Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

June Experiences Growth in App Store Earnings and Downloads, Even with a Drop in User Expenditure on Games

**App Store Performance Insights: Revenue Growth and Changing User Spending Trends**

Bank of America has recently reviewed the latest performance statistics from the App Store, uncovering a significant trend: while revenue is rising at a quicker pace than downloads, users are altering their spending behaviors.

As per the report, which cites data from SensorTower, global App Store revenue saw a 12% year-over-year increase in June, whereas downloads only improved by 4%. This expanding gap signifies a favorable shift in monetization techniques, with users increasingly directing their expenditures towards non-gaming categories.

A noteworthy point from the report indicates that gaming, despite remaining the largest revenue-generating category, made up only 45% of total App Store revenue in the quarter, a reduction from over 50% in previous years. This transition implies that users are broadening their spending distribution across diverse app categories.

### Productivity Apps on the Increase

Bank of America observed that categories like Photo & Video, Lifestyle, Books, Education, and Utilities each gained roughly 100 basis points (or 1%) in market share. Notably, Productivity apps experienced a rise of 200 basis points (or 2%), marking the highest percentage change among categories. This diversification in expenditure could provide a long-term benefit for Apple, as developers start to investigate new monetization approaches beyond conventional gaming.

### Regulatory Landscape and Stock Forecast

Regarding the regulatory environment, especially in light of the Epic Games case, Bank of America reported no significant effect on App Store revenue to date. The firm sustained a “Buy” rating on Apple stock, setting a target price of $235, fueled by expectations of robust capital returns, leadership potential in on-device AI, and growth prospects in upcoming product categories.

This analysis follows closely after JPMorgan revised Apple’s stock price target from $240 to $230 while keeping an “Overweight” rating, reflecting a favorable outlook on the company’s long-term strategy.

### Conclusion

The information provided by Bank of America suggests a transforming environment in App Store spending, with users increasingly choosing to invest in non-gaming apps. This trend, alongside a stable regulatory atmosphere and optimistic stock forecast, indicates a bright future for Apple as it navigates the changing app economy.

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New Titles Added to Apple Arcade: Angry Birds Bounce and Three Additional Games Launched

As promised, Apple Arcade has recently expanded its ever-growing subscription-based library of ad-free games by adding four new titles. Here’s the complete list:

### Angry Birds Bounce
Join forces with Red, Chuck, Bomb, and the entire crew on an exciting new expedition. Angry Birds Bounce merges the timeless appeal of Angry Birds with a creative arcade brick-breaker twist. When the pigs invade their islands, the birds must bounce back — quite literally — merging into formidable flocks and propelling themselves to vanquish a horde of piggies and reclaim their territory. Featuring strategic rogue-lite gameplay, every level presents a fresh challenge where players will perfect precision shots, unlock thrilling power-ups, and create distinctive combos throughout each run. [Play Angry Birds Bounce on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4lc6qtl)

### Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+
The newest entry in the acclaimed tower defense series enhances the fast-paced, engaging gameplay of its predecessors while elevating the intensity with increased power, chaos, and strategy like never before. For the first time in the series, players can command two heroes in every stage. With 15 epic heroes to select from, 17 unique towers, 32 upgradable characters, 22 intricate campaign stages, and more than 40 enemy types, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+ provides exhilarating gameplay, the signature humor that fans adore, and limitless replayability. The game includes all downloadable content and is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. [Play Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+ on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4lcHMZl)

### Suika Game+
The trending puzzle game where players drop fruits into a box is making its way to Apple Arcade. The objective of Suika Game – Aladdin X+ is to merge matching fruits into larger creations, culminating in the ultimate treat: a watermelon. The game’s lively physics introduce an entertaining challenge. While dropping and combining bouncing fruits, players must carefully prevent them from spilling out of the box. They will compete with players globally and strive for the top of the daily, monthly, or all-time leaderboards. [Play Suika Game+ on Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/4lWX30L)

### Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets+
Creativity merges with responsibility as players delve into vibrant 3D realms to color, care for, and interact with more than 90 cute digital pets. Inspired by the best-selling Crayola toy, this game enables young players to develop empathy and responsibility through engaging pet care activities such as grooming, feeding, and washing, while also enhancing attention and memory skills with detail-oriented gameplay. With limitless creative enjoyment using digital Crayola art tools and imaginative adventures across colorful 3D landscapes, Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets+ transforms the conventional pet toy into an immersive digital experience.

