Tag Archives: Apple

Samsung, Apple, and TSMC Stocks Surge After U.S. Tariff Exemptions and Joint Manufacturing Deals

Samsung, Apple, and TSMC Stocks Surge After U.S. Tariff Exemptions and Joint Manufacturing Deals:
The shares of tech giants Samsung, Apple, and TSMC saw substantial gains during Thursday’s trading session
Following the announcement of several positive developments,
Most notably, new U.S. tariff exemptions and expanded industrial cooperation among these companies within the United States.

 

Contents

Apple

Taiwan

 

 

 

Apple

Samsung Electronics shares rose by 3.2% on the Seoul Stock Exchange after the company announced
a new partnership with Apple to supply semiconductor chips from its facility in Texas,
for use in Apple products, including iPhones.

Apple noted that this partnership is part of its broader plan to increase its U.S. manufacturing investments by an additional $100 billion.
The company aims to reduce dependence on global supply chains and counter growing political pressures.

Meanwhile, Yoo Han-koo, South Korea’s trade envoy,
stated that Samsung and SK Hynix would not be affected by the new 100% U.S. tariffs on chip imports
due to existing trade agreements between Washington and Seoul—a development
that boosted market optimism about the future of Korea’s semiconductor industry in the U.S.

In the same context, Apple’s stock notably increased on Wednesday. It continued to gain in pre-market trading,
Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs on chip imports
with exemptions for companies that have manufacturing facilities or plans within the U.S.

Apple had previously warned of potential multi-billion-dollar losses due to the tariffs.
Still, its latest announcement to boost industrial investment in the U.S. was seen
as a direct response to secure an exemption, strengthening investor confidence, and pushing the stock higher.

 

 

 

Taiwan

On the Taiwanese side, TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer,
saw its shares rise by 4.44% on the Taiwan Stock Exchange after it announced an exemption from the new tariffs,
Thanks to its major industrial projects in Arizona.

The company’s shares rose 2.65% on the New York Stock Exchange during after-hours trading, reaching USD 237.50.

Taiwanese officials indicated that TSMC’s investments in the U.S. automatically qualify it for the tariff exemptions.
Other companies are also expected to receive similar exemptions if they commit to establishing or expanding factories within the U.S.

These developments reflect a global trend toward localizing chip manufacturing in the U.S.
And reducing dependence on foreign production—particularly amid escalating trade tensions and geopolitical concerns.
This shift paves the way for significant growth opportunities for companies committed to domestic U.S. manufacturing.

 

 

Samsung, Apple, TSMC Rally on U.S. Tariff Easing and Deals

Apple Shuts Down First Store in China

Apple Shuts Down First Store in China

Declining sales push Apple to rethink its presence in China while expanding in global markets.

 

Topic
Sales Slowdown

Global Expansion

 

 

 

 

Sales Slowdown

In China, Sales Slowdown and Strategic Shifts

Apple announced the closure of its first-ever retail store in China, Parkland Mall, Dalian.

Effective August 9, due to changes in the mall’s business environment.

This marks a significant retreat from a market that hosts over 10% of Apple’s global store network, totaling more than 530 worldwide.

China’s economy faces deflationary pressures, with weak consumer spending and declining property values.

These conditions have impacted retail performance.

Apple’s Q2 2024 revenue in China fell by 2.3% to $16 billion, missing estimates of $16.8 billion.

Despite the closure, Apple will continue operating its other Dalian location at Olympia 66 Mall,

Staff from the closing branch were offered positions elsewhere.

The company reiterated its commitment to online and physical customer experiences,

though it’s becoming more selective about retail locations post-COVID.

 

 

Global Expansion

Amid Evolving Priorities

Balancing this closure, Apple is moving forward with new store openings,

including a new location at Uni Walk Qianhai in Shenzhen on August 16.

More sites are planned in Beijing and Shanghai next year.

Recent openings include stores in Anhui (January), Osaka (July), Miami (January), and Malaysia (2023).

Beyond China, Apple is expanding in Detroit, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India.

However, the overall pace of physical store expansion has slowed since the pandemic.

Instead, Apple prioritizes online store launches in emerging markets,

modernizes older outlets, and relocates underperforming stores.

Alongside the Dalian closure, Apple also announced upcoming shutdowns in Bristol (UK),

Partridge Creek (Michigan), and Hornsby (Australia).

