APPLE DEVELOPER BILLINGS 2024
This Apple executive rocked Alphabet shares this week; here's what happened and the real story behind it
Google Search faces AI challenge as Apple exec Eddy Cue reveals a drop in Safari-based searches for the first time in over 20 years—hinting that AI chatbots like ChatGPT are changing how people search online. Alphabet stock took a hit, and while Google claims total search is growing, data shows its market share is slipping. With younger users preferring TikTok or Instagram, and ad clicks slowing due to AI Overviews, the search giant is under pressure. This story breaks down the data, the impact of AI tools, and what it means for Google’s future in a fast-changing digital world.
If you’ve purchased an Apple device in the last decade, you could be eligible for a cash payout, here’s how to claim yours today
Apple Siri privacy settlement is making headlines as Apple agrees to pay $95 million to users who believe Siri secretly listened to their private conversations. If you’ve owned an Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch from 2014 to 2024, you could be owed money. Most payouts are around $20 per device, and you don’t need a code to apply. Claims must be submitted by July 2, 2025. Whether or not you received an email or postcard, this guide walks you through everything. Don’t miss your chance to claim what could be rightfully yours from Apple.
How Apple created a legal mess when it skirted a judge's ruling
After a court ordered Apple to allow external payment links in apps, internal debates ensued over preserving its App Store revenue. CEO Tim Cook chose a 27% commission, despite legal risks. A judge later ruled Apple lied, withheld evidence, and defied court orders, damaging its credibility in ongoing global antitrust cases.
Apple is developing specialised chips for smart glasses and AI servers: Bloomberg report
Apple is developing custom chips to power future smart glasses, AI servers, and upcoming MacBooks, Bloomberg reports. The glasses chip, built for energy efficiency and camera control, may enter production by 2026. Apple is also advancing its AI efforts with new Mac processors and on-device features through its Apple Intelligence suite.
Amazon, Apple seek legal fees as sanction in US consumer lawsuit
Apple and Amazon are seeking $223,000 in sanctions from law firm Hagens Berman, accusing it of delaying a lawsuit after its lead plaintiff wanted to withdraw. A judge criticised the firm for misrepresenting the situation, while the case—alleging inflated iPhone and iPad prices—continues with new plaintiffs.
Time is ticking: You have less than 60 days to claim your share of Apple’s $95 million Siri settlement; here’s how to cash in fast
US residents who owned Siri-enabled Apple devices between September 2014 and December 2024 could receive compensation from Apple's $95 million settlement. The lawsuit addressed concerns over unintentional Siri activations and data collection. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, a settlement was offered. Eligible individuals can claim up to $20 per device, with a maximum of $100 for five devices.
- Go To Page 1
As Google layoffs continue, a look at Big Tech job cuts in 2025
Per layoff tracker Trueup, so far in 2025, 284 layoffs have taken place at tech companies, affecting 53,399 employees. Last year, nearly 2.4 lakh tech employees were laid off in 1,115 job cuts in the tech industry. In the first five months of 2025, Google, Microsoft and Meta have fired employees due to unsatisfactory performance, streamlining and other reasons amid rising focus on AI development.
Google layoffs: Around 200 staff cut in global business unit
Google job cuts: Around 200 positions have been reduced in Google's global business unit to boost team collaboration and customer service, amid a broader Big Tech shift toward AI and data centre investment. The move follows earlier layoffs in its platforms division and industry-wide workforce reductions by major tech firms.
Apple asks US appeals court to pause ruling in Epic Games case
Apple has asked a US court to delay a ruling that forces it to ease control over its App Store. The judge had found Apple in contempt for not following a previous order. Apple argues the changes would harm its business, while the case from Epic Games continues.
Google stock falls as Apple signals interest in AI search rivals like Perplexity
Google stock slumped over 6 per cent after Apple’s Eddy Cue revealed at Alphabet’s antitrust trial that Apple is eyeing AI search engines like Perplexity AI as possible Safari defaults. Though Google remains Safari’s default search engine, the rise of AI-powered search tools threatens to disrupt its dominance and lucrative deals
Apple to source, produce all its mobile phones in India in years to come: Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's growing attractiveness for original equipment manufacturers, citing Apple's decision to source a majority of iPhones for the US market from India. He emphasized that investing in India offers affordability, reliability, and originality.
Apple to source, produce all its mobile phones in India in years to come: Scindia
Apple CEO Tim Cook during the company's recent earnings call announced that the company will source the majority of the iPhones sold in the US from India in the June quarter, while China will produce the vast majority of the devices for other markets amid uncertainty over tax tariffs.
