utility apps.
On the one hand, the abundance of utilities has been great for users. More choice means you’re more likely to find the app that perfectly fits your needs.
On the other hand, though, I don’t think what’s happening in the category is sustainable and expect to see it dramatically shift again in the coming months. As we’ve seen from reporting by The New York Times, app supply is outstripping demand by orders of magnitude, which will drive down prices. That alone is likely to cause the utility app market to shrink. But there’s more to it than that.
Remember, the demand shifts that The New York Times reported, based on Sensor Tower numbers, are for the entire App Store, where download numbers have grown 2-3% this year and last. I expect utility downloads to actually shrink in the coming months – again, because of agents. Utilities, especially simple ones, are exactly the sorts of apps that are becoming trivially easy for power users – the very users these utilities are made for – to create themselves. From frontier labs‘ model improvements to a growing number of app-building tools from those same labs and third parties, it’s never been easier to build a web or native app yourself.
And although I agree with people, like Nilay Patel, who say the notion that everyone will build their own software is overblown, the utility market is different. Your average person is not downloading apps to adjust the frame rate and file format of a video or downloading YouTube videos to watch later. But those are exactly the sort of things that people who are using agents are doing with them, whether they’re having an agent do those things directly via a command line tool in an app like Codex or Claude Code or building an app to do the same thing. That’s going to put even more pressure on the category.
That said, I think there will always be a cohort of users who would rather pay for an app than build it themselves, so I’m not predicting the demise of utilities in general – just the end of today’s frothy market. I also think there remains a place for simple utilities that solve hard problems with clever solutions. Not every utility is a UI wrapper for a terminal command. Plenty of apps feature original solutions or thoughtful and unconventional remixes of disparate tools.
Utilities aren’t going away, but just like other App Store deluges, the trend will recede. It’s just that this time, it’s likely to flip faster than usual.
Telegram was temporarily removed from Apple’s App Store worldwide after the iPhone maker identified content from one user that violated its rules against child sexual abuse material, the messaging service said on Tuesday.
According to a report from Reuters, the episode mirrors a similar brief suspension in 2018, when Apple pulled the app over what Telegram founder Pavel Durov at the time described as “inappropriate content.” The app was restored then after Telegram strengthened its safeguards.
An Apple spokesperson confirmed the recent short-lived removal, stating that its review found content violating guidelines that prohibit child sexual abuse material. “The app was subsequently restored after the developer promptly removed the content and banned the user who posted it,” the spokesperson added. The removal and restoration occurred on the same day once Telegram acted.
Telegram, which counts more than a billion monthly active users, maintains a zero-tolerance policy on such material. It said it has blocked nearly 338,000 groups and channels for related content this year.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company has long clashed with Apple, also weighed in on X. “Apple has stated they removed the app from availability to a billion users because a Telegram user posted something horrible and illegal,” Sweeney wrote, according to Reuters. He continued: “They did not elaborate on how, if that is the standard for app removal, any communications app could operate at scale, including iMessage.”
An Apple spokesperson did not respond to further questions about the guideline violation, Reuters reported.
MacDailyNews Note: The incident comes amid ongoing regulatory attention on Telegram’s handling of illegal content. Britain’s Ofcom opened an investigation in April over concerns about the sharing of child sex abuse material; Telegram has categorically denied the accusations and said it has virtually eliminated the public spread of such material since 2018 through detection algorithms. In February, Australia’s online safety regulator also fined the company for delays in responding to queries about measures against child abuse material and violent extremism.
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Russia’s anti-monopoly watchdog has opened a formal case against Apple after the U.S. technology company failed to comply with an earlier warning requiring the pre-installation of Russian applications on its devices, state news agency RIA reported on Monday.
All mobile phones and tablets in Russia must have the state-backed MAX messenger app pre-installed, the Russian government announced in August 2025.
The case centers on Apple’s alleged non-compliance regarding the mandatory pre-installation of Russia’s MAX messaging app and a domestic Russian app store. The move follows a warning issued by the regulator that the company did not fully address.
The development marks the latest escalation in Moscow’s efforts to enforce rules aimed at promoting local digital services on foreign devices sold in the country. No further details on potential penalties or next steps were immediately available.
Reuters
MacDailyNews Take: MAX is criticized for potentially enabling user tracking which aligns with Moscow’s push for tighter internet control amid tensions with the West over Ukraine.
