AllYouCanTech

April Witnesses Slight Rise in iPhone Sales in China

### Minor Gains Signal Major News for International Smartphone Manufacturers in China

Recent statistics from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) reveal a slight recovery for non-Chinese smartphone brands in April, following a notable 50% sales drop in March. This increase, albeit small, represents a hopeful sign for foreign companies navigating a tough market.

Per a report accessed by Reuters, shipments of foreign-branded smartphones in China totaled 3.52 million units in April, a minor rise from 3.50 million units in the comparable month last year. This upturn is especially significant considering the poor results reported in March, indicating a possible stabilization in the marketplace.

This April growth follows a challenging fiscal Q2 for Apple, which experienced a 2% decline in revenue from the previous year in China. This slump was further exacerbated by a 7.7% decrease in iPhone sales during the first quarter, as noted by Counterpoint Research. The drop in sales has been linked to increased competition from domestic brands, which have thrived due to aggressive government-supported subsidies.

To tackle these hurdles, Apple has implemented a more aggressive pricing approach. Reports suggest that leading Chinese e-commerce sites have been providing substantial discounts on the new iPhone 16 models, with reductions reaching up to ¥2,530 (around $350). These price reductions seem to be yielding results, as the sales data from April indicates that Apple may be stabilizing after a sequence of declines in one of its critical markets.

While the figures from April do not indicate a major turnaround, they do suggest a potential rebound for foreign smartphone brands in China, underscoring the significance of strategic pricing and flexibility in a swiftly changing market environment.

Apple Unveils In-Depth App Store Transparency Report for 2024

Apple has unveiled its third App Store Transparency Report, delivering comprehensive insights into the App Store and its developer community for 2024. This report addresses multiple facets such as app deletions, user engagement, governmental removal requests, and additional details.

### Key Highlights from the App Store in 2024:

– **Total Number of Apps**: 1,961,596
– Rose by 4.89% compared to the previous year.

– **App Submissions Reviewed**: 7,771,599
– Increased by 12.75% from the last year.

– **App Submissions Rejected**: 1,931,400
– Grew by 9.5% year-over-year.

– **Average Weekly Visitors**: 813,110,348
– Up by 10.68% from the previous year.

– **Average Weekly App Downloads**: 839,266,915
– Increased by 6.5% year-over-year.

– **Total Registered Apple Developers**: 51,766,243
– Rose by 22.61% year-over-year.

### App Removals in 2024

Apple took down a total of 82,509 apps from the App Store in 2024, representing a noteworthy decline of 40.7% compared to the previous year. The distribution of app removals by category is as follows:

1. **Utilities**: 16,191
2. **Games**: 15,122
3. **Lifestyle**: 6,202
4. **Business**: 6,042
5. **Entertainment**: 5,484
6. **Education**: 5,295
7. **Productivity**: 4,873
8. **Food & Drink**: 3,948
9. **Shopping**: 2,976
10. **Finance**: 2,546

### Additional Reports

Alongside the Transparency Report, Apple has spotlighted other noteworthy accomplishments:
– A report revealing that the App Store thwarted over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in the past year.
– An announcement stating that the App Store ecosystem in the U.S. generated $406 billion in developer earnings and sales in 2024.

For individuals seeking further details, Apple has provided the complete App Store Transparency Report on its website, along with a supplementary CSV file containing specific data.

### Conclusion

The App Store Transparency Report emphasizes the growth and development of the App Store ecosystem, mirroring increased app submissions, downloads, and an expanding developer community. The significant drop in app removals also reflects a more secure environment for both developers and users.

Current Promotions: $460 Savings on M4 Pro MacBook Pro, $235 for 24GB M4 MacBook Air, Record Low Price on Black USB-C Magic Keyboard, and More

### Ongoing Offers on Apple Devices: Discounts on M4 MacBook Air and M4 Pro MacBook Pro

As of this morning, major price reductions have been noted in Apple’s M3 iPad Air and M4 MacBook Air collections. In particular, the 15-inch 24GB M4 MacBook Air is now offered at a lower price, providing savings of up to $235. Furthermore, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro series includes discounts, with the lowest-priced model seeing a decrease of $285, while premium configurations are experiencing reductions exceeding $460.

#### M4 Pro MacBook Pro Discounts

The base Space Black edition of the M4 Pro MacBook Pro, equipped with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, is presently available for $1,714.55, a drop from its initial list price of $1,999. This represents one of the best prices this year, following a handful of short-lived promotions that brought it down to $1,695. For those interested in the basic model, it is priced at $1,386.17, showcasing a $213 discount.

Additional promotions in the M4/Pro MacBook Pro collection include:

– **14-inch M4 MacBook Pro 16GB/512GB**: $1,386 (Regularly $1,599)
– **14-inch M4 MacBook Pro 16GB/1TB**: $1,484 (Regularly $1,799)
– **14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro 24GB/512GB**: $1,714 (Regularly $1,999)
– **16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro 24GB/1TB**: $2,161 (Regularly $2,499)
– **16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro 48GB/1TB**: $2,433 (Regularly $2,899)

#### M4 MacBook Air Pricing

The 15-inch 24GB M4 MacBook Air variants are now offered at unprecedented low prices. The 24GB/512GB options commence at $1,363.44, representing a $235 reduction from the usual price of $1,599. The Starlight variant is the lowest priced at this rate, while the Midnight model is listed at $1,421.63, reflecting a $177 discount.

