News publishers group asks Apple to lower its App Store fees for them

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A publisher's group representing the likes of the New York Times, The Economist, the Washington Post, NPR, Conde Nast, etc. is hoping to cut down its 30% "Apple tax" to 15%. The request comes a week after Epic's legal battle with Apple began over this cut Apple (and Google) get from in-app purchases. But the trade organization Digital Content Next got the idea from Amazon. Documents released as part of a Congressional antitrust hearing in the US with CEOs from Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google-owner Alphabet revealed that Apple takes 15% from Amazon's App Store revenue for Prime Video instead of the standard 30%.

Digital Content Next's CEO Jason Kint wrote in an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, asking about the conditions its members need to meet to qualify for the same arrangement. Because right now, nearly a third of every newspaper subscription sold through an iOS device goes to Apple. Cook said during the hearing that this deal was open to any developer that meets the conditions. 

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Epic Games says Apple plans to revoke its developer account

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In the ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple, the developer said that Apple has threatened to cut it out of the App Store entirely by revoking its developer account. The move will mean Epic can no longer make apps for Apple, which means it will lose access to iOS users. According to the developer, Apple has given Epic until August 28 before it removes its developer accounts, which also means they can't publish updates to current apps on the store. 

On top of that, Epic makes the Unreal Engine software that many iPhone and Android games use to add realistic graphics and physics to their titles. The company seeks an injunction to "preserve the status quo" and allow Epic to continue to sell apps, including Fortnite, on the Apple App Store. Epic claims Apple's move to revoke its accounts represents an "existential threat" to Unreal Engine, and that the company is "attacking Epic's entire business in unrelated areas."

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Apple outlines guidelines for COVID-19-related apps on the App Store

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Apple is cracking down on apps in its App Store that are related to COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of misinformation. At the same time, it's released some guidelines on what apps related to the virus will be allowed. Credible organizations—such as government entities, health-focused NGOs, and educational institutions—will be allowed to submit apps. And the company encourages developers that meet these criteria to pick "Time-Sensitive Event" on the expedite request form to make sure these get priority for review since it might take some time for App Store reviews. 

What the tech giant isn't allowing are those that are meant to entertain (like games) with the virus as their theme, but also, of course, those that spread misleading information. "The App Store should always be a safe and trusted place for users to download apps. Now more than ever that commitment takes on special significance as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic," Apple wrote in a statement.

Feel the World Cup fever with Apple

Starting today, you can keep up and celebrate all things World Cup on Apple devices and services. You can ask Siri about everything from scores, standings, team rosters, schedules, etc. The App Store will feature favorite apps and games from football stars. App Store editors will even offer tips on how to take perfect football photo and get your football fix on social media. If you use the Apple TV App, you can keep track of all of the action on TSN and RDS, Bell Media’s English and French language apps in Canada. You can favourite teams and follow their matches in Up Next as well as receive notifications on your Apple devices when their team is playing or when a match is coming up.

If you just want to keep up on the news, the News app will make it easier for you to follow what’s happening. You get up-to-date scores and schedules as well as a knockout bracket and profiles of the event’s key players from Eight by Eight magazine. Meanwhile, Apple Music will have playlists for each participating nation that feature the most exciting local artists the teams have selected. And Apple Podcast and iBooks will both feature editorial collections called “The Beautiful Game” that highlight podcasts and books that celebrate the sport. If you want to show your love for the sport creatively, Clips now comes with football-themed graphics, which include an animated sticker, label, and poster with customizable text.