AllYouCanTech

Concerns Brought Up Regarding Apple Gift Card Safety After Disturbing Account Lockout Event

### The Dangers of Acquiring Apple Gift Cards from Third-Party Vendors

The security of buying Apple gift cards from entities other than the official company has been questioned after a disconcerting event involving a prominent developer and author, Paris Buttfield-Addison. His experience brings to light serious issues regarding account safety and the possible weaknesses within the Apple environment.

#### Paris Buttfield-Addison’s Incident

Buttfield-Addison, a dedicated Apple consumer for close to 30 years, recounted his unsettling experience on his blog. Following the purchase of an Apple gift card from a trusted physical retailer, he tried to redeem it, only to find his Apple ID locked—an online identity he has sustained for about 25 years. This account holds significant value for him, stuffed with terabytes of family images, work documents, and crucial data for synchronization across various devices.

The problem began when Buttfield-Addison learned that the gift card he bought had already been compromised and utilized by another party. His effort to redeem it was flagged as fraudulent, resulting in the deactivation of his account.

#### The Fallout and Resolution

At first, Buttfield-Addison reached out to Apple Support, only to be told that there was no solution for his predicament. However, after his case gained media attention, it was escalated to Apple Executive Relations, which eventually resolved the issue. A representative provided him with support, keeping him informed until the problem was addressed.

#### Exposing Flaws in the Apple Ecosystem

Though Buttfield-Addison’s situation was ultimately resolved, it highlights a significant flaw within the Apple ecosystem. The ease with which accounts can be frozen and the absence of a clear resolution process raise alarms about Apple’s control over user information. Essentially, Apple can act independently, suspending accounts based on perceived infractions without offering users a straightforward means of resolution.

This incident raises doubts about the security of acquiring Apple gift cards from any source other than Apple’s own retail outlets. While many consumers may trust well-known retailers, this experience demonstrates that dangers remain, particularly with gift cards that may be tampered with prior to reaching the consumer.

#### Safeguarding Your Data

In response to this event, Buttfield-Addison and his colleagues participated in discussions regarding data protection tactics. Some of the approaches they utilize include:

– **Cloud Backups**: Automatically uploading images to services like Google Photos for an added layer of backup.
– **Manual Exports**: Employing software to manually transfer photos and documents to local storage and other cloud platforms.
– **Apple’s Privacy Export Tool**: Frequently downloading data from Apple’s ecosystem to keep on external drives.

These conversations underline the necessity of having procedures in place to safeguard data housed within Apple’s systems, comprising notes, documents, calendar events, and contacts.

#### Conclusion

The account of Paris Buttfield-Addison serves as a warning for Apple users about the purchase of gift cards and the overall security of their accounts. It stresses the importance of vigilance in protecting private data and contemplating the possible risks tied to third-party purchases. Users are urged to adopt backup measures and stay cognizant of the vulnerabilities that can emerge within digital environments.

Report Suggests Progress on OLED iMac with Two Significant Constraints

### The Future of OLED Displays in Apple’s iMac

Apple is on the brink of a major shift in display technology, planning to roll out OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays for its iMac range. This comes on the heels of the expected debut of an OLED MacBook Pro next year as part of an expansive redesign initiative. Although the MacBook Pro will be the initial device to showcase OLED technology, recent information suggests that Apple is also examining the possibility of integrating OLED into the iMac.

#### Current Status of OLED Development

As per a supply chain report, Apple is currently at the preliminary phase of designing an OLED iMac. The company has contacted display partners Samsung and LG to collect information on how they can fulfill Apple’s requirements for this new display technology. This phase is referred to as the Request for Information (RFI) stage, during which Apple seeks the technical information necessary for product development prior to moving on to a formal Request for Quotation (RFQ).

The specifications under consideration for the OLED iMac include a 24-inch display with a brightness of 600 nits and a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch (PPI). This would indicate a 20% enhancement in brightness compared to the current 24-inch iMac while retaining the same resolution.

#### Challenges Ahead

Even with the promising outlook of an OLED iMac, there are considerable challenges to address. The development timeline implies that the product may not be ready for release until 2027 or 2028, with the actual rollout potentially occurring even later. This protracted timeline is largely a result of the initial stage of development and the intricacies associated with OLED technology.

