By John Moltz
January 26, 2024 2:00 PM PT
This Week in Apple: New rules, same game
Huge news on the App Store front this week, even as we’re all still recovering from the big Mac party. And will the next version of Siri finally put some intelligence in AI?
App Store Rulebook, Fifth Edition
Apple announced major changes to the App Store rules this week as part of its oh-so-reluctant compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Jason has rounded up the high points of the changes which include reduced commissions for EU developers, alternative browsers, and the ability to create third-party app stores. While still a confusing collection of rules designed mostly to hurt Apple the least while still complying with at least some of the letters of the law, these terms are better than those reported earlier in the week by The Wall Street Journal (which totally was not planted by Apple in order to set expectations of HATE so as to surprise and delight when the actual policy was merely SIMMERING DISLIKE).
If you’re curious about how this will work, it’s very simple. Please read this press release and the online documentation, use the calculator tool that many feel may not be correct, and know that the EC is more than likely going to tell Apple to revise any number of these provisions and this is all still in motion.
If you’re in the EU and are pitying those of us in the States who are not getting these improved terms, please, save your tears. We Americans like to pay full price for everything. More than full price when we can. It is a sign of the prosperity of this great nation (DISCLAIMER: healthcare not included, void where prohibited). Also, while the U.S. moves more slowly than other legislative bodies and often backwards but always twirling, twirling toward freedom, there are several governmental bodies currently taking a long look at Apple’s practices with a furrowed brow. So, it’s possible these changes could get implemented more broadly.
If nothing else, we might at least get Xbox GamePass back.
If I could, I’d do it all over again
Yes, even the Performas.
Happy 40th to the Mac! Before you run out and buy your Mac a ruby, the traditional 40th anniversary gift, remember that while we call it an anniversary, it’s really more of a birthday. Your Mac anniversary is from whenever you first started using a Mac, so don’t show up for dinner with your Mac at an expensive restaurant with the wrong gift.
Honestly, if your Mac is at an expensive restaurant waiting for you to show up, don’t. It’s a weird look. Just send your butler to retrieve it. That’s what I did.
The beloved device has been through it all and everyone has their favorite. All week long bloggers and podcasters have been regaling us with their picks for best Mac, worst Mac, Mac with the best personality, Mac most likely to succeed, best Mac in evening wear, etc. The Computer History Museum hosted a two-hour event featuring a veritable rogues’ gallery of Mac luminaries.
Here’s to the device that changed everything. I’d say I wouldn’t be where I am today without it, but I probably would actually still be sitting at a desk typing, so…
That’s right. A K-pop reference.
Apple may not be as neck-deep in the AI pool as some of its competitors, but it’s definitely got its feet in the water and is maybe even ordering some drinks from the snack bar.
This week the company announced automatic transcripts for Apple Podcasts, bringing a valuable usability feature to podcasts for free. Meanwhile, the company has gone on a buying spree, quietly acquiring several AI startups, and hiring for new positions in AI. All of this is leading up to what is now expected to be a big announcement at WWDC.
“Next generation Siri likely to be launched in iOS 18, with ChatGPT style capabilities”
Is this going to be Siri 2.0 or Siri, Take Two? Or, worse, “I’m sorry. I can’t find ‘Take Two’ by BTS in your library.”?
[John Moltz is a Six Colors contributor. You can find him on Mastodon at Mastodon.social/@moltz and he sells items with references you might get on Cotton Bureau.]