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Speculations about MacBook Incorporating iPhone Processor, AI Siri Partnerships, and Fresh EU App Store Guidelines

### Apple’s Anticipated Economical MacBook Air and App Store Modifications

In recent conversations, Benjamin and Chance explore the thrilling rumor emerging from Ming-Chi Kuo about Apple’s intentions to launch a new, cost-effective MacBook Air. This forthcoming model is expected to feature the A18 Pro CPU, which may significantly boost performance while keeping a lower price tag. This initiative corresponds with Apple’s goal to attract a wider demographic, particularly students and cost-conscious consumers who desire the reliability of Mac products without the premium expense.

#### A Transformative Phase for the MacBook Air

The expected MacBook Air featuring the A18 Pro CPU could signify a crucial transformation in Apple’s laptop lineup. The A-series chips have already demonstrated their prowess in mobile devices, and their incorporation into laptops could offer users enhanced processing capabilities and energy efficiency. This advancement may redefine the entry-level laptop sector, rendering high-performance computing more attainable.

#### App Store Guidelines in the EU

Alongside hardware enhancements, Apple has unveiled a convoluted new set of App Store guidelines in the European Union that has left many baffled. These modifications are likely a reaction to escalating regulatory examinations and rivalry within the app market. The particulars of these guidelines remain ambiguous, but they are anticipated to affect developers and consumers alike, potentially changing how apps are distributed and monetized in the EU.

#### AI Fusion with Siri

Moreover, Apple seems to be investigating the possibility of augmenting Siri’s functionalities by incorporating third-party AI models. This willingness to embrace external technologies could result in a more adaptable and competent virtual assistant, addressing long-standing criticisms about Siri’s performance when compared to rivals. By utilizing third-party advancements, Apple could significantly enhance user experience and capability.

### Conclusion

As Apple prepares for these possible transformations, the tech community observes attentively. The amalgamation of a new, wallet-friendly MacBook Air, intricate App Store guidelines, and progress in AI for Siri could influence the trajectory of Apple’s product ecosystem. For those keen on remaining informed about these changes, subscribing to platforms like 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus can provide deeper insights and exclusive material.

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9to5Mac Daily: July 3, 2025 – Daily Highlights of iOS 26

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

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest developments is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily is a podcast aimed at offering listeners a summary of the day’s key stories, centering on Apple and its ecosystem. Accessible on multiple platforms, such as iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a specific RSS feed, this podcast guarantees that you won’t miss any critical news.

**What to Anticipate from 9to5Mac Daily**

Each episode of 9to5Mac Daily is produced on weekdays, providing listeners with a reliable source of information. The podcast spans various subjects, from product announcements and software upgrades to industry patterns and insider perspectives. By subscribing, you can ensure that fresh episodes reach your selected podcast player immediately upon release.

**Sponsorship and Highlights**

The podcast is backed by Bitwarden, a password management solution that includes features like Apple Watch authenticator integration, secure autofill options, and enterprise-level security tools. This collaboration underscores the significance of security in today’s digital landscape, particularly for users overseeing multiple accounts.

**Exclusive Material and Contributions**

Listeners can choose to back the podcast directly through 9to5Mac Daily Plus. By subscribing, you can access ad-free versions of episodes and unlock bonus material, enhancing your overall listening journey.

**Interaction and Community**

9to5Mac Daily promotes listener interaction. You can share your opinions by emailing the team or by reviewing the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This input aids in refining the show and enables more individuals to learn about the insightful discussions featured in each episode.

**Final Thoughts**

For anyone keen on Apple news and technology, 9to5Mac Daily serves as an essential resource. With its dedication to delivering timely updates and captivating content, it proves to be a must-listen for tech devotees. Whether you’re on the go, working out, or just unwinding at home, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily keeps you informed and connected with the Apple community.

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泄露的苹果标识揭示了2026年即将推出的Mac型号

Apple is poised to unveil an exhilarating array of new product launches for the rest of the year, which includes at least two fresh Mac models. Recent analyses reveal that Apple is not only strategizing releases for 2025 but also has models projected through 2026.

### Report Details 15 Upcoming Mac Models Anticipated Through 2026

Marko Zivkovic from AppleInsider reports that there are 15 new Mac models in the works. Insider sources indicate that Apple is preparing to roll out its M5 chip shortly, with devices utilizing the M6 chip expected to present substantial changes by late 2026. Apple’s product identifiers adhere to a familiar scheme, enabling forecasts about which identifiers are linked to upcoming Mac models.

