Apple News
Epic Games’ ‘Fortnite’ returns to Apple App Stores worldwide
Epic Games’ popular battle royale title “Fortnite” is once again available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in many regions worldwide. The return marks the end of a nearly six-year absence that began in 2020, following a high-profile dispute over app store policies and payment systems.
Apple has long maintained that its App Store policies protect user security, privacy, and the quality of the experience on iOS devices. The company invests heavily in platform security, curated app review processes, and a robust ecosystem that benefits both developers and consumers. When Epic unilaterally introduced direct payments in Fortnite to bypass Apple’s standard commission — which helps fund the infrastructure, tools, and services Apple provides — it violated the developer agreement, leading to the game’s removal.
Timeline of the Dispute and Resolution
• 2020: Fortnite was removed from the App Store and Google Play after Epic implemented in-app payments that circumvented platform rules.
• 2025: Following court proceedings in the U.S., Fortnite returned to the U.S. iOS App Store. Apple complied with applicable rulings while continuing to defend its overall approach to maintaining a safe and reliable platform.
• March 2026: Fortnite became available again on Google Play worldwide after policy adjustments by Google.
• May 2026: Expanded availability on Apple’s App Store in additional regions, reflecting ongoing compliance with legal requirements and policy evolutions.
Apple has consistently argued that its commission structure supports the value it delivers, including secure payment processing, fraud protection, and a trusted marketplace. The company has made targeted adjustments in response to regulatory and legal developments while prioritizing user safety over unrestricted changes that could expose customers to greater risks.
What This Means for Gamers
Mobile Fortnite fans in supported regions can now search for and download the game directly from their app stores. Cross-play functionality remains intact, and Epic is offering limited-time incentives like the “Yeddy” outfit for returning players.
While direct downloads simplify access for many, Apple’s ecosystem continues to emphasize security and reliability — principles that have helped make iOS one of the safest platforms for mobile gaming.
Looking Ahead
The prolonged dispute between Epic and Apple (as well as Google) has drawn significant attention to app store economics. Apple maintains that its model fosters innovation within a secure environment, and the company continues to evolve its policies thoughtfully amid changing global regulations.
This development allows millions of players to enjoy Fortnite more conveniently while underscoring the complex balance between developer interests and platform responsibilities.
MacDailyNews Take: This isn’t some glorious triumph for “consumer choice” or a defeat for Apple’s “monopoly.” It’s the predictable endpoint of repeated court interventions that forced Apple to loosen its rules in specific jurisdictions while the company continues to defend the core principles that made the iOS ecosystem the safest, most reliable, and most valuable platform for users and legitimate developers alike.
Apple’s 30% commission (reduced to 15% for many smaller developers) has always funded the secure infrastructure, rigorous app review process, fraud protection, payment systems, and ongoing platform development that benefit users and honest developers. Epic wanted all the upside of that ecosystem with none of the contribution. When Apple rightly removed the title for breaching the contract, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney cried foul and took the company to court.
Now, after years of litigation, regulatory pressure, and judicial rulings, Fortnite is back. Apple has complied where required while continuing to prioritize security and privacy — the very reasons iOS remains vastly superior to the malware-ridden Android sideloading free-for-all that Epic claims to champion.
The bottom line is clear: Epic Games wants to enjoy all of the benefits of Apple’s App Store, including access to well over one billion of the world’s most affluent users for free. That is illogical, unfair, and, basically, theft. – MacDailyNews, May 4, 2021
How much did it cost developers to have their apps burned onto CDs, boxed, shipped, displayed on store shelves prior to Apple remaking the world for the better for umpteenth time? Apple incurs costs to store, review, organize, surface, and distribute apps to over one billion users. — MacDailyNews, June 10, 2022
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Apple unveils new accessibility features, and updates with Apple Intelligence
Apple today previewed a suite of accessibility updates that use Apple Intelligence to bring new capabilities to features users rely on every day, including VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader. Apple also announced on-device generated subtitles for uncaptioned video content coming to the Apple ecosystem, as well as a new feature for Apple Vision Pro users to control compatible wheelchairs with their eyes. These new features, as well as updates using Apple Intelligence, are coming later this year. And starting today, the Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone — an adaptive MagSafe accessory designed with accessibility at the core — is available in three vibrant new colors on the Apple Store online.
“Apple’s approach to accessibility is unlike any other,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s outgoing CEO, in a statement. “Now, with Apple Intelligence, we are bringing powerful new capabilities into our accessibility features while maintaining our foundational commitment to privacy by design.”
“The accessibility features our users rely on every day become even more powerful with Apple Intelligence,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, in a statment. “With these updates, we’re bringing new, intuitive options for input, exploration, and personalization — designed to protect users’ privacy at every step.”
VoiceOver and Magnifier Can Explore More
For users who are blind or have low vision, VoiceOver and Magnifier can describe onscreen information or a user’s surroundings. With Apple Intelligence, these essential tools become even more powerful. The Image Explorer in VoiceOver uses Apple Intelligence to give more detailed descriptions of images systemwide, including what’s in photographs, scanned bills, personal records, and other visual content. With updates to Live Recognition, VoiceOver users can press the Action button on iPhone to quickly ask a question about what’s in the camera viewfinder and get a detailed response. Users can also ask follow-up questions in their own words to get more visual information.
Magnifier uses Apple Intelligence to bring the same assistive exploration and visual description to a high-contrast interface designed for users who have low vision. Magnifier also works with the Action button so users can quickly ask questions and get answers. And users can control the app itself with spoken requests, such as “zoom in” or “turn on flashlight.”
Voice Control Gets Natural Language
With Apple Intelligence, Voice Control becomes more intuitive than ever, using natural language to help users with a range of physical disabilities navigate iPhone and iPad entirely by voice. With a new flexible input, users can describe onscreen buttons and controls with natural language instead of memorizing exact labels or numbers. The option to “say what you see” is great for navigating any app, including those with visual layouts such as Apple Maps or Files, using intuitive language like “tap the guide about best restaurants” or “tap the purple folder.” This can also help users overcome barriers when elements aren’t properly labeled for accessibility.
Accessibility Reader Adapts Even More
Accessibility Reader is a customized reading experience for users with a wide range of disabilities, from dyslexia to low vision, and with Apple Intelligence, the reading experience is more accessible than ever. Accessibility Reader works on more complex source material like scientific articles, handling text with multiple columns, images, and tables. On-demand summaries provide readers the option to get an overview of the article before diving into the details. And with new built-in translation, users can read text in their native language while retaining custom formatting, font, and colors.