Notably, several major brands, such as Coach, Sandro, and Hugo Boss,

have also exited Parkland Mall in recent years, signaling broader retail shifts in the region.

 

 

 

 

Apple Shuts Down First Store in China

A Software Transformation in Apple’s Ecosystem

A Software Transformation in Apple’s Ecosystem: Integrating Apple Intelligence and Expanding Partnership with OpenAI
In a notable technological shift,
Apple has announced deep integration of artificial intelligence technologies across its operating systems,
reinforcing its partnership with OpenAI to deliver a smarter and more interactive user experience.

 

 

Contents
Artificial Intelligence
Market Performance

 

 

Artificial Intelligence

New AI-Powered Features Across Operating Systems
A host of smart features will be rolled out as part of the upcoming updates to iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, and visionOS 26, including:

Real-time Translation for Calls and Messages: Support for conversations across different languages within Phone and FaceTime apps,
with spoken and on-screen translations in real time.
On-Screen Content Analysis: The Visual Intelligence feature will allow users to request instant information from ChatGPT or Google based on what appears on their screen.
AI-Powered Fitness Assistant: A motivational voice generated by AI will accompany workouts on Apple Watch,
inspired by Apple Fitness+ coaches.
Emoji Combination Tool: A new feature enabling users to combine emojis into customized icons using Image Playground and ChatGPT capabilities.
Smart Suggestions in Messages: AI will propose features like polls in group chats and allow for prompt-based custom backgrounds.

Enhanced Wallet Capabilities and Developer Tools
Apple has introduced upgrades to its Wallet app, which can now track shipping and order details directly from email receipts.
Developers will also gain access to Apple Intelligence APIs,
enabling offline AI features like natural language search and advanced Shortcuts integrations without relying on cloud computation.

 

“Liquid Glass” UI and Design Overhaul
One of the major announcements was the new Liquid Glass user interface,
which Apple described as the most extensive design revamp in its history.
This interface will be available across all platforms,
along with a naming convention shift from version numbers to year-based identifiers, such as iOS 26 and watchOS 26.

Market Performance

 

Competitive Pressures
Despite the strength of the announcements, Apple’s keynote failed to impress investors, with shares falling 1.9% during the event.
The stock has already declined 19% year-to-date, largely due to delays in AI development compared to other Silicon Valley giants.

Bloomberg had previously reported on these updates,
noting that Apple’s major AI reveal might be postponed until the 2026 WWDC,
when broader and more advanced capabilities are expected.

 

Apple Watch and Mac Move Toward AI
Apple also unveiled a new AI-based personal trainer feature for the Apple Watch called Buddy,
aimed at motivating users to stay active. On the Mac front,
the new macOS 26 Tahoe includes a customizable transparent menu bar and built-in iPhone Phone app integration.

 

External Challenges and Production Shifts
Facing rising tariff pressures, Apple has moved production of U.S.-bound iPhones to India.
While this shift may offset some costs, the company is likely to raise prices.
As usual, new device announcements are expected in September.

 

 

 

A Software Transformation in Apple’s Ecosystem: Integrating Apple Intelligence and Expanding Partnership with OpenAI

Apple Plans Safari Redesign with Focus on AI Search Engines

Apple Plans Safari Redesign with Focus on AI Search Engines: Apple has announced that it is seriously considering redesigning
It’s Safari browser across its devices to integrate AI-powered search engines.
This move could spark a significant shift in the tech industry as
The company faces the potential end of its long-standing partnership with Google.


Contents

Google Era

New Competition for Google

Alternative AI Search Options
Improvements Still Needed

The Future of Safari

Expanded Partnership with Google

 

 

 

 

Is the Google Era in Safari Coming to an End?

On Wednesday, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services,
revealed these plans during his testimony in the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet, Google’s parent company.
 The case revolves around a $20 billion annual deal that makes Google the default search engine in Safari.
If the companies are forced to end this deal, it could significantly affect how iPhones and other Apple products function.

But the impact goes beyond the deal. AI-powered search engines are increasingly capturing user interest.
Cue noted that Safari search volumes declined for the first time last month,
attributing the drop to the rising use of AI tools.

He added that search engines like OpenAI, Perplexity,
and Anthropic could effectively replace traditional engines like Google.
Apple plans to introduce these options in Safari,
although they won’t be default choices due to further development.