The following Macs are predicted to debut in the year ahead, though the precise release timelines are based on speculation and Apple’s expected plan:

– M5 MacBook Pro in both 14-inch and 16-inch configurations
– M5 iMac
– M5 Pro Mac mini
– M5 MacBook Air in 13-inch and 15-inch configurations
– New Mac Pro
– Two Mac Studio variations (presumably Max and Ultra editions)
– An unidentified model that could be the rumored MacBook with A18 Pro

A number of these upcoming models correspond with Apple’s known patterns for Mac enhancements incorporating M-series chips. Nonetheless, a notable point is the identifiers for next year’s M6 MacBook Pro models, coded as ‘K114’ and ‘K116’, which relate to screen sizes. This indicates that despite speculation regarding a major hardware redesign, the next MacBook Pro will likely retain the same 14-inch and 16-inch sizes.

The previous redesign of the MacBook Pro shifted its displays from 13- and 15-inch to the current 14- and 16-inch variants. It seems that while numerous facets of the design might evolve, the screen sizes will remain unchanged.

As Apple progresses in innovation and broadens its Mac lineup, the forthcoming years are set to unveil thrilling advancements and new functionalities for users.

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Spigen Broadens C1 Series with Fresh Apple Watch Stand Influenced by iMac G3 Aesthetic

### Spigen C1 Apple Watch Stand: An Ode to the iMac G3

Spigen has established itself as a go-to brand for Apple accessory aficionados, celebrated for their creative designs that often bring back nostalgic feelings. Last year, I came across their C1 iPhone case and MagSafe wallet, which flawlessly themed my iPhone 16 Pro Max to echo the legendary iMac G3 from my student years. This year, Spigen has broadened their C1 collection with an exciting addition: the Apple Watch stand, which not only takes cues from the iMac G3 but also looks like a small-scale version of the cherished computer.

#### Design and Features

The Spigen C1 Apple Watch Stand is not just a reference to vintage style; it is a functional item that embodies the spirit of the iMac G3. Here are the main highlights:

– **Vintage Translucent Design**: The stand showcases a design similar to the iconic iMac G3, rekindling cherished memories for many users.
– **Color Variants**: It comes in four lively colors: Bondi Blue, Graphite, Ruby, and Tangerine, enabling users to select one that best aligns with their preference.
– **Quality Materials**: Made from premium polycarbonate and silicone, the stand is both sturdy and fashionable.
– **Inclined Design**: The sloped design of the stand facilitates convenient viewing of the Apple Watch while it charges.
– **Device Compatibility**: It accommodates a wide array of devices, including:
– Apple Watch Ultra 2/1 (49mm)
– Series 10/9/8/SE2/7/6/SE/5/4
– AirPods 4 (ANC) & AirPods Pro 2

It’s crucial to point out that the stand does not include the Apple Watch charger; users will need to supply their own charging puck to utilize the stand effectively.

#### User Experience

The process of installing the Apple Watch puck is uncomplicated, making it user-friendly. A delightful feature is the appearance of the classic “Hello” screen that shows up before the puck is placed. This meticulous detail enhances the nostalgic feel. Furthermore, the stand is versatile, capable of charging both the Apple Watch and AirPods Pro Gen 2, making it a useful addition to any workspace.

#### Pricing and Availability

The Spigen C1 Apple Watch Stand can currently be found on Amazon for $19.99. With its distinctive design and utility, it acts as an excellent accessory for any Apple devotee, whether situated on a desk or showcased as a nostalgic item.

In summary, Spigen has adeptly crafted a product that not only fulfills a practical function but also resonates emotionally with users who appreciate the design heritage of the iMac G3. The C1 Apple Watch Stand is an essential item for anyone seeking to combine usability with a splash of nostalgia.

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Apple TV+ Reaches Unprecedented Success in 2023: Anticipated Launches and Key Moments

# Apple TV+: A Year of Remarkable Achievements and Thrilling Future Launches

Apple TV+ has been on a remarkable path, with 2025 representing its most triumphant year thus far. The streaming service has not only received critical praise but has also drawn in a swelling subscriber count, indicating its growing significance in the competitive streaming arena. Here’s a detailed examination of Apple TV+’s successes and what audiences can look forward to in the upcoming months.

## Critical and Commercial Acclaim

2025 has emerged as an exceptional year for Apple TV+, as highlighted by the excellence of its programming. The platform has consistently elevated standards with its new and returning offerings, attaining record-high Rotten Tomatoes scores. While occasional stumbles do happen, they have become increasingly uncommon.

Among the highest-rated Apple TV+ offerings this year are critically lauded titles that have struck a chord with viewers. Furthermore, several fresh series have launched with robust ratings, including *Smoke*, *Government Cheese*, and the comeback of *The Buccaneers*. This creative success has resulted in a substantial uptick in subscribers, although precise figures are not available since Apple refrains from publicly releasing subscriber data. Nevertheless, third-party analytics and social media chatter suggest that Apple TV+ is emerging as a mainstream option for audiences.

