Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

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.

### Crimson Desert Launches March 19 on macOS Alongside PC, PS5, and More

Next week signifies an important moment for Mac users with the introduction of several new MacBooks. However, an even more thrilling occurrence is on the way: the debut of *Crimson Desert*, a much-anticipated AAA game, which will arrive on March 19 with a same-day macOS launch.

#### A New Age for Mac Gaming

Traditionally, gaming on the Mac has been behind the PC market, with numerous AAA titles either unavailable on macOS or released significantly later than on other platforms. *Crimson Desert* stands out as a notable exception to this pattern, launching concurrently on macOS, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and beyond.

Crafted by Pearl Abyss, *Crimson Desert* is an open-world action-adventure game that has sparked significant enthusiasm among gamers. The game can be pre-ordered on Steam, with the Standard edition priced at $69.99 and the Deluxe edition at $79.99.

#### System Specifications

Before finalizing a purchase, prospective players should verify the system specifications to confirm their Mac can support the game. Apple has previously emphasized that *Crimson Desert* will leverage advanced software technologies, such as MetalFX Upscaling, to enhance performance and provide high-quality visuals. The game will also utilize the M3 and M4 chip families, featuring ray tracing capabilities for a captivating gaming experience.

#### Excitement and Upcoming Announcements

Apple revealed last summer that *Crimson Desert* would be included in a slate of nine new games heading to the Mac. Considering the company’s previous promotion of the title, it is probable that it will make an appearance again during the upcoming announcement of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

As the release date draws nearer, many Mac users are excited to delve into *Crimson Desert*. Are you excited to play this game on your Mac? Share your views in the comments.

Apple has recently ramped up its manufacturing activities within the United States, with a specific emphasis on producing the Mac mini. This endeavor is an important milestone in Apple’s objective to enhance its domestic manufacturing capabilities, which have faced criticism in recent times. The company has revealed that a portion of its Mac mini production will be shifted to the U.S. later this year, a decision that corresponds with wider trends of reshoring manufacturing to alleviate supply chain weaknesses.

In a comprehensive piece by The Wall Street Journal, journalist Rolfe Winkler delivered an insider’s perspective on Apple’s chipmaking operations in the U.S., showcasing the company’s collaborations with various facilities nationwide. The tour featured significant stops at locations like GlobalWafers America’s newly established facility in Sherman, Texas, TSMC’s chip fabrication site in Arizona, and Foxconn’s assembly operation in Houston, Texas. These sites are vital for creating the chips that power Apple’s products.

At GlobalWafers America, the process starts with purified silicon rocks, primarily obtained from sand in North Carolina. These rocks are exposed to extreme temperatures of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit to produce silicon crystals, which are subsequently shaped into cylindrical ingots. These ingots are then sliced into 12-inch wafers, crucial for the following phases of chip production. The wafers go through a series of procedures, including polishing and testing, prior to being sent to other facilities for additional manufacturing.

Winkler pointed out that the chip-making process is largely automated, leading to a reduced number of visible workers on the premises. This automation is a tactical decision, as the U.S. seeks to improve its chip manufacturing prowess not solely to create widespread employment but to address national security issues and sustain competitiveness in the international market.

The article underscores the significance of these advancements in the context of global supply chain trends, especially considering recent geopolitical strains. Apple’s push to reshore its chip manufacturing is perceived as a reaction to the vulnerabilities highlighted by the pandemic and international trade challenges.

For those eager to gain a more profound understanding of Apple’s chip operations in the U.S., Winkler’s article offers extensive insights and visuals that illustrate the intricacies of contemporary chip manufacturing. The transition towards domestic production not only signifies Apple’s dedication to innovation and quality but also emphasizes the increasing relevance of local supply chains within the tech sector.

### Apple’s Upcoming Budget MacBook: Specifications and Trade-Offs

Apple is said to be gearing up to introduce a new budget-friendly MacBook, anticipated to include various trade-offs to decrease its price. Recent leaks, stemming from a code exposure in an unreleased version of macOS Tahoe, highlight some of these drawbacks. Although the authenticity of the source is uncertain, the assertions are significant for prospective purchasers.