 

New Competition for Google

Cue stated: “Before AI emerged, I didn’t see any real alternative to Google,
but the entrance of new players has changed the equation,” referring to companies offering innovative search solutions.

This shift is a significant turning point for the iPhone,
where users have relied on Google as the default search engine since its launch in 2007.
Consumers are approaching a new era dominated by AI-driven tools.

Cue’s testimony was interpreted as a warning sign for both Apple and Alphabet,
as the end of their lucrative agreement appears possible.

Alphabet’s stock dropped by 7.3% on Wednesday.
The steepest decline since February, while Apple shares fell by 1.1% following Cue’s comments.

 

Alternative AI Search Options

Apple currently allows users to access ChatGPT from OpenAI
via Siri and is expected to add Google’s Gemini AI search engine later this year.
Cue also mentioned that Apple has evaluated other options,
including Anthropic, Perplexity, China’s DeepSeek, and Elon Musk’s Groq from xAI.

Cue explained that the deal with OpenAI permits the integration of additional AI providers,
including internally developed tools by Apple.

He noted that Apple selected ChatGPT after a trial comparison with Google,
which presented terms Apple found unacceptable and incompatible with its deal with OpenAI.

Cue added that technology is rapidly evolving, so “people might not even need iPhones in a decade.”
suggesting that tech shifts open the door to genuine competition and fresh opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Improvements Still Needed

Despite recognizing the advanced features of new AI search engines,
Cue emphasized that index quality still needs improvement.
He stated: “There’s enough funding and enough major companies involved that I don’t see a way this shift won’t happen.”

 

The Future of Safari Hangs in the Balance

Cue affirmed that large language models (LLMs), the core technology behind generative AI,
will continue improving, which may drive users to change their search habits.

Still, Cue believes that Google remains the best default engine for Safari due to the significant revenue the partnership provides.
He noted the current deal with Google offers Apple the most favorable financial terms.

Cue oversees services such as iCloud, Apple TV+, and Apple Music, and is known as Apple’s chief dealmaker.
A loss in search-related revenue could impact the financial performance of his division,
which recently posted a record $26.6 billion in quarterly services revenue.

Additionally, a recent court order requires Apple to allow U.S. developers
to use third-party payment methods, potentially cutting Apple’s 30% transaction commission and reducing revenue.

 

Expanded Partnership with Google

Last year, Apple and Google extended their partnership to integrate
Google Lens is integrated into Apple’s Visual Lookup feature on newer iPhones.
Allowing users to analyze images using Google’s AI.

Cue also noted that the agreement with Microsoft’s Bing,
a non-default search option in Safari, is now renewed annually.

Although Apple has lagged behind competitors in AI, lacking a proprietary intelligent search engine,
it is working on Siri enhancements that use personal data to provide more accurate responses.

The company is expected to unveil more updates to its Apple Intelligence platform
at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.

 

Apple Plans Safari Redesign with Focus on AI Search Engines

US Tariff Exemptions Offer Relief to Tech Giants

US Tariff Exemptions Offer Relief to Tech Giants

Trump eases tariff restrictions on vital tech products,
supporting companies like Apple and Nvidia while reducing pressure on consumers.

 

Content

 

 

 

 

 

Exemption

Covers Apple and Nvidia

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary exemption from tariffs on smartphones, computers, processors, and memory chips. This move greatly benefits major companies like Apple and Nvidia,
as these products were previously subject to tariffs of up to 125% on China and 10% on most other countries.

These exemptions come as a relief for consumers fearing price hikes,
and also represent a government response to pressure from tech giants that pledged to increase their investments within the United States.

 

Reducing Dependence on China

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the U.S. can no longer rely on China for manufacturing critical technologies such as semiconductors, smartphones, and laptops.
She added that the Trump administration has successfully attracted billions of dollars in investments from leading companies to localize these industries within the U.S.

This step marks one of the first major concessions in Trump’s trade policy and was retroactively applied starting April 5.

 

 

 

 

Artificial Intelligence

Support

The exemptions also include AI-related servers and their components, such as GPUs, which are mostly manufactured in Taiwan and Mexico.
This is expected to strengthen the U.S. AI infrastructure, especially amid ongoing investments from companies like Nvidia.

 

Semiconductor Equipment Included

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment also benefited from the exemptions,
including machinery made by Dutch company ASML and Japan’s Tokyo Electron.
These tools are essential for building new chip plants, supported by the U.S. Chips and Science Act.