As Glenn Greenwald said, “The way things are supposed to work is that we’re supposed to know virtually everything about what [government officials] do: that’s why they’re called public servants. They’re supposed to know virtually nothing about what we do: that’s why we’re called private individuals.”
But, the Russian government obviously fears its population, hence its diktats.
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Igeekphone News: August 2, 2026 – Samsung is reportedly preparing to introduce the Galaxy SmartTag 3, the next generation of its Bluetooth tracking accessory, with a redesigned appearance that aligns more closely with the company’s current hardware and software design language.
According to recent leaks, the upcoming smart tracker will feature an all-new rounded-square design, marking a significant departure from its predecessor while maintaining familiar functionality.
Based on the leaked information, the Galaxy SmartTag 3 adopts a shape that sits between a square and a circle, featuring gently rounded corners that mirror the aesthetic of One UI app icons and Samsung’s latest wearable devices, including the Galaxy Watch 9.
The redesign represents another evolution in the SmartTag series’ appearance:
The updated design appears intended to create a more cohesive look alongside Samsung’s expanding portfolio of Galaxy devices.
One notable change suggested by the leak is the apparent removal of the integrated lanyard or keyring hole found on the previous generation.
If accurate, users who want to attach the tracker to keys, backpacks, luggage, or other personal belongings may need to purchase a dedicated protective case or accessory with a built-in attachment point.
While this approach could improve the overall aesthetics of the device, it may reduce convenience for users who prefer attaching the tracker directly without additional accessories.
The leaked design also shows the return of a central physical button, continuing a feature introduced in earlier SmartTag models.
The button is expected to support multiple shortcuts, including:
This functionality allows the tracker to serve not only as a location device but also as a convenient smart home or productivity shortcut.
Although Samsung has yet to announce official specifications, the Galaxy SmartTag 3 is expected to retain the core technologies that power previous models, including:
Some reports also suggest the new tracker could adopt Bluetooth 6.0, potentially improving location accuracy, connection stability, and power efficiency. However, it remains unclear whether battery life will improve over the previous generation.
Samsung has not officially confirmed the Galaxy SmartTag 3, but current reports suggest the accessory could debut before the end of 2026.
Industry observers expect it may launch alongside other upcoming Galaxy devices, including the rumored Galaxy S26 FE smartphone and the Galaxy Tab S12 tablet series, as part of Samsung’s year-end product lineup.
The leaked Galaxy SmartTag 3 appears to focus on refining Samsung’s existing smart tracking platform rather than introducing major functional changes. A redesigned rounded-square form factor, continued support for Bluetooth and UWB tracking, SmartThings Find integration, and programmable physical controls suggest Samsung is prioritizing design consistency and everyday usability.
If the reported specifications prove accurate, the Galaxy SmartTag 3 could become a compelling option for Galaxy users seeking a reliable item tracker that integrates seamlessly with Samsung’s broader ecosystem. More details, including pricing, battery performance, and regional availability, are expected to emerge closer to the product’s official launch.
The post Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 3 Leak Suggests New Rounded-Square Design Ahead of Expected Year-End Launch appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.
Igeekphone News August 8, 2026 – XR hardware company Unseen Reality has officially unveiled the URXR One, a lightweight head-mounted display designed to serve as a portable replacement for traditional monitors rather than a conventional virtual reality headset. The device is set to launch on Kickstarter on August 4, with an early-bird price of $800, while the expected retail price is $900. Shipments are scheduled to begin in mid-October 2026.
Unlike most VR headsets that focus on immersive gaming or virtual environments, the URXR One is positioned as a wearable display for productivity, entertainment, and extended everyday use. The headset is optimized for displaying traditional 2D content, making it suitable for users who want a large virtual screen for work, media consumption, or multitasking.
According to Unseen Reality, the headset has been engineered for comfortable long-term wear and supports both 3 Degrees of Freedom (3DOF) and 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) operating modes. Spatial tracking in 6DOF mode is enabled by a dual-camera SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) system, allowing the virtual display to remain anchored in physical space as users move around.
One of the URXR One’s standout features is its remarkably lightweight construction. Weighing just 93 grams, the headset is significantly lighter than most standalone VR and mixed reality devices currently on the market.
