Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Apple’s Bargaining with Samsung: A Transformation in Power Dynamics**

Apple Inc. has always been known for its effective negotiation strategies, often achieving advantageous terms with suppliers by capitalizing on competition among them. Nevertheless, recent reports indicate a notable shift in this scenario, especially in Apple’s negotiations with Samsung concerning RAM procurement.

As per a report from investment platform DealSight, Samsung initially sought a 60% price hike for LPDDR5X memory chips utilized in iPhones. However, the company suggested an astonishing 100% increase, hoping Apple would negotiate it down to a more acceptable rate. Contrary to what was anticipated, Apple agreed to the entire 100% increase, emphasizing a pressing need to secure memory inventory amid a global shortage.

The semiconductor sector is presently witnessing unmatched demand, resulting in considerable price surges for memory chips. This scarcity has weakened Apple’s traditionally robust negotiation leverage, compelling the tech giant to adjust to the difficult market environment. Numerous firms in the tech industry have encountered similar price escalations, frequently surpassing 100%, as they strive to obtain vital components for their products.

An unnamed industry representative remarked on the scenario, observing that Samsung’s original strategy was centered around a 60% hike, but Apple’s immediate acceptance of the 100% increase highlights the urgency among smartphone makers to sustain their supply chains.

While doubts surround the particulars of this negotiation, the larger consequences are apparent. Prominent tech firms, Apple included, are contending with escalating costs and supply limitations, which may influence pricing strategies and product availability in the forthcoming period.

In summary, the recent interactions between Apple and Samsung highlight the changing landscape in the tech sector, where supply chain difficulties can significantly shift traditional power dynamics in supplier negotiations.

**Enterprise Access Control: The Progression with Aliro 1.0**

Enterprise access control has historically been viewed as a “legacy” technology, frequently depending on antiquated systems that can be unwieldy for both users and IT departments. Typically, these systems operate on Windows and employ physical cards, leading to a disjointed experience. Nevertheless, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is tackling these issues with the rollout of the Aliro 1.0 specification, which seeks to standardize the interaction between mobile devices and access control systems.

### What is Aliro?

The Connectivity Standards Alliance is recognized for its contribution to the development of Matter, a protocol aimed at integrating smart home devices. Conversely, Aliro concentrates exclusively on physical access control across multiple industries, such as enterprise, government, healthcare, and residential contexts. This standard not only includes how mobile devices like smartphones unlock entrances but also details how users badge into their workplaces.

Aliro establishes a universal communication protocol that enables various organizations to design and manage digital keycards independent of any particular vendor’s application. It delineates secure authentication techniques between smartphones or wearables and door readers, endorsing technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap access, Bluetooth Low Energy for extended-range communication, and Ultra-Wideband for touchless unlocking.

Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, pointed out that Aliro deals with fragmentation in the adoption of digital keys, crafting a seamless and secure experience that transcends merely entering buildings. This standard aims to minimize integration complexities, promoting quicker innovation and shorter timeframes for bringing new access control solutions to market.

### Industry Support for Aliro

The Aliro standard has received backing from prominent technology firms, including Apple, ASSA ABLOY, Google, Infineon Technologies, Last Lock, Samsung, and STMicroelectronics. These companies have worked together to formulate the Aliro 1.0 specification, and many are anticipated to be among the first to gain certification for products that comply with this standard.

### The Apple Wallet Advantage

An important aspect of the Aliro 1.0 rollout is the support from leading mobile wallet providers, especially Apple, Google, and Samsung. Previously, Apple’s Home Key feature was mostly confined to residential smart locks, but Aliro seeks to broaden this convenience to enterprise and multi-unit dwellings.

With Aliro, credentials can be saved directly in Apple Wallet on iOS devices. This integration enables employees to unlock office doors using the same approach they utilize for mobile payments or boarding flights. By utilizing Apple’s Ultra-Wideband technology, users can unlock doors effortlessly by moving close with their iPhone or Apple Watch, enhancing both security and ease of use.

### The Future of Access Control

From an IT standpoint, Aliro confronts the vendor lock-in dilemma that has traditionally burdened physical access control systems. Organizations often found themselves bound to specific software ecosystems based on the readers they deployed. Aliro’s universal protocol alleviates this issue, allowing interoperability among lock manufacturers, access control providers, and mobile platforms.