 

Apple Products Exempt from Tariffs

The move exempts Apple’s core products from tariffs, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirTags, while AirPods remain subject to tariffs.
Apple’s stock had come under selling pressure following Trump’s tariff announcements,
especially in comparison to competitors like Samsung, which are less dependent on China.

 

Expectations of New Tariffs

Despite the current relief, the U.S. administration plans to impose new sector-specific tariffs, particularly targeting semiconductor imports.
These upcoming tariffs are expected to mirror those recently applied to steel and aluminum.

Former U.S. trade negotiator Wendy Cutler noted that these exemptions were issued faster than expected
but could complicate ongoing trade negotiations with other countries seeking similar treatment.

 

 

 

US Tariff Exemptions Offer Relief to Tech Giants

The EU Pressures Apple to Open Its System to Competitors and Facilitate Technology Integration

The EU Pressures Apple to Open Its System to Competitors and Facilitate Technology Integration

The European Union has intensified its pressure on Apple to open its operating system to competitors,
sparking debates about the potential impact on user privacy and data security.
This move comes under the framework of the new Digital Markets Act,
which aims to promote competition and curb the dominance of tech giants.

 

Topic

EU Demands to Boost Competition

Apple Defends Its System Amid Privacy Violation Allegations

Future Challenges and the Threat of Heavy Fines

Conclusion

 

 

 

 

 

EU Demands to Boost Competition

The European Union has escalated its demands for Apple to open its operating system to rival companies,
raising significant concerns about the privacy implications of this move.
The European Commission has instructed Apple to make comprehensive modifications to its iOS system to ensure compatibility
with devices made by competitors, such as smartwatches, earbuds, and headphones.

According to a document published by the Commission,
Apple must provide detailed information to third-party developers on how to access iPhone features,
along with a dedicated point of contact for handling such requests. Additionally,
the Commission has urged Apple to improve its handling of rejected requests and work towards constructive settlements.

 

 

Apple Defends Its System Amid Privacy Violation Allegations

Apple has firmly rejected these demands, arguing that the EU’s Digital Markets Act imposes broad restrictions
that could undermine user privacy protections.
The company claims that the regulations force users to expose their devices and sensitive data to companies
with poor privacy protection records.

Apple highlighted that Meta, the parent company of Facebook,
is among the entities that have filed the largest number of requests to access iPhone features.
The company further stated that Meta seeks to alter system functionalities in ways that could compromise user security and privacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future Challenges and the Threat of Heavy Fines

In recent years, Meta has developed devices such as Quest VR headsets and smart glasses that rely on compatibility
with iPhone and Android operating systems.
With the implementation of the Digital Markets Act, Meta sees an opportunity to enhance the integration of its devices with Apple’s technology. However, Apple has warned that mandatory sharing of its innovations could stifle creativity and weaken fair competition among companies.

If Apple fails to comply with the new rules, the EU could initiate a formal investigation early next year,
potentially leading to hefty fines of up to 10% of the company’s global annual sales.
Apple is also facing a parallel investigation concerning its App Store policies,
which could result in additional penalties.

 

 

Conclusion

While the European Union aims to foster competition in the tech market,
Apple insists that compliance with the new rules jeopardizes the fundamental principles of privacy and innovation underpinning its products. The challenge remains to balance adherence to EU regulations with safeguarding the strategic interests of major tech companies in this sector.

 

 

 

The EU Pressures Apple to Open Its System to Competitors and Facilitate Technology Integration

Chinese Stocks Rise as Economic Stimulus Package Begins

Chinese Stocks Rise as Economic Stimulus Package Begins

Chinese stocks saw an uptick during Tuesday’s trading after the People’s Bank of China initiated its first steps to stimulate the stock market, giving a positive boost to investor confidence.
This rise comes as investors absorbed the new measures taken by Beijing to support the economy.

 

Contents:

 

 

 

 

China: 

The CSI 300 index rose by 0.57%, adding 22 points to reach 3,957,
while the Shanghai Composite Index increased by 0.54% or 17 points to reach 3,285.
Meanwhile, the Shenzhen Composite Index climbed by 0.86%, reaching 1,953.

This support came after the People’s Bank of China announced its first stimulus operation under a plan aimed at boosting stock market performance. Through this operation, assets worth 50 billion yuan (equivalent to 7 billion USD) were exchanged with several brokerage firms, investment funds, and insurance companies.