The display system incorporates a Mini Pancake optical design, which helps reduce both size and weight while maintaining image clarity. The headset is equipped with:
These specifications are intended to deliver crisp visuals suitable for productivity applications, video streaming, and general computing.
The URXR One enables users to create a virtual display that can scale from the approximate size of a laptop screen to as large as 200 inches, providing a flexible workspace without requiring a physical monitor.
This approach makes the device particularly attractive for mobile professionals, travelers, and users working in limited spaces who want a large-screen experience while maintaining portability.
Unlike standalone XR headsets equipped with onboard processors, the URXR One does not include an independent computing platform. Instead, it functions as an external display by connecting directly to compatible devices through a USB-C DisplayPort connection.
Users can pair the headset with laptops, PCs, tablets, or supported smartphones capable of video output over USB-C.
However, Unseen Reality notes that certain smartphones may not provide sufficient power or DisplayPort output through a single USB-C connection. For these devices, the company offers an optional URXR Power Hub, priced at $69, which supplies additional power and expands compatibility.
The URXR One will be available through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, offering:
The company expects to begin shipping the headset to backers in mid-October 2026.
Rather than competing directly with immersive VR headsets, the Unseen Reality URXR One targets users looking for a lightweight, wearable personal display for productivity and media consumption. Its 93-gram design, Mini Pancake optics, dual Micro OLED displays, 90Hz refresh rate, and 6DOF spatial tracking distinguish it from traditional smart glasses while avoiding the bulk of many standalone XR devices.
If Unseen Reality delivers on its promises of comfort, display quality, and reliable spatial tracking, the URXR One could become an appealing option for professionals and enthusiasts seeking a portable large-screen experience without carrying a physical monitor.
The post Unseen Reality Launches URXR One Head-Mounted Display with Pancake Optics and 6DOF Tracking, Starting at $800 appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.
Smart wearables continue to evolve, and DT NO.1 E08 Smart Cycling Glasses are a perfect example of how artificial intelligence, photography, and audio technology can be integrated into a lightweight pair of sports glasses. Designed for cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and tech lovers, the E08 combines AI recognition, hands-free photography, video recording, music playback, and voice interaction into a single wearable device.
The DT NO.1 E08 features a sporty cycling-glasses design that prioritizes comfort and stability during outdoor activities. Whether you’re riding a bike, hiking, running, or traveling, the lightweight frame provides a secure fit while offering protection from sunlight and wind.
Its modern aerodynamic appearance makes it suitable for both athletic and casual use, allowing users to capture experiences without carrying additional devices.
One of the biggest highlights of the E08 is its built-in AI functionality. The glasses support OpenAI-powered recognition technology, enabling users to interact with intelligent voice features while on the move.
AI capabilities include:
These features transform the glasses from a simple recording device into a wearable AI companion.
The integrated 13MP camera allows users to capture moments directly from their point of view. Unlike traditional action cameras, the E08 records exactly what the wearer sees, making it ideal for cycling adventures, scenic rides, and outdoor exploration.
Photo resolution reaches up to 32MP, delivering detailed images suitable for sharing on social media or preserving memorable experiences. The hands-free design means users can focus on the activity rather than holding a smartphone.
For video creators and outdoor sports enthusiasts, the E08 supports 1080P HD video recording. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) helps reduce vibrations and shaking, producing smoother footage during movement.
Whether cycling through city streets or mountain trails, the stabilization technology improves recording quality and makes videos more enjoyable to watch.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 technology enables faster wireless transfers and improved connectivity. Users can quickly synchronize photos and videos with their smartphone, reducing the need for cables and simplifying content sharing.
Wi-Fi 6 also enhances communication between the glasses and companion applications, ensuring responsive performance for AI features and media management.
The E08 functions as more than just smart glasses. Built-in speakers provide an open-ear listening experience, allowing users to enjoy music, navigation prompts, and voice responses while remaining aware of their surroundings.
This design is especially beneficial for cyclists and runners who need to hear traffic, pedestrians, and environmental sounds for safety. The device supports up to 10 hours of music playback, making it suitable for long rides and outdoor adventures.
Beyond photography and audio, the DT NO.1 E08 offers a range of intelligent functions:
These features make the glasses useful not only for sports but also for travel, commuting, sightseeing, and daily activities.
For cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, the E08 provides a practical combination of safety and convenience. Users can listen to music, receive AI assistance, capture photos, and record videos without reaching for a smartphone.
The first-person perspective recording capability makes the glasses particularly appealing for adventure content creators, while the open-ear audio design helps maintain environmental awareness during activities. Smart-glasses users often view camera, audio, AI assistance, and battery life as the most important features in everyday wearable devices.
DT NO.1 E08 Smart Cycling Glasses successfully blend AI technology, hands-free photography, HD video recording, and open-ear audio into a versatile wearable device. With its 13MP camera, 32MP photo capability, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, OpenAI recognition features, and 10-hour battery life, the E08 offers an impressive package for cyclists, travelers, and outdoor adventurers.
For users seeking a smart wearable that can capture experiences, provide AI assistance, and deliver entertainment without sacrificing comfort or awareness, the DT NO.1 E08 stands out as a compelling option in the growing smart glasses market.
The post DT NO.1 E08 Smart Cycling Glasses Review: AI-Powered Vision for Outdoor Adventures appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.
Looking for an RC drone that stands out from the crowd? CZ31 Rocket-Style RC Drone combines an eye-catching rocket-inspired design with beginner-friendly flight controls, brushless motors, Wi-Fi FPV, and unique visual effects that make every takeoff feel like a space launch. Designed primarily for recreational flying, this Ready-to-Fly (RTF) quadcopter offers an entertaining experience for kids, beginners, and drone enthusiasts alike.
Unlike traditional quadcopters, the CZ31 adopts a rocket-inspired appearance complete with folding arms that resemble a futuristic launch vehicle. During takeoff, the drone enhances the illusion with LED lighting and a mist spray effect beneath the aircraft, creating a realistic rocket exhaust visual.
It’s important to note that the “rocket missile-launch” branding refers purely to the drone’s appearance and visual effects—it is designed solely as a recreational RC aircraft.
Powering the CZ31 are efficient brushless motors, which provide smoother flight performance and greater durability compared to conventional brushed motors.
Advantages include:
Combined with its 6-axis gyroscope, the drone delivers stable hovering and responsive controls, making it suitable for both beginners and casual pilots.
The CZ31 includes several intelligent functions that simplify flying:
These features help new pilots gain confidence while allowing more experienced users to enjoy quick and hassle-free flights.
The drone comes equipped with a 480P HD camera that supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi FPV (First-Person View) transmission.
Pilots can connect the drone to a compatible smartphone to:
The FPV transmission range is approximately 30 meters, while the remote-control range extends to around 50 meters under ideal conditions.
One of the most entertaining features of the CZ31 is its one-touch mist spray system.
Using the included water dropper, users can fill the small reservoir to produce a visible mist beneath the drone. Combined with colorful LED lighting, the effect resembles rocket exhaust during takeoff, making evening flights especially enjoyable.
The spray system is intended purely as a visual effect and can operate for approximately 8 minutes after a brief activation.
The CZ31 measures approximately:
Its foldable arms make transportation and storage convenient, allowing users to easily pack the drone into a backpack for outdoor adventures.
The drone is powered by a 3.7V 1200mAh Li-Po battery, offering:
The modular battery design also allows for quick battery swaps if additional batteries are purchased separately.
The Ready-to-Fly package includes:
The CZ31 is a great choice for:
CZ31 Rocket-Style RC Drone focuses on fun rather than professional aerial photography. Its rocket-inspired styling, LED lighting, mist spray effect, brushless motors, and beginner-friendly flight controls create an engaging flying experience that stands out from conventional toy drones.
While its 480P camera and modest flight time reflect its entry-level positioning, the CZ31 offers plenty of entertainment value for recreational users. If you’re looking for a unique RC quadcopter that combines imaginative design with easy-to-fly features, the CZ31 is a compelling option for weekend flying and family fun.
The post CZ31 Rocket-Style RC Drone Review: A Fun FPV Quadcopter with Brushless Power and Immersive Rocket Effects appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.
App Store regulatory changes are beginning to affect Apple Services growth as developers gain more ways to avoid Apple’s payment system or pay lower commissions in major markets.
Apple finance chief Kevan Parekh told investors that changes to the App Store business model in some countries had affected its performance during the June quarter. Softer spending on mobile games created additional pressure.