As the industry shifts away from legacy systems, the Aliro standard is set to modernize access control, creating a more user-centric experience akin to the Home Key functionality. The Aliro 1.0 certification program is now active, and the initial compatible enterprise hardware is expected to enter the market shortly.

In conclusion, the launch of Aliro 1.0 marks a pivotal improvement in enterprise access control, offering a more integrated, secure, and user-friendly experience for both consumers and organizations.

**Instagram’s Updated Parental Notification System for Self-Harm Queries**

Instagram has revealed a notable policy shift intended to boost the protection of its adolescent users. The platform will now inform parents if their teenage kids repeatedly look up content related to self-harm or suicide. This action arises amid mounting examination of social media’s effects on mental well-being, especially among younger demographics.

### Context of the Matter

Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has undergone rigorous questioning concerning Instagram’s influence in possibly promoting self-harm in minors. In a recent court session, he voiced regret about the firm’s earlier treatment of underage users and recognized that more could have been accomplished for their safety. The scrutiny escalated after families asserted that Instagram content had played a role in their children’s mental health issues.

Zuckerberg’s testimony underscored internal grievances regarding the insufficiency of age verification processes, particularly for users below 13. He acknowledged that while Meta has enhanced its capabilities in recognizing underage users, he wished the organization had moved more quickly.

### New Alert System

In light of these issues, Instagram will introduce a notification system that informs parents if their teens partake in repeated searches for self-harm or suicide-related material. The company intends to prevent such searches and guide users towards resources and helplines that can offer assistance.

The alerts will be delivered using the contact details associated with Instagram, which could encompass text messages, emails, WhatsApp communications, or in-app notifications. This feature is set to debut in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with intentions to extend to additional nations later in the year.

### Objective and Effect

The main aim of this initiative is to equip parents with insights into their children’s online activities, particularly concerning delicate issues like mental health. By alerting parents about troubling search trends, Instagram aspires to foster discussions and furnish families with essential resources to assist their teens.

This policy shift signifies a growing acknowledgment of the obligation social media platforms bear in protecting their users, particularly vulnerable groups like teenagers. As discussions on mental health and social media progress, Instagram’s new strategy may set a precedent for other platforms aiming to improve user safety.

### Closing Thoughts

Instagram’s choice to alert parents of potentially harmful searches represents a significant advancement in tackling the mental health challenges confronting younger users. As the platform rolls out this new feature, it will be crucial to assess its effectiveness and the wider consequences for social media’s involvement in mental health support.

### Apple Pay: Broadening Horizons in India

Apple Pay has swiftly risen to become the second-largest payment processing platform worldwide, only behind Visa. With a remarkable management of 9.5 trillion transactions for over 800 million users, Apple Pay is ready for considerable growth as Apple plans to broaden its mobile wallet service into additional markets.

#### The Indian Market Potential

As reported by Bloomberg, Apple is currently in talks with prominent Indian banks, including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank, to introduce Apple Pay in India around mid-2026. This expansion aligns with India’s emergence as the globe’s most populous nation, surpassing China, affording a lucrative opportunity for Apple.

#### Regulatory Adjustments Favoring Digital Payments

A pivotal aspect aiding this expansion is the recent regulatory change by India’s central bank, which now allows biometric verification methods such as fingerprint and facial recognition for digital payments. Previously, Indian digital payment frameworks relied significantly on one-time passwords sent through text messages. This modification is anticipated to improve the security and ease of digital transactions, making Apple Pay an appealing option for Indian consumers.

#### Expanding Digital Payment Ecosystem

India is home to over 750 million smartphone users, bolstered by affordable mobile data and a government-supported initiative to encourage digital payments. As one of the fastest-expanding digital payment markets in the world, the launch of Apple Pay is expected to drive demand for iPhones, especially among the growing middle class keen to adopt a more advanced payment system.

#### Apple’s Dedication to India

Apple’s dedication to the Indian market is clear, with the company having recently inaugurated its sixth retail store in the country. With an estimated market share of about 10% for iPhones, Apple is strategically aligning itself to benefit from the rising acceptance of digital payment solutions in India.

In summary, the expected launch of Apple Pay in India signifies a substantial achievement for both Apple and the Indian digital payments arena. As the company embarks on this expansion, it is poised to amplify its footprint in one of the world’s most vibrant markets, potentially redefining the future of mobile payments in the region.