Generated Subtitles for Video
While captioning solutions are increasingly common for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles for spoken dialogue are rarely available for personal videos, content shared by friends and family, and other media. With new generated subtitles, videos can display transcriptions of spoken audio automatically when captions or subtitles are not already provided, including in clips recorded on iPhone, received from friends and family, or streamed online. With on-device speech recognition, subtitles are generated privately and appear automatically for uncaptioned videos on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. The appearance of subtitles can be customized in the video playback menu or in Settings.
New generated subtitles display transcriptions of spoken audio automatically when captions or subtitles are not already provided in a video.
A Powerful Wheelchair Control Feature for Apple Vision Pro
For some people who use power wheelchairs, driving with a joystick is not an option, and alternative drive controls can be an essential part of independent movement. Leveraging the precision eye-tracking system on Apple Vision Pro, a new power wheelchair control feature offers users a responsive input method for compatible alternative drive systems. With Vision Pro, eye tracking doesn’t require frequent recalibration and works in a variety of lighting conditions.5 The feature launches with Tolt and LUCI alternative drive systems in the U.S., with accessory support for both Bluetooth and wired connections, and Apple will continue to work with developers to expand support for more wheelchair drive systems.
“The option to control my power wheelchair on my own is gold to me,” said Pat Dolan, founder of GeoALS and a member of Team Gleason’s patient advisory board, who has lived with ALS for 10 years, in a statement. “With this new feature, Apple is developing life-enhancing technology for the people who need it most.”
“Over the past decade, we’ve seen eye-driven wheelchair systems evolve in incredible ways,” said Blair Casey, Team Gleason’s CEO, in a statement. “Leveraging Apple Vision Pro’s eye-tracking capabilities in this way is a huge step forward. Team Gleason is proud to support this initiative and excited to see the benefits it can bring to people who use power wheelchairs.”
Hikawa Adaptive MagSafe Accessory Now Widely Available
Launching today worldwide on the Apple Store online, the Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone is now available in three vibrant new colors. Los Angeles-based designer Bailey Hikawa developed this MagSafe accessory with accessibility in mind, collaborating with individuals with a wide range of disabilities affecting grip, strength, and mobility. The result is an adaptive grip and stand that helps users hold iPhone in the way that works best for them. Now, in a collaboration between Hikawa and PopSockets, this unique adaptive accessory is available globally for the first time.
“Apple’s accessibility work — which involves including disability communities from the very earliest stages of design to make the best possible product for everyone — has been the driving force of this project,” said Hikawa. “Our studio is built around intuitive, delightful accessories for iPhone, and it’s been a great privilege to create a product that embraces iPhone as an assistive device and pays tribute to accessibility.”
On May 20, Apple The Grove in Los Angeles will host a Today at Apple session with Hikawa, author Shane Burcaw, and actor Alex Barone to discuss the role of iPhone as a pivotal assistive technology, and how accessible design can create inclusive, delightful experiences for everyone.
The MagSafe accessory was created with accessibility in mind and developed in close collaboration with individuals with a wide range of disabilities affecting grip, strength, and mobility.
Additional Updates
• Vehicle Motion Cues come to visionOS, which can help reduce motion sickness for people who use Apple Vision Pro as a passenger in a moving vehicle. Vision Pro will also support face gestures for performing taps and system actions, plus a new way to select elements with one’s eyes while using Dwell Control.
• Touch Accommodations provide a new way to personalize setup in iOS and iPadOS.
• Made for iPhone hearing aids pair and hand off between Apple devices more reliably, with an improved setup experience in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
• Larger Text support is coming to tvOS, so viewers who have low vision can increase onscreen text size to be easier to read.
Larger Text support comes to tvOS, allowing viewers who have low vision to increase onscreen text size to be easier to read.
• Name Recognition, which can notify users who are deaf or hard of hearing if someone says their name, works across more than 50 languages globally.
• For sign language interpretation app developers, a new API supports users in adding a human interpreter to an ongoing FaceTime video call.
• Those with difficulty interacting with traditional controllers can now connect the Sony Access controller as a game controller with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Users can configure the thumbstick, nine built-in buttons, and up to four additional external buttons or specialty switches to personalize layout. They can also combine two controllers for a deeply personalized gaming experience.
MacDailyNews Take: Find out more about accessibility in Apple products and services here.
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Apple exploring improved titanium to replace aluminum in future iPhones, says leaker
Apple appears poised to potentially swing back to titanium frames for its flagship iPhones after switching to aluminum in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup. According to a new report from prominent Weibo leaker Instant Digital, the company is actively researching an enhanced version of titanium designed to overcome its previous limitations — particularly poor thermal conductivity — while preserving its lightweight advantages.
Background on the Material Shift
Apple first introduced titanium with the iPhone 15 Pro models in 2023, positioning it as a premium, aerospace-grade material that delivered significant weight savings over the stainless steel used in earlier Pro models. Titanium quickly became a flagship selling point, emphasizing strength, durability, and a lighter overall feel.
However, with the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple reversed course and adopted an aluminum-based design. Heat dissipation was cited as a key reason for the change, as aluminum generally performs better in managing thermal loads from powerful chips and advanced features.
Now, just months after that transition, Instant Digital reports that Apple has not given up on titanium. In a translated excerpt from the leaker’s Weibo post:
I’ve previously mentioned that Apple is proud to use titanium in its phones, and the use of aluminum in the 17 Pro was a forced compromise. This is true, so Apple hasn’t abandoned titanium and seems to be researching an improved version. The goal is to address the poor thermal conductivity of titanium alloy while reducing weight while maintaining the same volume. I’m not entirely sure about the specifics yet, but I believe Apple will return to titanium once the new formula is mature.
Other Material Possibilities and Context
The leaker also mentioned Liquidmetal as a potential future option — possibly for the hinge on an upcoming iPhone Ultra (foldable) model, but noted that it would be “extremely difficult” to mass-produce.
Apple continues to use titanium in devices like the iPhone Air and is expected to employ it in the rumored iPhone Ultra for its durability benefits in ultra-thin designs. An improved titanium formula could allow the material to return to standard Pro models if Apple’s advancements in vapor chamber cooling sufficiently address heat management concerns.
