News Analysis India

Tag: app store

  • Apple Removes Meta-Owned WhatsApp And Threads From Its App Store In China; Know Why? |

    New Delhi: The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has removed the Meta-owned WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China. The company has made this move after the request of the Chinese government. 

    According to The Financial Times reports, the iPhone manufacturer company asserted that the country’s internet regulator Cyberspace Administration of China had ordered the applications’ removal from the App Store because of ‘national security concerns’. 

    “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple was quoted as saying. According to the report, Meta’s other communications platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger are still available on the App Store in the country. (Also Read: Apple Showcases 5 Indian Filmmakers Chosen For ‘MAMI Select-Filmed on iPhone’)

    According to Rich Bishop, chief executive of the leading international app publisher in China, AppInChina, the apps were delisted after the Chinese government’s internet regulator and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced a deadline of April 1 for app developers to register with the government.

    In China, Apple saw a double-digit decline in overall smartphone unit sales in the first six weeks of 2024. iPhone sales fell 24 per cent over the period because of stiff competition, according to Counterpoint Research. (Also Read: Apple Watch Series 9 Available For Only Rs 7,080 On Amazon; Here’s How To Grab Deal With Bank Discount)

    According to Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang, “Although the iPhone 15 is a great device, it has no significant upgrades from the previous version, so consumers feel fine holding on to the older-generation iPhones for now”.

    Apart from this, Apple has recently launched the latest beta version of its iOS operating system, termed as iOS 17.5 Beta 2. The new version packs with the new features and functionalities. It will be available to eligible iPhone models after its public release next month. (With Inputs From IANS)

  • CCI Orders Investigation Into Google’s App Store Billing Practices |

    New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated an investigation into Alphabet’s Google, alleging that the tech giant has exploited its dominant position within the country’s online market.

    The commission noted that it believes Google has potentially breached certain sections of the Act, namely Section 4(2)(a), Section 4(2)(b), and Section 4(2)(c), based on initial observations. This calls for further investigation into the matter. (Also Read: McDonald’s Suffers Worldwide Tech Outage, Customers Unable To Place Orders)

    In a statement, the CCI mentioned, “In view of the foregoing, the Commission is of the prima facie view that Google has violated the provisions of Section 4(2)(a), 4(2)(b) and 4(2)(c) of the Act, as elaborated supra which warrants detailed investigation. (Also Read: Bengaluru Commuter Faces 50-minute Wait Time For Uber, Says ‘City Is Messed up’)

    Accordingly, the Commission directs the Director General (‘DG’) to cause an investigation to be made into the matter under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act. The Commission also directs the DG to complete the investigation and submit a consolidated investigation report within a period of 60 days from the date of receipt of this order.”

    This decision came after multiple Indian app developers and industry groups filed a complaint against Google and raised concerns about the unfair practices of Google in the past. The CCI’s investigative arm has been given 60 days to complete the probe.

    Last month, Google removed over 100 apps from 10 Indian developers for not complying with its billing policies. The apps were later restored, but the developers must now adhere to Play Store billing policies.

    The commission has accused Google of implementing its policies in a discriminatory way. It alleged that Google is making arbitrary distinctions between apps that offer digital goods and services versus those that offer physical goods and services, even though they provide similar facilities on the Play Store.

    Earlier this month, startup founders said that they will continue to oppose the tech giant imposing a fee of 11 to 26 per cent on in-app payments. “Google charging up to 26 per cent of the app’s revenue, represents a significant financial burden for app developers,” TrulyMadly Co-Founder & CEO, Snehil Khanor, said.

    During the ADIF (Alliance of Digital India Foundation) conference, the founders told reporters that their business dropped by around 40 per cent on the second day after their apps were delisted. (With Inputs From IANS)

  • Apple Allows Sideloading Apps On iPhone In Some Countries, Excluding India

    Apple is making crucial updates on iPhone and iPad software, allowing app sideloading in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act. Changes exclude India. 

  • Apple To Plan Fees, Apply Restrictions For Third-Party Downloads |

    New Delhi: The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Apple, the tech giant, plans to add new fees and restrictions for third-party software downloads outside its App Store. This development follows the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by the European Union, aimed at targeting the market clout of big technology companies and making it easier for people to move between competing services.

    Notably, all big tech companies must comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by March 7. (Also Read: Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram And Other Platforms Face Data Breach, 26 Billion Records Leaked)

    In a move specific to Europe, Apple’s proposal allows users to download software onto their iPhones directly, bypassing the App Store for the first time. In a similar vein, Meta announced plans on Monday to comply with the act, stating that users will be given more choices on how they consume its services.

    Earlier, to enhance the security features of its leading devices in markets, Apple, the tech giant, has officially released the highly awaited updates, iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3. These updates bring improvements to the supported devices. (Also Read: Apple Rolls Out iOS 17.3 Update With THESE Features; Check Here)

    The latest release includes new features, such as collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay for hotel TVs, and the 2024 Black Unity wallpaper. Notably, Apple’s Stolen Device Protection steals the spotlight, adding an extra layer of security to protect user data.