Apple’s Earnings Suggest Narrow Browser Choices for iPhone Users, Per Advocacy Organization

**iPhone Users Still Face Limited Browser Options: An In-Depth Look at Apple’s Adherence to Antitrust Laws**

A digital advocacy organization, Open Web Advocacy (OWA), has raised alarms that iPhone users continue to lack authentic web browser alternatives, a year after the enforcement of antitrust laws intended to enhance competition. The group alleges that Apple is systematically erecting obstacles that prevent developers from providing alternative browsers on the iPhone, thus safeguarding its profit levels.

### In Principle, Apple Endorses Choice

Since the launch of the iPhone, Apple has retained exclusive authority over web browsing on its devices. Though third-party browsers are allowed, they must rely on Apple’s proprietary WebKit browsing engine. This stipulation ensures that rival browsers cannot surpass Safari or incorporate features absent in Safari, effectively restricting them to merely branding the same core technology.

The European Union (EU) has ruled this practice illegal, requiring Apple to enable fair competition among third-party browser firms by granting them permission to utilize their own engines. Consequently, Apple agreed in principle, prompting companies like Google and Mozilla to initiate the development of their browser versions compatible with iPhones in the EU using their engines.

### Deceptive Compliance, as per OWA

Nevertheless, 15 months later, OWA states that no iPhone browsers employing distinct engines have materialized, which they attribute to what they label Apple’s “deceptive compliance.” The organization asserts that Apple has intentionally set technical, legal, marketing, and practical hurdles to impede developers from effectively launching their own browsers.

OWA identified four particular challenges:

1. **Technical**: Developers are unable to test applications with third-party browser engines.
2. **Legal**: Apple imposes onerous and unilateral legal conditions on developers.
3. **Marketing**: Users of existing third-party browsers must download entirely new applications rather than updating their current versions.
4. **Practical**: Apple limits app updates for users who are outside the EU for an extended period exceeding 30 days.

While Apple has reportedly alleviated the technical barrier, the remaining issues continue to persist.

### Profit Incentives Behind Apple’s Behavior

OWA contends that Apple’s maneuvers are motivated by a need to safeguard the significant profits associated with Safari. The browser ranks among Apple’s highest-margin offerings, contributing 14-16% to the company’s yearly operating income and generating approximately $20 billion annually in search engine revenue from Google. A mere 1% decline in browser market share could equate to a $200 million annual income reduction for Apple.

In spite of ongoing legal examinations, including scrutiny of its profitable search engine arrangement with Google, Apple remains adamant about its innocence. The company claims compliance with the law and expresses confusion as to why no third-party browser featuring a different engine has been created for the iPhone.

Apple asserts that it has conformed to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements by establishing a framework that emphasizes security and privacy, while allowing third-party developers to introduce their browser engines. However, the company maintains that developers have opted not to take advantage of this opportunity.

### Conclusion

The persistent scenario underscores the challenges of competition within the tech sphere, especially concerning dominant entities like Apple. As the environment shifts, the efficacy of antitrust laws in promoting true competition remains uncertain, particularly for iPhone users in search of alternatives to Safari.

The 10 Most Watched Streaming Series of the Year, Including Apple TV+

**Nielsen Unveils Leading 10 Streaming Series of 2025 Thus Far**

As we arrive at the halfway mark of 2025, Apple TV+ is said to be enjoying its most prosperous year yet. A pivotal sign of this success is the Nielsen top 10 listing, which showcases the most-viewed streaming series. Recently, Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw revealed the Nielsen rankings for the initial part of the year, illustrating how Apple TV+ has fared against its rivals.