Moreover, there are constraints regarding the size of the OLED displays that Apple intends to implement. Currently, the specific OLED technology preferred by Apple, which uses RGB subpixel units for light and color, is not feasible for mass production in larger sizes, like the rumored 30- to 32-inch iMac. Consequently, Apple has chosen to focus on introducing OLED in MacBooks prior to extending it to the iMac.

#### Conclusion

The adoption of OLED technology in Apple’s iMac lineup signifies a considerable enhancement in display quality, promising superior brightness and color precision. However, the hurdles of development timelines and technological restrictions imply that consumers may have to wait several years before an OLED iMac appears on the market. As Apple continues to innovate and perfect its display technology, the future of its product lineup appears bright, albeit with some patience necessary from enthusiastic supporters.

X Ceases Support for Installing iPad Application on Mac

**X (Previously Twitter) Discontinues Support for Mac Users: A Strategic Change**

Last year, X, the service formerly referred to as Twitter, attracted attention by ceasing its dedicated Mac application and withdrawing it from the Mac App Store. Users were directed to the iPad version of the application, which remained accessible for users with Apple Silicon. Nevertheless, recent updates suggest a major change in the company’s strategy, as X has now prohibited users from installing the iPad version on macOS, effectively marking the conclusion of support for Mac users.

### The Shift to iPad App

At first, the iPad version of the X app was perceived as a feasible substitute for Mac users, especially for those with Apple Silicon chips that enable the operation of iPhone and iPad applications. However, developers have the authority to limit this capability, and X has opted to exercise that right. Reports from various users indicate that the Mac App Store listing for the iPad version now clearly states that the app is unsupported on macOS.

### Challenges with the iPad App

The iPad variant of the X app had been facing considerable functionality problems before this choice was made. Users reported that the search feature was ineffective, and attempts to access links within the app often led to error notifications. These ongoing glitches contributed to a diminishing user experience, raising doubts about the app’s effectiveness on the Mac platform.

### Present User Experience

For those who had previously installed the X iPad app on their Macs, it remains usable, though with restricted functionality. Users can still access portions of the app that continue to operate, but for a complete experience, they are now encouraged to utilize the web version of X through browsers such as Safari or Chrome. This change highlights a widening gap between the platform and its Mac user community.

### Consequences of the Decision

The choice to forsake the Mac platform, along with the cessation of third-party Mac applications, reflects a larger trend of favoring mobile experiences over desktop applications. Critics contend that this direction is myopic, as it marginalizes a group of users who depend on Mac for their social media interactions.

While it may be that X has temporarily suspended Mac support for the iPad app to rectify existing bugs, there has been no official update from the company regarding intentions to restore functionality. As things stand, Mac users might need to adjust to a web-only experience if they wish to keep using X.

### Summation

The withdrawal of support for the X iPad app on macOS signifies a major change in the platform’s attitude towards desktop users. As the social media landscape continues to shift, the ramifications of such decisions will likely echo with users and developers alike, sparking conversations about the future of cross-platform compatibility and user experience.

Final Chance: Enjoy a $50 Discount on AirPods Pro 3 Before Christmas

### Final Opportunity to Purchase AirPods Pro 3 at an Unprecedented Low Price

Good morning! If you’ve been thinking about acquiring AirPods Pro 3 this holiday season, this is your last chance. Amazon has unexpectedly slashed the price of AirPods Pro 3 to a record low of $199. The company guarantees that orders will be delivered before Christmas, providing plenty of time for wrapping gifts.

#### AirPods Pro 3 – HURRY UP!

AirPods Pro 3 have become one of the most sought-after items this holiday season. They deliver outstanding audio quality, feature a built-in heart rate monitor, and boast all-day battery life, highlighting Apple’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Currently, Amazon’s product page shows that orders will be delivered several days prior to Christmas. However, inventory might not last long, so it’s essential to act swiftly and check shipping times for your area. Postponing your purchase might mean needing to give a printout of your Amazon receipt on Christmas Day.

#### Additional AirPods Offers

In the past few months, we’ve been monitoring promotions across Apple’s full AirPods range. Regrettably, as Christmas nears, these deals are becoming rarer. Notably, Amazon’s stock of AirPods 4 seems to have completely run out. For most shoppers, AirPods Pro 3 at $199 stands as the top recommendation, assuming you are fine with the in-ear style.

#### Discounts on Beats Headphones

Alongside AirPods, there are also discounts on Beats headphones, creating an excellent opportunity to discover various audio products for yourself or as gifts.

This holiday season, don’t pass up the opportunity to grab AirPods Pro 3 at this unmatched price.

Epic Games Argues Apple Enforces ‘Competition-Restrictive’ Charges During Continuing Legal Battle

**Continuing Antitrust Dispute: Epic Games vs. Apple in Japan**

The persistent antitrust struggle between Epic Games and Apple has evolved with recent events in Japan. Apple has revealed notable modifications to its App Store regulations to adhere to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which requires support for alternative app stores. However, the rollout of these modifications has faced criticism from both Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney and the gaming community.

**Apple’s Adherence to Japanese Law**

In alignment with the MSCA, Apple has rolled out new app distribution possibilities for developers and alternative payment guidelines. In contrast to the European Union’s rules, which provide for wider access, Apple’s modifications in Japan are comparatively limited. Importantly, Apple is not obligated to allow iPhone app downloads directly from the internet, curtailing access to alternative app stores.

Apple has raised alarms about the consequences of these modifications, pointing to potential threats to user privacy and security. The company contends that the MSCA’s stipulations may result in heightened levels of malware, fraud, and scams.

**Tim Sweeney’s Reproach**

Tim Sweeney has openly condemned Apple’s strategy, asserting that the company is enforcing exorbitant fees that hinder competition. He claims that the updated conditions, which impose a 21% fee on third-party in-app payments and a 15% fee for web purchases, establish obstacles for developers and hinder a level playing field. Sweeney has remarked that under these circumstances, Epic Games’ beloved title, Fortnite, will not make its return to iOS in Japan, as the terms are deemed intolerable.

Sweeney’s allegations underscore a larger issue regarding Apple’s conduct in the application marketplace. He intends to file an official grievance with the Japanese Fair Trade Commission, aspiring to contest what he labels as anticompetitive actions.

**Legal Frameworks and Prospective Consequences**

Sweeney’s position may be reinforced by legal precedents from different jurisdictions, especially the United States. In a past verdict, a judge reprimanded Apple for failing to comply with the spirit of a court order designed to foster competition by permitting developers to link to third-party payment systems. This ongoing legal conflict emphasizes the intricacies of app store regulations and the hurdles encountered by entities like Epic Games in managing these adjustments.

As the situation unfolds, the ramifications for both Apple and Epic Games could be profound, likely affecting app store regulations and competition in regions beyond Japan. The results of these conflicts may transform the digital marketplace landscape, influencing both developers and consumers.

Apple Unveils Significant App Store and iPhone Enhancements in Japan

Apple has revealed considerable modifications to the App Store and iPhone in Japan to adhere to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These modifications provide new app distribution avenues for developers and alternative payment regulations for the App Store.

In a recent statement, Apple indicated that the MSCA requirements in Japan for alternative app marketplaces and app payments might pose risks like malware, fraud, and privacy issues. Nevertheless, Apple collaborated with Japanese authorities to strike a balance that fulfills the law while safeguarding users.

### App Distribution in Japan

Developers in Japan are now able to distribute their applications through alternative app marketplaces apart from the App Store. Apple will perform a Notarization review on all applications, including automated checks and human evaluations to ensure their functionality and security.

### New Payment Options

The update brings modifications to the payment methods on the App Store:

– Developers can continue utilizing Apple In-App Purchase (IAP) as is.
– Alternative payment methods for digital goods/services within iOS applications are now allowed. Developers can:
– Provide digital goods and services via an alternative payment processor.
– Direct users to external offers/promotions through clickable links that open in a web browser.

If an application employs an alternative payment method, it must also offer Apple IAP as an option at the same time.

### New Business Terms

Apple is launching new business terms concerning App Store payments and distribution:

– **App Store Commission**: A lower commission of 10% for specific programs and 21% on transactions involving digital goods/services.
– **Apple Payment Processing Fee**: An extra 5% fee for utilizing Apple IAP.
– **Store Services Commission**: A 15% commission on transactions connected to websites, with a reduced rate for particular programs.
– **Core Technology Commission**: A 5% commission on sales of digital goods and services distributed outside the App Store.

### Kids’ Safety

Apple has instituted measures to ensure the protection of children with the new app distribution and payment methods:

– Applications categorized under Kids will not include links to external websites for transactions.
– Applications accessed by users under 18 must have a parental gate for purchases made through alternative payment processing.
– Applications aimed at users under 13 cannot link to websites for transactions.
– Apple is creating a new API for developers to facilitate parental oversight of purchases made outside of Apple IAP.

### iOS Platform Changes

With the update to iOS 26.2, iPhone users in Japan will experience new features, including:

– Default controls for navigation applications and app marketplaces can be adjusted in the Settings app.
– A new screen for selecting a browser and a search engine choice screen will be introduced.
– Developers will receive new tools, including options for utilizing alternative browser engines and an API for voice-based conversational applications to replace Siri as the default assistant.

These modifications take effect immediately with the launch of iOS 26.2. Developers can find additional information on the Apple Developer Support page and in Apple’s complete press release.

Apple to Launch More Advertisements in App Store Search Outcomes

Apple is increasing the quantity of advertisements displayed in App Store search outcomes. In an update on its Apple Ads webpage, the firm stated that it will roll out additional ads “to enhance opportunities in search results” commencing next year.

### New App Store Search Ads Placements

At present, there is one ad slot at the top of search results in the App Store. For instance, when searching for “Facebook,” you might notice an ad for TikTok at the top of the results. This occurs because TikTok is targeting certain search keywords and has secured the auction for that position.

In its communication, Apple clarifies that it is introducing “more ads throughout search queries” in the App Store. These new advertisements will show up lower down in App Store search results.

Apple asserts:

> “Search is the method most individuals use to discover and download apps on the App Store, with nearly 65 percent of downloads occurring immediately after a search. To provide advertisers with greater opportunities to enhance downloads from search results, Apple Ads will launch additional ads across search queries. You don’t need to modify your campaign to qualify for any new positions. Your ad will either run in the existing spot — at the top of search results — or farther down in search results.”

Advertisers and developers won’t have the ability to choose or bid for a specific position. Rather, an ad may appear in any of the available ad locations based on factors such as the bid amount and its ranking in the auction. Furthermore, the ad’s position could differ even within the same campaign.

Billing for advertisers and developers will continue to be based on cost per tap or cost per install. When the new ad units debut in 2026, current search ad campaigns will be automatically eligible for the new spaces.

Apple elaborates that the ad format will remain consistent in any position:

> “The ad format will be the same in any position, utilizing a default product page or custom product page, along with an optional deep link. You’ll be billed as usual based on your pricing model: cost per tap or cost per install.”

Apple indicates that over 800 million users access the App Store weekly, and more than 85% of users downloaded at least one app during their last visit. The company also highlights a 60% conversion rate for ads at the top of search results and notes that nearly 65% of downloads happen immediately after a user conducts a search.

Advertisers and developers can gather more information on the Apple Ads website. The new advertisements will be available to advertisers beginning in 2026 and will be compatible with iOS and iPadOS 26.2 and later.

Apple TV Unveils Spin-Off Show ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’

In the wake of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ triumph, Apple has announced the expansion of Legendary’s Monsterverse with a forthcoming spin-off series for Apple TV. The new prequel series, currently untitled, will center on Colonel Lee Shaw, played by Wyatt Russell, and will delve into a covert operation in 1984 aimed at thwarting the Soviets from unleashing a catastrophic Titan during the Cold War.

The series will be executive produced by Russell and directed by Joby Harold, who is also managing the Monsterverse on Apple TV. Harold shared his enthusiasm for broadening this legendary universe, highlighting the collaboration between Apple and Legendary.

Morgan Wandell, head of international content development for Apple TV, noted the audience’s excitement for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and the eagerness for new narratives that will enhance the bond with cherished Titans through character-focused storytelling.

Legendary’s Monsterverse is portrayed as a cross-platform narrative world where humanity faces the truth of legendary monsters. The franchise encompasses titles such as Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, and Godzilla vs. Kong, among others. Although Apple has yet to reveal a release date for the new spin-off, it assures fans that it will bring them closer to their beloved Titans.

Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month, offering a range of popular shows and films.

Apple Music Introduces App on ChatGPT: A User Guide for Accessing It

Following the announcement made yesterday regarding the impending availability of Apple Music on ChatGPT, the application is now operational. Here’s what is possible with it.

## What this is, and what this isn’t

Although many might think that this integration allows users to stream music on ChatGPT from Apple Music, that is not true; however, you can listen to samples from the tracks as they show up on ChatGPT.

This integration signifies that Apple Music subscribers will now have the capability to request ChatGPT to assemble playlists for them or search for songs, albums, and artists on Apple Music, all based on natural language exchanges with OpenAI’s LLM.

In practice, this allows Apple Music subscribers to request something along the lines of, “Make a 30-song rock and roll Christmas playlist on Apple Music, but steer clear of clichés,” or “Create Barney’s Get Psyched Mix from How I Met Your Mother,” and ChatGPT will take care of locating the songs and compiling them into a playlist, instead of the user needing to do it themselves.

You can also utilize natural language to search for songs, albums, and artists that you may not precisely know how to locate. Essentially, this means that you can prompt it to play “that Alice song from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” or “that duuuum duuuum duuuuuuuuum DU-DUUUUUM song from that classic space film.”

From enhanced discoverability to more intelligent curation, there are countless ways to make use of this integration. If you have any good ideas, please share them in the comments below.

## But how do I use it?

Here’s how to access the Apple Music app on ChatGPT:

1. Visit

Apple Introduces Open-Source Framework for Transforming 2D Images into 3D Perspectives

### SHARP: Transforming 3D Scene Reconstruction from Individual Images

Apple has unveiled a groundbreaking model known as SHARP, which stands for Sharp Monocular View Synthesis. This model can reconstruct a lifelike 3D scene from a single 2D image in less than a second, representing a major breakthrough in computer vision and graphics.

#### Overview of SHARP

In the research paper titled [Sharp Monocular View Synthesis in Less Than a Second](https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.10685), Apple’s researchers detail how SHARP was trained to generate a 3D representation of a scene while preserving real-world distances and scales. The model employs a single feedforward pass through a neural network to regress the parameters of a 3D Gaussian representation of the scene, achieving this in under a second using standard GPU hardware.

The 3D Gaussian representation created by SHARP can be rendered in real-time, enabling the production of high-resolution lifelike images from nearby perspectives. This metric representation supports absolute scale and metric camera movements, which is essential for realistic scene reconstruction.

#### Technical Insights

SHARP functions by predicting a 3D representation of the scene, which can subsequently be rendered from various viewpoints. A 3D Gaussian is effectively a small, indistinct blob of color and light in space. When combined, these blobs can form a scene that appears real from a particular angle. Unlike conventional Gaussian splatting techniques that necessitate multiple images from varying perspectives, SHARP can generate a complete 3D Gaussian representation from just one snapshot.

To attain this functionality, SHARP was trained on vast datasets that included both synthetic and real-world images. This training equips the model to recognize common patterns of depth and geometry, allowing it to estimate depth and refine it based on accumulated knowledge when given a new image. As a result, SHARP can forecast the location and appearance of millions of 3D Gaussians in a single pass, enabling speedy scene reconstruction without the necessity for multiple images or lengthy optimization processes.

#### Limitations and Trade-offs

While SHARP excels at rendering nearby viewpoints with remarkable speed and precision, it is not without limitations. The model is primarily designed to generate realistic renderings from angles close to the perspective of the original image. This implies that users cannot examine entirely unseen sections of the scene, as the model does not generate these areas. This design choice contributes to the model’s speed, allowing it to yield results in under a second while ensuring stability and realism in the output.

#### Community Engagement and Future Directions

Apple has made SHARP accessible on