Apple Stock News: Expanding Vision Pro App Store
Apple Stock News: Apple is expanding the Vision Pro App Store to new markets ahead of its global launch. Initially launched in February exclusively in the United States, Apple announced at WWDC plans to bring the Vision Pro to eight more markets. The rollout schedule is as follows: China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore will receive the Vision Pro on June 28, followed by Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on July 12. Pre-orders for the first group started on June 13, and for the second group on June 28.
Apple ensures developers that their apps and games will automatically appear on the App Store in selected regions via App Store Connect. Management of visionOS app availability and compatibility with iPad and iPhone apps on the headset can be handled through the same interface. The Vision Pro is priced at $3,499 in the United States, with similar pricing in local currencies for other launch countries.
M4 MacBook Pro Models
MacBook Pro models with the M4 chip are expected to launch in Q4 2024, according to display analyst Ross Young. Panel shipments for new 14-inch and 16-inch models are set for Q3 2024, suggesting a later release in the year. Apple began rolling out M4 chips starting with the M4 iPad Pro in May, with MacBook Pro and Mac mini updates also slated for 2024, per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro will feature the M4 chip, while the 14-inch and 16-inch models will get M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. The Mac mini will also adopt M4 and M4 Pro chips. MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models are not expected to transition to M4 chips until 2025, and the timing for the iMac’s upgrade remains uncertain. The M4 chip, built on an upgraded 3-nanometer node like the M3, shows up to 25% better multi-core performance in Geekbench 6 benchmarks. While Apple works on OLED display technology, major updates for the upcoming MacBook Pro models are not anticipated until at least 2026.
DMA Issues
Apple is facing significant compliance issues under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission is investigating whether Apple’s recent changes to its EU app marketplace meet DMA requirements, which mandate allowing developers to distribute apps outside the App Store without fees. Despite Apple’s update in iOS 17.4 to support third-party app marketplaces, it imposes a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee after 1 million annual downloads.
Vestager criticized Apple’s implementation, expressing doubts about its compliance with DMA rules. The European Commission is nearing the conclusion of its investigation, with potential fines of up to five percent of Apple’s daily global revenue looming if violations are found. Recent reports suggest the Commission is ready to charge Apple for non-compliance, though Apple still has time to adjust iOS before any official decisions are announced.
