By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) The first major M4 Mac mini hub accessory has just been announced, plus we now know what emoji are coming next — and developers are wondering why Apple has removed controversial apps.When it’s released, the new Satechi Mac mini hub will let you store up to 4TB of emojisThe buzz around the new, tiny M4 Mac mini is such that doubtlessly there are going to be very many accessories made for it, from sleeves and mounts, to docks and hubs. But Satechi has got in first with a revision to its famous hub that used to fit so neatly under the old model.That could be good news for one of the AppleInsider podcast hosts who has already bought a new M4 Mac mini, and maybe also for the other one, who is wondering what Santa will bring. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Malcolm Owen) Apple’s rules about what developers can do within browsers is limiting innovation, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has determined, as part of its provisional findings from its browser investigation.Safari, Apple’s browserIn 2021, the CMA launched its Mobile Ecosystems Market Study, determining that Apple and Google had a duopoly in the realm of mobile ecosystems. While it was found that Apple and Google were in a position to determine how browsers work on iOS and Android, the CMA now says that Apple does restrict competition because of its rules.The provisional findings, released on Friday, say that Apple’d rules “restrict other competitors from being able to deliver new, innovative features that could benefit consumers.” It also refers to the concerns of other browser producers who are “unable to offer a full range of browser features, such as faster webpage loading on iPhone.” Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) The European Union has announced that it has ceased its investigation into how Apple treats rival audiobook developers on the App Store, saying the original complainant has withdrawn.Apple BooksThe EU’s probe began in 2020, alongside other antitrust investigations into Apple Pay and the App Store. At that time, an unnamed ebook and audiobook distributor filed a complaint claiming that Apple prevents developers getting important customer data.According to the Wall Street Journal, the European Commission has now closed its investigation. The EU says that the closure is specifically because the complaint was withdrawn, and is not to be taken as a ruling that Apple is correct. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (William Gallagher) Indonesia’s government has considered Apple’s increased offer of $100 million of investment in the country, but reportedly wants more before it will lift its ban on the iPhone 16 range.Jakarta – Image credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels”Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita held an internal meeting to discuss the proposal,” government spokesperson, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, told local news agency Antara News. “From the government’s perspective, of course, we want this investment to be larger.”The issue concerns Indonesia’s law that smartphones must contain at least 40% of locally manufactured components. This Domestic Content Level law can be assuaged by various methods including innovation development schemes, which Apple has previously preferred. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Christine McKee) The M4 Mac mini features an all-new design and 16GB of RAM in the standard model. And right now it’s $100 off at Amazon thanks to cash savings stacked with an on-page coupon.Pick up Apple’s 2024 Mac mini M4 for just $499.99.The $499.99 promo at Amazon provides holiday shoppers with the lowest M4 Mac mini price on record thanks to an instant rebate stacked with an on-page coupon. Equipped with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the compact desktop now measures only five inches by five inches so it takes up less space on your desk.Buy for $499.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Sponsored Content) Bluetti is offering incredible discounts up to 57% off of essential portable power station models and exclusive coupons during its Black Friday sales event. Don’t miss out.Bluetti Black FridayWhether you’re looking to upgrade an older home battery backup system or want to check out a new model for the first time, Bluetti has you covered. These giant batteries and inverters can keep your devices powered through any storm, on the road, or at the campsite, letting users go off grid.Bluetti specializes in whole home power backup systems and a range of portable power stations. They are a very compelling solution and utilize the latest features and technologies you’d expect from a premium portable power station brand. Continue Reading on AppleInsider
By news@appleinsider.com (Wesley Hilliard) A new rumor suggests Apple wants to make Siri more conversational by making it use a large language model backend similar to ChatGPT and AI rivals, but it won’t be ready until 2026.Siri could get an LLM backend in 2026When Apple was first rumored to be tackling artificial intelligence, one thing that was repeated often — Apple would not release a chatbot. The idea that users would converse with Siri in the same way they did with ChatGPT was seemingly off the table for the launch.Since then, a lot has changed, and according to a report from Bloomberg, Apple has begun work on an LLM-based Siri that might debut in iOS 19 in early 2026. This report lines up with AppleInsider’s earlier exclusive on Apple AI testing tools that point to Siri becoming more tied to Apple’s AI features. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (AppleInsider Staff) Apple’s M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro is on sale for $2,199, that’s $300 off the price of a brand new notebook with its latest generation of Apple Silicon.Save $300 on this M4 MacBook ProIt’s only been available a matter of weeks, but the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is already being discounted as part of the pre-Black Friday sales. In offers from Amazon and Best Buy, you can secure the portable powerhouse for hundreds of dollars less than the launch price.Buy for $2,199 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Andrew Orr) Billie Eilish has been named the Apple Music Artist of the Year for 2024, celebrating a year defined by chart-topping music, award-winning film soundtracks, and record-breaking performances.Apple Music named Billie Eilish its 2024 Artist of the YearApple Music has named Billie Eilish its 2024 Artist of the Year, highlighting a year of achievements for the singer-songwriter. Her third album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, earned widespread acclaim. The album topped Apple Music’s all-genre chart in 138 countries.Eilish’s influence in 2024 went beyond her music. Her song What Was I Made For? from the Barbie movie soundtrack earned her an Academy Award and two additional Grammys. She also performed Birds of a Feather at the summer games’ closing ceremony, making headlines and driving record Shazam activity. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
By news@appleinsider.com (Amber Neely) Satechi has announced its new Mac mini Stand & Hub, a pint-sized hub with a card reader, a NVMe Enclosure — and which brings back USB-A ports.Satechi’s new Mac mini M4 Stand & HubApple introduced the new M4 Mac mini in October. The diminutive desktop has shrunk even further, now with a five-by-five-inch footprint.To welcome the new Mac mini to the lineup, Satechi has created a hub that pairs perfectly with it — the Mac mini M4 Stand & Hub. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums