|
Apple will have to make some significant App Store changes, thanks to a new ruling in its case against Epic Games. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 18, meanwhile, are expected to feature some significant RAM upgrades, allowing for better performance. Apple also published its fiscal results for the second quarter of 2025, with new details on plans to minimize the potential impact of tariffs going forward.
Here’s what happened during the past week, and why it matters. |
|
|
|
|
|
Judge Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple willfully violated a 2021 anti-steering injunction related to its lawsuit with Epic Games. As a result, Apple can no longer collect its 27% commission on purchases made outside of an app, nor can it use “scare screens” to drive customers away from external purchases.
The company plans to appeal the ruling but has complied in the meantime. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, claims Fortnite could return to the App Store if Apple accepts his peace offer. He says all Apple has to do is extend the judge's new ruling out of the United States to the rest of the world.
Our take: Apple was forced to make changes to its App Store Guidelines, but the case remains open. The company may also face criminal proceedings, as the presiding judge ruled that an Apple executive willfully lied to the court. It’s unlikely Fortnite will return to the App Store soon, though.
Related stories: |
|
|
|
|
|
If you’re new to the iPhone and iPad, you might want to check out this week’s newsletter-exclusive guide. It has everything you need to know about the App Store, including how to find, install, and update third-party applications.
From games to social media and news apps, Apple’s App Store has something for everyone. To get the most out of the App Store and everything it has to offer, check out this week’s newsletter-exclusive tip!
Related story: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The iPhone 17 is reportedly moving closer to mass production, and a repeat rumor says the entire range could get a 12GB RAM upgrade. The same source said the iPhone 18 would benefit from 6-channel LPDDR5X memory, allowing for better performance.
According to a separate report, Apple has supposedly abandoned its plans for an anti-reflective display on the iPhone 17. As for Apple’s smartwatches, a well-known analyst has suggested the Apple Watch SE 3 will be slightly larger than its predecessor, with 41mm and 45mm sizes being rumored.
Our take: Apple might update the RAM on the iPhone 17 Pro to allow for more Apple Intelligence features and better game performance. The Apple Watch SE has received a display increase once before, so a similar update would make sense.
Related stories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apple has revealed its fiscal results for the second quarter of 2025. The company’s $95.4 billion revenue is up 5% year-on-year from the $90.75 billion reported in Q2 2024. iPhone revenue equaled $46.84 billion, up from $45.96 billion in Q2 2024. Mac revenue was $7.95 billion, up marginally year-on-year from $7.45 billion.
CEO Tim Cook said that Apple could suffer a $900B hit over the June quarter, “assuming the current global tariff rates, policies, and applications do not change for the balance of the quarter and no new tariffs are added.” He also said that iPhone consumer tariff fears and the reported panic buying had no significant impact on Apple ahead of the March quarter.
Our take: The second quarter of 2025 took place before President Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs were imposed, so it makes sense that Apple did well. The tariff situation is subject to change, however. It could cost Apple at least $900M in the June quarter, but the company is taking measures to prevent additional costs.
Related stories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tata has opened a new iPhone factory in India, while a new Foxconn operation will soon be fully operational. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, India produced around half the iPhones sold in the United States during the second quarter of 2025.
iPhone chip manufacturer TSMC, meanwhile, has officially started work on its third Arizona facility. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick called it “the return of American manufacturing.” Apple could also make the iPhone in the United States, as soon as it has the "robotic arms" to do so, CEO Tim Cook allegedly told Lutnick.
Our take: While Commerce Secretary Lutnick believes iPhone manufacturing will move to the United States, the statements of Apple CEO Tim Cook paint a different picture. Cook says that devices sold in the U.S. will mostly be produced in India and Vietnam, with China supplying less than half of U.S.-market iPhones.
Related stories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Razer's recent release of its own PC Remote Play app pits it against the incumbent PC game streaming king, Steam Link. AppleInsider’s Malcolm Owen details and compares the two gaming heavyweights' remote gaming apps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Check out the full story to see which is right for you!
If you’re a mobile gamer, then you might be considering a wrap-around controller for your devices. AppleInsider’s Wesley Hilliard reviewed the GameSir X5 Lite, a reasonably priced controller that can stretch to fit an iPad Mini. Take a look at the full review for more details.
GameSir X5 Lite review score: 4.5 out of 5
Related stories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In this week’s video, AppleInsider’s Andrew O’Hara goes hands-on with dummy units for the entire iPhone 17 lineup — including the iPhone 17, the brand-new iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
These models give us our best look yet at the design changes, new form factors, and size differences Apple is expected to debut in September 2025. Check out the video to learn more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For an in-depth overview of recent tech events, tune into the AppleInsider Podcast. In this week’s episode, William Gallagher and Wesley Hilliard give us their thoughts on the ongoing Epic vs. Apple saga, iPhone 17 dummy units, Apple’s Q2 earnings report, and more!
Related story: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The AirPods Pro 2, with Apple’s latest Hearing Health features and Active Noise Cancellation, are available for only $169. That’s an impressive $80 off the retail price! |
|
|
|
Amazon also has a wide variety of Apple Watch models available at major discounts, with prices dropping down to as low as a mere $169! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MacBooks and iPads are also on sale, knocking hundreds of dollars off many models. You can get a new MacBook for just $849. For those who want something even more portable, Apple’s latest 11-inch iPad is available at Amazon for only $299. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Be sure to check out our Price Guides to find the best deals on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro configurations:
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RAM upgrades for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 are an interesting prospect, as they’d allow for more Apple intelligence features. The ever-changing business landscape and the uncertainty of the tariff situation mean that U.S.-market devices will likely be made in India. As for the Epic vs. Apple lawsuit, the iPhone maker will file an appeal, but it remains to be seen if it will have any real-world impact.
At AppleInsider, our mission is to keep you up to date on all major developments in the area of technology, particularly related to Apple, its products, and endeavors.
We publish stories, guides, and reviews throughout the week, so be sure to check out AppleInsider.com.
For any comments, questions, or suggestions regarding the AppleInsider Newsletter, reach out to marko@appleinsider.com. |
|
|
|
|