### Apple Maps Improves F1 Experience for 2026 Season

With the 2026 Formula 1 season on the horizon, Apple is poised to make a notable impact with its exclusive streaming rights in the United States via Apple TV. In celebration of the forthcoming season, Apple has launched a groundbreaking Apple Maps experience tailored for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026, with intentions to broaden this feature for other races throughout the year.

#### Enhanced Circuit Maps

F1 fans can now delve into detailed circuit maps offered within Apple Maps, featuring vital components like turn numbers, grandstands, and a 3D visualization of the F1 Pit Garage. This upgraded mapping experience aims to aid attendees of the Australian Grand Prix in navigating the location with greater ease.

#### Key Features of the Apple Maps Experience

1. **Grand Prix Elements**: The maps include realistic kerbs, labeled 3D grandstands, footbridges, and all 14 turns of the circuit, delivering an in-depth view of the race setting.

2. **Pop-Up Locations**: Users have access to race entrance gates, facilities such as restrooms, water stations, first aid, and merchandise kiosks. Walking directions to specific grandstands are also included, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.

3. **3D Grand Prix Circuit Landmarks**: Prominent structures around Albert Park are illustrated in 3D, encompassing the Pit Building, multiple grandstands, Lakeside Stadium, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, and the Finish Line.

4. **3D Melbourne Landmarks**: The experience extends beyond the circuit, highlighting significant city landmarks such as AAMI Park, Eureka Tower, Luna Park, Marvel Stadium, Rod Laver Arena, the Royal Exhibition Building, the Shrine of Remembrance, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

#### Global Expansion of Features

Apple Maps will persist in providing detailed information for further races throughout the year. A new guide named **2026 Formula 1 Tracks Around the World** is also accessible directly within Apple Maps, offering insights into all twenty-four Grand Prix circuits.

#### Streaming Access for Subscribers

Beginning this season, Apple TV subscribers can enjoy all F1 races without incurring extra charges, simplifying the process for fans to stay engaged with the sport.

As the 2026 F1 season commences, Apple’s dedication to enhancing the fan experience through innovative technology is clear, promising an exhilarating year for motorsport aficionados.

# iOS 26: Upgrades to Apple Passwords

iOS 26 has rolled out important updates to Apple’s Passwords app, establishing it as a viable competitor to third-party password managers. Here are three significant features that have enhanced my usage of Apple Passwords.

## Improved Credit Card Management

A standout enhancement in iOS 26 is the capability to manually enter full information for saved credit cards in the Wallet app. In the past, users could only see the last four digits of their credit cards, requiring third-party apps like 1Password for complete data. Now, with the broadened systemwide AutoFill menu that features a Credit Card option, retrieving credit card information has become effortless across multiple applications. This upgrade has largely diminished my dependence on outside password managers.

## Login Version History

Another vital update is the addition of version history for logins within the Passwords app. In prior versions, there were occasions when saved logins were overwritten before the modifications were confirmed on websites, resulting in confusion and the necessity to turn to 1Password for accurate information. With the new version history feature, users can conveniently monitor and recover earlier login credentials, ensuring they always have access to the correct data.

## Conclusion

Thanks to these upgrades in credit card management and login version history, Apple Passwords has evolved into my go-to password management tool. The advancements in iOS 26 have simplified my digital experience, enabling me to handle passwords and credit cards effectively without relying on third-party apps. If you’re still using an alternative password manager, reflect on what features Apple Passwords might be missing in your experience.

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Apple TV is experiencing a remarkable phase with its recent movie releases and is poised to enhance its future offerings. Here are three upcoming films that are now included in Apple’s film schedule.

## 1: Lance Armstrong Biopic Featuring Austin Butler

Apple Original Films has obtained the rights for an as-yet-untitled Lance Armstrong biopic, directed by Edward Berger, with Austin Butler portraying Armstrong. The film will delve into Armstrong’s life and career, showcasing his achievements and controversies. Importantly, this marks the first instance where Armstrong has consented to share his life rights, following extensive negotiations with producer Stuber. Butler is recognized for his performance in Apple TV’s WWII drama *Masters of the Air*.

## 2: Holiday Film ‘Foster the Snowman’ by Renowned Director Hikari

Apple is preparing to unveil a new holiday film titled *Foster the Snowman*, directed by Hikari, who previously helmed *Rental Family*. The narrative, crafted by Jono Matt and Peter Huyck, centers on a couple without children who adopt a magical snowman, embarking on a whirlwind of parenting experiences within just 72 hours. The film seeks to combine humor and emotion, drawing parallels to beloved films like *Paddington* and *Elf*.