The acknowledgement is significant because regulatory risk has appeared in Apple filings for years without producing a clearly identified effect on Services performance. Apple is now confirming that rule changes have advanced far enough to influence reported results.
The impact does not mean the App Store has stopped growing. Apple described the store as reaching another June-quarter revenue record, while Services expanded by approximately 12% from the previous year.
The emerging issue is the rate of growth. A purchase can still occur inside an iPhone app while generating less revenue for Apple when the customer pays through a developer’s website or uses terms carrying a reduced fee.
Apple did not identify one country or policy as solely responsible for the effect.
The company is adapting to a collection of court orders, competition laws and regulatory agreements that differ substantially among the United States, European Union, China, Brazil, Japan, South Korea and other markets.
Some rules concentrate on payment choice. They allow developers to place links or buttons inside apps leading customers to external checkout pages.
Other changes permit alternative app marketplaces or direct distribution outside the App Store. Several regulators are also examining whether Apple can charge developers for transactions completed through another payment provider.
The financial result depends on the model adopted in each country. Apple may receive no commission, a reduced commission or another fee connected with platform technology and distribution.
This creates a more fragmented App Store business. A subscription sold through the same application can produce different revenue for Apple according to the customer’s country, payment route and the developer terms governing that version of the app.
The most direct change in the United States came from the long-running legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games.
A federal court previously ordered Apple to stop preventing developers from directing customers toward outside purchasing options. Apple responded by allowing certain external links while seeking commissions of between 12% and 27% on purchases completed through them.
The company also introduced design restrictions, an approval process and a warning screen displayed when customers left the App Store environment.
In April 2025, the district court found Apple in civil contempt for failing to comply fully with the anti-steering injunction. The ruling prohibited the company from collecting a commission on purchases made through external links and removed several restrictions governing their appearance.
Apple updated its App Review Guidelines in May 2025. Apps distributed through the United States storefront can include buttons, external links and other calls to action leading customers toward another payment method.
The rules no longer require a special external-link entitlement for the U.S. storefront.
That change gives developers a straightforward financial reason to move some transactions to the web. A company can process a payment through another provider instead of giving Apple a percentage of the digital sale.
The customer can return to the iPhone app and use the purchased subscription or content. The app remains distributed through Apple, but the associated transaction no longer produces the same App Store commission.
Enough developers adopting that route can slow Apple Services growth even if total spending on iPhone applications continues increasing.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act requires Apple to permit alternative app marketplaces, outside payment systems and other changes intended to reduce its control over iOS distribution.
Developers can remain under Apple’s conventional App Store terms or adopt business terms designed for the European market.
The alternative structure separates several services that were previously combined inside one commission. Developers can choose different levels of App Store support, use Apple’s payment system, provide another payment option or distribute software through a competing marketplace.
Apple introduced reduced commissions and technology-related fees to preserve compensation for the tools, security systems, distribution infrastructure and platform access it provides.
Those terms have changed several times following regulatory objections. Beginning in 2026, Apple started moving from its earlier Core Technology Fee toward a Core Technology Commission applied to eligible digital transactions under particular conditions.
The structure means outside payments do not always eliminate Apple fees in Europe. They can still reduce the amount Apple collects or shift revenue among different fee categories.
Regulators continue examining whether the terms provide meaningful choice or discourage developers from leaving the standard model.
Apple argues that alternative stores and payment systems create additional privacy, security and fraud risks. The European Commission has focused on whether Apple’s warnings, technical requirements and fees make those options unnecessarily difficult to use.
European developers must calculate more than one commission. They need to consider payment-processing costs, marketplace charges, customer acquisition, reporting obligations and the Apple terms attached to each distribution method.
The result may be lower App Store revenue without an equally large shift toward independent marketplaces. External website payments can change Apple’s economics more quickly because they do not require customers to install another store.
App Store regulatory changes are not limited to alternative stores and external payments.
Apple lowered several commission rates in the China mainland storefront beginning March 15, 2026.
Qualifying transactions under the App Store Small Business Program and Mini Apps Partner Program now carry a 12% commission. The same rate applies to eligible auto-renewing subscriptions after the subscriber’s first year.
These transactions previously qualified for a higher 15% rate.
A three-percentage-point reduction may appear small beside demands for completely independent payments. At the scale of China’s app economy, it can remove a meaningful amount of revenue while improving the share retained by developers.
The Mini Apps Partner Program is particularly important in China because large platforms can contain many smaller services inside one host application.
Reducing the commission can encourage those ecosystems to continue using Apple In-App Purchase. It also demonstrates how Apple may respond to pressure by offering more favorable terms before regulators require a more disruptive change.
Lower commissions can support transaction growth over time, but the immediate calculation is straightforward: Apple receives less from each qualifying purchase.
Apple introduced alternative app distribution and payment options in Brazil through an agreement with the country’s competition regulator, CADE.
Beginning with iOS 26.5, developers can distribute apps through alternative marketplaces, operate those marketplaces and process digital payments outside Apple In-App Purchase.
Apps can also present links leading users to an external website where the transaction is completed.
Apple continues applying notarization and other technical requirements to software distributed outside the App Store.
The company maintains that these protections reduce risks but cannot provide the complete safeguards associated with App Review.
Brazil is a major smartphone and digital-services market. Its effect on Apple Services will depend on whether large developers adopt the new options and whether customers are willing to leave the familiar App Store purchasing flow.
An external option existing in software does not guarantee that people will use it. The developer must usually offer a meaningful advantage, such as a lower price, a different subscription package or payment methods better suited to local customers.
Adoption can increase gradually as existing apps release updates. The financial impact may therefore become more visible over several quarters rather than appearing immediately after the regulatory agreement takes effect.
Apple receives a commission when an eligible digital purchase uses its in-app payment system.
The fee compensates Apple for distribution, payment processing, fraud management, developer tools, customer support and access to the iOS platform, according to the company.
The standard percentage varies. Small developers and long-running subscriptions can qualify for reduced rates, while other eligible digital transactions may carry higher commissions.
When payment moves to a developer’s website, an independent processor handles the financial transaction. The developer pays that provider, manages more of the customer relationship and retains the amount that would otherwise become an App Store fee.
Apple may still provide the operating system, APIs, development tools and App Store distribution without receiving the conventional payment commission.
This separation explains why App Store activity and App Store revenue can move differently. People may download more applications and spend more on digital services while Apple captures a smaller percentage of the commerce.
The same customer could maintain several subscriptions used exclusively on an iPhone without any of their monthly payments passing through Apple.
Apple can collect other revenue from that user through hardware, advertising, iCloud or its own subscriptions. The external transaction nevertheless removes one part of the Services model.
The size of the App Store economy should not be confused with Apple’s commissionable revenue.
Apple says the global App Store ecosystem facilitated more than $1.4 trillion in developer billings and sales during 2025. More than 90% of that commerce did not produce a commission for the company.
The largest categories involve physical goods and services such as retail purchases, travel, grocery delivery, restaurant orders and transportation.
Apple does not collect a percentage when someone uses an Amazon app to order furniture, books a hotel or pays for a meal delivered through an iPhone.
App Store commissions generally concentrate on digital goods, application features, virtual items and subscriptions sold through Apple In-App Purchase.
Regulatory changes target this smaller but financially important part of the ecosystem.
Digital transactions require no physical inventory or delivery network, allowing payment commissions to carry attractive margins. Losing part of that revenue can therefore affect profitability more than the dollar amount alone suggests.
Apple does not disclose App Store revenue or profit separately. The category remains combined with cloud services, advertising, media subscriptions, AppleCare, payments and other operations inside Services.
Regulation was not the only factor Apple identified.
Parekh said softer mobile gaming activity also affected the App Store. Games represent an important source of digital transactions because players purchase virtual currency, characters, cosmetic items, subscriptions and access to additional content.
A decline in game spending directly affects the commission Apple receives through In-App Purchase.
Gaming is also one category where developers have pushed aggressively for alternative stores and payments. Epic Games began its legal confrontation with Apple after introducing another payment method inside Fortnite and attempting to bypass App Store commissions.
The simultaneous effects are difficult to separate. A game can generate lower revenue because players are spending less, because payments moved outside Apple’s system or because both changes occurred together.
Apple does not provide enough category detail to calculate the contribution from each factor.
The distinction matters for the outlook. Gaming demand can recover with successful releases and stronger consumer spending. A permanent regulatory change does not reverse when one popular game reaches the top of the charts.
Outside payments can improve the amount a developer retains from each purchase.
