Apple and Samsung both fined in Europe for deliberately degrading phone performance
A European anti-trust watchdog has fined Apple about $11.4 million over using software updates to slow down iPhones and push people into buying new models.
Reuters
Apple cut down on iPhone XS Max OLED display cost by taking out some 3D Touch components
The OLED display in the iPhone Xs Max is larger, increasing its cost, but that increase is tempered by the removal of some of the 3D touch components that were previously found in the X.
Apple stealthily acquired a startup that makes vibrant lenses for augmented reality glasses
Earlier this year, Apple reportedly snapped up a Colorado-based startup that specializes in making “vibrant” lenses for augmented reality glasses.
Reuters: EU antitrust regulators will approve Apple-Shazam deal on September 18
EU’s antitrust regulators should approve Apple’s acquisition of the British music identification service on September 18.
Amazon working on a power-sipping Alexa chip
The new chip should help the always-on microphones that listen for the Alexa name, and other features of Echo devices, work without needing to be plugged in.
Apple’s reportedly decided to use OLED screens in all three 2019 iPhone models
All three new iPhones due for release in 2019 are said to use the sophisticated OLED panels, indicating Apple is prepping to drop LCD screens from next year’s smartphone lineup.
Apple is vying to take part in a slate of expanded drone tests
Apple wants to take part in a new initiative by the US Department of Transportation that would permit expanded operation of drones than are generally permitted by federal aviation regulators.
European Commission is investigating Apple’s proposed acquisition of Shazam
Apple’s proposed acquisition of British music discovery app Shazam has reportedly sparked an in-depth antitrust investigation in Europe through September 4 because the European Commission is concerned the deal might give the iPhone maker an unfair advantage in poaching users from its rivals, like Spotify.
Dialog shares tumble as Apple predicted to use its own battery-saving chip in future iPhones
Dialog said it was aware that in order to remain a key supplier to Apple it would have to continue to meet Apple’s “technology, quality, price and volume expectations.”
Amazon abandons plans to launch a skinny TV bundle, for now
Amazon apparently thinks such a service wouldn’t be profitable. In reality, it’s facing the same problem that prompted Apple to abandon its own skinny TV bundle plan: the traditional cable bundle.
Apple to assist the Indian government in developing an anti-spam iOS app
The Cupertino giant had earlier refused to approve India’s anti-spam app for iOS citing privacy concerns.
$999 iPhone X bill of material estimated at $357.50, gross margin at 64%
Apple reaps an estimated gross margin of 64 percent on each iPhone X sold versus the iPhone 8 gross margin of 59 percent.