EU Seeks Developer Input on Apple’s Suggested Modifications to App Store Regulations

**Overview of Apple’s App Store Modifications and the European Commission’s Investigation**

Following Apple’s announcement regarding substantial alterations to its App Store regulations, the European Commission (EC) has launched a confidential investigation to review Apple’s adherence to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Developers and companies have until Monday to share their opinions on these modifications.

### Background of Apple’s Modifications

In June, Apple revealed an extensive series of changes to its App Store regulations in Europe, intending to meet regulatory requirements and avert potential daily penalties. The new regulations introduced several notable alterations, including:

– A tiered Store Services Charge
– An Initial Acquisition Charge
– A Core Technology Commission fee, replacing the former Core Technology Charge

These modifications are part of Apple’s plan to align with regulatory expectations and sustain its market standing.

### The Inquiry by the European Commission

Following the announcement, the EC sent out confidential questionnaires to app developers and other relevant parties to obtain feedback on Apple’s proposed modifications. An EC spokesperson verified the distribution of Requests for Information (RFIs) to evaluate whether Apple’s updated App Store regulations comply with the DMA.

The deadline for providing feedback is nearing, and the collected responses will aid in determining the level of Apple’s compliance with the law. If deemed noncompliant, Apple may incur considerable daily penalties, potentially amounting to 5% of its average daily global turnover from the prior financial year.

### Previous Non-Compliance Decisions

In April, the EC levied a €500 million fine against Apple for its initial non-compliance with the DMA. Apple has since contested this ruling, with the case currently under consideration by the General Court of the European Union.

### Summary

As the deadline for feedback looms, the results of the EC’s investigation will be pivotal in ascertaining whether Apple’s recent adjustments are adequate to fulfill the stipulations of the Digital Markets Act. The ramifications of this evaluation could have profound impacts on Apple’s operations within Europe and its overall business approach.

iPhone 17 Pre-Orders Start Reaching Customers

The initial pre-orders for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3 have begun reaching customers in New Zealand and Australia. As the date shifts to September 19 worldwide, enthusiastic Apple buyers have flocked to different social media platforms to post images of their latest gadgets.

The iPhone 17 is offered in five distinct hues: Lavender, Mist Blue, Sage, White, and Black. The iPhone 17 Air is available in four shades: White, Black, Pink, and Blue. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max come in three colors: Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange.

Regarding pricing, the iPhone 17 has a starting price of $799 for 256GB of storage. The iPhone 17 Air begins at $999 for 256GB of storage. The iPhone 17 Pro starts from $1,099 for 256GB of storage, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced at $1,199 for the same storage option.

On September 19, Apple is launching a range of new products, including:
– iPhone 17
– iPhone Air
– iPhone 17 Pro
– iPhone 17 Pro Max
– Apple Watch Ultra 3
– Apple Watch SE 3
– Apple Watch Series 11
– AirPods Pro 3

As customers anticipate their deliveries, they can check out comprehensive reviews of the new items on sites such as 9to5Mac. Those looking to trade in their existing iPhone for an upgrade to the iPhone 17 or iPhone Air can assess the worth of their device through 9to5Mac’s official trade-in affiliate.

For individuals wanting to enhance their new iPhone 17, a variety of accessories are available to improve the user experience.

Updated Battery Functionality in iOS 26 Seeks to Enhance iPhone Battery Duration

# iOS 26 Battery Settings: Smart Recommendations for Unwanted Drain

Apple has implemented notable upgrades to the Battery section within the Settings application in iOS 26, featuring a tool aimed at reducing unwanted battery drain on iPhones.

## Comprehending Excess Battery Drain

Numerous iPhone owners have faced unanticipated battery depletion, where the device’s battery diminishes more quickly than normal despite regular usage habits. This problem can be especially confusing, particularly after software updates like iOS 26, which might initially lead to battery irregularities.

Previously, users frequently turned to force-closing applications or checking the Battery section in Settings to troubleshoot the issue. Nonetheless, the information available was not always useful in identifying the source of the drain.

## New Features in iOS 26

With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has overhauled the battery settings to deliver more actionable information. The enhanced Battery screen now showcases instances of significant drain and provides suggestions for possible causes.

