American Express Unveils Dark Mode Option for Cardholders Paying a $900 Annual Fee

### ‘Premium Theme’ in Amex App Provides Platinum Holders a Genuine Black Background

American Express has unveiled an enhanced app experience for owners of its $895/year Platinum Card via a new feature termed the ‘Premium Theme.’ This option enables Platinum Card members to benefit from a darker palette in the app, specifically offering a genuine black background.

The launch of the ‘Premium Theme’ follows a notable hike in the annual fee for the Platinum Card, which has increased from $695 to $895. To validate this hike, American Express has integrated various new benefits, including a $300 credit for lululemon and a $400 credit for Resy, presenting tangible monetary advantages to cardholders.

The ‘Premium Theme’ is crafted specifically for Platinum Card members, delivering a visually unique experience by altering the app’s backdrop to a black user interface, replacing the previous dark blue in dark mode. In light mode, the colors are similarly subdued, while the app’s overall functionality and features remain intact.

Although the notion of a ‘Premium Theme’ may appear trivial, it underscores American Express’s efforts to elevate the user experience for its premium cardholders. The implementation of this feature has, however, elicited mixed responses, with some finding amusement in the idea that a marginally darker app theme could be viewed as a luxury benefit.

In conclusion, the ‘Premium Theme’ in the American Express app acts as a distinctive, albeit slight, enhancement for Platinum Card members, signifying the brand’s dedication to delivering exclusive experiences for its high-paying clientele.

Reports Suggest Search Feature Glitch in iOS 26 Apple Calendar Application

**Concerns Surrounding Apple Calendar Search Functionality in iOS 26**

Recently, users have voiced considerable concerns regarding the search capabilities in Apple’s Calendar application following the update to iOS 26. Many have taken to forums like Reddit to share their frustrations, mentioning that the search tool provides no results even when relevant calendar entries exist.

One user, known as Electronic-Squash359, recounted their attempt to backtrack lessons with a student named Claudia. Even with a record of lessons that extends over two years, the search for her name yielded no results. This experience has been reiterated by many others who have faced similar issues after upgrading to iOS 26.

In light of the increasing complaints, an Apple Support Communities participant confirmed that Apple is aware of the problem. Another user described a lengthy interaction with Apple Support, where representatives also acknowledged the malfunction after a prolonged troubleshooting session.

Adding to the complication, some users have reported that the autocomplete feature, which usually suggests prior calendar entries based on what users begin to type, is not functioning correctly. This has further impeded users’ ability to effectively manage their calendars.

Although the issue remains unresolved for many, a workaround has been discovered that has worked for some users. The proposed solution involves going to Settings > Apps > Calendar > Search, turning off two specific options, restarting the device, and then reactivating those options. Users should allow a few minutes for the search index to refresh. Some have claimed that after following these instructions, the search feature was restored following a short wait.

As this problem continues to impact users, feedback is welcomed in the comments section for those encountering comparable challenges.

Cutting-Edge App Providing Compensation for Sharing Voice Calls Climbs to #2 in App Store Social Applications

### The Emergence of Neon Mobile: A Disputed App Capitalizing on Your Conversations

In a time when data is frequently viewed as the new oil, a distinct application has surfaced, grabbing the attention of users and privacy advocates alike. Neon Mobile, a social application that enables users to record and distribute their audio calls, has swiftly risen to become the second most downloaded social app on the Apple App Store. The app’s distinctive offer? Users can sell their audio conversations to artificial intelligence (AI) companies, potentially earning hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.

#### Cashing in on Privacy

Neon Mobile’s business model is clear-cut: users agree to have their audio calls recorded, which the company subsequently anonymizes and sells to AI companies for training objectives. The app asserts that since telecom providers profit from user data, individuals should also be compensated for their contributions. According to Neon, users can receive $0.15 per minute of recorded audio, which increases to $0.30 when both participants on a call are using the app. This could result in earnings of up to $30 daily for engaged users.

#### Swift Rise in App Store Rankings

The app’s popularity surged remarkably, advancing from a rank of No. 476 in the Social Networking category to No. 10 within a week, and ultimately achieving No. 6. This rapid ascent has been observed by various tech outlets, including TechCrunch, which emphasized the app’s unique appeal.

#### Functionality

When users make calls using the Neon app, it records the audio. If only one participant is a Neon user, only that individual’s portion of the conversation is recorded. However, if both participants are on the app, the recording captures both sides, provided at least one initiates the call through Neon. The company reassures users that personal details, such as names and phone numbers, are filtered out during the recording process.

