Author: sparta

Beginning next year, Apple will permit app sideloading and external payment links for users in Brazil, following an antitrust agreement with local authorities. Here are the specifics.

### Some background

In 2022, Latin American e-commerce leader MercadoLibre lodged a complaint with Brazil’s competition authority, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), disputing Apple’s iOS App Store regulations, which included limitations on app distribution and the compulsory use of Apple’s in-app payment system.

Since that time, the legal maneuvering has mirrored the pattern observed in other nations where Apple has encountered comparable antitrust examination. Both Apple and MercadoLibre achieved legal victories, which were promptly contested by the opposing party.

In mid-2025, CADE endorsed a provisional measure that would mandate Apple to permit alternative app distribution and third-party payment links in Brazil, contingent upon a compliance period.

Days prior to the implementation of these changes, CADE and Apple entered yet another phase of negotiations, temporarily halting enforcement.

That leads us to today’s announcement.

### Today’s announcement

In a statement released this morning, CADE announced that its board has endorsed Apple’s proposed Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC), a settlement framework utilized by Brazilian antitrust authorities to conclude investigations in return for enforceable remedies.

As part of the settlement, Apple is required to permit alternative app distribution channels in Brazil, enable developers to link to external payment options, and allow third-party payment methods to be available alongside Apple’s in-app purchase system.

Apple must also ensure that any user-facing notifications regarding these options are “structured in a neutral and objective manner, and shall not create control measures that impede the user experience.”

With today’s settlement, Apple now has a maximum of 105 days to execute the agreed modifications, facing potential fines of up to R$150 million ($27.1 million) for noncompliance, in addition to the possibility of reopening the administrative investigation.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple remarked:

> “To align with regulatory requirements from CADE, Apple is making modifications that will influence iOS applications in Brazil. While these changes may introduce new privacy and security challenges for users, we have endeavored to maintain safeguards against certain threats, including preserving critical protections for younger users. These measures will not eliminate all risks, but they will assist in ensuring that iOS continues to be the premier, most secure mobile platform accessible in Brazil and we will persist in advocating for users and developers.”

Apple has not yet disclosed details regarding the new fee structure or the protections it will establish for the Brazilian App Store, though they are expected to align with the frameworks in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. The final terms are anticipated to be revealed in the upcoming weeks, as the 105-day countdown is already underway.

**Google One Presents Limited-Time Discounts for 2026: Seize Every Moment of the New Year**

Google One is currently offering a limited-time discount for new users in 2026, giving them the chance to save 50% on select annual plans, particularly the 2 TB and AI Pro options. This initiative promotes the idea of “Seizing every moment of the new year,” motivating users to benefit from increased storage and features.

### Pricing and Plans

1. **Basic 100 GB Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $9.99 (previously $19.99) for one year.
– **Usage**: The storage can be used across Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive.

2. **Premium 2 TB Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $49.99 for the first year (standard price $99.99).
– **Benefits**: Subscribers will earn 10% back in the Google Store and gain access to premium Workspace features, including extended Google Meet calls that can be broadcast to YouTube and enhanced Calendar scheduling options.

3. **Google AI Pro Plan**:
– **Discounted Price**: $99.99 for the first year (initially $199.99).
– **Features**: This plan comes with 2 TB of storage, Google Home Premium Standard, and a discount on YouTube Premium (14% off).

### Enhanced Features in the Gemini App

With the Google AI Pro plan, users can utilize the Gemini app, which features higher usage limits and advanced functionalities:

– **Gemini 3 Pro**:
– **Usage Limits**: 100 prompts daily.
– **Image Generation**:
– **Nano Banana**: Generate up to 1,000 images per day (compared to 100/day on the free version).
– **Nano Banana Pro**: Up to 100 images per day (versus 3/day on the free version).

– **Video Generation**:
– **Veo 3.1 Fast**: Create up to 3 videos daily.

– **Deep Research Reports**:
– Generate up to 20 reports using Gemini 3 Pro each day.

– **Context Window**:
– A 1 million token context window (roughly 1,500 pages of text) supports extensive tasks, including spreadsheet and code analysis.