What This Could Mean for Future iPhones
• Lighter Pro models without sacrificing premium feel.
• Better balance of weight, strength, and thermals.
• Potential return of titanium as a key marketing highlight, restoring Apple’s narrative around high-end materials.
MacDailyNews Take: This remains early-stage rumor territory based on a single well-known leaker, so plans could still evolve. Apple’s material choices often balance engineering realities, manufacturing scalability, cost, and consumer perception.
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The Guardian reviews ‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed’ Apple TV series: ‘Tatiana Maslany and Murray Bartlett make this pleasurable TV indeed’
“Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” follows newly divorced mom Paula (Tatiana Maslany) as she falls down a dangerous rabbit hole of blackmail, murder and youth soccer. Convinced she witnessed a crime — while simultaneously struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis — Paula begins her own investigation, one that could unravel a greater conspiracy while also holding the keys to rebuilding her family and sense of self.
Rhik Samadder for The Guardian:
It’s implausible yet enjoyably twisty, with Maslany superbly watchable – as are her antagonists. The White Lotus’s Murray Bartlett returns – hurrah! – taking us squarely into No Country for Old Men territory. Jake Johnson – or Nick from New Girl as I will always see him – is Paula’s ex-husband. Filipina actor Dolly de Leon plays a diminutive detective with a dry wit and unexpected vices, who brilliantly skews the archetype of the misanthropic cop. “Marriage is a marathon. Sometimes you puke,” is one of her gnomic pearls.
“A good amount of pleasure if you like this sort of thing” would be more accurate, but a weaker title.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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WWDC26: Apple kicks off Worldwide Developers Conference on June 8th
Apple today unveiled an exciting lineup for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), taking place June 8-12. The conference brings together developers from around the world to explore the tools, frameworks, and technologies that will empower them to create groundbreaking experiences across Apple platforms.
https://macdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/260518_Apple-WWDC26-event-details-hero.mp4WWDC26 will kick off June 8 with the Keynote and Platforms State of the Union, introducing incredible updates for Apple platforms, including AI advancements and exciting new software and developer tools. Throughout the week, developers and students can watch more than 100 new video sessions about tools, technologies, and design; take part in Group Labs; and join conversations on the Apple Developer Forums. Apple will also welcome more than 1,000 developers, designers, and students to celebrate in person at Apple Park on June 8.
Apple Keynote
June 8, 10 a.m. PDT
WWDC will open with a first look at the latest updates coming to Apple platforms. The Keynote will be available to stream on apple.com, the Apple TV app, and the Apple YouTube channel. On-demand playback will be available after the conclusion of the stream.
Platforms State of the Union
June 8, 1 p.m. PDT
Shortly after the Keynote, the Platforms State of the Union will take a deeper dive into exciting new features, APIs, and technologies that will further empower developers to create powerful experiences across Apple platforms. The Platforms State of the Union will be available to stream on the Apple Developer app, website, YouTube channel, and bilibili. On-demand playback will be available after the conclusion of the stream.
Video Sessions and Guides
With new sessions on tools, technologies, and design, WWDC helps developers learn directly from Apple engineers and designers. All sessions will be available on the Apple Developer app, website, YouTube channel, and bilibili. Curated guides will also help developers navigate the week’s biggest announcements by platform and topic.
Group Labs
Throughout the week, developers can join Group Labs, live online presentations and Q&A sessions hosted by Apple engineers and designers. They can listen and learn, and ask and upvote questions about topics including Apple Intelligence, developer tools, design, graphics and games, and machine learning. Group Labs will take place Tuesday through Friday and last up to 60 minutes. Apple experts will also be on the Apple Developer Forums to answer questions on a variety of tools and technologies.
Apple Design Awards
The Apple Design Awards highlight the craft, creativity, and technical expertise of the developer community. This year’s 36 finalists — in the categories of Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, Interaction, Social Impact, and Visuals and Graphics — were unveiled today on the Apple Developer website. Winners will be announced in the coming weeks.
Swift Student Challenge
Apple is proud to support student developers through the Swift Student Challenge, one of many Apple programs that uplift the next generation of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs. This year’s Challenge honored 350 winners, including 50 Distinguished Winners who have been invited to Cupertino for a special three-day experience during WWDC week.
MacDailyNews Note: Developers can access WWDC content on the Apple Developer app, website, and YouTube channel. Developers can also follow the conference worldwide on LinkedIn, WeChat, and bilibili.
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Apple preps AI enhancements for iOS 27, including writing tools, natural language shortcuts, and custom wallpaper generation
Apple is gearing up to deliver a fresh slate of artificial intelligence capabilities in its upcoming iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 operating systems, aiming to bolster productivity features and close the gap with competing platforms, Mark Gurman reports for Bloomberg News.
Citing people familiar with the plans, Gurman reports that the new operating systems will introduce AI-powered writing assistance, including grammar checking and other text refinement tools. These features build on Apple’s existing Apple Intelligence suite, providing users with smarter help for composing emails, documents, and messages directly on their iPhones and iPads.
A standout addition is an enhanced Shortcuts app that leverages natural language processing. Users will be able to create complex, systemwide automations and custom actions simply by describing them in plain English, reducing the need for manual configuration. This evolution of the Shortcuts app is expected to make automation more accessible to everyday users while expanding its power for advanced workflows.
Additionally, Apple is preparing tools for generating custom wallpapers using AI, allowing users to create personalized home and lock screen backgrounds based on text prompts or other inputs. This feature aligns with broader efforts to integrate generative AI more deeply into the iOS experience.
The updates come as Apple continues to expand its Apple Intelligence platform, which is said to include options for users to select third-party AI models for various tasks. iOS 27 is slated for release later this year, likely debuting at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June before a public launch in the fall alongside new iPhone hardware.
MacDailyNews Take: These enhancements reflect Apple’s belated push to make its devices more intelligent and user-friendly, particularly in areas like writing, automation, and personalization where rivals have led for years.
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What Tim Cook’s trip to China with President Trump could mean for Apple investors
Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook participated in a high-stakes U.S. delegation to Beijing this week — the first presidential visit to China in nearly a decade. With most of Apple’s hardware still manufactured there and China representing its largest market outside the U.S., any easing of tariffs and tensions could significantly benefit the company’s operations, costs, and competitive position. Investors are watching closely as AAPL trades near all-time highs.