#### Privacy Issues

Despite its alluring proposal, Neon Mobile raises considerable privacy concerns. A notable part of its privacy policy indicates that if a user uninstalls the app without terminating their account, their calls can still be recorded when other Neon users contact them. This provision has raised skepticism among privacy professionals, who warn that the app’s phrasing around “one-sided transcripts” may suggest that it records entire conversations but only excludes the other party’s contributions from the final recording.

Cybersecurity and privacy attorney Peter Jackson voiced concerns regarding the ambiguity of the app’s recording methods, implying that users might not be fully aware of the extent to which their discussions are being captured and utilized.

#### Terms and Conditions

Neon Mobile’s terms and conditions seem to provide the company extensive rights over the data collected. This lack of transparency around data usage has raised red flags among privacy advocates, who argue that users might unknowingly forfeit control over their personal data.

#### Final Thoughts

As Neon Mobile continues to gain momentum, it serves as a reminder of the intricacies surrounding data privacy in the modern era. While the allure of monetizing personal conversations may attract some, the potential dangers and ethical implications deserve thorough scrutiny. Users must balance the financial incentives against the possible erosion of privacy and the enduring consequences of sharing their audio data with external parties.

9to5Mac Daily: September 25, 2025 – Conversation Regarding iPhone Scratching Problems and Other Subjects

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of current events is essential, particularly for Apple aficionados. The **9to5Mac Daily** podcast is a dependable resource for daily summaries of the most important developments within the Apple world. Accessible on numerous platforms, such as iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a specific RSS feed, this podcast guarantees that listeners remain well-informed.

### What to Anticipate from 9to5Mac Daily

Every episode of **9to5Mac Daily** is recorded on weekdays, offering listeners prompt updates on news related to Apple, product releases, software enhancements, and market trends. The podcast is presented by seasoned professionals who simplify intricate subjects into manageable segments, making it easier for listeners to grasp the significance of each story.

### Advantages of Subscribing

Subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily** not only ensures you are among the first to receive new episodes upon release, but it also comes with additional benefits. By opting for **9to5Mac Daily Plus**, subscribers can take pleasure in ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, enriching their listening journey.

### Connecting with the Community

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and share feedback. Whether via email or by rating the podcast on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Overcast, audience interaction is a crucial aspect of the **9to5Mac Daily** experience. This engagement enhances the show and creates a more unified community of Apple enthusiasts.

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Tim Cook Anticipated to Be Present at Tomorrow’s Relaunch of Apple Ginza Store

**Tim Cook’s Journey to Tokyo: A Tribute to Gaming and Apple’s Innovation**

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook is presently in Tokyo, Japan, where he has been immersing himself in the local culture and technological landscape. His visit aligns with the eagerly awaited reopening of the Apple Ginza store, which is poised to reveal a completely new design. Cook shared an image captured outside the store, conveying his appreciation for Tokyo’s distinct vibrancy, proclaiming that “nowhere else in the world has the energy of Tokyo.”

Alongside his Apple-related engagements, Cook has fully embraced Japan’s lively gaming culture. He shared a picture of himself with Pikachu, the adored mascot of the Pokémon franchise, referring to Japan as a “gamer’s paradise.” This idea was further reflected in a brief video where he connected with Japanese game developers from Bandai Namco, highlighting the creative ways they leverage Apple’s software capabilities. During this gathering, Cook also got to play “Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra,” showcasing the convergence of technology and gaming in Japan.

Pikachu, a yellow rodent character, is not just a key figure in the Pokémon series but also a cultural symbol, featuring in numerous games such as Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The character’s fame has resulted in extensive merchandise sales, making it a staple in both gaming and popular culture.

In addition to his interactions with the gaming sector, Cook visited the Hie Shrine, an important cultural site in Tokyo. The shrine boasts a rich history, with its establishment traced back to either 1362 or 1478, although it has endured destruction and relocation through the centuries, especially during World War II. The present structure was reconstructed in 1958 and contains one of Japan’s National Treasures, a single-edged sword referred to as a tachi.

As Cook gears up for the reopening of the Apple Ginza store, his visit highlights Apple’s dedication to engaging with local cultures and communities while honoring innovation in technology and gaming. The reopening event is anticipated to draw significant interest, further enhancing Apple’s footprint in Japan’s vibrant market.