Apple has released iOS 17.4, an update that brings big changes to your iPhone. Are you curious about what’s new? Check it out in this week’s most important Apple and iPhone news!
iOS 17.4 is out: these big changes are coming to your iPhone
Apple has released a huge update for your iPhone that brings big changes. These adjustments in iOS 17.4 are related to new European legislation, which came into effect on March 6. After the update, it is possible for the first time to install alternative app stores and for the first time you can also use payment methods other than Apple Pay. From now on you can also use full-fledged browsers other than just Safari.
→ View all the changes in iOS 17.4 here
Please note: this iOS 17.4 feature does not work if you are traveling outside the EU
One of the new features of iOS 17.4 is the ability to install alternative app stores. Previously, Apple only allowed its own App Store, third-party digital stores were prohibited. That has now changed. It now turns out that the iOS 17.4 function does not work when you are traveling outside the EU. Apple only allows the use of alternative app stores if your Apple ID is set to a country within the European Union and you are also physically in the European Union.
→ Read here exactly how this works
MacBook Air with M3: faster and with a surprising new feature
Apple introduced a new generation of the MacBook Air this week. The MacBook Air 2024 is available in a 13-inch and a 15-inch variant, and is, as expected, equipped with the M3 chip. This makes the new MacBook Air up to 60 percent faster than the M1 version and no less than 13 times faster than the fastest MacBook Air with Intel chip. The M3 chip’s Neural Engine is also faster and more efficient, which represents a significant improvement for AI applications.
→ Read here exactly how this workst
MacBook Air M2 vs. MacBook Air M3: the differences at a glance
The MacBook Air with M3 chip that was announced this week is the first new Apple product of 2024. The laptop is available in two sizes, 13 and 15 inches, and has, as expected, made the switch from the M2 to the M3. chip. In addition to a new chip, Apple has made a number of changes to the MacBook Air M3. That is why we have listed all the differences between the MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Air M3 for you.
→ All the differences between the MacBook Air M2 and M3
New colors for Apple Watch bands and iPhone cases
Apple also surprisingly released a number of iPhone cases with new colors this week. These are silicone cases with MagSafe in colors based on those of the iPhone 15. The cases are available for every version of the iPhone 15. In addition to these iPhone cases, several new Apple Watch straps have also appeared in the same colors. Only the pink sports band was already there, so that color is not new.
→ Here you can view all the new colors
‘A new Apple Pencil will be released this month’
According to user ‘Instant Digital’ of the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Apple will release a new version of the Apple Pencil this month. According to him, after more than five years without an update, Apple is finally planning to renew the second-generation Apple Pencil this month. What exactly the update entails isn’t entirely clear yet, but we expect magnetically interchangeable tips, color sampling capabilities, and a shorter design with a glossy finish.
→ Check everything about the new Apple Pencil here
iPhone SE 4: leaked images reveal updated design
According to rumors, Apple has been working on a new iPhone SE for some time, but now images of the design of the iPhone SE 4 have also been leaked. It turns out to be an iPhone without a home button, which most resembles an iPhone 14. The so-called CAD renders also show a notch at the top, which means that previous rumors about an iPhone SE with Dynamic Island are incorrect. On the back, a single camera cutout is visible next to a flash sensor.
→ Here you can read everything about the iPhone SE 4
iPhone 16 Ultra: will it arrive in 2024 or not?
Opinions differ widely as to whether Apple will launch an iPhone 16 Ultra this year. Apple often fails to keep new products secret, but it often succeeds in keeping names secret. For example, there were rumors in the past about a Pro version of the Apple Watch. The name Apple Watch Pro was obvious, but in the end it turned out to be the Apple Watch Ultra. In any case, an iPhone 16 Ultra in 2024 is a lot more likely than you might think.
→ Here you can read everything about the iPhone SE 4
Apple gets billions in fine from EU – here’s why
The European Commission has chosen to impose a billion-dollar fine on Apple. The reason is abuse of power in the App Store. This abuse of power has everything to do with subscriptions that you can take out there. Those who do this pay more than those who take out the same subscription via the internet. The prices in the App Store are higher because of the commissions that Apple charges. Providers therefore ask higher prices to compensate for the amount they have to pay to Apple.
→ This means the billions in fines for Apple
Apple taken to court over iCloud 5GB limit
Steve Jobs introduced iCloud at WWDC in 2011. Back then, you got 5 GB of free storage space as standard… and that’s still the case. In all that time, nothing has been added and now 5 GB is no longer sufficient for anyone. A group of users in the US are now suing Apple because iCloud is the only place you can back up your Apple devices. And because 5 GB is not enough, you are forced to pay for extra storage space. Apple’s prosecutors call this “competitive manipulation.”
→ You can read more about the lawsuit here
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