Catie Hogan for The Motley Fool:
China is also Apple’s largest market outside the U.S. With competition rising there, Apple needs to be in the good graces of the Chinese government to avoid market-share losses.
An easing of tariffs and a move to friendlier U.S.-China relations is a win for Apple and its investors. A successful trip may mean securing Apple’s relationship with Chinese manufacturing partners, reducing costly tariffs, and maintaining or expanding access to the Chinese retail market. In one positive sign, Chinese President Xi Jinping told CEOs, including those from Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla, that China will “open wider” for their business…
Cook needed this China trip to be a success, and thus far, it seems investors should be cautiously optimistic.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple’s iPhone is killing it in China, with shipments surging 20% in first quarter. Plus, Apple set March quarter revenue records and grew double digits in every geographic segment, including strong double-digit growth in Greater China.
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New Apple Card promo: Get AirPods Pro 3 essentially free for new cardholders
Apple today officially rolled out an attractive new promotion aimed at attracting fresh Apple Card users. New applicants who sign up for the card and purchase a pair of AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple can effectively get the premium earbuds for free through monthly Bonus Daily Cash rebates.
The deal, which runs through June 15 for the qualifying purchase, marks one of the most lucrative sign-up incentives Apple has ever offered for its credit card. AirPods Pro 3, released in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, retail for $249 and feature improved Active Noise Cancellation, better audio performance, an in-ear design, and even a built-in heart rate monitor.
How the Promotion Works
Here’s the step-by-step process to take advantage of the offer:
- Apply for a new Apple Card (available to those without an existing card or pending application).
-
Purchase AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple (online or in an Apple Store) by June 15, 2026. The purchase must use the new Apple Card and cannot be made entirely with gift cards or account balances. Refurbished units, third-party purchases, international transactions, and bulk business orders are excluded.
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Earn $25 in Bonus Daily Cash each month from July 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027 (up to $250 total), but only in months where you make at least 10 qualifying purchases (each at least $0.01). The original AirPods Pro 3 purchase itself does not count toward the monthly purchase requirement.
You can finance the AirPods via Apple Card Monthly Installments or pay in full, and trade-ins do not affect eligibility. Note that you’ll still need to cover taxes upfront, and returning the AirPods could void the offer.
The Bonus Daily Cash can be deposited into your Apple Cash account or Apple Card Savings Account and transferred to a bank as needed.
The Fine Print and Potential Drawbacks
While the promotion effectively reimburses the full $249 price over about 10 months, it requires ongoing commitment: hitting that 10-purchase minimum each month isn’t automatic for everyone. Critics in early reactions have called it “complicated” or reminiscent of carrier bill credits, noting it’s unavailable to existing Apple Card holders.
This push comes as Apple continues to evolve the Apple Card program (now transitioning aspects away from Goldman Sachs). It’s intended to drive new sign-ups with no annual fee on the card itself.
Who Should Take Advantage?
• Apple enthusiasts without an Apple Card who want AirPods Pro 3.
• Users comfortable making regular small purchases on the card to unlock the monthly bonuses.
• Those planning to finance big purchases anyway, as the card integrates seamlessly with Apple services.
MacDailyNews Take: If you’re an existing cardholder, unfortunately, this one passes you by — though Apple has occasionally offered targeted deals in the past.
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Apple Original Films celebrates premiere of ‘Propeller One-Way Night Coach’ at the Cannes Film Festival
Friday, at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, Apple Original Films celebrated the world premiere of the highly anticipated film “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” written, directed, narrated and produced by two-time Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner John Travolta. The film will premiere globally on Apple TV on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Making his directorial debut and returning to Cannes after nearly 30 years, John Travolta celebrated “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” at the premiere event alongside stars Ella Bleu Travolta, Clark Shotwell, Kelly Eviston-Quinnett, Olga Hoffmann, and Edouard Philipponnat, as well as producers Jason Berger and Amy Laslett. During the film’s presentation, John Travolta was also honored with the prestigious Honorary Palme d’Or in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to cinema and his enduring impact on the film industry.
John Travolta and Ella Bleu Travolta attend the Cannes Film Festival world premiere of Apple Original Films’ “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” at the Palais des Festivals during the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2026, in Cannes, France.
Set in the golden age of aviation, a young airplane enthusiast, Jeff (played by newcomer Clark Shotwell), and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) set off on a one-way cross-country odyssey to Hollywood, which transforms a simple flight into the trip of a lifetime. Between airline meals, charming flight attendants (played by Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boy’s future.
An Apple Original Film, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” is a production of Travolta’s JTP Films Inc. and Kids at Play. The film is produced by Travolta of JTP Productions, in addition to Jason Berger and Amy Laslett of Kids at Play.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 825 wins and 3,542 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Indian court orders Apple to fully cooperate in antitrust probe, delays final ruling until mid-July
In a significant development for Apple’s ongoing global antitrust battles, India’s Delhi High Court has directed the tech giant to “fully cooperate” with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in a long-running investigation into its practices in the iPhone apps market.
The order, posted on the court’s website on Saturday, May 18, 2026, rejects Apple’s request to pause the proceedings while it challenges the broader legal framework governing antitrust penalties in India. However, the court provided a partial concession by instructing the CCI not to issue a final order in the case until at least July 15th.
Background of the Case
The CCI’s probe dates back to findings in 2024 that Apple had abused its dominant position in the iPhone apps ecosystem. Investigators have been seeking detailed financial information from Apple — data typically used to calculate potential penalties — but the company has resisted, arguing that it is actively contesting India’s antitrust penalty calculation law itself.
Apple has maintained that the CCI should wait until its legal challenge is resolved, accusing the regulator of overstepping its authority. The company has denied any wrongdoing.
Why This Matters for Apple
India represents a critical growth market for Apple. According to Counterpoint Research, iPhones now hold about a 9% market share in the country, up from just 4% two years ago. As Apple continues to expand its retail and manufacturing footprint in India, regulatory scrutiny over app store policies, developer fees, and ecosystem control could have meaningful implications for its operations there.
This case joins a growing list of antitrust challenges Apple faces worldwide, from the EU’s Digital Markets Act enforcement to similar probes in other major markets. The outcome could influence how aggressively other regulators approach similar complaints about app distribution and in-app payments.
The case highlights the increasing tension between global tech platforms and national regulators seeking to curb perceived market abuses in digital ecosystems.
