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The Platform-Provider Edition Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Apple Makes Its Case Against iPhone App Sideloading, by Michael Grothaus, Fast Company

As someone who frequently writes about privacy and security, I agree with Apple’s position on the topic. Some who argue that Apple should allow sideloaded apps say that it would provide users with more choice. Yet choice is exactly what Neuenschwander says the company is offering users by providing a platform that does not allow sideloading.

“Sideloading in this case is actually eliminating choice,” he says. “Users who want that direct access to applications without any kind of review have sideloading today on other platforms. The iOS platform is the one where users understand that they can’t be tricked or duped into some dark alley or side road where they’re going to end up with a sideloaded app, even if they didn’t intend to.”

Apple Publishes New User Guide Detailing How Sideloading And Third-party App Stores Would Undermine iPhone Security, by Bradley Chambers, 9to5Mac

Apple has just published a new user guide that details what life would be like for iOS users if Apple were forced to allow the sideloading of third-party apps. The report, which was published this morning, is called Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Millions of Apps and describes Apple’s view on the importance of having a curated and managed App Store be the only way that iOS devices can download new apps.

Tech Giants, Fearful Of Proposals To Curb Them, Blitz Washington With Lobbying, by Kenneth P. Vogel, New York Times

In the days after lawmakers introduced legislation that could break the dominance of tech companies, Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, called Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress to deliver a warning.

The antitrust bills were rushed, he said. They would crimp innovation. And they would hurt consumers by disrupting the services that power Apple’s lucrative iPhone, Mr. Cook cautioned at various points, according to five people with knowledge of the conversations.

Patreon Doesn’t Have ‘Special Contract’ With Apple To Avoid App Store Tax, by Jacob Kastrenakes, The Verge

The platform’s iOS app has been able to accept payments outside of Apple’s in-app purchase system, which lets the company walk around that 30 percent cut. Conte suggests this may be allowed because users don’t come to Patreon to discover creators and content. “A lot of the actual engagement is happening on other platforms ... So it’s just not the primary behavior that’s happening on Patreon,” Conte said.

Film With Sound

Apple Shows Off Tower Theatre Store In LA Ahead Of June 24 Opening, by Mike Peterson, AppleInsider

The building was once home to the first theater in Los Angeles that was wired for film with sound. Designed in 1927 by theater architect S. Charles Lee, the theater operated until closing its doors in 1988. Apple says it collaborated with preservationists, restoration artists, and the City of Los Angeles on the project to restore the building.

Today At Apple Creative Studios Will Connect Youth With Mentors And Established Artists, by Michael Steeber, 9to5Mac

To celebrate the grand opening of Apple Tower Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, Apple is launching Today at Apple Creative Studios, a global program debuting in Los Angeles and Beijing. The program will provide career-building mentorship to underrepresented communities through creative resources. The new flagship store will also host its own free Today at Apple sessions that explore music creation, songwriting, creative inspiration, and more.

Stuff

Apple Launches New AR Experience And Snapchat Lens Promoting Apple Pay Express Transit, by Chance Miller, 9to5Mac

On the Apple Pay website, Apple touts that you can now “take a virtual trip with Apple Pay” to “experience” the platform in augmented reality. Tapping the option launches the AR experience directly in Safari. This experience is accessible worldwide, regardless of whether or not you actually live in New York.

Apple-owned Dark Sky App Updated With Apple Watch Improvements And More, by Chance Miller, 9to5Mac

This marks only the second update since Apple announced its acquisition of Dark Sky, and it brings Apple Watch improvements, Accessibility updates, and more.

NetNewsWire For iPhone And iPad Adds iCloud Sync, Twitter And Reddit Integration, More, by Chance Miller, 9to5Mac

iCloud syncing is a particularly notable enhancement because it lets you sync feeds across your Apple devices without relying on a third-party service of any sort.

Notes

Apple Partners With Virginia Union University To Launch 'Smart Campus' Initiative, by AppleInsider

The incoming class of 2025 will be able to use iPad Air and Apple Pencil during class sessions. Students can provision their ID into Wallet and use Apple Watch to access facilities, pay for food and more via Core NFC technology. AirPods are expected to help students focus during online classes.

Bottom of the Page

The Tower Theatre store looks great. Apple should use this theatre to exhibit some of its Apple TV+ films.

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