Here are the revised prices for the M4 MacBook Air selection:

– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: starting at $853 (Regularly $999)
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: starting at $1,026 (Regularly $1,199)
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: starting at $1,214 (Regularly $1,399)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: starting at $1,024 (Regularly $1,199)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: starting at $1,237 (Regularly $1,399)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: starting at $1,364 (Regularly $1,599)

#### Accessories and Additional Offers

Apart from the laptops, the latest black USB-C Magic Keyboard featuring Touch ID and a Numeric Keypad is now priced at $177.38, down from its original price of $199, establishing a new all-time low on Amazon.

Additionally, Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor, an ideal partner for the Mac mini, is now available for $399.99 after a $300 price reduction from its standard cost of $700.

These offers present fantastic chances for individuals looking to enhance their Apple devices or accessories at substantial savings.

Apple Might Unveil Cross-Platform End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messaging During WWDC

**Apple’s Dedication to Privacy: The Future of RCS Messaging**

As the technology community eagerly awaits WWDC 2025, Apple is leading the way in privacy advancements, especially in messaging. The company has made notable progress in improving user privacy through its pioneering role in developing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS). This initiative is set to transform how users interact across devices, ensuring their messages are kept secure and confidential.

Earlier this year, Apple proclaimed its pledge to incorporate E2EE into the RCS Universal Profile, a standard created by the GSMA. This action is particularly significant as it seeks to secure communications between iPhone and Android users, rendering all RCS messages inaccessible to third parties. The encryption mechanism jumbles message content, which can solely be decrypted by the receiving device, thereby greatly enhancing user privacy.

With the launch of RCS support in iOS 18 beta 2, iPhone users can now send rich messages, including audio clips and larger media files, to Android users. This functionality has been a long-anticipated improvement, particularly for individuals with relatives who use non-Apple devices. Unlike conventional SMS, RCS provides modern features such as read receipts and typing notifications, while also improving security and privacy.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to clarify a prevalent misunderstanding: RCS does not automatically come with end-to-end encryption. At present, Google offers E2EE only for Android-to-Android interactions, akin to how Apple provides AES encryption solely for iMessage users. When an iPhone user transmits a message to a non-Apple device, that message is sent in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception by malicious entities.

Apple’s dedication to privacy is clearly reflected in its statement about E2EE: “End-to-end encryption is a powerful privacy and security technology that iMessage has supported since the beginning… We will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future software updates.” This declaration highlights Apple’s commitment to enhancing user security across its platforms.

WWDC 2025 offers a perfect chance for Apple to present its developments in privacy and security. The event is anticipated to showcase the company’s continuous efforts to take the lead in user protection. With the GSMA likely in attendance, Apple’s announcement of E2EE for RCS could further cement its reputation as a champion of privacy.

As excitement grows for WWDC 2025, the incorporation of end-to-end encryption into RCS messaging marks a pivotal advancement for Apple. It embodies the company’s broader promise to user privacy and security, ensuring a more secure messaging environment for all users, irrespective of their device preferences.

Apple Glasses to Offer Distinct Benefit Over AirPods

# Apple Glasses: A New Chapter in Wearable Technology

According to recent reports, Apple Glasses are projected to debut in 2026. Initially, the product faced doubt due to its overlapping characteristics with existing devices like AirPods and Apple Watch. However, a considerable advantage is surfacing that could transform their standing in the marketplace.

## Feature Overlap Between Apple Glasses and Current Wearables

The triumph of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses has ignited conversations about Apple’s foray into the smart glasses sector. Apple already boasts two highly successful wearables—AirPods and Apple Watch—that encompass many functionalities anticipated from smart glasses.

Recent revelations from Mark Gurman indicate that Apple Glasses will feature cameras, microphones, and speakers, allowing them to assess the surroundings and react to Siri commands. They will also facilitate phone calls, music playback, live translations, and turn-by-turn navigation.

While AirPods and Apple Watch currently offer many of these functionalities, the integration of cameras and live translation features is expected in forthcoming AirPods versions. This prompts the question: what differentiates Apple Glasses?

## Apple Glasses Hold a Significant Social Advantage Over AirPods

The phrase “social advantage” pertains to the acceptability of wearing Apple Glasses in social contexts where AirPods might be perceived as isolating. Integrated cameras are a crucial element of smart glasses, enabling users to capture moments discreetly while effectively utilizing AI functions.

Unlike AirPods, which can create a hindrance in social interactions, Apple Glasses can be worn comfortably in group environments. For instance, donning Apple Glasses while engaging with family or friends can foster communication and interaction, whereas AirPods could detract from the experience.

Additionally, features like live translation become more feasible with smart glasses. Users can maintain conversations with multilingual friends without the social discomfort of donning earbuds.

While the Apple Watch is generally accepted in social environments, it lacks the camera functionalities that could enhance the user experience in ways that AirPods and Apple Glasses can.

## Apple Glasses Won’t Be the Next Google Glass

The shadow of Google Glass, which struggled to gain popularity in 2013, hangs over the smart glasses industry. However, advancements in design mean that future smart glasses will resemble conventional eyewear, increasing their social acceptability.

Unlike the isolating implications of headphones, smart glasses are less likely to convey a desire for seclusion. As technology progresses, the social dynamics surrounding wearable tech are changing, positioning Apple Glasses as a potentially mainstream accessory.

## Conclusion

With their expected rollout in 2026, Apple Glasses are set to deliver a distinctive combination of functionality and social acceptability that current wearables find challenging to achieve. As the landscape of wearable technology shifts, Apple Glasses could revolutionize how we engage with our devices and one another. Are you excited for the launch of Apple Glasses?