Apple news summary for August 18
This is the much shorter version of the daily Apple news and related newsletter I publish every day on Substack. Please become a subscriber to support me in the transition.
Breaking: Apple lowers App Store fees in Europe
To settle with EU, Apple has dropped fees for developers who don’t use the App Store and introduced a 5% commission to replace the Core Technology Fee. Company says the changes it has put in place will resolve Apple’s disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution.
App Store Commission falls
Apple’s US App Store commission revenue fell 18 percent since the start of 2026, with revenue declining elsewhere as new regulations constraining its App Store business practises bite. Apple recently told us regulation is slowing Services growth. (MR).
Apple’s August silly season leaks fill the media
Someone at Apple accidentally left a whole wave of future products visible in the company’s most recent software release.
Is Apple beginning a privacy reset?
It’s not clear how or if Apple’s ambition to put cameras inside AirPods can also protect privacy.
Security in the AI age
Apple shipped another extensive collection of security patches repairing 28 vulnerabilities across its platforms. Use of AI in detection means the number of patched vulnerabilities published each month is growing fast with over 200 CVE’s patched in July alone.
Google follows Apple out of China
Company says it will cease manufacturing Pixel products in China next year, switching production to Vietnam and India.
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