Updates cover more than 600 new APIs, advanced app analytics, support for alternative browsers, and more options for processing app payments and distributing iOS apps.

According to an Apple blog post, the goal of these changes is to maintain the quality and security that EU consumers have come to expect from Apple while adapting to the new regulatory environment.

However, the introduction of new payment and app download methods in iOS raises concerns about increased risks of malware, fraud and other security and privacy threats.

For this reason, Apple is introducing new protections that include notarizing iOS apps, requiring authorization for marketplace developers, and disclosing information about alternative payment methods.

Apple warns that despite these protections, some risks will still remain for EU users.

Developers interested in these changes can access detailed information and support on the Apple Developer Support page. Additionally, they have the opportunity to start experimenting with these new capabilities through the iOS 17.4 beta version, which is already available. The roll-out of these new features and capabilities is scheduled to begin in March 2024 and will be accessible to users in all 27 EU countries.

“The changes we’re announcing today comply with the Digital Markets Act’s requirements in the European Union, while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats this regulation brings. Our priority remains creating the best, most secure possible experience for our users in the EU and around the world. Developers can now learn about the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution and alternative payment processing, new capabilities for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, and more. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer”, said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow.

Apple is introducing frameworks and APIs that enable the creation of these alternative marketplaces, allowing marketplace developers to manage app installations and updates.

Apple is also expanding its capabilities for browser app development by introducing frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines. This move permits developers to use different browser engines, rather than being restricted to WebKit, for browser apps and in-app browsing experiences. To enhance interoperability, Apple is also establishing an interoperability request form. This platform will enable developers to request additional compatibility with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features, promoting a more versatile and developer-friendly environment in the EU.

You can see the rest of the updates and improvements on Apple’s blog here.

A few weeks before the start of Black History Month, Apple released a new Black Unity Collection 2024 to support organizations in the United States that advocate for the rights of black people and that support them pro bono.

With the Black Unity Collection 2024, the tech giant is celebrating the strength and resilience of black people. Black Unity introduces new means of expression inspired by the incredible spirit and beauty of the black community.

Black History

The first of February marks the beginning of Black History Month, which honors the great contributions of the black community to U.S. history. During the month of February, America celebrates the achievements of African American men and women.

 

Black history brings with it much pain, injustice and cruelty. Years in which black people were slaves, humiliated and subjected to rampant harassment. All those wonderful men, women and children who were blamed and fingered simply because of the small amount or lack of melanin…

The symbols

The blossoming flowers and bright colors in Apple’s collection represent Pan-Africanism and symbolize generations working together to tackle injustice and break down systemic barriers. The Apple Watch Unity Bloom watch face features a beautiful floral design that signifies an ongoing commitment to striving for a more just world.

The surprises don’t end there. The watch has a feature that is triggered when you lift the wrist – the flowers begin to bloom and fill with vibrant hues.

iPhone and iPad owners can share their empathy and support with the new Unity Bloom wallpaper for their Lock Screen, which features an outline of flowers that fill with color when the display is turned on.

Beyond the visible

Many traditions, endless talent, incredibly beautiful art, strength, spirit, energy… Words are not enough to describe how incredibly talented and beautiful black people are! And with the talent and creativity Apple has shown us in this new collection, they have proven once again why they are among the best.

“The past year has brought to the world an almost unparalleled and diverse array of technological change. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating innovation and reshaping the way societies interact and operate. At the same time, cybercriminals and nation-state attackers have unleashed opposing initiatives and innovations that threaten security and stability in communities and countries around the world”, Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, wrote in a blog post.

The Secure Future Initiative consists of three main components: defences that use artificial intelligence, advances in software engineering, and international norms to protect civilians from cyber threats.

In the realm of artificial intelligence, the company aims to establish an “AI-powered cybersecurity barrier” geared towards safeguarding both customers and nations. The company is actively enhancing its internal protective capabilities, with the intention of applying these technologies directly to bolster customer security.

Furthermore, there are plans to leverage AI in addressing the existing shortage of cybersecurity professionals, which stands at approximately 3 million individuals. A key player in this endeavor is the Microsoft Security Copilot, utilizing AI for the detection and response to security threats. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will also harness AI-driven detection mechanisms to enhance device security.

“As a company, we are committed to building an AI-based cyber shield that will protect customers and countries around the world. Our global network of AI-based datacenters and use of advanced foundation AI models puts us in a strong position to put AI to work to advance cybersecurity protection”, Smith wrote.

Microsoft is set to enhance its security stance against identity-based attacks by refining the user, device, and service verification procedures throughout its product range. To achieve this, Microsoft intends to transition to a novel key management system with an architecture that renders keys inaccessible in cases where the foundational security protocols are compromised.
The ultimate objective within this framework is to slash the time allocated to addressing vulnerabilities by half, all while promoting greater transparency in event reporting within the industry.

Lastly, the company is committed to promoting wider global adoption of security measures. This commitment follows the company’s establishment of the Digital Geneva Convention in 2017, which outlined a framework of “principles and norms governing the conduct of both state and non-state entities in cyberspace.” While acknowledging the progress made by many governments since then, the company believes that going forward, a more comprehensive and overarching commitment is imperative.

According to the report, market and economic conditions are the leading reason for the cuts. Other reasons include cost cutting, restructuring and artificial intelligence. 46 900 people have been laid off this year without companies specifying a reason.

In May alone, U.S. employers laid off 80,089 people. That’s 287% more than in the same month last year, when companies announced 20,712 layoffs. That’s the highest January-to-May job cuts since 2020, when 1,414,828 people were laid off.

The technology sector had the most layoffs this year, followed by the retail sector, the automotive sector and financial firms.

According to Business Insider, this is the first time artificial intelligence has been included as a reason for job cuts. Challenger, Gray & Christmas expects this trend to continue, although some companies are still reluctant to admit they are laying off employees and eliminating positions because of AI.

A recent Goldman Sachs report states that artificial intelligence could replace 300 million full-time jobs globally, which is a quarter of current jobs

But they could soon lose their access if they don’t pay Twitter a monthly fee of at least $100, which is unaffordable for many volunteers and nonprofits with limited budgets.

“It’s not just the rescue efforts that are unfortunately coming to an end, but also the logistics planning as people go to Twitter to communicate their needs.”

says Sedat Kapanoglu, founder of Eksi Sozluk, Turkey’s most popular social media platform, who advises some of the volunteers.

Nonprofits, researchers, and others need the tool known as an API (Application Programming Interface) to analyze data from Twitter because the vast amount of information prevents a person from reviewing it by hand.

Kapanoglu also says that hundreds of “good Samaritans” have given away their own, paid API access keys (Twitter now offers a paid version with more features) for use in rescue efforts. But he says this is “not a sustainable or correct way” to do it. It might even be against Twitter’s rules.

The loss of free API access means an added challenge for the thousands of developers in Turkey and beyond who are working around the clock to harness Twitter’s unique, open ecosystem for disaster relief.

“For Turkish coders working with Twitter API for disaster monitoring purposes, this is particularly worrying — and I’d imagine it is similarly worrying for others around the world that are using Twitter data to monitor emergencies and politically contested events,”

said Akin Unver, a professor of international relations at Ozyegin University in Istanbul.

The new fees are just the latest complication for programmers, academics and others trying to use the API — and they say communicating with anyone at the company has become essentially impossible since Elon Musk took over.

The new fees are another test for programmers, scientists and others trying to use APIs. They say communication with anyone in the company has become impossible since Elon Musk took over.