#### Reported Drawbacks of the A18 Pro MacBook

1. **High-Impedance Headphone Compatibility**: The entry-level variant will not accommodate high-impedance headphones, which could limit sound quality for audio enthusiasts.

2. **Screen Features**: It is speculated that the MacBook will be devoid of a True Tone display and may not support P3 wide-gamut color, features typically found in more premium models.

3. **Screen Brightness**: The peak brightness of the screen is anticipated to be lower than the MacBook Air’s 500-nit display, which might affect clarity in well-lit settings.

4. **Charging Features**: The forthcoming MacBook will not offer fast charging capabilities, a handy feature present in other models.

5. **Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Module**: Rather than Apple’s N1 chip, the device will employ a MediaTek Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, akin to the one in the basic iPad model.

6. **Keyboard Options**: There are signs that the MacBook may lack a backlit keyboard, a choice that reflects the design of the standard iPad keyboards.

7. **Storage Configurations**: The storage options will consist of 256GB and 512GB, with a possible 128GB variant set aside for educational purchasers.

8. **SSD Performance**: The SSD speeds are forecasted to be slower than those found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which could influence performance.

The gadget is rumored to feature 8GB of RAM, although it is still unclear if upgrade options will be available.

#### Cost and Launch

The expected introductory price for the new MacBook is estimated to range from $699 to $749, as reported by Digitimes. Apple typically offers discounts to students and educators, potentially bringing the starting price down to $499 for educational buyers if the 128GB version is exclusively available to them.

Apple is likely to unveil this new entry-level MacBook shortly, with hands-on previews expected at an upcoming event in New York City.

#### Summary

The rumored trade-offs of the A18 Pro MacBook bring up concerns about its desirability for potential customers. While the reduced price may appeal to budget-minded buyers, the limitations on features might dissuade those in search of a more comprehensive computing experience. As the announcement nears, it will be intriguing to observe how Apple markets this new model within its product range.

**Mobile Gaming Performance in 2025: Insights from Sensor Tower’s Report**

Sensor Tower has unveiled its State of Gaming 2026 report, offering a comprehensive examination of the mobile gaming industry’s performance in 2025 and forecasts for the next year. The results showcase notable trends and changes in consumer habits within the gaming market.

### Mobile Game Revenue Trends

In 2025, revenue from mobile games saw a slight rise of 1% compared to 2024, totaling $52.5 billion from the App Store alone, which indicates a year-over-year growth of 0.6%. This revenue surpasses the combined totals of Google Play ($30 billion) and Steam ($11.7 billion), even though Steam recorded the highest growth rate at 13%.

### Download Statistics

In contrast to revenue growth, the overall downloads across platforms witnessed a decline. The App Store logged 7.8 billion downloads in 2025, representing a 5.7% decrease, whereas Google Play noted a drop to 42.4 billion downloads, down by 7.3%. Conversely, Steam noted a rise in downloads, achieving 857 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6%.

### New Game Releases

The volume of new game launches displayed significant differences across platforms. The App Store experienced an increase of 11.4%, totaling 55,300 new games, while Google Play led with about 150,000 new releases, representing a significant growth of 45.9%. Steam contributed around 20,000 new titles, with an increase of 8.4%.

### Dominance of Roblox

Roblox stood out as the top game in 2025, with nearly 450 million monthly active users, including around 100 million from iOS devices. It ranked as the leading app among both male and female users in the US within the 18-54 age range. Other prominent games included Clash Royale, which was favored by male players, and Block Blast!, popular among female users. For those aged 55 and above, NYT Games claimed the top spot.

### Conclusion

The State of Gaming 2026 report from Sensor Tower emphasizes a multifaceted landscape for mobile gaming in 2025, marked by increasing revenues alongside declining download figures. As the sector progresses, comprehending these trends will be vital for developers and marketers seeking to adeptly navigate the competitive gaming scene. For additional insights and a thorough analysis, consult the complete report linked [here](https://sensortower.com/report/state-of-gaming-2026).

**Spotify’s Intelligent Reorder Function: Improving Playlist Transitions**

In the competitive arena of music streaming platforms, Spotify has launched a new feature designed to elevate the listening experience for its Premium users. The Intelligent Reorder function allows individuals to smartly rearrange songs within their playlists, concentrating on two fundamental musical components: beats per minute (BPM) and key. This advancement aims to produce smoother transitions between tracks, enhancing the overall musical flow.