MacDailyNews Take: While Apple must now engage more fully with the CCI’s demands, the July 15th deadline at least gives the company some breathing room.
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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
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Apple’s all-new Siri chatbot will offer auto-deleting chats
Apple is preparing a major overhaul of Siri for iOS 27, turning it into a full-fledged chatbot with ChatGPT-style conversations. A key privacy differentiator: the new standalone Siri app will let users automatically delete chats after 30 days or one year, or even right away, making it one of the most privacy-conscious AI assistants on the market. The feature-rich update may still ship as a public beta this fall.
Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News:
While Apple has maintained that it wants to keep user protections while also delivering AI, it feels like the general population is starting to realize that privacy requires trade-offs. But that may actually work to the company’s advantage. Apple can use the idea that it’s making the right choice on behalf of consumers to slyly cover up any AI shortcomings.
That brings us to iOS 27, which will offer a revamped Siri experience. With this move, Apple is shifting closer to the AI approach used by competitors. While its models remain branded as Apple Foundation Models, the company has opened up the hood of its technology and replaced much of it with Google’s Gemini — a clear winner in the AI space.
Apple is doing this because it was backed into a corner and had essentially no other option. The company knew that if its new Siri and AI features failed, investors and consumers would react poorly. Apple got some slack with the original Apple Intelligence in 2024, but the clock is now ticking fast. Tim Cook doesn’t want his final launch as chief executive officer to be a huge misstep.
When the company first introduced Apple Intelligence, it pitched a hybrid model: lightweight tasks were handled on devices themselves, while more advanced requests would run through cloud infrastructure powered by in-house server chips under what it calls Private Cloud Compute. The company has described that system as an extension of the iPhone’s security model in the cloud.
But Apple has been less specific about how the next-generation Siri infrastructure will actually be hosted and operated at scale. That’s because Apple will actually be leaning on Google’s cloud infrastructure for parts of the new Siri, something the company doesn’t want to emphasize — given how that might counter its current privacy approach.
Apple has said that the new Siri will use Private Cloud Compute, but it hasn’t gone as far as to say it will rely on the same chips, data centers and security as the Siri and Apple Intelligence features of today. One way to interpret that is Apple will allow Google to handle some of its security protections.
Most leading AI chatbots today rely heavily on histories and memory systems to personalize responses and improve future interactions. But Apple will place tighter limits around how memory works, including restrictions on what information can persist and how long it can be retained.
There’s also a particularly notable feature that borrows from the Messages app: auto-deleting chats. In the settings panel for the Siri app, users will be able to choose to keep conversations for 30 days, one year or forever.
MacDailyNews Take: How will competing chatbots ever be able to match that massive innovation? (read with dripping sarcasm)
As much as we love typing “outgoing CEO Tim Cook,” his final “going, going, gone” can’t come soon enough.
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Apple TV’s ‘Widow’s Bay’ series walks a tonal tightrope to bewitching effect – Variety
Apple TV’s new “Widow’s Bay” series is set in a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England. But something lurks beneath the surface. Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community. There’s no Wi-Fi, spotty cellular reception and he must contend with superstitious locals who believe their island is cursed. He wants these people to respect him. They don’t. They think he is soft and cowardly. And he is. But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination. Miraculously, he succeeds: tourists are finally coming. Unfortunately, the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true, start happening again. “Widow’s Bay” blends genuine horror with character-driven comedy.
Though the plot has an overarching story, there’s an almost anthological feel to “Widow’s Bay,” which riffs on a different sub-branch of horror with each subsequent half-hour. There’s a slasher riff, á la “Halloween”; a haunted hotel, á la “The Shining”; even a flashback to the settlement’s Puritan-era origins, á la “The Witch.” That last one is helmed by “X” director Ti West, who joins “Severance” director Sam Donovan and “Friendship” auteur Andrew DeYoung in a stacked behind-the-camera lineup led by executive producer Hiro Murai, late of “Atlanta” and “Barry.” It takes a group of such experience to handle the series’ delicate balancing act, which sustains both heart-pounding suspense and wry humor for impressively long stretches of time…
In lieu of a detailed mythology or elaborately constructed mystery box, the scares on “Widow’s Bay” are grounded in the characters’ different anxieties: Tom’s desire to control the risks facing his increasingly independent son; Patricia’s loneliness and need to fit in; Wick’s regret over past sins and paths not taken; Evan wanting to impress a girl. (The teens in “Widow’s Bay” are oblivious enough to do their genre forebears proud.) When I contemplate a clearly forecast Season 2, it’s not the quest to end the curse that interests me — it’s the prospect of spotlights on smaller players like salty old-timer Rosemary (Dale Dickey) or Tom’s sweet deputy Dale (Jeff Hiller). Widow’s Bay may not make the best tourist destination, but I’d happily make a return trip.
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Apple launches major iPhone discounts in China ahead of 618 shopping festival
Apple has launched major discounts on its flagship iPhones in China ahead of the annual 618 shopping festival, signaling that competition in the country’s premium handset market is heating up as leading domestic and overseas brands vie for replacement demand.
Starting on Friday, Apple cut prices for its iPhone 17 Pro series by 1,000 yuan ($138), according to prices displayed on major Chinese e-commerce platforms.
JD.com, one of China’s largest online retailers, showed on its Apple product self-operated flagship store that, after direct discounts and trade-in subsidies, some iPhone 17 Pro models could be purchased for as low as 6,999 yuan — the lowest level since the series launched.
The standard iPhone 17, Apple’s latest base-model flagship phone, also received its first notable price cut since release, with some versions priced at 4,499 yuan after multiple subsidies and trade-in offers.
Taobao, Alibaba’s e-commerce platform, showed on its official Apple Store flagship shop that the iPhone 17 Pro series would be offered with a direct 1,000-yuan discount from the same day.
A store employee at an Apple outlet in Beijing confirmed to the Global Times on Friday that the latest discounts could be combined with trade-in subsidies and platform promotions, with some models reaching their lowest prices since launch.
“Some customers do wait for the May discount season, especially with 618 shopping festival approaching. For those planning to upgrade, this is a relatively good buying window,” the employee said.
News of Apple’s price cuts quickly shot to the top of Sina Weibo’s trending list on Friday, carrying the platform’s “explosive” tag. In one highly liked comment, a user said the discount stood out at a time when many consumer electronics products are becoming more expensive.
MacDailyNews Take: This news seems to have added more juice to Apple’s stock price, too.
