Apple Responds to Unaddressed Lawsuit Concerning Apple Pay from Fintiv

Apple has submitted a reply to Fintiv’s trade secret lawsuit concerning Apple Pay, which was initiated in August. This reply is not a response to any court-imposed deadline but is instead a move by Apple to accelerate the process. Fintiv has not yet formally served the complaint to Apple, which Apple contends is a strategy to prolong the case and evade a court trial.

In its reply, Apple reiterates that it had previously attempted to transfer Fintiv’s patent case to California, while Fintiv maintained that the appropriate jurisdiction was the Western District of Texas and Judge Alan Albright. Apple contends that Fintiv should not be permitted to select a different district for its trade secret lawsuit after failing to gain any advantage from Apple Pay in Texas.

Apple outlines several grounds for dismissing Fintiv’s lawsuit:

1. Fintiv’s assertions under federal and Georgia trade secrets legislation, as well as federal racketeering laws, are barred since Fintiv has been aware of the circumstances since 2014 but postponed litigation until August 2025 after losing its patent case.
2. The claim of racketeering in Georgia is unfounded as it is solely based on trade secret claims under state law.
3. Fintiv’s effort to frame its trade secret lawsuit as a racketeering case does not satisfy the required elements of an enterprise or a series of unlawful acts.

Apple also underscores Fintiv’s record of failed attempts to monetize Apple Pay, referencing court decisions that have found Apple Pay does not infringe on Fintiv’s patent. Apple asserts that it developed Apple Pay independently utilizing its own technologies, and that Fintiv’s latest trade secret claims merely reiterate earlier patent assertions. The technology Fintiv alleges as confidential is publicly available in its prior patent, disqualifying it from being deemed a trade secret.

Moreover, Apple notes that two former CorFire employees referenced in Fintiv’s complaint became part of Apple in 2015, well after the 2014 launch of Apple Pay, which undermines any claims regarding their impact on the product’s evolution. Apple labels Fintiv’s racketeering accusations as an overreaching assertion based on the same flimsy basis as its trade secret allegations, arguing that the supposedly criminal enterprise is simply Apple’s routine business conduct.

The case is currently at a standstill until Fintiv serves the complaint to Apple. Should this not happen soon, Apple’s reply may cause the situation to progress faster than Fintiv’s actions.

Apple Attains $4 Trillion Market Value After Successful Launch of iPhone 17 Prior to Earnings Announcement

Apple Inc. reached a notable milestone on Tuesday, attaining a market valuation of $4 trillion for the first time. This accomplishment signifies an important chapter in the company’s history, although it is not the inaugural entity to achieve this valuation. Apple was the first to reach $1 trillion in 2018, followed by $2 trillion in 2020, and $3 trillion in 2022. Currently, it ranks third to hit the $4 trillion mark, trailing Nvidia and Microsoft.

Nvidia achieved the $4 trillion valuation in July, largely fueled by the increasing demand for its GPU hardware during the AI surge. Microsoft also surpassed the $4 trillion threshold in July and has since confirmed its position by attaining this valuation once more today.

Apple’s recent milestone can be linked to the successful launch of its iPhone 17, which has attracted considerable consumer interest. The company is anticipated to announce its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, which will offer insights into the performance of the iPhone 17 during its initial launch week. Although Apple does not reveal specific unit sales, the quarterly revenue figures will act as a valuable gauge of how the new iPhone models are faring compared to previous versions.

Despite momentarily reaching the $4 trillion valuation, Apple’s stock price subsequently fell back to the upper end of the $3 trillion range. This fluctuation underscores the volatility often exhibited in stock markets, especially surrounding significant product launches.

The importance of these trillion-dollar milestones transcends simple figures. They act as signals to investors that Apple continues to be a growth-focused company, dispelling any doubts regarding its future potential. Moreover, they provide context for Apple’s competitive stance in the tech sector. While Nvidia and Microsoft have taken advantage of the AI revolution, Apple’s varied hardware and services portfolio showcases its resilience and sustainability beyond AI trends.

Furthermore, this achievement represents Apple’s lasting status as a prominent player among its peers. Even if it is not the first to reach the $4 trillion milestone, its steady performance highlights its strength within the market. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Apple’s capacity to innovate and uphold its market position will be keenly observed by investors and industry analysts alike.

