Apple is facing a new challenge in Brazil, where a court has ordered the company to allow users to sideload apps onto their devices. This ruling, coupled with other news around Apple's future devices and emergency preparedness, makes for a busy week in the world of Apple.
Sideloading Showdown in Brazil
A Brazilian court has mandated that Apple must allow users to bypass the App Store and install apps from other sources within 90 days. This decision mirrors similar orders in Europe and elsewhere. Judge Pablo Zuniga stated that Apple has "already complied with similar obligations in other countries, without demonstrating a significant impact or irreparable damage to its business model." This legal battle began with complaints from companies like Mercado Libre, Match, and Epic Games, who argued that Apple's App Store commissions are too high.
Apple, however, plans to appeal the decision. An Apple spokesperson told Valor Econômico that the company “believes in vibrant and competitive markets,” but that these changes will "harm the privacy and security" of iOS users. The company has previously argued that sideloading could expose users to malware and other security risks.
Powering Through Emergencies with Bluetti
Beyond legal battles, another area of concern for Apple users is ensuring their devices remain functional during emergencies. With winter storms, hurricanes, and other disasters becoming increasingly common, maintaining power is crucial. Bluetti offers a range of portable power stations and backup power solutions designed to keep iPhones, Macs, and iPads charged for days. These devices can be essential for staying connected, receiving emergency alerts, and accessing vital information when the power goes out.
Consider this: Over 475,000 U.S. homes recently lost power. That means CPAP machines disconnected from Health app data, HomeKit cameras went blind during storms, and MacBooks died mid-Zoom calls. Bluetti aims to turn chaos into control, allowing users to power AirTag-tracked gear, sustain HomePod tornado alerts, or render wildfire maps offline.
The Future of iPhone Design: Thicker or Thinner?
Rumors are swirling about the design of future iPhones. While the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to be thicker than expected, potentially indicating design changes to accommodate new features or battery improvements, a leak suggests the iPhone 17 Air could be the world's thinnest phone, measuring just 5.5mm. This contrast suggests Apple may be exploring different design philosophies for its various iPhone models.
The news about the iPhone 17 Air is particularly exciting. According to a fresh leak, the upcoming iPhone 17 Air could well be the world’s slimmest phone with a thickness of just 5.5mm when it debuts later this year. If this rumor is true, it would be a major design achievement for Apple.
These developments, from legal battles in Brazil to emergency preparedness solutions and design rumors, highlight the diverse challenges and innovations shaping the future of Apple and its products.