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Apple iPhone’s share of U.S. smartphone sales hits 75% at Big 3 carriers
Apple’s Q1 2026 iPhone sales volume in the U.S. was up 1.3% YoY, outperforming the country’s overall smartphone market, which declined 5.7% YoY, according to Counterpoint’s U.S. Monthly Smartphone Channel Share Tracker. Apple’s share of U.S. smartphone sales at the Big 3 carriers (Verizon, A&T, and T-Mobile) hit a whopping 75%.
Apple’s share of volume grew by 4% YoY, as Android device sales declined 14.4% YoY. Apple’s success was driven by the iPhone 17 series, which experienced carryover demand from supply limitations in Q4 2025 due to global demand for the latest iPhone lineup. Besides, the base iPhone 17 model saw higher demand than expected, causing Apple to recalibrate its production mix.
Apple iPhone’s Share of Smartphone Sales at Big 3 US Carriers, Q1 2025 vs Q1 2026
Source: Counterpoint’s US Monthly Smartphone Channel Share Tracker
Amid lower overall sales in the low end, especially in the sub-$100 price band, prepaid channel marketing spend is consolidating around Motorola and Samsung. Other players in lower price bands, like TCL and HMD, have put off model refreshes or exited the market or are having a tough time keeping up with the marketing power of Motorola and Samsung. As a result, Motorola and Samsung grew their market share in most prepaid and national retail channels in Q1. Cricket (Samsung +6% points; Motorola +6%points) and Metro (Samsung +2% points; Motorola +7% points) were two channels with significant shifts YoY.
Consolidation in the low end is expected to continue in the U.S. as rising memory costs impact smaller players like Maxwest, Orbic and Blu, as well as white-label devices. Shrinking margins may force a reduction in portfolio diversity in lower price bands and further push lower-income consumers towards Samsung and Motorola options.
Meanwhile, Apple has maintained its pricing strategy, keeping the iPhone 17e pricing consistent YoY while increasing the entry-level storage to 256GB, even as peers introduce price hikes. With this strategy, Apple hopes to draw more users into its iOS ecosystem, while placing service revenue growth over hardware profitability in the U.S. and elsewhere. This will lead to faster revenue growth through 2027. For OEMs with smaller hardware margins, it will be tough to keep pace with Apple’s consistent pricing and marketing spend at the US carriers. Through Q1 2026, Apple outpaced Samsung in Counterpoint’s average Smartphone Promotional Index scores across devices priced $600 and above in US postpaid channels. Apple increased its promotional power in this segment YoY in Q1, as did Motorola and Google, while Samsung declined. If Apple can avoid significant price increases and continue to outpace its peers in promotional dollars, it will be tough for Android OEMs to keep up in the year ahead.
MacDailyNews Take: Markets eventually reward innovators who execute.
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U.S. DOJ demands Apple and Google unmask over 100,000 users of popular car-tinkering app in emissions crackdown
The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking personal data on potentially hundreds of thousands of drivers who downloaded EZ Lynk’s Auto Agent app, escalating a years-long legal battle over vehicle emissions controls. Subpoenas issued to Apple, Google, Amazon, and Walmart request names, addresses, phone numbers, and purchase histories tied to the app and its accompanying hardware.
Background on the Case
The DOJ first sued EZ Lynk in 2021, accusing the Cayman Islands-based company of violating the Clean Air Act by marketing and selling “defeat devices.” These tools allegedly allow users to bypass factory emissions controls on diesel vehicles, primarily through the EZ Lynk Auto Agent app paired with an onboard diagnostic (OBD) hardware dongle.
EZ Lynk strongly denies the allegations, emphasizing that its products serve legitimate purposes: monitoring vehicle performance, applying software updates, and enabling legitimate modifications and diagnostics. The company argues that any emissions-related use is not its primary purpose and falls under user responsibility.
Scope of the Subpoenas
According to a joint court filing earlier this month, the DOJ subpoenaed Apple and Google in March and April 2026 for download and account data on anyone who installed the Auto Agent app. Additional requests went to Amazon and Walmart for buyer information on the physical EZ Lynk hardware. Estimates suggest the total could exceed 100,000 users, Gizmodo reports.
The government says it needs this information to identify and interview witnesses who can testify about how the tools were actually used. It has already submitted forum posts and social media evidence showing some users employing the system to disable emissions controls.
Privacy Concerns and Pushback
EZ Lynk’s lawyers call the requests “overreach,” arguing they go far beyond what’s necessary for the case and raise serious Fourth Amendment issues. “Investigating this claim does not require identifying each person who has used the product,” they wrote. Apple and Google are reportedly preparing to challenge the subpoenas.
Privacy advocates echo these concerns. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) have criticized the broad demand for personally identifiable information, noting that most users never read terms of service and may face unintended legal exposure simply for downloading a tool marketed for car diagnostics and tuning.
Car enthusiasts and right-to-repair advocates view the case as part of a broader tension: drivers’ desire to modify their vehicles versus federal environmental regulations. As one expert noted, “People want to modify their cars and always will.”
What Happens Next
The case has already survived an attempt by EZ Lynk to invoke Section 230 immunity (typically used to shield tech platforms from liability for user actions). A judge rejected that defense in 2025, allowing the litigation to continue.
This episode highlights growing government interest in app store data to pursue enforcement actions. Similar but smaller-scale requests have occurred before, such as a 2019 demand for data on users of a gun-scope app. The current scale (potentially 10 times larger)makes it particularly notable.
Apple, Google, and the other companies have not publicly commented. The DOJ also declined to elaborate beyond its court filings. The outcome of any challenges to the subpoenas could set important precedents for digital privacy in regulatory enforcement cases. For car owners using tuning tools, the message is clear: governments are increasingly willing to trace app downloads straight back to individual users.
MacDailyNews Take: The DOJ is overreaching as this would sweep up people who simply used the app to read their vehicle’s trouble codes or for other mundane reasons.
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Apple tests Intel for low-end/legacy iPhone, iPad, and Mac chips
In a detailed new analysis shared on X, longtime Apple supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided the clearest picture yet of Apple’s expanding partnership with Intel Foundry. Far from a limited trial, Apple has simultaneously launched low-end/legacy processors for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on Intel’s 18A-P process (using Foveros packaging), with wafer allocation that closely mirrors its overall device sales mix — about 80% iPhone.
