Five EU nations to test Age-Verification application as a component of new child protection regulations

France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are preparing to pilot a novel age verification system as part of the European Union’s effort to control children’s access to online content. This pilot initiative, revealed by the European Commission, is intended to conform to the technical standards of the anticipated European Digital Identity Wallet, which is projected to roll out across the EU next year.

The initiative is part of wider EU directives aimed at ensuring adherence to the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA’s two main goals are to foster a safer digital landscape that guards the fundamental rights of all users of digital services and to create a level playing field that spurs innovation, growth, and competitiveness within the European Single Market and globally.

To fulfill these objectives, the legislation places responsibility on 19 significant online platforms, such as Meta, TikTok, and X, for reducing children’s exposure to harmful content, tackling addictive design features, and mitigating cyberbullying.

Each nation participating in the age verification pilot will have the ability to tailor the age-checking mechanism to align with its national standards. This may involve integrating the mechanism into a current digital ID application or utilizing it as a standalone option. The primary goal is to offer a reliable and privacy-respecting approach to verifying a user’s age online, without revealing unnecessary personal details.

The EU’s initiative for age verification reflects a rising trend of similar regulations across the globe. In the United States, several states have passed laws requiring platforms to implement age gating or obtain secure parental consent for users under 18. Some states assign responsibility to the platforms, while others focus on app stores as the points of enforcement.

In reaction to these regulatory demands, Apple has launched new child safety features across its services, aiming to address concerns and possibly avert further regulation of the App Store. Despite these initiatives, the push for age verification laws continues to gain traction on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.

Cyberpunk 2077 Scheduled for Release on Mac This Week

**Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Launches on Mac**

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is poised to launch on Mac this week, with CD PROJEKT RED confirming its release on Thursday, July 17. This edition of the game will be available for Macs powered by Apple Silicon through various platforms, including the Mac App Store, GOG.com, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

The introduction of Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac follows the prior release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, marking a substantial increase in gaming choices for Mac users. Apple had previously suggested that Cyberpunk 2077 would be available on Mac in 2025, a commitment that is now being realized with this release.

**Game Overview**

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is an all-inclusive edition of the celebrated open-world action RPG, enabling players to immerse themselves as V, a mercenary navigating a dystopian future replete with cutting-edge technology and body enhancements. This version not only features the base game with the famous actor Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand but also includes the Phantom Liberty expansion, introducing a new storyline with Idris Elba as Solomon Reed. Furthermore, it comprises all significant updates released thus far, including Patch 2.3, which adds new Photo Mode features, additional vehicles, and various gameplay improvements.

**Optimized Performance on Apple Silicon**

The game is crafted to utilize the strengths of Macs equipped with Apple Silicon, employing Apple’s Metal graphics framework to guarantee smooth performance and breathtaking visuals. Players can anticipate enhanced battery life and uninterrupted gameplay, with support for advanced features such as path tracing, frame generation, HDR tuning on Apple displays, and integrated Spatial Audio with head-tracking for AirPods.

Cyberpunk 2077 will necessitate Macs with 16GB or more of unified memory and is compatible with any Apple Silicon Mac, beginning with the M1 chip launched in 2020. For the best performance, macOS 15.5 is recommended.

**Graphics and Controller Support**

The game will offer “For this Mac” graphics presets, customized for each Apple Silicon model, ensuring an optimized gaming experience. Additionally, it supports various game controllers and is compatible with the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad, allowing players to select their preferred control method.

CD PROJEKT RED has promised Mac users that they can expect a gaming experience carefully adjusted to maximize the potential of their hardware.

**Future Updates**

Later in the year, Cyberpunk 2077 will also integrate new features unveiled at WWDC25 as part of macOS Tahoe, including Metal 4 functionalities such as Metal FX Frame Interpolation and MetalFX Denoising, further enhancing the gaming experience.

**Availability**

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will launch on the Mac App Store, alongside the base version of the game on GOG.com, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, starting July 17. This release signifies a noteworthy achievement for Mac gaming, broadening the collection of high-quality titles accessible to Apple users.

Investigating the Possibilities of Smart Goggles as a Connector Between Vision Pro and Apple Glasses

**The Future of Augmented Reality: From Vision Pro to Smart Goggles**

It is generally accepted that while Apple welcomes any sales of the Vision Pro, the chief intention behind the current headset is to initiate the journey toward an Apple Glasses product. The Vision Pro, despite its high price and somewhat hefty design, is regarded as a cornerstone device to form a mixed-reality ecosystem.

### Vision Pro: A Step Toward Apple Glasses

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has highlighted that the Vision Pro’s primary function is to start building a mixed-reality ecosystem for Apple. An update for the device is anticipated this year, improving its chip and comfort while keeping its existing price. A more budget-friendly variant of the Apple Vision is reportedly under development, although it is not expected to debut before 2027, aligning with the anticipated launch of Apple’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses equivalent.

Apple’s ultimate aim is to create a gadget that can provide augmented reality content in a genuine glasses format, a task that is still several years ahead. Meeting the quality and usability standards associated with Apple products in such a compact design presents a considerable challenge.

