Apple Podcasts are going to move toward a standalone web presence. This week, several tech outlets reported that the web listening experience would be getting separated from iTunes. A few podcasts are getting preview versions that show a URL of podcasts.apple.com rather than requiring either the iTunes app or website to play. Continue Reading
Spotify has filed a complaint against Apple with the European Commission, arguing that the rules and fee cuts with the App Store post a threat to business competition and limit customer choice. The complaint centers around Apple’s operation of the App Store, the sole way to find and download software for iOS mobile devices. Continue Reading
After previous hints that it would be reframing its approach, Apple has reportedly hired Sam Jadallah to lead its smart home business. CNBC reported that Apple has picked up the former Microsoft executive, who most recently was CEO of a smart lock company called Otto. Continue Reading
Apple is embarking on a new strategy for its AI department. Notably, Bill Stasior has reportedly been removed as the head of the Siri team, which he had helmed since joining the tech company in 2012. Continue Reading
Apple hosted its quarterly earnings call yesterday. The tech giant reported more massive numbers in its fiscal first quarter, although a few segments did post declines. Quarterly revenue dipped 5% on-year, but still reached a whopping $84.3 billion. Continue Reading
Apple paid up a chunk of change and fended off a challenge in European courts in order to acquire Shazam. Now that the audio-identification app is officially under Apple’s umbrella, the first changes are happening under the new leadership. Continue Reading
Apple looks to be closing 2018 with another music business acquisition. Platoon is an A&R and creative services company founded in 2016. The London-based company has helped early-stage artists in the U.S. and the UK such as Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith, and Stefflon Don before their major signings. Continue Reading
Apple Music will be arriving on Amazon Echo smart speakers by the end of the year. Access to Apple’s streaming service will begin for subscribers the week of December 17. Customers will be able to control playback from Apple’s library with voice commands on the line of smart speakers. Continue Reading
Apple will appear before the Supreme Court over the commissions it takes on purchases in its App Store. The court will hear arguments today in an antitrust lawsuit about Apple’s 30% commission charged to software developers. Continue Reading
Apple reported its financials for its fourth quarter, which ended on September 29. The tech company posted quarterly revenue of $62.9 billion, up 20% from the same period last year. Net income was $2.91 per diluted share, an increase of 41% on-year. Continue Reading
Apple could invest in iHeartMedia, according to a new report in the Financial Times (paywall). Sources familiar with the proceedings told FT that Apple has held talks with the legacy broadcaster about purchasing a stake. Continue Reading
Apple has reportedly acquired a machine learning music analytics company called Asaii. Axois first reported the deal, which would bolster the back-end offerings for artists in Apple Music. Asaii specializes in the discovery of new and emerging artists based on its assessments of music service and social media data. Continue Reading