After a nearly five-year absence due to an antitrust lawsuit, Apple has restored Fortnite to the App Store in the United States. This reinstatement follows a court ruling that Apple cannot prohibit apps from including links to external payment methods. Epic Games and Apple have resolved their immediate dispute, though ongoing legal battles persist over App Store policies and commissions.
The company hasn't said exactly what product they will be making but it will likely be some kind of "physical AI embodiments" that bring generative AI chatbot technology out of computer screens into another form, such as through a car or a humanoid robot, said Gartner analyst Chirag Dekate, adding that it is too early to know for sure.
Apple's AI ambitions face significant hurdles, seven years after hiring Google's AI chief. Plagued by delayed features, internal strife, and technical challenges, Apple Intelligence lags behind competitors like OpenAI. Leadership shuffles and concerns over accuracy have prompted a shift in strategy, focusing on existing capabilities amid fears of losing ground in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Apple Intelligence - the company's own set of AI features, including capabilities such as rewriting emails, summarizing notifications and editing photos - was rolled out last year.
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Apple's primary iPhone manufacturer, is investing $1.5 billion in its Indian unit, signaling a production shift away from China. This move aligns with Apple's strategy to diversify its manufacturing base amid geopolitical tensions and potential tariffs. The majority of iPhones made in India are assembled at Hon Hai's southern India factory.
Apple has significantly reduced iPhone prices in China, offering discounts up to one-third, as the company faces declining shipments and increased competition from domestic brands like Huawei and Xiaomi. These price cuts, timed before the "618" shopping festival, aim to qualify for government subsidies and regain market share amidst a challenging economic landscape.
India's tablet market saw a 15 per cent jump in shipments in Q1 2025. This growth was fueled by premium and 5G devices. Samsung led with a 34 per cent share, followed by Apple and Lenovo. Xiaomi recorded the fastest growth at 59 per cent. Experts predict a 10-15 per cent market growth for the entire year. AI features and festive deals are expected to boost demand further.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, its slimmest flagship smartphone, aiming to outpace Apple in the premium market. The S25 Edge features enhanced AI capabilities and a focus on portability, targeting consumers seeking thinner devices. Launching in select markets in May, the phone boasts a 6.7-inch screen and a 5.
India's smartphone market experienced a 5.5% year-on-year shipment decline in Q1 2025, totaling 32 million units, marking the second consecutive quarterly drop. Xiaomi's shipments plummeted by 42%, pushing it out of the top five vendors. Vivo led with a 19.7% share, followed by Samsung and Oppo. Apple, however, saw remarkable 23% growth.
YouTube's creator economy, valued at $250 billion, is thriving—particularly in India, its largest market. Top global creators like Mark Rober, Mayo Japan, and Brandon B highlight the evolving landscape of content creation shaped by AI, diverse revenue streams, and rising global audiences. They see passion, optimism, and mainstream appeal ahead.
Anthropic, backed by Google, warned that US Justice Department proposals to regulate Google's AI investments could deter funding for smaller AI firms. Filed in court, Anthropic argued such rules would stifle competition rather than help it. The DOJ seeks remedies to curb Google’s online search monopoly, raising concerns it could dominate AI next. Tech groups supported Anthropic’s stance.
Get updates on your preferred social platform
Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more.