Apple Maps Improves EV Navigation in CarPlay for Toyota Automobiles

### Toyota Introduces Apple Maps EV Navigation for 2023 and Newer Models

In 2022, Apple Maps launched EV navigation, enabling electric vehicle (EV) users to navigate while considering charging requirements. This functionality has progressively rolled out to various models, with the most recent inclusion being Toyota’s battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from 2023 onward.

#### The Significance of EV Navigation

Traveling in an electric vehicle necessitates awareness of charging locations throughout the journey. Apple Maps’ EV navigation feature caters to this by monitoring the vehicle’s charge and evaluating aspects such as elevation variations. When users enter their destination, the app locates appropriate charging stations en route and, for certain providers, offers live availability of charging locations. If the vehicle’s charge drops to a critical level, Apple Maps will recommend a path to the nearest compatible charging station.

#### Compatibility with Vehicle Systems

For Apple Maps to successfully deliver EV navigation, it needs specific integration with the vehicle’s battery status. Vehicle manufacturers must partner with Apple to activate this functionality, resulting in a gradual implementation across various brands.

#### Recent Advancements with Toyota

Recently, Apple disclosed that its EV navigation feature has been incorporated into Toyota’s 2023 and newer BEVs, including the upcoming 2026 bZ model. This expansion signifies a notable advancement, as previously only three other vehicles supported Apple Maps EV navigation. Although Toyota’s existing lineup of BEVs is limited, the implementation of this feature enriches the driving experience for EV users.

#### Summary

The introduction of Apple Maps EV navigation in Toyota vehicles marks a beneficial advancement for electric vehicle drivers, simplifying trip planning without the worry of depleting battery power. As additional manufacturers embrace this innovation, EV users can anticipate enhanced navigation experiences tailored to their requirements.

Apple’s Services Division Exceeds Walt Disney and Tesla in Scale, According to Financial Times

### Apple’s Services Division: A Financial Powerhouse

A recent analysis suggests that Apple is likely to reveal annual Service earnings surpassing $100 billion in its forthcoming earnings report. Should these estimates prove accurate, Apple’s Services division will eclipse the yearly revenues of leading companies such as Walt Disney and Tesla.

#### The Importance of Apple’s Services Division

Throughout the years, Apple’s Services division has expanded notably, evolving into an essential element of the company’s comprehensive revenue strategy. Every Apple device, be it new or old, signifies a chance for ongoing revenue through a range of services.

Apple’s array of services has broadened significantly and now encompasses:

– App Store
– iTunes Store
– Apple Music
– Apple TV
– Apple Arcade
– Apple News+
– Apple Books
– Apple Pay
– Apple Card
– iCloud
– AppleCare
– Advertising
– Licensing, particularly from its agreement with Google for the default search engine

#### Projected Revenue Growth

Apple is preparing to announce its latest earnings, with analysts from Visible Alpha projecting that the Services division will generate roughly $108.6 billion in revenue for the year ending last month. This amount signifies a 13% increase from the previous year. Reaching this milestone would indicate that Apple’s Services division has doubled in scale over the past five years.

#### Resilience Against Antitrust Challenges

In spite of encountering various antitrust challenges worldwide, which could influence its App Store revenue, analysts maintain that Apple’s Services division will remain strong. The company has created a framework that produces revenue regardless of whether consumers upgrade their devices. Even if an older device is transferred to someone else, it generates a new possible customer for Apple’s services.

By the decade’s end, it is projected that Services will represent over 30% of Apple’s overall revenue, underscoring the division’s vital role in the company’s financial well-being.

As Apple gets ready to reveal its earnings, the financial sector is closely monitoring how these forecasts materialize, with live updates anticipated during the earnings report and call.

Teardown Case Offers Perspective on the Internal Parts of the iPhone 17

### Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero:One Case and MagSafe Wallet: A Thorough Review

Spigen has consistently been a top choice among smartphone enthusiasts for its fashionable and practical cases. This year, they unveiled the Zero:One series, distinguished by its innovative design that resembles an opened iPhone. This article explores the features of the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero:One case and its matching MagSafe wallet, emphasizing why they are superb selections for iPhone users.

#### Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero:One Case

The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero:One case is tailored for tech aficionados who admire the aesthetics of an iPhone teardown. Here are some notable features:

– **Material Composition**: Crafted from a blend of polycarbonate (PC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the case strikes a fine balance between sturdiness and flexibility.
– **Camera Protection**: It includes a fully covered camera bump with accurate cutouts, ensuring it is shielded from debris and scratches.
– **Tactile Feedback**: The camera control button is safeguarded by a responsive TPU layer, providing tactile feedback for user convenience.
– **MagSafe Compatibility**: Leveraging Spigen’s Magfit technology, the case bolsters the strength of MagSafe magnets, ensuring secure attachment of accessories.