### Additional Features

Subscribers will also gain from broader model access in Google AI Mode and the Gemini side panel in Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Drive, and Docs. Enhanced AI features are accessible in Google Photos, NotebookLM, Flow, and Whisk, while developers enjoy increased access in Google Antigravity, Gemini CLI, Gemini Code Assist, and Jules.

### Availability and Sign-Up

This Google One discount is specifically available for new subscribers and is anticipated to end around New Year’s Eve. Interested individuals can sign up by visiting [one.google.com/ai-nye](https://one.google.com/ai-nye).

In conclusion, Google One’s limited-time promotion for 2026 provides a fantastic opportunity for new subscribers to take advantage of significant savings on storage plans while experiencing enhanced features that cater to both personal and professional requirements.

# iOS 26.3: Fresh Features and Upgrades

Apple has just unveiled the first beta iteration of iOS 26.3, concentrating on enhancing compatibility between iPhone and Android devices, alongside boosting support for third-party smartwatches. This article highlights the main features brought forth in this update.

## iOS 26.3 Fresh Features

### Android Transfer

Among the most prominent updates in iOS 26.3 is the newly introduced “Transfer to Android” functionality. This system streamlines the transition for iPhone users moving to Android devices, developed through a partnership between Apple and Google. Users can now position their Android device next to their iPhone to start a wireless transfer of photos, messages, notes, applications, and contact numbers. However, sensitive information like Health data and locked notes will not be transferred. Apple and Google intend to broaden the types of transferable data as the beta testing moves forward.

### Notification Forwarding

Another key enhancement is the “Notification Forwarding” feature, which enables iPhone notifications to be shown on third-party smartwatches or wearables. Users can activate this feature in the Notifications menu found in the Settings app. However, it is crucial to mention that notifications will not be visible on the Apple Watch while this feature is in use. Currently, this functionality is restricted to users located in the European Union, as Apple adheres to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations.

### Additional EU Features

Besides Notification Forwarding, iOS 26.3 brings several other enhancements aimed at improving interoperability for EU users:

– **Proximity Pairing**: Similar to AirPods, this feature simplifies the connection of third-party accessories.
– **Enhanced NFC Capabilities**: Users can start connections with devices without needing the iPhone’s presence.
– **High-Bandwidth Wi-Fi Connection**: This feature facilitates peer-to-peer connections, supporting the recent Android-iPhone switching functionalities.

The European Union has embraced these updates, stressing the new possibilities for developers and users arising from the DMA enactment.

### Wallpapers

Apple has also made slight modifications to the wallpapers section in iOS 26.3. The former single category for Weather and Astronomy wallpapers has been split into two separate sections. New pre-designed wallpapers have been added to the Weather category, which continues to showcase live weather conditions for the user’s area.

## iOS 26.3 Launch Date

The formal launch of iOS 26.3 is expected in late January 2026. This schedule aligns with earlier iOS releases, such as iOS 18.3 and iOS 17.3, which were introduced in late January of their respective years.

## Conclusion

Although iOS 26.3 may seem like a minor update compared to its predecessor, it brings forth noteworthy features aimed at enhancing user experience and compatibility between devices. As the beta testing phase progresses, more features may be incorporated or adjusted. Users are encouraged to share their experiences and any new discoveries throughout this time.

Apple has introduced a time-sensitive offer for Apple Pay users, providing a 20% discount on online purchases from Adidas. This offer remains valid until December 31, 2025, and mandates customers to input the promo code **APPLEPAY** at checkout while utilizing Apple Pay as their payment option.

The promotion was communicated through email to Apple Pay users, emphasizing the chance to save on a range of Adidas items, which includes footwear and clothing. The detailed specifics of the deal indicate that it is effective from December 23, 2025, at 6 a.m. PT until December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Discounts can be applied to qualified merchandise buys made through the Adidas website or app, limited to one use per customer.

Nevertheless, certain exclusions are important to note. Specific items, such as particular versions of Gazelle, Samba, Campus, and Ultraboost, and others, are not eligible for the discount. Furthermore, the offer cannot be combined with any other promotions and is not applicable to in-store transactions. It is restricted to domestic U.S. orders and does not cover shipping, handling, gift cards, or taxes.

This offer is part of a collection of Apple Pay promotions aimed at increasing customer savings during the holiday season.