**How Intelligent Reorder Operates**

The Intelligent Reorder function employs algorithms to assess the BPM and key of tracks in a playlist. By clustering songs with matching tempos and tonalities, Spotify ensures that the shift from one song to the next appears more natural and unified. This automatic modification assists in sustaining the energy and ambiance of the playlist, making it especially advantageous for occasions like workouts, gatherings, or lengthy drives where continuous listening is preferred.

To utilize the Intelligent Reorder function, users can adhere to a straightforward two-step procedure:

1. Tap on “Mix” for a chosen playlist and then select “Edit” to reach the Intelligent Reorder option.
2. The songs will be automatically rearranged based on their BPM and key, leading to improved transitions.

**Enhancing Previous Features**

The launch of Intelligent Reorder builds upon Spotify’s earlier upgrades to track transitions. Last autumn, the platform started permitting users to insert and modify transition points in songs, further polishing the listening experience. This progression reflects Spotify’s dedication to equipping users with innovative tools that enrich their music enjoyment.

**Comparative Features in Other Streaming Platforms**

Spotify’s Intelligent Reorder is not the sole feature aimed at enhancing song transitions. Apple Music has also taken notable steps in this domain with its AutoMix feature, rolled out as part of iOS 26. AutoMix automatically modifies transitions without necessitating manual intervention, simplifying the process for users seeking seamless listening.

As competition escalates among music streaming platforms, features like Intelligent Reorder and AutoMix underscore the industry’s emphasis on improving user experience through technology. By focusing on smoother transitions and superior playlist management, these services are transforming how listeners interact with music.

In summary, Spotify’s Intelligent Reorder feature signifies a major progression in playlist management, enabling users to relish their favorite songs with enhanced flow and coherence. As music streaming continues to develop, such advancements will be vital in shaping the future of our musical experiences.

**Significant Savings on Apple Devices: 512GB M3 iPad Air and Apple Watch Ultra 3**

In the current roundup of tech bargains, noteworthy savings on sought-after Apple devices are in the spotlight. Specifically, the 512GB 13-inch M3 iPad Air is being offered at a remarkable $250 off, while the newest Apple Watch Ultra 3 has seen price reductions of up to $159. These offers are ideal for those wanting to elevate their tech without overspending.

### 512GB 13-inch M3 iPad Air

Amazon has cut the price of the 512GB 13-inch M3 iPad Air to **$999.99**, reduced from its standard price of **$1,249**. This discount is impressive, as such significant price drops on the M3 iPad Air are uncommon. The promotion is presently available exclusively for the gray color variant, which frequently sees these notable price cuts.

For individuals seeking more affordable choices, discounts are also applicable on the base model M3 iPad Air configurations, with savings of up to **$120** on the Wi-Fi only models. However, securing $250 off new models is nearly unprecedented, making this promotion especially appealing.

### Apple Watch Ultra 3 Offers

Alongside the iPad Air, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also benefiting from considerable discounts. Brand new units are on sale at attractive prices, but the top bargains are found on “excellent” refurbished devices. Best Buy is providing these open-box varieties with a one-year warranty, ensuring buyers’ comfort.

Prices for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 have significantly dropped, with reductions reaching **$159 off** the original price. This presents a fantastic opportunity to consider upgrading to this premium smartwatch.

### Accessory Promotions

In addition to the major device savings, there are also striking deals on accessories. The Apple Crossbody Strap is available at up to **60% off**, and ZAGG’s Pro 2 Apple Pencil alternative is being sold for just **$30**, reduced from **$80**. Furthermore, SANDMARC has introduced a new 24x zoom Tetraprism 72mm iPhone Lens, which is also included in the ongoing promotions.

### Conclusion

With these significant reductions on the 512GB M3 iPad Air and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, now is the perfect moment for tech aficionados to make a purchase. Whether you’re aiming to boost your productivity with a new iPad or monitor your fitness with a smartwatch, these offers deliver outstanding value. Be sure to move swiftly, as these deals may not be available for long.

**tvOS 26.4: New Features for Apple TV 4K Users**

tvOS 26.4 is entering beta testing, with a release anticipated next month. This update brings several improvements for Apple TV 4K users. Here are three major changes to anticipate:

### 1. Subtitle Customization

A key feature in tvOS 26.4 is the option to personalize subtitles directly within the Apple TV app. Previously, these settings were tucked away in Accessibility, but now they can be easily accessed in the built-in video player.

When subtitles are activated, a new ‘Style’ menu will show up, enabling users to select from several styles, including:

– Classic
– Large Text
– Outline Text
– Transparent Background

Moreover, there is a ‘Manage Styles’ button that directs users to the Accessibility settings, allowing them to create personalized subtitle styles. This feature will enhance any app using the default tvOS video player, although many streaming services might still rely on their own players.

### 2. Continuous Audio Connectivity

tvOS 26.4 features a new ‘Continuous Audio Connection’ setting, located under Settings ⇾ Video and Audio ⇾ Audio Format, within the HDMI Output area. This option aims to improve compatibility with audio systems, especially Sonos speakers, but is expected to have wider implications.

Apple explains this toggle allows the Apple TV to utilize a Dolby MAT connection for smooth transitions between audio formats. This means that while older receivers might show Dolby Atmos, the original audio will be played correctly. Users facing audio setup challenges with their Apple TV may find that activating this feature may solve their issues.

### 3. Elimination of Movies and TV Shows iTunes Apps

With tvOS 26.4, Apple finalizes the shift of legacy iTunes apps into the TV app by removing the separate Movies and TV Shows apps. Most features from these apps have already been incorporated into the TV app, making this shift expected.

Nonetheless, users might miss the iTunes Wish List feature, which is being phased out. Apple suggests migrating any Wish List items to the TV app’s Watchlist. While the Watchlist isn’t identical to the Wish List, it offers an alternative for tracking preferred content.

As the official release of tvOS 26.4 nears, users are encouraged to explore these new features and prepare for the changes.

**Carrot Weather: An In-Depth Look at the Latest Update**

Carrot Weather stands out as a premier weather app for iPhone, celebrated for its extensive features and adaptability. The recent update has rolled out significant advancements, such as the inclusion of The Weather Channel as a novel data source, enhanced discussions from the National Weather Service, and a lively interface that enhances user engagement.

### New Data Source: The Weather Channel

A notable aspect of Carrot Weather is its capability to toggle between different data sources for weather updates. With this latest enhancement, users can now tap into forecasts from The Weather Channel, broadening the app’s already extensive selection of data options. Furthermore, the app enables users to retrieve hyper-local insights from Weather Underground personal weather stations, offering more accurate weather information tailored to particular areas.

### Lively Interface and Fresh Layouts

The interface of Carrot Weather is crafted for personalization, permitting users to choose various metrics and cards to showcase based on their preferences. The update launches a new “Sky” layout that incorporates dynamic visuals to represent current weather conditions. This layout can also be implemented in existing setups, improving both the design and functionality of the app. The aesthetic is reminiscent of the dynamic interface seen in Apple Weather, enhancing its visual allure and user-friendliness.

### Additional Features and Updates

This update introduces several additional enhancements to Carrot Weather:

– **Area Forecast Discussions**: Users now have access to forecast evaluations from local meteorologists at the National Weather Service, available through the menu button within the app.

– **Custom Backgrounds for Apple Watch**: Users can customize the background of the Carrot Weather app on their Apple Watch. To personalize their experience, users can go to Settings in the iPhone app, select Apple Watch, and pick their desired background.

### Release Notes Summary

The complete list of updates in the latest Carrot Weather release comprises:

– Fresh forecasts from The Weather Channel.
– Access to observations from adjacent Weather Underground stations.
– Launch of the Sky layout featuring realistic weather visuals.
– Area Forecast Discussions from local NWS meteorologists.
– Customizable backgrounds for the Apple Watch app.

### Availability

Carrot Weather can be downloaded from the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro, ensuring availability across a variety of devices.

For those seeking to enhance their weather monitoring experience, Carrot Weather remains a leading choice, merging functionality with an appealing user interface.