### Emerging Product Categories

The current timeline for augmented reality devices can be divided into the following categories:

1. **Bulky Headsets**: Such as Meta Quest and Vision Pro.
2. **Interim Smart Glasses**: Items with constrained functionalities, for instance, Ray-Ban Meta.
3. **Apple Glasses and Competitors**: Upcoming devices that aim to provide AR content in a glasses structure.

Moreover, there are “face monitors,” which are essentially displays shaped like glasses, yet they do not belong in the traditional smart glasses category.

### The Potential for Smart Goggles

Recently, Meta revealed a prototype named Meta Orion, designed to bridge the divide between smart glasses and bulky headsets. Nevertheless, it remains sufficiently large to be regarded more as goggles rather than actual glasses.

A report indicates that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is working on its own mixed-reality goggles, targeting a lightweight design that delegates computing tasks to an external puck. This may indicate the rise of a novel product category that exists between headsets and smart glasses.

Although these goggles might not be ideal for everyday wear, they could present considerable utility for home or office environments, potentially establishing a new market segment. The updated timeline could involve:

1. **Bulky Headsets**: Such as Meta Quest and Vision Pro.
2. **Interim Smart Glasses**: With limited capabilities, similar to Ray-Ban Meta.
3. **Goggle Products**: A hybrid design that merges headsets and glasses.
4. **Apple Glasses and Competitors**: The ultimate aim for AR content delivery.

### Conclusion

The realm of augmented reality is advancing, with Apple and other technology leaders investigating diverse form factors to offer immersive experiences. As technology progresses, the potential for smart goggles might bridge the gap until genuine AR glasses become a reality. The future of AR devices looks bright, and consumer demand will likely influence the path these innovations take.

Base Model iPhone 17 Anticipated to Feature More Power Than Originally Expected

### iPhone 17: Insights on New Chip and RAM Details

Recent updates regarding the forthcoming iPhone 17 collection from Apple have led analyst Jeff Pu to amend his earlier forecasts concerning the chip specifications for the standard model. It was previously thought that the base iPhone 17 would continue to utilize the A18 chip from the iPhone 16. Nevertheless, new evidence from the supply chain indicates that the base model will now come equipped with the same A19 chip as the iPhone 17 Air, although it will have a significant difference in RAM.

#### Former Projections

Traditionally, Apple has unveiled a new chip with every iPhone generation. The assumption was that the iPhone 17 would maintain this pattern, with the base model receiving the regular A19 chip, while the Pro and Pro Max models would come with the more robust A19 Pro variant. The iPhone 17 Air was also expected to feature the non-Pro version of the chip. Jeff Pu initially agreed with this assumption but later suggested that the base model would be fitted with the A18 chip.

#### A19 Chip Confirmation for Base Model

In a recent update, Pu has confirmed that the base model iPhone 17 will, in fact, be equipped with the A19 chip, indicating a departure from his prior statement. This modification is consistent with Apple’s approach to boosting performance across its devices.

> “We now expect the iPhone 17 model to be equipped with A19 (vs. earlier expectation of A18).”

#### RAM Details: A Notable Distinction

Although the base model will share the A19 chip with the iPhone 17 Air, it will not receive the same RAM upgrade. Reports suggest that Apple intends to boost the RAM for the Pro models from 8GB to 12GB, and the iPhone 17 Air will also receive this enhancement. Conversely, the base model iPhone 17 will retain its 8GB of RAM.

> “12GB DRAM LPDDR5X for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, 12GB LPDDR5 for iPhone 17 Air, and 8GB LPDDR5 for iPhone 17.”

#### Additional Anticipations for the iPhone 17

Beyond the chip and RAM specifications, it is expected that the iPhone 17 lineup will incorporate an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, improving connectivity options for users.

As the release date draws near, further information regarding the iPhone 17 is anticipated to surface, offering additional insights into Apple’s newest advancements.

Possibility to Acquire Apple Products Not Subject to State Sales Tax

# Sales Tax Holidays for Apple Products in Eligible States

If you live in one of the nine qualifying states, you can buy various Apple products without paying state sales tax during specific sales tax holidays. These occasions happen annually, featuring designated dates and product qualifications, offering a finite chance for shoppers to save on their purchases.

## What are Sales Tax Holidays?

Sales tax holidays are short intervals where states permit retailers to sell particular products without applying sales tax. While local sales taxes might still be applicable, these periods can result in considerable savings, especially for expensive items like electronics. Nevertheless, eligibility usually includes price caps and certain product categories.

