We previously detailed Apple’s plans to introduce a new app for its HomeKit platform, and today the company officially took the wraps off one aspect of that project. Develoeprs will soon be able to use iCloud instead of their own server to offer remote access control of iOS-connected home automation accessories using Apple’s previously introduced HomeKit framework. We learned previously that the remote access feature would require an Apple TV as a gateway device....

Many countries have been enjoying LTE-enabled Apple Watches since September, but as is always the case, some countries have only had access to the GPS-only Apple Watch. For Norway, that changes today. As of today, users in Norway will finally be able to purchase an LTE-enabled Apple Watch Series 4. This includes all models of the fourth-generation Apple Watch including the Nike+, stainless steel, and Hermès models. The initial carriers supported in Norway appear to be Telia and Telenor....

It was reported earlier this week that we might see an Apple wireless charger after all, despite the AirPower debacle. Some have suggested this isn’t a great idea, simply reminding everyone of Apple’s failure to deliver what it originally promised: a single charging mat that allowed you to charge iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch by laying them anywhere on the device. Compared to that, an ordinary wireless charger would be a massive climbdown – and what’s the point anyway when everyone makes them… ?...

In a new post on its Newsroom website today, Apple touts that the App Store ecosystem supported $519 billion in billings and sales globally in 2019 alone. This data is based on a study conducted by independent economists at the Analysis Group. This announcement from Apple comes ahead of WWDC 2020, during which Apple generally touts the financial impact the App Store has had on developers around the world. Things are a bit different this year, given the all-online format of WWDC....

Today, Apple has issued an over-the-air update to the Apple TV that brings several new content apps. Notably, in line with expectations, an app for the Vevo Music Video service has arrived. Also new are Disney Channel and Disney XD apps. With Apple’s deep partnership with Disney, it is about time that Disney has been fully integrated into the Apple TV. Apple TV users will now also be able to access Weather information via a new app from The Weather Channel....

You’ll also want to make sure you swing by our roundup of the best Apple Watch Series 5 bands for even more deals from $5. Here you’ll find a wide range of styles to choose from, including Sport Loops, Leather Straps, and more. Apple’s iPhone XS 64GB on pre-paid service Anker’s Halloween sale delivers deals on the latest tech Twelve South’s BookBook iPad cases are all on sale from $64 Kenwood’s 7-inch Receiver brings CarPlay to your ride Best Buy’s official eBay storefront currently offers the Kenwood 7-inch CarPlay and Android Auto Receiver DMX9706S for $500....

If you’ve ever wondered whether upgrading to the Apple Watch ECG functionality might justify an upgrade to the Series 4, cardiologists say probably not… CNET consulted several cardiologists, who said there is little overlap between Apple Watch owners and candidates for AFib. Indeed, as has been suggested before, the feature could cause unnecessary worry. Contrast that with the fact that the CDC estimates AFib affects somewhere between 2.7 million and 6....

We got an early indication that Consumer Reports were impressed with the Apple Watch when they were unable to scratch the sapphire screen of the stainless steel model. The well-respected non-profit has now revealed that the full set of lab tests are complete, and the Apple Watch ranked top out of the 11 smartwatches tested. Consumer reports tested the watches for durability, water-resistance, health functionality, readability in bright and low light, ease of use, and ease of interaction – though there was one slightly worrying moment for the Apple Watch Sport … To test water-resistance, Consumer Reports uses a depth-test chamber that can be pressurized to simulate any depth up to 230 feet....

Apple plans to reopen many more of its US retail stores this week as some regions continue to see a decline in new COVID-19 infections and relax stay-at-home orders. The third wave of US reopenings begins tomorrow, with most locations offering curbside or storefront service only. Out of Apple’s 510 stores, all but the 52 locations in Greater China closed temporarily on March 13. As of May 26, a total of 148 Apple Stores across the world are open and practicing additional safety procedures....

Back in 2015, the University of Wisconsin successfully convinced a court that Apple’s A-series chips infringed on a patent for a method of boosting the efficiency of integrated circuits. The iPhone maker was subsequently ordered to pay damages. But Apple appealed, with a two-prong defence, and has now succeeded in getting the judgement reversed … Apple was originally facing a bill as high as $862M for infringement of the patent. A jury subsequently awarded a lower sum of $234M after the judge ruled that Apple’s infringement was inadvertent rather than willful....