**The Leading 10 Streaming Series of 2025**

The Nielsen rankings for the foremost streaming series in 2025 are as follows:

| Rank | Program | Platform | Millions of Minutes |
|——|———————-|—————|———————|
| 1 | Squid Game | Netflix | 15,074 |
| 2 | Reacher | Prime Video | 13,313 |
| 3 | The Night Agent | Netflix | 12,219 |
| 4 | Ginny & Georgia | Netflix | 10,201 |
| 5 | Severance | Apple TV+ | 9,275 |
| 6 | 1923 | Paramount+ | 8,536 |
| 7 | The Pitt | Max | 8,227 |
| 8 | The Handmaid’s Tale | Hulu | 8,165 |
| 9 | You | Netflix | 8,097 |
| 10 | Landman | Paramount+ | 7,826 |

It should be noted that some major hits, such as *The White Lotus* and *The Last of Us*, are absent from this list. These shows debuted on HBO’s linear network, and Nielsen does not categorize them as “streaming” series, despite their potentially larger viewership on streaming services.

**Severance’s Standout Performance**

Within the top 10, *Severance* is highlighted as the fifth most-viewed series, representing a significant milestone for Apple TV+. Nielsen is widely trusted as a dependable source for gauging streaming viewership, and *Severance*’s impressive ranking is particularly remarkable given Apple TV+’s relatively smaller subscriber count compared to titans like Netflix and Prime Video. This restricted subscriber pool makes it tougher for Apple TV+ shows to gather viewing minutes, emphasizing *Severance*’s accomplishment.

Despite *Severance*’s strong showing, no other Apple TV+ titles made the top 10. Other programs, such as *The Studio* and *Your Friends & Neighbors*, have demonstrated encouraging viewership yet could not match the larger streaming firms.

Apple TV+ is offered at $9.99 per month and includes a range of celebrated shows and films, such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *The Morning Show*, *Silo*, and *Shrinking*.

In summary, while Apple TV+ has made substantial progress with *Severance*, the contest in the streaming arena remains intense, with bigger platforms still leading in viewing statistics.

Apple Gears Up to Start Production of iPhone 17 in India Amid Chinese Supply Chain Issues

Apple is preparing for concurrent manufacturing of the iPhone 17 in both China and India, despite efforts by the Chinese government to hinder this project. Attaining day one assembly in India has been a longstanding objective for Apple, focused on diminishing its reliance on China as a production center.

At present, the majority of iPhones are manufactured in China, but Apple has been striving to boost production in alternative locations, with India serving as the secondary manufacturing site. The firm aims to reach 50% of iPhone production in India in the coming years. A key goal would be to produce the latest iPhone series on the same day in both nations, a target Apple could not achieve with the iPhone 16 due to delays in Indian manufacturing.

Foxconn, Apple’s primary assembly partner, is gearing up for this concurrent production by sending components to India for preliminary production. This stage includes assembling small quantities of iPhones on actual production lines to verify proper operation. Preliminary production usually takes place around two months before the launch, with large-scale production starting in August to create inventory for September’s release.

Apple is additionally driven by rising uncertainty regarding tariffs on imports from China to the U.S., hoping India can satisfy American demand for iPhones.

Nonetheless, the Chinese government is reportedly taking measures to obstruct this process, such as making it more challenging for Chinese engineers to travel to India. Recent reports suggest a withdrawal of Chinese engineers from India, which presents a challenge given their specialization in iPhone production.

In summary, Apple’s initiatives to establish simultaneous production of the iPhone 17 in both China and India illustrate its strategic transition towards expanding its manufacturing capabilities while addressing geopolitical obstacles.

Restoring Launchpad on macOS 26: Arguments Against It

**The Conclusion of Launchpad in macOS 26: Essential Information**

As macOS 26 draws near, users are gearing up for a major transformation of the operating system, which promises a revamped interface, new software, and a host of improved functionalities. Nevertheless, one cherished feature set to be eliminated is Launchpad, a utility that has been integral to the Mac experience since 2010.

### What is Launchpad?

Launchpad is a functionality that enables users to view and arrange all their Mac applications across various screens. It offers a visually appealing layout where apps can be sorted, simplifying the process for users to quickly locate what they require. Despite its long-standing presence, many users continue to depend on Launchpad for two main reasons.