## Eligible States and Details

### Alabama
– **Dates:** July 18–20
– **Maximum Price:** $750
– **Eligible Products:**
– **Computers (under $750):**
– Mac Computers
– iPad Models
– **Accessories (when bought with Mac or iPad):**
– Keyboards
– Mice
– Apple Pencil
– Speakers
– Monitors
– Printers
– Computer storage media
– Non-recreational Apple and third-party software

### Arkansas
– **Dates:** August 2-3
– **Maximum Price:** No limit
– **Eligible Products:**
– All Mac Computers
– All iPad Models
– All iPhone Models
– Printers
– Apple Vision Pro
– Accessories:
– Keyboards
– Mice
– Apple Pencil
– Displays

### Massachusetts
– **Dates:** August 9-10
– **Maximum Price:** $2,500 for any one item; no limit on total purchase
– **Eligible Products:**
– All products

### New Mexico
– **Dates:** July 25-27
– **Maximum Price:** $1,000 for Mac or iPad; $500 for accessories
– **Eligible Products:**
– **Computers ($1,000 or less):**
– Mac Computers
– iPad Models
– **Accessories and other products ($500 or less):**
– Keyboards
– Mice
– Apple Pencil
– Displays
– Speakers
– Computer cables
– RAM
– Microphones
– Routers
– Hard drives
– Flash drives
– Printers
– Printer supplies

### Ohio
– **Dates:** August 1-14
– **Maximum Price:** $500 for any one item; no limit on total purchase
– **Eligible Products:**
– All products

### South Carolina
– **Dates:** August 1-3
– **Maximum Price:** No limit
– **Eligible Products:**
– All Mac Computers
– All iPad Models
– Apple Vision Pro
– Printers
– Printer supplies
– Non-recreational Apple and third-party software
– Accessories (when purchased with Mac or iPad):
– Keyboards
– Mice
– Apple Pencil
– Displays
– Scanners
– Speakers
– AirPods, headphones, and flash drives (for educational use only)

### Tennessee
– **Dates:** July 25-27
– **Maximum Price:** $1,500 total
– **Eligible Products:**
– **Computers and accessories (total sales price of $1,500 or less):**
– Mac Computers
– iPad Models
– **Accessories (when purchased with Mac or iPad):**
– Displays
– Keyboards
– Mice
– Apple Pencil
– Speakers
– Cables

### Virginia
– **Dates:** August 1-3
– **Maximum Price:** $60 per item
– **Eligible Products:**
– Phone chargers priced at $60 or less
– Phone batteries priced at $60 or less

### West Virginia
– **Dates:** August 1-4
– **Maximum Price:** $500
– **Eligible Products:** Specific details not provided.

## Conclusion

Sales tax holidays offer a great chance for consumers in eligible states to save on Apple products. Make sure to verify the specific dates and product eligibility in your state to maximize your savings.

Samsung Set to Produce Foldable Screens for iPhone

**Apple’s Foldable iPhone: Details on the 2026 Launch and Samsung’s Involvement**

Recent information suggests that Apple is making noteworthy progress towards unveiling its first foldable iPhone, with the device reportedly scheduled for a 2026 launch. Following a report from Digitimes confirming that the device has entered the initial P1 prototyping phase, fresh insights from industry insiders indicate that Samsung Display is gearing up to initiate mass production of the required OLED panels by the end of this year.

### Production Schedule and Features

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Samsung Display aims to commence mass production of foldable OLED panels designed for Apple in the fourth quarter of this year. This schedule corresponds with Apple’s planned launch timeline for the new phone series, which is slated for the latter half of 2026. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also supported this timeframe, highlighting that Apple is expected to utilize Samsung’s “crease-free” display technology to guarantee dependable mass production.

Kuo’s evaluation indicates that the crease-free display technology will include elements from Fine M-Tec, a supplier known for display metal plates that serve as internal hinges. These hinges are engineered to avert creasing by evenly distributing bending stress, vital for the longevity of foldable devices. To comply with Apple’s rigorous durability criteria, Fine M-Tec is employing advanced laser-drilling methods, which will raise production costs to roughly $30–35 per unit. The company anticipates commencing shipments in the first quarter of 2026, with an expected output of 13–15 million units to accommodate potential yield losses and spare parts.

### Samsung’s Advantage in Display Innovation

Samsung Display’s vast expertise in the foldable display sector affords it a notable edge over other possible suppliers. While Apple generally aims to diversify its supplier network, Samsung stands out as the only manufacturer capable of fulfilling Apple’s quality and yield demands for foldable technology. Rivals such as China’s BOE and LG Display have yet to prove their ability to create foldable panels that satisfy Apple’s standards, with LG Display showing no intent to enter the foldable segment whatsoever.

Market analysts foresee that Samsung Display will remain the exclusive supplier for Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone through 2026. Sources reveal that Samsung is modifying one of its production lines in Asan, South Korea, to concentrate solely on meeting Apple’s demands. Moreover, Fine M-Tec is enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in Vietnam to address the anticipated demand from Apple, potentially securing over 80% of the supply share for the foldable iPhone.

### Conclusion

As Apple prepares for the introduction of its foldable iPhone, the partnership with Samsung Display and Fine M-Tec is vital to the successful launch of this groundbreaking device. With a projected release in 2026, the foldable iPhone marks a significant advancement in Apple’s product lineup, utilizing cutting-edge display technology to align with consumer expectations for durability and performance. As progress unfolds, the industry will be keenly observing how these collaborations develop and the effect they will have on the future of mobile technology.