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Weekly Tech Rundown: Apple's Legal Setback, Price Hikes, and More

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This week delivered a flurry of notable events across the technology landscape, from major court decisions impacting tech giants to shifts in global trade and quirky scientific endeavors. Here's a look at some of the key developments you might have missed.

Apple Ordered to Allow External Payment Links

In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, a judge has ordered Apple to immediately permit iOS app developers to include buttons and external links to alternative payment options within their apps[cite: 2]. The ruling was sharply critical of Apple, accusing the company of repeatedly defying court orders, lying under oath, and making consistently poor choices[cite: 2]. The judge specifically called out an Apple VP for allegedly lying under oath and referred the incident for potential criminal contempt of court investigation[cite: 5]. Apple's CEO was also criticized for reportedly ignoring previous court injunctions[cite: 6].

The judge's language in the ruling was notably strong, emphasizing that the injunction was immediate and not open for negotiation, stating, "There is no second bite at the Apple"[cite: 10, 45]. Following the order, Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to remove restrictions on buttons and external links in the US[cite: 12, 46]. Companies like Spotify, Stripe, and Patreon have already begun implementing these changes[cite: 13, 46]. Epic Games has announced "web shops" to facilitate developers bypassing Apple's in-app purchasing system[cite: 15, 46]. Epic also announced a policy change for the Epic Games Store, taking zero revenue from the first $1 million a game makes each year, with a yearly reset[cite: 16, 47]. Despite the ruling, Apple reportedly still plans to appeal[cite: 18, 47].

Trade Policy Impacts E-commerce and Gaming

The US officially ended the de minimis rule that previously exempted inexpensive imported goods from tariffs[cite: 20, 47]. This rule was a significant factor in the popularity of platforms like Temu and Shein for low-cost goods shipped directly from China[cite: 21]. Following this change, Temu has stated they will stop shipping goods directly from China to US customers and will instead focus on US-based warehouses[cite: 23, 47].

In related news, Xbox has announced price increases for its consoles, accessories, and games globally[cite: 24, 47]. The base model Series X console will now cost 600intheUS,upfrom600 in the US, up from 500, and the 2TB version will be $730[cite: 25, 47]. These price hikes are reportedly driven by tariffs[cite: 24].

Quick Bits: GPUs, Trucks, Layoffs, and Cicadas

In brief updates from around the tech world:

  • References to a higher-tier Intel Battlemage GPU, codenamed BGM31, have been spotted in shipping manifests, suggesting Intel may not have abandoned plans for more powerful graphics cards despite some rumors[cite: 29, 30, 31, 48].
  • Aurora has become the first company to commercially deploy self-driving Class 8 trucks on public roads in Texas, operating without a human driver[cite: 33, 48]. These trucks reportedly utilize LiDAR technology[cite: 34].
  • Two notable gaming media outlets experienced layoffs this week. Giant Bomb, owned by Fandom, laid off several staff members[cite: 35, 36, 48]. Polygon was also affected by layoffs as the site was sold by Vox Media to Valnet[cite: 37, 48].
  • In a rather bizarre development, Japanese researchers have demonstrated the ability to make cicadas play Pachelbel's Canon by stimulating their sound-producing organs with electrodes[cite: 40, 49]. The researchers claim this does not harm the insects and could potentially have applications in emergency situations[cite: 41, 42].

This article is based on information from the YouTube video transcript "Apple has just spectacularly had its ass handed to it in a way I didn't think I would see in Tim Sweeny's lifetime."

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