A company moving from a conventional App Store commission to a lower-cost web payment processor may use the difference to reduce prices, fund development or improve profitability.
The developer also assumes responsibilities previously handled through Apple.
Independent billing requires payment processing, tax management, fraud protection, refunds, account recovery and customer support. Subscription status must synchronize correctly between the website and the iPhone app.
Customers changing devices or reinstalling an app expect their purchases to remain available. The developer needs its own account system capable of verifying ownership without relying entirely on Apple’s purchase history.
Small developers may decide that Apple In-App Purchase remains worth its fee because it removes operational complexity and gives customers a familiar checkout experience.
Large subscription businesses have stronger incentives to build their own systems. They already maintain accounts and payments across websites, televisions, Android devices and other platforms.
The regulatory effect will therefore vary by developer size and business model. One company may remove Apple billing completely, while another continues using it because external infrastructure would cost more than the commission saved.
External payments create the possibility of lower subscription prices because developers no longer need to incorporate the complete App Store fee into the amount charged.
Some services already cost more when purchased through an iPhone app than through their websites. The higher price allows the developer to preserve similar revenue after Apple receives its share.
A visible external link makes comparing those prices easier. Customers can leave the app, complete the transaction on the web and return with an active account.
Savings are not guaranteed. A developer can retain the entire difference rather than passing it to subscribers.
Independent billing can also make subscription management less consistent.
Settings > Apple Account > Subscriptions
A subscription purchased directly must be canceled through the developer’s website or account system. Customers using many external services may need to remember several billing portals and renewal policies.
Refunds and purchase disputes also move away from Apple. The developer or its payment processor becomes responsible for resolving the transaction.
Choice can reduce prices while increasing complexity. The practical outcome depends on whether developers make external checkout clearly cheaper and easy to manage.
Apple is responding to the changing environment by adding business models and marketing systems that can keep developers using its commerce platform.
Monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment allow participating apps to offer lower recurring payments while securing a complete year of revenue.
The Advanced Commerce API supports more complex content catalogs, optional add-ons and subscription structures that were previously difficult to manage through standard In-App Purchase products.
Apple has also expanded tools for custom product pages, promotional offers, application analytics and international distribution.
These additions increase the value attached to App Store billing. A developer may tolerate a commission when Apple provides conversion tools, subscription management and access to promotional placement that would be expensive to reproduce independently.
The company can also adjust rates for particular categories. The Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program and reduced commission for longer-running subscriptions already demonstrate differentiated pricing.
A more competitive payment market may push Apple toward additional service tiers rather than one universal commission.
The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on rules that would allow developers to direct customers outside Apple and Google’s payment systems.
The regulator expects any fee charged for steering to be fair, reasonable and lower than current app-store commissions. It wants the resulting savings passed to customers or reinvested in developer businesses.
The UK proposal is not yet a final requirement. Its eventual structure could determine whether developers receive the broad freedom available in the United States or a fee-based model closer to some European arrangements.
Regulators are also considering app-review fairness, interoperability and access to mobile-platform capabilities.
The outcome will matter beyond British customers. Each major jurisdiction creates another model that regulators elsewhere can examine when designing their own rules.
Apple must decide whether to continue maintaining different commercial systems by country or move toward broader global terms that reduce operational complexity.
Developers face the same choice. Supporting a separate payment route, marketplace package and reporting process for every region can become expensive enough to cancel some of the benefits regulation intended to create.
The next evidence will come from behavior rather than another policy announcement: how many major apps add external payment links, whether they offer lower prices and how quickly customers move away from Apple’s checkout.
The post App Store Regulatory Changes Begin Slowing Services Growth appeared first on AppleMagazine.
What sets Pastebot 3 apart is its addition of deep automation tools. Not only does the update add MCP support, making it an excellent tool to use with Claude or ChatGPT/Codex, but it includes a brand new CLI that you or an agent can use from Terminal or incorporate into scripts you build.
[…]
New filters have been added that allow you to transform clippings using text transformations and even shell scripts. Using the ability to script custom filters, I’ve begun adding a few of my own to Pastebot for things like adding and removing bullets from multiple lines of text.
I’ve long been aware of this app but hadn’t paid much attention because I’m happy using LaunchBar as my clipboard and snippet manager. LaunchBar has some transformations built-in, and I’ve built up a collection of my own scripts, but it’s appealing that Pastebot comes with so many out of the box.