## 3: ‘Once and Again’ by Popular Romance Author Rebecca Serle

Apple has secured the rights to *Once and Again*, an upcoming romance novel by bestselling author Rebecca Serle, celebrated for works like *In Five Years* and *One Italian Summer*. The tale revolves around Lauren Novak, who returns to her seaside hometown and unearths a family secret: the women of the Novak family have the ability to rewind time once. The book is slated for hardcover release on March 10, with pre-orders now open.

Apple TV is offered at a subscription price of $12.99 per month, with lower-cost options available through the Apple One bundle.

Following a decision in 2023 that penalized Apple and Amazon for anti-competitive distribution terms, Spain’s competition authority is now indicating that the companies delayed compliance and may impose an additional penalty. Here are the specifics.

### A little context

In 2023, Spain’s Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) levied fines totaling €194 million (around $230 million) against Apple and Amazon due to anti-competitive behavior.

This case originated in 2018, when the two firms established a multi-national agreement that limited the sale of Apple and Beats products to authorized resellers of Apple. The arrangement – which was effective in the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and India – led to the establishment of an official Apple Store on Amazon.

Moreover, the agreement limited advertising opportunities for Apple’s competitors on Amazon’s Spanish site when users searched for Apple products, allegedly obstructing over 90% of the existing retailers selling Apple devices on the platform.

At that time, the CNMC determined that the agreement was anti-competitive and imposed fines (€143.6 million on Apple and €50.5 million on Amazon), while also mandating the immediate removal of the offending clauses.

Both companies lodged appeals against the CNMC’s 2023 ruling with Spain’s High Court, resulting in a suspension of the original fine pending a verdict.

### Updates on the case

However, the companies’ appeal concerning the original fine did not free them from the requirement to eliminate the anti-competitive clauses.

Therefore, when the CNMC discovered that Apple and Amazon delayed their removal until May 2025, nearly two years after being instructed to act immediately, it initiated a separate investigation for non-compliance.

As reported today, this investigation has now been completed, and the results could lead to an additional penalty beyond the original one:

Last October, the regulatory body suggested commencing an inquiry into the companies’ inaction under the cease-and-desist directive until May 2025, when the clauses were removed. At the time, the regulator indicated potential signs of infringement due to non-compliance.

In a statement, Apple expressed its disagreement with the CNMC’s conclusions, asserting that it had consistently adhered to authority orders. The company also portrayed the matter as an initiative to combat counterfeit products rather than an effort to hinder legitimate competition on Amazon.

Amazon, for its part, also communicated to Reuters its disagreement with the ruling and plans to appeal, asserting that it would be contrary to its own interests to curtail the visibility of small and medium-sized sellers.

The Galaxy S26 trio has officially launched, unveiling One UI 8.5. While Samsung appears to be postponing its next significant Android upgrade until summer, this mid-cycle update introduces fresh visual features. Among these, one functionality in the S26’s software seemingly draws inspiration from a rival.

In a hands-on assessment of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, 9to5Google’s Ben Schoon noted a new search capability incorporated into the page indicators on Samsung’s home screen. This feature enables users to swiftly access information from both on-device content and the internet, including calendar events, pictures, notes, and documents. The incorporation of Galaxy AI enhances the search functionality, facilitating the discovery of specific information. This innovation is viewed as a smart use of space for a search shortcut, akin to Google’s integrated search bar.

However, this functionality closely resembles Apple’s Spotlight search featured on iOS devices, which similarly allows users to seek data both locally and online. The main difference lies in the nomenclature; Samsung has labeled its variant as “Finder,” entirely removing the ‘S’ branding from the search bar. This decision has sparked interest, as “Finder” carries historical significance, being part of Apple’s ecosystem since the debut of the first Mac over 40 years ago.

While the new search function is a positive enhancement for Samsung users, it also underscores a trend of adopting concepts from Apple, especially following the launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge. The choice of “Finder” could even be perceived as provocative, indicating a possible need for Samsung to rethink this branding in forthcoming updates.

For those keen on the Galaxy S26 series, pre-orders are now open on Samsung’s website, providing trade-in values up to $900 or $150 in store credit for additional devices without a trade-in.