## Upcoming Premieres on Apple TV+

As we progress deeper into 2025, Apple TV+ boasts an exciting assortment of shows and films set to debut. The platform frequently unveils new content just a month or two prior to its premiere, keeping viewers eager. Notably, the highly awaited return of the sci-fi saga *Foundation* is imminent, with early critiques hailing its third season as one of the finest of the year.

In addition to *Foundation*, several other major series are scheduled to return, including:

1. *F1 The Movie* – Anticipated to release in mid-to-late fall, following a successful theatrical performance.
2. *Slow Horses* Season 5 – A cherished series that remains a favorite among fans.
3. *The Morning Show* Season 4 – Featuring a stellar cast and addressing current topics such as AI and deepfakes.

These forthcoming titles are merely a glimpse of what’s ahead. Additional projects include Denzel Washington’s crime thriller *Highest 2 Lowest*, Matthew McConaughey’s *The Lost Bus*, and Jason Momoa’s *Chief of War* series.

## Conclusion: Apple TV+ in 2025

As Apple TV+ commemorates its fifth anniversary, 2025 emerges as a crucial year for the platform. With a robust start to the year and a remarkable array of upcoming launches, Apple TV+ is set to uphold its momentum and continue to engage audiences.

For those keen to explore the diverse selections of Apple TV+, the service is offered for $9.99 per month and features popular series such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *Silo*. As Apple TV+ evolves, it remains an exhilarating contender in the streaming sector, promising even more compelling content for viewers in the times ahead.

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Current Offers: M4 MacBook Air Beginning at $849, M4 iPad Pro, Apple MagSafe Charger Starting at $13, Find My Keychain Multi-Tool, and Additional Items

### Apple Offers for July 4th: Notable Price Reductions on M4 MacBook Air and iPad Pro

As the July 4th festivities draw near, Apple fans can benefit from considerable price reductions on some of the newest gadgets. In particular, the M4 MacBook Air and M4 iPad Pro are being offered at lower prices, making this a great chance for those eager to enhance their technology.

#### M4 MacBook Air Offers

Apple’s M4 MacBook Air series has emerged as one of the most desired items in 2025. Presently, all standard setups, featuring a range of colors and storage/RAM combinations for the 13-inch and 15-inch variants, are presented with discounts of at least $150. Here are select top offers:

– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: Starting at **$849** (List Price: $999)
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,049** (List Price: $1,199)
– **13-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,249** (List Price: $1,399)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/256GB**: Starting at **$1,049** (List Price: $1,199)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,249** (List Price: $1,399)
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: Starting at **$1,336** (List Price: $1,599)

These prices can be found on Amazon, representing some of the best offers available for these models.

#### M4 iPad Pro Discounts

Alongside the MacBook Air, the M4 iPad Pro is experiencing notable price reductions. Many 13-inch variants see discounts of no less than **$200**, with certain configurations having cuts of up to **$299**. A prominent deal is:

– **11-inch M4 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass (1TB)**: Now available for **$1,546.98** (List Price: $1,699), equating to a savings of **$152**.

For more budget-friendly choices, the standard 11-inch and 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models can also be found at appealing prices.

#### Accessories and Additional Discounts

In conjunction with the major device sales, various accessories are also being discounted. The **15W Apple MagSafe charger** starts at just **$13**, while **25W models** begin at **$33**. Additionally, Journey has initiated a **20% off sitewide promotion** on a selection of accessories, including MagSafe chargers and the Find My-enabled LOC8 Key Organizer multi-tools.

#### Apple Pencil Pro and iPad Mini Offers

The **Apple Pencil Pro** is now priced at **$99**, matching the lowest price recorded on Amazon. This version boasts advanced gesture capabilities and compatibility with the latest iPad models.

Moreover, the **newest iPad Mini 7** is seeing a **$100 discount**, with prices starting at **$399**. This applies to all storage options and colors, making it an appealing choice for anyone in search of a compact tablet.

### Conclusion

With these notable price cuts on Apple’s latest gadgets and accessories, it’s an ideal moment to think about upgrading or acquiring a new device. The July 4th sales present a unique chance to save on premium technology.