MCA probes BluSmart; More made-in-India AirPods
Happy Tuesday! The corporate affairs ministry will probe Gensol Engineering and BluSmart to check corporate governance lapses. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Apple supplier Jabil eyeing more AirPods casing from India plants
As Apple accelerates efforts to diversify its manufacturing base beyond China, supplier Jabil is set to scale up production of AirPods enclosures in India through a second planned facility. Jabil currently manufactures plastic casings for Apple’s earphones at its Pune plants. Sources told us the company now aims to expand operations by leveraging its Tiruchirappalli factory in Tamil Nadu.
Meet the CEO you've never heard of who just out-earned tech titans and coffee kings with a whopping $101 million salary
Jim Anderson, CEO of Coherent, leads US CEO pay in 2024. His total compensation exceeds $101 million. This surpasses Tim Cook and Satya Nadella's earnings. Anderson assumed the role in June 2024. Stock awards significantly contribute to his high compensation. The median CEO compensation increased this year. Anderson's pay stands out among top executives.
Apple will appeal contempt ruling in Epic Games case over App Store
Apple has appealed a US judge’s ruling finding it in contempt for violating a 2021 injunction in the Epic Games antitrust case. The judge ordered Apple to open its App Store to more competition and referred the company for possible criminal contempt, citing willful noncompliance and misleading tactics to retain revenue.
Apple hit with app developer class action after US judge's contempt ruling
Apple is facing a class action lawsuit accusing it of defying a 2021 court order meant to loosen App Store restrictions, costing developers potentially billions. Filed by Pure Sweat Basketball, the suit claims Apple imposed inflated commissions and ignored the injunction, prompting calls for financial restitution and possible criminal investigation.
Sundar Pichai spills the (Apple) beans: Gemini may soon power Siri, says CEO in court
Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed under oath that Apple and Google are in talks to bring Gemini, Google's AI chatbot, into Apple devices through Siri. Speaking during a U.S. antitrust trial, Pichai revealed Apple CEO Tim Cook wanted to understand Google’s AI plans, including Gemini distribution. The deal, if finalised, could launch by mid-2025. The collaboration marks a major expansion for Gemini, and builds on Apple’s current partnerships with OpenAI, signalling a shift towards multiple AI models on iOS.
Tim Cook's Apple iPhone recipe: Made in India, sold in America
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that a majority of iPhones sold in the US this quarter will be sourced from India, highlighting the country's growing importance as a manufacturing hub. While China will remain dominant for sales outside the US, Apple is actively diversifying its supply chain due to trade tensions.
Top tech and startup stories this week
Welcome to a new edition of ETtech Unwrapped – our weekend newsletter packed with the most important stories this week. Let’s take a look.
Apple partnering with startup Anthropic on AI-powered coding platform
Apple is reportedly partnering with Amazon-backed Anthropic to develop an AI-powered “vibe-coding” tool, integrating Claude Sonnet into Xcode. Aimed at writing and testing code, it’s currently for internal use. This move aligns with Apple’s broader AI push, despite earlier delays in releasing its Swift Assist coding assistant.
Apple eases App Store rules under court pressure
Apple has revised its US App Store rules, allowing developers to link to external payment systems without paying Apple commissions, following a court ruling. Spotify quickly updated its app to offer direct subscription purchases outside Apple’s system. The changes end Apple’s “Apple Tax” and remove restrictive “scare screens,” promoting fairer competition.
Spotify submits app update to Apple with external link for purchases in US
Spotify has updated its US app to include external subscription links after a court ruled Apple violated competition rules. The move follows a long-standing dispute over App Store policies, with Apple planning to appeal the decision.
Explainer-What's next for Apple after US court's contempt order in Epic Games case?
Apple may face a criminal contempt investigation after a US judge ruled it violated a 2021 injunction in the Epic Games antitrust case. The court found Apple defied orders to allow alternative payment options and misled the court. Apple plans to appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit Court.
US judge rules Apple violated order to reform App Store
A US judge ruled Apple violated a court order to allow more competition in its App Store, following Epic Games’ antitrust case. Apple imposed new fees and discouraged external payments. The judge referred Apple to federal prosecutors for criminal contempt, stating the company deliberately ignored the injunction to stifle competition.
Frequent elections "not good" for country's development: Dharmendra Pradhan advocates for 'One Nation, One Election'
Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the 'One Nation, One Election' run organised by Delhi University. He advocated for political stability through simultaneous elections. Pradhan highlighted the potential for economic savings and accelerated development.
Apple App Store in India facilitated Rs 44,447 crore in billings, sales in 2024: Study
A new study reveals the App Store ecosystem in India facilitated substantial developer billings and sales, reaching Rs 44,447 crore in 2024. Indian developers' global earnings have tripled in five years, with most revenue accruing directly to them.
Zepto founders’ debt; Rapido’s food delivery ride
Happy Monday! Zepto founders are raising funds through structured debt ahead of the company’s IPO. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Load More