According to Kuo, Apple’s wafer plans for Intel’s 18A-P technology follow a deliberate multi-year lifecycle:
• Small-scale testing in 2026
• Ramp in 2027
• Continued growth in 2028
• Expected decline in 2029
Apple has kicked off low-end/legacy iPhone, iPad, and Mac processors at Intel on the 18A-P series (using Foveros packaging).
Apple’s wafer plans at Intel reflect the technology lifecycle of the 18A-P series: small-scale testing in 2026, ramp in 2027, continued growth in 2028, and decline in 2029.
This schedule gives Apple time to validate yields, optimize designs, and fine-tune collaboration processes across its full product lineup rather than simply placing a low-risk experimental order.
Kuo emphasizes that Apple is systematically cultivating Intel as a long-term key supplier. The move comes as Apple recognizes the growing revenue gap at TSMC between AI/HPC work and consumer devices like iPhones. By developing a strong alternative foundry relationship while it still holds significant bargaining power with TSMC, Apple is reducing single-source risk and strengthening its negotiating position for the future. Apple also continues to actively evaluate Intel’s other advanced-node technologies beyond 18A-P.
For Intel, the partnership represents a rare, high-quality “foundry training” opportunity. Apple’s orders span multiple product lines, are large enough in scale, and require the kind of dynamic design and production adjustments that will help Intel rebuild its advanced-node capabilities. While TSMC is still projected to retain well over 90% of Apple’s advanced-node supply even if Intel’s early shipments go smoothly, the strategic value of winning Apple as a customer goes far beyond near-term revenue.
Kuo notes that Intel’s mass-production timeline and shipment volumes remain unclear, and assemblers have not yet received shipment schedules. Intel’s internal 2027 yield target is to stabilize at 50–60% or higher. Sentiment inside Intel toward the Apple business is described as mixed, but the opportunity is unmistakable: Apple is one of the very few customers offering Intel both scale and the demanding standards needed to prove its foundry can compete at the highest level.
From Apple’s perspective, the timing makes perfect sense. Discussions with Intel began well before TSMC’s advanced-node capacity became critically tight, reflecting a long-term hedging strategy rather than a reactive scramble. As TSMC’s capacity increasingly tilts toward AI customers, Apple is proactively securing options — options that could become increasingly valuable in the years ahead.
MacDailyNews Take: The key in Kuo’s report: “[I]t is only natural that Apple would turn to Intel to strengthen its bargaining position.” It’s all about leverage. The better Intel can do, the better it is for Apple in its negotiations with TSMC.
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Apple stock keeps surging to new highs — it’s more than just the iPhone
Apple stock continues to hit new record highs, extending this year’s impressive rebound. Evercore ISI sees the momentum continuing for some time, and it’s about more than just iPhone sales. Analyst Amit Daryanani raised his price target for Apple to $365 from $330 on Thursday, implying roughly 22% upside from today.
Angela Palumbo for Barron’s:
Daryanani’s increased bullishness on Apple stock is based on confidence that the company can grow earnings and free cash flow at a steady pace, he wrote in a research note. Even if iPhone sales moderate, he says customers will likely prioritize purchasing higher-end, more expensive iPhone models. This could include the highly anticipated foldable iPhone.
The analyst is also confident that Apple will continue to grow its services segment, which includes the App Store and other subscription services and is the company’s highest margin piece of the business. That, along with selling higher-priced iPhones, could help Apple’s overall margins as memory cost headwinds remain, he said.
“We now expect AAPL to preview the strategy at WWDC and release a more personalized Siri with iOS 27 in the fall,” alongside the September iPhone event, Daryanani wrote.
MacDailyNews Take: It’s certainly about more than just the iPhone with Apple’s Services revenue reaching a record $30.976 billion in fiscal Q2 2026 (ended March 28, 2026), up 16% year-over-year.
This high-margin segment delivered a gross margin of 76.7%, far exceeding the company’s overall gross margin of 49.3%.
For perspective, that single-quarter Services figure nearly matches Starbucks’ full fiscal 2025 revenue of $37.2 billion and PayPal’s full-year 2025 revenue of $33.2 billion, while representing a substantial portion of companies like Uber ($52 billion full-year 2025) or Netflix ($45.2 billion full-year 2025) — highlighting the tremendous scale and profitability of Apple’s recurring Services business.
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Apple TV renews globally acclaimed comedy ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’
Apple TV on Wednesday announced a season two renewal for “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” the critically acclaimed comedy starring and executive produced by Academy Award, Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee Elle Fanning; Golden Globe Award winner, and Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Michelle Pfeiffer; and Academy, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Nicole Kidman. Hailing from multi-Emmy Award winner David E. Kelley and led by a star-studded ensemble cast that also includes Emmy Award winner Nick Offerman and Thaddea Graham, the season finale of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” will debut globally on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 on Apple TV.
Since its global debut, the “must-watch” series has been hailed as “one of the best shows of the year,” quickly achieving a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the “warm, funny and emotionally precise” comedy as “brilliantly written,” highlighting the “immaculate performances” from its “powerhouse cast.”
“Embarking on the adventure of bringing Margo to the screen has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” said executive producer and star, Elle Fanning, in a statement. “When I first read Rufi’s stunning story, it felt wholly original and most importantly human, and then with David’s writing, along with our epic cast of heart-wrenching performances, it truly felt like we had something special. Having the opportunity to bring more of Margo’s troubles, creativity, fearless spirit and authenticity to audiences with a second season makes me incredibly happy and excited. I can promise everyone they’re in for a wild, messy and beautiful ride.”
“‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ was an irresistible proposition to me from day one,” said creator, executive producer and writer David E. Kelley, in a statement. “I fell in love with Rufi’s world and unpredictable characters, and it’s been rewarding to see audiences embrace this series. We can’t wait to continue this story with our partners at Apple and A24.”
“Ever since David’s sharp adaptation of Rufi’s novel debuted, audiences have wanted to spend more time with these riveting characters and the brilliant cast behind them, led by Elle, Michelle, Nick and Thaddea,” said Matt Cherniss, Apple TV’s head of programming, in a statement. “We’re excited to watch Margo and the entire family continue to defy the odds in season two, in the way only they can, with humor, determination and creativity.”
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is a bold, heartwarming and comedic family drama following recent college dropout and aspiring writer, Margo (Fanning), the daughter of an ex-Hooters waitress (Pfeiffer) and ex-pro wrestler (Offerman), as she’s forced to make her way with a new baby, a mounting pile of bills and a dwindling amount of ways to pay them. The series also stars Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington.