### Visual Indicators of Battery Consumption

The revamped interface features a graph that contrasts current battery usage with standard patterns. Applications and system operations that display atypical battery consumption are distinctly highlighted. This visual depiction enables users to swiftly recognize which apps might be playing a role in the problem.

Apps that show considerable drain are marked in orange, indicating that they are consuming more power than anticipated. This feature isn’t solely dependent on the total percentage of battery consumed; it also takes the context of usage into account. For example, if an app uses a small percentage of battery but does so under minimal usage scenarios, it will be flagged. Conversely, an app that uses a larger percentage but corresponds with user engagement will not receive the same notification.

### Practical Example

For instance, if the Weather app drains 4% of the battery overnight with little use, it will be marked in orange. In contrast, if Instagram consumes 6% of the battery but is actively engaged, it will not be flagged as problematic. This detailed approach allows users to gain a better understanding of their device’s performance.

## Conclusion

The improvements in iOS 26’s battery settings mark a significant advancement in helping users optimize their iPhone’s battery life. By offering clear visual indicators and smart recommendations, Apple seeks to enable users to recognize and resolve issues related to battery drain.

As users adjust to these new capabilities, feedback regarding their effectiveness is likely to influence future updates. How has your experience been with the new battery menu in iOS 26? What further enhancements would you like to see from Apple?

Apple Reveals Stunning Retail Artwork for New iPhone Release Showcasing ‘Pro’ and ‘Air’ Designs

### Apple’s Upcoming Product Reveal: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch, and AirPods

Apple is poised to launch its newest product range tomorrow, highlighting the much-awaited iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch, and fresh AirPods. The unveiling event is predicted to attract considerable interest, with special setups arranged at Apple retail locations globally, including an impressive display at Apple BKC in Mumbai, India.

#### Special Setups and Festivities

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, provided a preview of the arrangements on social media, presenting the intricate designs at the Apple BKC outlet. Furthermore, Kush Thakkar, a notable figure in the tech world, posted multiple images and videos on Threads, emphasizing the distinctive structures made for the occasion.

Apple has a history of organizing special displays at its main stores during significant product debuts. In prior years, executives such as Tim Cook, Greg Joswiak, and Deirdre O’Brien have marked new iPhone launches at the renowned Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York City, cultivating a celebratory environment for fans and shoppers.

#### Community Involvement

With the launch day nearing, Apple fans are invited to share their intentions for visiting Apple Stores to acquire the new products. The enthusiasm surrounding the launch is evident, with many excited to encounter the latest technology up close.

#### Top iPhone 17 Accessories

Alongside the new product introductions, conversations regarding the top accessories for the iPhone 17 are also gaining momentum. Customers are eager to investigate options that enhance their new devices, ensuring they maximize their investments.

#### Conclusion

Tomorrow signifies an important occasion for Apple and its supporters as the company reveals its latest breakthroughs. The buzz surrounding the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch, and AirPods underscores Apple’s ongoing impact in the technology sector. As customers gear up to visit stores, the excitement is destined to resonate worldwide.

Newest Speculations: Touchscreen MacBook Pro, iPhone 18 Design Refreshes, and Additional News

**Rumor Replay: Latest Apple Product Speculations**

Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature at 9to5Mac that provides a brief overview of the latest Apple product speculations, alongside analysis and insights. Today: touch functionality is finally making its way to the Mac with next year’s M6 MacBook Pro, along with design alterations for the iPhone 18 and more. Here are the Apple speculations for this week.

### Touchscreen Integration in M6 MacBook Pro

Ming-Chi Kuo shared this week that Apple’s M6 MacBook Pro will be the inaugural Mac model featuring touchscreen capabilities. He noted:

> “The OLED MacBook Pro, anticipated to begin mass production by late 2026, will feature a touch panel utilizing on-cell touch technology.”

This OLED variant is also expected to incorporate an M6 chip, a significant hardware overhaul, and potentially even 5G connectivity.

#### My Observations

Numerous rumors have circulated regarding this enhancement, including indications it would be implemented in the M6 MacBook Pro redesign. Now, with Kuo’s confirmation, it seems almost guaranteed.

The introduction of touch to the Mac is long awaited, in my view. Although I don’t believe it will necessarily become a fundamental feature for the typical Mac user, if Apple aims to encourage more iPhone users to transition to Mac from a PC or Chromebook, touchscreen support should be provided. If not, the Mac will likely remain perceived as outdated compared to its competitors.

### iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Design Updates

This week brought forth a couple of rumors related to design modifications for the iPhone 18 and 18 Pro.

In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that some iPhone 18 models would feature a hole-punch camera cutout, leaker Instant Digital claims Apple is merely narrowing down the Dynamic Island cutout to make it a bit slimmer.

Regarding the rear of the device, Digital Chat Station mentioned that Apple is currently evaluating iPhone 18 Pro prototypes with glass cutout sections that present a more “transparent design.”

#### My Observations

I remain optimistic that specific iPhone 18 models—particularly within the Pro lineup—will feature a hole-punch cutout instead of a full Dynamic Island. Nonetheless, there remains ample time for Apple to revise its plans and for new information to clarify what’s in store.

As for the alteration to the glass cutout, I personally find the iPhone 17 Pro’s appearance unappealing—largely due to that cutout. I commend Apple for taking a gamble with such a striking new design this year. However, if it can figure out a way to have the glass integrate more harmoniously and stylishly with the aluminum unibody, that would be excellent.

### A20 Chip and C2 Modem for Next Year

Taiwan’s *Commercial Times* provided details on what to expect from the chips driving next year’s iPhone 18 series, including the anticipated iPhone Fold.

Consistent with prior reports, Apple’s 2026 iPhones will be equipped with a new A20 chip developed using “TSMC’s latest 2-nanometer process, and with WMCM advanced packaging.” This innovative process could result in larger-than-normal improvements year-over-year.

Furthermore, Apple is projected to have a C2 modem ready for the flagship iPhone 18 devices. This modem will supersede Qualcomm’s 5G modem and deliver enhancements over this year’s C1 and C1X modems.

#### My Observations

Apple’s silicon teams have been excelling for years, and it appears next year will be another excellent showcase of that.

The A20 and C2 could provide substantial advantages over the A19 chip and C1X and Qualcomm modems found in this year’s flagship iPhones. Whether Apple leverages these enhancements to boost power, efficiency, or both, it represents a positive outcome for users.

What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple speculations? Share with us in the comments.

Comprehensive Analysis of iOS 26 by Federico Viticci: A Fresh Chapter for Apple’s Software

### Apple’s iOS 26: A Significant Advancement with Liquid Glass

This week has been noteworthy in the Apple ecosystem, highlighted by the launch of iOS 26 and the debut of new iPhones. Among the most awaited critiques is Federico Viticci’s detailed examination at MacStories, which explores the extensive functionalities of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.

#### The Core of Liquid Glass

A defining aspect of iOS 26 is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a design feature that elevates the aesthetic charm of Apple devices and signifies a larger shift in interface design. Viticci points out that Liquid Glass represents a culmination of Apple’s design progression, demonstrating translucency and blur effects that have gradually been incorporated since iOS 8 and iOS 9. This feature builds on Apple’s dedication to fluid animations, a trend that gained traction with the iPhone X and the advent of the Dynamic Island.

Viticci portrays Liquid Glass as more than a mere aesthetic enhancement; it implies a future where user interfaces are more contextual and cohesively blend with the user’s surroundings. The mix of 120 Hz transitions, Gaussian blur, and real-time lensing produces a dynamic experience that adjusts to the user’s interactions.

#### A Sign of Maturity

In his closing remarks, Viticci underscores the significance of innovation in Apple’s software evolution. He mentions that while Liquid Glass may not be perfect at launch, it signifies a major advancement for Apple. He asserts, “I’d prefer to see Apple take bold, imperfect risks than remain stagnant and enjoy their status quo.” This viewpoint mirrors a larger philosophy within the tech sector, where risk-taking is vital for advancement.

#### Exploring New Features

For those keen on gaining a deeper insight into iOS 26, Viticci’s complete review on MacStories offers a thorough examination of the new features and improvements. Additionally, readers can delve into 9to5Mac’s comprehensive coverage, which includes feature summaries, tutorials, and other useful information about the latest iOS updates.

#### Conclusion

The launch of iOS 26 and the emergence of Liquid Glass signify a crucial moment for Apple, highlighting the company’s readiness to innovate and adapt. As users adjust to these developments, it’s evident that Apple is dedicated to pushing the limits of technology, ensuring that its products stay pertinent in an ever-evolving landscape.