Offered in black and white, the Ultra Hybrid Zero:One case is lightweight yet protective, making it a chic choice for users wishing to display their device’s internals without sacrificing safety. Retailing for $19.99 on Amazon, it presents exceptional value for those in search of a distinctive design.

#### Spigen Zero:One MagSafe Wallet

Paired with the Zero:One case is the Spigen Zero:One MagSafe wallet, created to enhance the case’s appearance while delivering functionality. Here are its key features:

– **MagSafe Attachment**: The wallet is fitted with strong built-in magnets, ensuring dependable attachment to MagSafe-compatible iPhones.
– **Card Capacity**: It accommodates 2-4 cards, with simple slide-out access, offering convenience for users on the move.
– **Minimal Design**: The streamlined design of the wallet harmonizes with Spigen’s MagSafe cases, preserving a sleek profile.

One of the wallet’s most remarkable features is its sturdy construction, which prevents stretching over time. An internal spring mechanism secures cards firmly in place, ensuring they won’t fall out. The Zero:One MagSafe wallet is priced at $24.99 on Amazon.

#### Final Thoughts

For anyone seeking a new case and MagSafe wallet combination, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero:One case and its matching wallet are fantastic choices. Together, they are priced under $45, offering a budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s offerings, which can surpass $60 for a single case. With their distinct design and functional features, these accessories are definitely worth considering for anyone aiming to enhance their iPhone experience.

### Other iPhone Accessories

As technology progresses, so do the accessories that elevate our devices. Spigen’s dedication to quality and innovation guarantees that users have access to fashionable and functional options that cater to their needs.

iPhone Air Battery Life: Real-World and Lab Experiments Show It Lasts an Entire Day

**iPhone Air: Insights into Battery Performance**

A significant trade-off with the iPhone Air is its reduced battery capacity. Nonetheless, both everyday experiences and lab evaluations suggest that it can reliably last throughout a regular day for the majority of users.

### iPhone Air Lab Assessments

For the past three years, CNET has been carrying out standardized battery tests on smartphones, offering essential comparative insights. In their latest assessments of the newest iPhone models, including the iPhone Air, the findings were encouraging.

CNET examined the battery life of the new Apple devices through three different approaches: anecdotal stress evaluations, video streaming analyses, and observing battery performance during regular use. The lab results demonstrated that the iPhone Air excelled, particularly when juxtaposed with previous iPhone models.

The video streaming evaluation, which involved streaming video over Wi-Fi for three hours at full brightness, was quite rigorous. The outcomes of this assessment indicated the following declines in battery percentage:

– **iPhone 17 Pro Max:** 9% (the first iPhone to reach a single-digit drop)
– **iPhone 17:** 11%
– **iPhone 17 Pro:** 15%
– **iPhone Air:** 15%

The iPhone Air’s outcomes in this test were comparable to those of the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 15.

In a different 45-minute endurance evaluation, which examined the effects of power-heavy tasks such as gaming and video calls, the iPhone Air’s performance fell short:

– **iPhone 17 Pro Max:** 1%
– **iPhone 17:** 2%
– **iPhone 17 Pro:** 2%
– **iPhone Air:** 5%

### iPhone Air Everyday Use

In real-world scenarios, the iPhone Air has demonstrated commendable battery endurance. CNET senior technology journalist Abrar Al-Heeti mentioned that her iPhone Air usually concludes the day with roughly 20% battery left after starting with a full charge. On days of heightened usage, the battery may dip below 20% by bedtime.

Al-Heeti stated, “Remarkably, the iPhone Air has reliably lasted the entire day over the past few weeks I’ve been using it.”

For those requiring a swift battery recharge during the day, the iPhone Air offers commendable wired charging speeds. In a 30-minute charging assessment utilizing a 20W adapter, the iPhone Air achieved 49% battery, on par with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, and surpassing the iPhone 15 Plus.

For more detailed information on the full iPhone lineup, readers can consult CNET’s comprehensive article. Additionally, insights from Ryan Christoffel’s month-long experience using the iPhone Air as his main device can provide further perspective.

### Summary

The iPhone Air, despite its lesser battery capacity, exhibits a blend of performance and efficiency that meets the needs of everyday users. With solid lab test outcomes and favorable real-life usage reviews, it serves as a compelling choice for those in search of a lightweight and proficient smartphone.