From Pastebot’s main UI, you can select multiple items at once and right-click to add them to a Stack, or you can pick them one at a time in any order you’d like. As you select items, they’re numbered in the order you’ll paste them into a document using a keyboard shortcut. It’s an excellent feature for filling out forms or copying data from one spreadsheet to another.
There are also rule-based Smart Pastebins for automatic organization, like every link or image copied from Safari. Smart Pastebins can be filtered by clipping size, type, file extension, creation date, text, text length, and more. Multiple parameters can be combined for detailed filtering, and custom notes can be added to clippings to make them easy to find via search.
[…]
Tapbots says Pastebot 3 was built to work with Apple's Universal Clipboard feature, and when enabled and active, anything you copy on your iPhone is saved in Pastebot automatically.
Chief among my favorite features:
- Remembers up to 1,500 clippings (up from a mere 1,000 in v2).
- Syncs via iCloud. If I copy something on one Mac, it’s in my Pastebot history on my other Macs.
- That sweet Tapbots UI.
Importantly, Pastebot 3 requires macOS 26 Tahoe or later and comes with a 14-day free trial. Users can buy the app directly from Tapbots for $39 or subscribe through the App Store for $2.99 per month or $24.99 per year.
[…]
The direct purchase includes one year of updates, with additional years available for $19 each. Users who stop paying for updates can continue using the latest version covered by their purchase. Pastebot 2 owners can also get a $12.99 upgrade discount by entering their existing license key at checkout.
They are not offering any upgrade path for MAS customers. The reason they stated was “upgrade pricing has always been our way of thanking people who bought directly from the site.”
I generally try to avoid complaining about App Store review, since I do think they have a really hard job to do. But I’m about 2 more PB3 rejections from just giving up.
Previously:
Apple is still pulling in massive amounts of money from its services division, but the numbers recently fell slightly short of Wall Street’s lofty expectations. The technology giant reported a strong $30.7 billion in services revenue for the quarter, marking a healthy 12 percent jump from the same time last year. However, analysts expected slightly […]
The post App Store Rule Changes And A Gaming Slowdown Hit Apple’s Services Cash appeared first on The Mac Observer.
We also had some factors that impacted the performance of the App Store. We did see some headwinds in mobile gaming, and then keep in mind, we also made some changes to the App Store business model in certain countries, and in the U.S., we do continue to operate under a court ruling impacting the link-out transactions. But we're pleased the Supreme Court will hear our appeal.
Released less than a month ago by an unknown developer, Chrome Browser Default has somehow become a top download in the United States Mac App Store, alongside well-known developers Amazon, WhatsApp/Facebook/Meta, and Microsoft[…]
[…]
Chrome Browser Default is the top search result for “Google Chrome” in the Mac App Store. Chrome itself is distributed as a direct download from Google, outside the Mac App Store. Notice also that the Chrome Browser Default app icon resembles the Google Chrome app icon[…]
Both the name and icon violate Apple’s guidelines, and the preview images are not actually screenshots of the app. The App Store is great for distributing apps that piggyback on the names of popular apps. They’d be hard to find with a regular Web search, but in the App Store they appear at the top.
The app appears to do what the description says it does, though it’s quite primitive and likely vibe-coded. I can add rules, but I couldn’t find a way to edit or delete added rules, which is ridiculous. The developer’s privacy policy is on GitHub in a repository where most of the commits were co-authored by Claude.
[…]
At the bottom is a section that shows, allegedly, what “People are Saying” about the app. Yet none of these 5-star reviews are from the App Store. According to Google Search, the reviews are not from anywhere on the web.
This app is no longer available in the Mac App Store.
[…]
I have no idea why the Dutch name “Standaard Browser Wisselen” appears in the alert, because the App Store Purchased section says “Chrome Browser Default,” and my only Mac system language is English (US). The name of the developer in the App Store was Chinese, 立花 卢.
[…]
My suspicion is that Apple, not the developer, removed the app from the App Store, which explains why I can’t download it. Whether this removal was triggered by my blog post or by App Store user reports, I don’t know.
Doesn’t say amazing things for the Mac App Store that I find it faster to search for something in a search engine than within the MAS itself. And that’s when I already know the name of what I’m looking for.
Previously:
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