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is produced for Apple TV by A24. Kelley serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer, and Eva Anderson will serve as co-showrunner on season two. The series is executive produced by Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning and Brittany Kahan Ward for Lewellen Pictures; Kidman and Per Saari of Blossom Films; and Matthew Tinker for David E. Kelley Productions. Pfeiffer, author Thorpe, Anderson and Boo Killebrew also executive produce. BAFTA and Emmy Award winner Dearbhla Walsh directs the pilot and serves as an executive producer. Additional directors for season one include Kate Herron and Alice Seabright.
The seventh, penultimate episode of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” premiered Wednesday on Apple TV. In this week’s new episode, “Lariat Takedown,” Margo goes head-to-head with Mark. Jinx and Susie have a rough day.
The series marks the most recent collaboration between Kelley and Apple TV, following the Emmy Award-nominated, global hit drama, “Presumed Innocent,” which is now in production on its second season.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 825 wins and 3,542 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award nominee “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Evercore ISI boosts Apple’s price target to $365 from $330, reinforcing bullish outlook
In a notable upgrade, investment firm Evercore ISI has increased its price target on Apple to $365 from $330 while maintaining its Outperform (Buy) rating. The move reflects growing analyst confidence in Apple’s ability to deliver sustained growth through its ecosystem, services, and emerging AI initiatives.
The adjustment comes as Apple continues to navigate a dynamic tech landscape, with strong fundamentals in iPhone services, wearables, and enterprise adoption. Evercore’s higher target suggests the firm sees significant upside potential — roughly 18% above the current consensus — driven by Apple’s resilient revenue streams and long-term innovation pipeline.
Evercore lead analyst Amit Daryanani views Apple as notably well-positioned amid the industry-wide memory supply crunch and rising costs (DRAM/NAND), thanks to its sophisticated supply chain, long-term agreements incremental insourcing, and strong demand planning.
According to data from FactSet, Apple currently carries an average analyst rating of Overweight across Wall Street, with a mean price target of $310.12. Evercore’s new $365 target stands notably above this consensus, positioning the firm as one of the more optimistic voices on the stock.
Why the Upgrade Matters
• Valuation Signal: The $35 increase in the price target underscores Evercore’s belief that Apple’s current valuation does not fully reflect its growth prospects, particularly in high-margin services and potential AI monetization.
• Market Context: Apple shares have shown resilience amid broader market volatility, supported by record services revenue and steady hardware demand. Analysts remain broadly positive, though price targets vary based on differing views on AI integration timelines and competitive pressures.
• Investor Takeaway: This upgrade adds to a generally constructive tone from institutional research desks. While the consensus target sits lower at $310, several firms have recently nudged targets higher, indicating improving sentiment around Apple’s strategic direction.
MacDailyNews Take: Smart money continues to pile on as iPhone demand looks solid and memory cost headwinds prove minimal. Wall Street’s smartest analysts keep seeing the upside in Cupertino while the stock trades at levels that still look like a gift for long-term holders.
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Apple-OpenAI partnership frays amid disappointing results, setting stage for potential legal battle
In a development that could send shockwaves through the tech industry, Apple’s stopgap partnership with OpenAI has reportedly become significantly strained, Bloomberg News reports according to sources familiar with the matter. The two-year-old collaboration, which brought ChatGPT integration to Apple Intelligence features across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, is now at risk of escalating into a legal confrontation.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has reportedly not reaped the level of benefits it anticipated from the deal. As a result, its lawyers are actively working with an outside legal firm to explore a range of options that could be pursued in the near term. These deliberations remain private, but the potential for formal action looms.
The partnership was initially hailed as a major win for both sides when it was announced in 2024. Apple’s Eddy Cue played a key role in hammering out the agreement with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, positioning ChatGPT as a foundational element of Apple’s AI strategy. For Apple, which blatantly missed the generative AI revolution under now-outgoing CEO Tim Cook, it provided immediate access to cutting-edge generative AI capabilities without having to build everything in-house. For OpenAI, it promised massive exposure to hundreds of millions of Apple users worldwide.
However, the reality appears to have fallen short of expectations for OpenAI. Recent shifts in Apple’s AI approach — including deeper integration with Google’s Gemini models — have reportedly diluted the prominence of OpenAI’s technology in Apple Intelligence. This diversification has left OpenAI feeling sidelined, especially as Apple continues to emphasize optionality, privacy, and internal development.
Compounding the tension is OpenAI’s separate push into AI hardware, including its high-profile collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. This venture into consumer devices (potentially wearables or dedicated AI companions) may create perceived conflicts with Apple’s own ecosystem ambitions.
What This Means for Users and the Industry
For everyday Apple users, the immediate impact may be minimal — ChatGPT features are still available in Apple Intelligence — but any legal escalation could disrupt future updates or integrations. Broader implications include:
• Accelerated AI Competition: Apple’s multi-partner strategy (OpenAI + Google and potentially others) underscores its commitment to not being overly dependent on any single AI provider.
• Challenges for OpenAI: Losing significant traction on the world’s most valuable consumer platform could force OpenAI to double down on direct consumer products, enterprise deals, or its own hardware plays.
• Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny: A public fight between these two giants would likely draw antitrust attention, especially given ongoing lawsuits involving Apple, OpenAI, and other players like Elon Musk’s xAI.
Apple has a long history of strategic partnerships that evolve or end as its priorities shift (think Intel to Apple Silicon).
MacDailyNews Take: OpenAI’s disappointment is self-inflicted. It bet big on Apple as a distribution rocket ship and now faces the reality that Apple doesn’t bet the farm on unreliable, closed-source technology prone to bias and errors. Meanwhile, OpenAI is off chasing its own hardware dreams with Jony Ive — good luck competing directly against the company that perfected consumer electronics.
This fraying relationship should serve as a cautionary tale. The AI gold rush is full of players promising the moon while delivering inconsistent, ideologically slanted, and sometimes outright fictional results. Apple’s measured approach — integrating the best tools where they make sense while building its own foundational capabilities — continues to prove why it remains the most valuable company on the planet.
We expect Apple will continue to offer ChatGPT as an option for users who want it, but the days of it being front-and-center in Apple Intelligence appear numbered. Smart move.
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