 

 

 

 

Fitch: 

Fitch Ratings expects the European Central Bank (ECB) to accelerate the pace of interest rate cuts.

On Monday, Fitch Ratings issued a memo predicting that the ECB will reduce interest rates more quickly than previously expected.
Despite this acceleration, the total expected cuts will remain at 200 basis points by the end of 2025.

In the memo, the agency noted that the ECB had already cut the interest rate by 25 basis points during its Monetary Policy Committee meeting held on October 17, bringing the main rate to 3.25%.

Fitch expects the bank to continue cutting rates by 25 basis points on four occasions over the next two years,
in March, June, September, and December, with a total of 100 basis points in cuts expected.

This latest rate cut is part of the ECB’s efforts to support economic activity, especially as inflation growth has slowed recently.

 

 

 

 

 

Nvidia: 

Nvidia’s market value surpasses $3 trillion.

Nvidia’s stock closed Monday’s session at a new record high,
pushing the company’s market value past $3.5 trillion for the first time in its history.
The stock rose 4.15% to close at $143.71, with additional gains of 0.40% in after-hours trading, bringing it to $144.30.

With this rise, Nvidia’s market value reached $3.525 trillion, making it the second global company—after Apple—to end a trading session with a market capitalization above $3.5 trillion.
The company only needed its stock to hit $142.682 to achieve this milestone,
but it exceeded this level despite broader market challenges.

Nvidia is now ranked second globally in terms of market value, behind Apple,
which first reached this level in July and currently has a valuation of $3.595 trillion.

 

 

Chinese Stocks Rise as Economic Stimulus Package Begins

The Secret Partnership Between Apple and BYD in Battery Development

The Secret Partnership Between Apple and BYD in Battery Development

For several years, Apple worked secretly with Chinese automaker BYD on a joint project to develop long-range battery technology.
Although the project was eventually canceled, it laid the foundation for the battery technologies used today in electric vehicles,
according to sources familiar with the matter.

 

Topic

The Technological Collaboration Between Apple and BYD

A Partnership That Bore Fruit But Didn’t Last

 

 

 

 

 

The Technological Collaboration Between Apple and BYD


Sources indicate that the collaboration began around 2017, when Apple teamed up with BYD,
based in Shenzhen, to develop a battery system using lithium iron phosphate cells.
The aim was to create a longer-lasting and safer battery compared to the conventional electric vehicle batteries available at the time.

While Apple did not directly utilize the technology in BYD’s current Blade batteries,
this collaboration shows the extent of Apple’s efforts to produce an electric vehicle.
The tech giant invested nearly $1 billion annually over the past decade on the project,
which was widely seen as one of the company’s “next big things” before it was shelved in February.

 

 

Apple and BYD’s Roles in the Development
The battery technology developed was primarily intended for Apple’s electric vehicle project.
Apple’s engineers contributed their expertise in designing advanced battery packs and thermal management,
while BYD provided its manufacturing knowledge and experience in using durable, high-performance lithium iron phosphate cells.

Although spokespersons from both companies declined to comment on the partnership,
BYD stated that the Blade battery concept was developed independently by its own engineers.
However, insiders noted that the design of BYD’s Blade batteries benefited significantly from the lessons learned through collaboration with Apple.

 

 

 

 

 

A Partnership That Bore Fruit But Didn’t Last


During this period, Apple was working on multiple battery technologies, including nickel-alkaline batteries.
Both companies sought to combine their efforts to create a safe, long-range battery specifically for Apple’s electric vehicle.

Leading the collaboration on Apple’s side was Alexander Hitzinger, a former executive at Volkswagen and Porsche,
who oversaw the car project from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, Apple brought on board battery expert Mujeeb Ijaz,
who worked at the company until 2020, to lead a team of around 50 engineers focused on the project.

 

 

The Project Ends, But Achievements Continue
Despite Apple stepping away from its partnership with BYD and exploring battery systems from other companies,
the collaboration provided valuable lessons for Apple.
The expertise gained from this effort contributed to innovative products like the Vision Pro headset
and the Neural Engine AI processor now present in many of Apple’s devices.

Meanwhile, BYD has enjoyed major successes thanks to its Blade battery,
which has become a key selling point in its electric and hybrid vehicles.
The company sold 3 million such vehicles in 2023, capitalizing on the improved battery range, safety, and cost-efficiency.