### Two Reasons to Utilize Launchpad

1. **Space Organization**: For those who often use a broad range of applications, the Dock can become cluttered. Launchpad provides a more open space to categorize apps by type or frequency of use, facilitating a more efficient workflow.

2. **Access to Infrequently Used Apps**: Numerous users possess utility applications that are not used daily but are needed at times. Launchpad acts as a handy storage for these applications, ensuring they remain easily reachable when needed, even if their titles are not always recalled.

### How to Restore Launchpad

While Apple is eliminating Launchpad in macOS 26, a workaround exists to reactivate it using Terminal commands. Here’s the process:

1. Launch the Terminal application found in Applications > Utilities.
2. Type the following command and hit Return:
`sudo mkdir -p /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain`
3. Enter your Mac’s password and hit Return (make sure you’re logged in as an admin).
4. Type the subsequent command and hit Return:
`sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/SpotlightUI.plist SpotlightPlus -dict Enabled -bool false`
5. Restart your Mac.

**Warning**: Using `sudo` commands can potentially damage your system if not done correctly. Always confirm that you have current backups before proceeding.

### Why You Should Reconsider

Although it is feasible to restore Launchpad, there are strong reasons to think again:

1. **Uncertain Functionality**: The commands to re-enable Launchpad may function only in the beta version of macOS 26. There’s no assurance they will work in the final version, and users might end up unable to revert the modification.

2. **Missing Out on New Features**: Re-enabling Launchpad means letting go of the new Spotlight functionalities, which are among the most eagerly awaited improvements in macOS 26. These features could greatly enhance productivity and user satisfaction.

### Alternative Approaches

For those who struggle to recall the names of less commonly used applications, consider keeping a note with their names and purposes. This strategy can act as a useful memory aid, helping users track their utilities without depending on Launchpad.

As macOS 26 is introduced, users will have to adjust to the loss of Launchpad and seek new methods to manage their applications efficiently.

Expected Attributes and Enhancements for AirTag 2

# Apple AirTag 2: Upgrades and Hopes

Apple has wrapped up its spring product unveilings, presenting a range of devices such as the iPhone 16e, M4 MacBook Air, M3 iPad Air, and A16 iPad. As the tech leader prepares for its autumn hardware announcements, the focus will be on the iPhone 17 series. Yet, a captivating addition to the mix is the forthcoming AirTag 2.

## What’s New with AirTag 2?

At first look, the AirTag 2 might appear as a slight upgrade, but it assures numerous substantial enhancements that will serve everyday users well. While the original version has been positively received, the advancements in AirTag 2 are especially enticing for those who haven’t yet embraced the tracking device.

Per reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, AirTag 2 aims to emphasize three primary improvements:

– **Significantly Enhanced Range**
– **Updated Wireless Chip**
– **Stronger Commitment to Privacy**

A notable feature of AirTag 2 will be the integration of the next-gen ultra-wideband chip, first introduced with the iPhone 15. This upgrade is projected to triple the range for precise locating, allowing users to find items from up to 90 meters away, compared to the current 30-meter capability.

## Additional Enhancements

The original AirTag has garnered criticism due to its exploitation by stalkers, with accounts of people using the device to surveil others without permission. Some have even altered AirTags to mute the speaker, complicating the ability for victims to detect them. In light of these issues, Apple is reportedly working on enhancing privacy measures in AirTag 2, with the intention of reducing the risks tied to its usage.

## Conclusion

Initially expected to launch in May or June, the release of AirTag 2 has been postponed, with new predictions suggesting a debut before the year’s end, likely during September’s iPhone event.

For those who are interested in the existing generation of AirTag, a prominent discount is currently offered, featuring a 20% price drop on a four-pack, lowering the total to $64.99, or $16 per AirTag, which is a substantial savings compared to the regular $29 price.

Moreover, current AirTag users may want to explore the waterproof 10-year battery case, which enhances the device’s functionality, priced at $45 for a four-pack.

In conclusion, although AirTag 2 may initially seem like a straightforward update, its improvements in range, privacy, and technology position it as a significant upgrade for both new and returning users.