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Evaluation of Precision for Apple’s Latest Transcription AI: A Comparison with Whisper and Parakeet

# Evaluating Transcription Models: Apple’s Latest API, OpenAI Whisper, and NVIDIA Parakeet

With the increasing need for precise and effective transcription services, a range of models have surfaced, each featuring unique advantages and limitations. Recently, Apple’s latest transcription API has attracted attention due to its speed and precision, leading to comparisons with well-known models such as OpenAI’s Whisper and NVIDIA’s Parakeet. This article examines the functionality of these transcription tools based on recent evaluations.

## Model Overview

1. **Apple’s Latest Transcription API**: A new component of Apple’s developer toolkit, this API offers quick and dependable transcription features.

2. **OpenAI Whisper Large V3 Turbo**: Renowned for its exceptional accuracy, Whisper has been a favored option for transcription tasks, although it operates at a slower pace compared to some alternatives.

3. **NVIDIA Parakeet v2**: Esteemed for its rapid processing, this model is apt for situations where prompt transcriptions are crucial, even if it sacrifices some accuracy.

## Methodology for Testing

The testing was inspired by developer Prakash Pax, who gathered 15 English audio samples, varying from 15 seconds to 2 minutes. He assessed the efficacy of the three transcription tools referenced earlier. For this investigation, I utilized a recent episode of the *9to5Mac Daily* podcast, which had a duration of 7:31 minutes. The tools were tested on an M2 Pro MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM.

### Analysis of Error Rates

To measure each model’s performance, I computed the Character Error Rate (CER) and Word Error Rate (WER) using Hugging Face Spaces. This method allowed for a uniform assessment across all models.

## Performance Outcomes

The table below outlines the transcription times, CER, and WER for each model:

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 5.8% | 12.3% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.2% | 1.5% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 1.9% | 10.3% |

### Additional Assessments

Further assessments were conducted with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, which yielded slightly varied results while maintaining the overall performance trend:

#### Results from ChatGPT

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 6.0% | 12.3% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.4% | 1.4% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 2.1% | 10.2% |

#### Results from Claude

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 8.4% | 11.0% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.1% | 1.0% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 3.5% | 8.2% |

#### Results from Gemini

| Model | Transcription Time | Character Error Rate | Word Error Rate |
|—————————|——————–|———————-|——————|
| Parakeet v2 | 2 seconds | 7.6% | 12.3% |
| Whisper Large V3 Turbo | 40 seconds | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Apple | 9 seconds | 3.4% | 5.3% |

## Conclusion: Which Model Reigns Supreme?

Determining which transcription model is best hinges on the specific requirements of the user.

– **Whisper** excels in accuracy, rendering it the optimal choice for high-stakes transcription where exactness is imperative.
– **Parakeet** is unbeatable in speed, making it suitable for cases demanding quick transcriptions, such as swiftly navigating through extensive recordings.
– **Apple’s API** offers an appropriate compromise between speed and accuracy, making it a robust option for general use, especially as it functions natively without reliance on external APIs.

As developers progressively embrace these innovations, the transcription services landscape is likely to change, with each model enhancing their capabilities over time.

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Apple Unveils Fresh Wallpaper for iPhone, iPad, and Mac with Store Opening

### Apple Umeda Honored with New Wallpaper Collection

A brand new Apple Store is scheduled to debut later this month in Japan, specifically in Osaka, marking another achievement in Apple’s retail growth. On June 26, Apple Umeda will officially open its doors to customers, and to commemorate this occasion, Apple has unveiled a remarkable new collection of wallpapers for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, showcasing custom artwork influenced by the store.

Apple has a history of celebrating new store openings by offering distinctive wallpapers that highlight creative interpretations of the iconic Apple logo. This initiative not only amplifies the excitement surrounding the launch but also enables users around the globe to join in the celebration, regardless of their distance from the new site.

The freshly released wallpapers can be found by navigating to the Apple Umeda store page. Based on the device being utilized, users will discover specific versions designed specifically for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This strategy ensures that everyone can appreciate the new designs and customize their devices with a touch of Apple’s artistic style.

In addition to the Umeda wallpapers, Apple has previously launched similar designs for other recent store inaugurations, including spots like Miami Worldcenter, La Vaguada, and Hongdae. These offerings have turned into a favored method for fans and users to commemorate Apple’s retail presence and maintain their devices’ fashionable appearance.

As Apple continues to grow its presence, the opening of new stores remains a notable occasion, not only for the company but also for its community of users. The wallpapers act as a testament to the brand’s dedication to creativity and innovation, reaching beyond mere products to enhance the overall user experience.

For those looking to refresh their device’s appearance, the new wallpapers present an ideal way to celebrate the launch of Apple Umeda. Users are invited to explore the store page for the newest designs and share their feedback on the wallpapers in the comments section.

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