 

 

 

The Secret Partnership Between Apple and BYD in Battery Development

Apple Plans to Unveil iPhone 16 on September 10

Apple Plans to Unveil iPhone 16 on September 10

Launch of the Latest iPhone, Watches, and Earbuds

Apple is set to unveil its latest smartphone, the iPhone 16,
on September 10 in what is expected to be the company’s biggest event of the year.
In addition to the iPhone 16, the company will also introduce updates to its Apple Watch and AirPods,
according to sources familiar with the matter.

 

Topic

Expected Date for Device Releases

The Importance of This Launch for Apple

Features of iPhone 16 and Anticipated Improvements

Updates to Wearable Devices

Upcoming Updates for Mac Devices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected Date for Device Releases

Although Apple has not officially announced the event date, the company is preparing to launch these products on the mentioned date, with sales expected to begin on September 20. This timeline aligns with the company’s usual pattern of launching devices shortly after unveiling them. A spokesperson for Apple, based in Cupertino, California, declined to comment on the matter.

 

 

 

The Importance of This Launch for Apple

The iPhone 16 launch is crucial for Apple, which has faced a slowdown in sales of its smartphones and wearables in recent financial quarters. The September 20 release is expected to contribute to some revenue in the company’s current fourth fiscal quarter, as Apple aims for a 5% year-over-year sales growth. The bulk of sales, however, is expected to occur in the following fiscal quarter, which coincides with the holiday season. Analysts estimate that revenue could rise by 7% to $128.4 billion during that period.

 

 

 

Features of iPhone 16 and Anticipated Improvements

The iPhone 16 will feature larger displays in the Pro models, along with new camera capabilities, including a dedicated photography button.
The company will also introduce a set of AI tools called Apple Intelligence.
However, the new phones are not expected to be significantly different from last year’s models.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updates to Wearable Devices

Apple’s wearable devices are also expected to receive notable updates.
The Apple Watch Series 10 will be thinner and feature larger displays.
Apple is planning to refresh its lineup of earbuds, introducing new low- and mid-tier versions.
For the first time, the mid-tier earbuds will offer noise-canceling capabilities,
and the cheapest model will be updated for the first time since 2019.

 

 

Upcoming Updates for Mac Devices

Additionally, Apple is preparing to transition its Mac devices to M4 processors later this year,
although these updates typically arrive about a month after the iPhone launch.
The company has conducted extensive testing on four new Mac models to ensure compatibility with third-party applications,
a crucial step before the new devices are released.

These Mac devices represent base versions of the M4 chip, with three models featuring 10-core CPUs,
while the lower-end version includes an 8-core CPU. The devices will come with 16GB or 32GB of RAM.
These devices, including a smaller Mac Mini, a new MacBook Pro,
and updated iMacs equipped with M4 chips, are expected to be unveiled later this year.

 

 

 

 

Apple Plans to Unveil iPhone 16 on September 10

 

 

Apple Allows Third Parties to Use Its Payment Chip for the First Time

Apple Allows Third Parties to Use Its Payment Chip for the First Time

Apple has decided to permit third parties to use the payment chip in iPhones to conduct financial transactions,
opening the door for banks and other service providers to compete with Apple Pay.

 

Topic
Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details

This announcement, made yesterday, follows years of pressure from regulatory bodies,
including those affiliated with the European Union.
Apple stated that developers will be able to utilize this chip starting with the upcoming iOS 18.1 update.
The chip relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to exchange data when the phone is close to another device.

 

This update will allow external service providers to use the chip for in-store payments, transportation costs,
work badges, home and hotel keys, and reward cards.
Apple also plans to add support for government ID cards in the future,
enabling users to set a third-party payment app as the default option instead of Apple Pay.

 

Apple has been cautious about allowing developers access to the chip due to security concerns.
This change could also impact the revenue Apple earns from Apple Pay transactions,
as the company receives a share of all payments made through iPhones.

 

According to the released statement, Apple will require developers to pay associated fees to use the chip and to enter into a commercial agreement.
Apple aims to ensure that only “certified developers who meet specific industry and regulatory requirements and adhere to ongoing security and privacy standards” will have access to the system.

 

Apple plans to launch this program in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, the company did not mention the European Union, which has been strongly advocating for this feature in recent months.

 

 

Apple Allows Third Parties to Use Its Payment Chip for the First Time