Along with releasing beta updates for iOS, macOS, and tvOS today, Apple has updated its Safari Extensions webpage. The redesign includes a prominent link to the extensions available in the Mac App Store, and also features the ability to install extensions from the webpage with a single click. The Safari Extensions Gallery sports a fresh new look with nine featured apps at the top of the webpage ranging from 1Password, to Notifier for GitHub, to a translation extension....

The Apple versus Facebook battle escalated quickly this week! The two companies had been on opposite sides for some time when it came to ad-tracking, but Facebook dramatically upped the ante when it ran full-page newspaper ads attacking Apple – with more reportedly planned. It’s a battle Facebook almost certainly cannot win. The risk to Apple, however, is that it is very possible both companies could lose … The Apple versus Facebook battle in a nutshell We’ve previously explained what the dispute is about....

Apple is deadly serious with its App-driven vision for life in the clouds, with a new patent application describing its new way to share and buy apps from the cloud. Published today and spotted by Patently Apple the application reveals the concepts behind the Apple vision, whch essentially allows users to share apps on their phones — say you were impressed the first time you saw Angry Birds, for example....

Update — Apple’s statement via CNBC: “We thank the jury for their service and we applaud their verdict.” A jury has decided that Apple is not guilty of violating antitrust laws in the decade-old lawsuit involving the iPod, iTunes Music Store, and digital rights management usage. The jury had to determine if the iTunes updates affecting customers’ iPods were “genuine product improvements” with Apple citing security concerns for implementing the usage of DRM....

Apple Car rumors may have taken a backseat to augmented reality headset ambitions over the last year, but recent reports show the ambitious project to put Apple technology on the road is alive and well. New today is news of a prominent hire at Apple: Porsche’s Vice President of Chassis Development. That’s according to Insider Deutschland, which first reported Apple poaching Dr. Manfred Harrer from the German sports car company....

Apple drew the line in the sand officially today. If you are a merchant who makes money selling anything in the App Store either through subscription or in-app purchases, Apple will be taking a 30% cut. And if you sell anything for use on an app, you now have to sell it for the same price or less in App. You can argue for or against this policy but Apple is going to do this starting at the end of June....

Apple is once again using its retail stores to promote Computer Science Education Week and Code.org by hosting Hour of Code computer programming workshops for kids on Thursday, December 11th. Apple describes the workshops as fun, hour-long introductions to coding: “Hour of Code is a fun one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anyone can learn the basics of programming.” Potential attendees can now register to reserve a spot at the programming basics workshop at Apple Stores in the United States and around the world, and Apple is hosting special events at several of its international stores including London, Berlin, and Tokyo next week....

The trade-ins will only be done at Apple Retail Stores and will allow customers to recieve credit instantly. Recently, Best Buy began offering Free iPhone 5s with plan for an iPhone 4 or 4S trade-in. Apple apparently liked the idea – Brightstar counts both Best Buy and Apple amongst its client list. Apple also worked with Brightstar to help AT&T and T-Mobile with their recent trade-in promotions. Apple has teamed up with Brightstar Corp....

Last night, Apple announced its latest original series heading to Apple TV+: ‘Ted Lasso’ starring Jason Sudeikis. The comedy is based on the character of the same name from the viral NBC Sports ads. The show will air on August 14. The character Ted Lasso is a college football coach from Kansas. He is hired to coach an English football team, naturally having no experience of soccer. Upcoming TV+ releases include the ‘Dear’ docuseries and the ‘Dads’ documentary film....

Apple has updated the MacBook range, introducing a new, durable polycarbonate unibody design featuring an LED display, a glass Multi-Touch trackpad and the same built-in battery as found on the MacBook Pro, offering seven hours battery life. The new MacBook costs £799 (UK) or XX (US). on the innovative MacBook Pro, such as an LED-backlit display, glass Multi-Touch trackpad and built-in long-life battery,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing....