Top Stories: Epic Vs. Apple escalates, AAPL worth $ 2T, iOS 14 Beta 5 Changes

Topping the news headlines this week was the dispute between Apple and Epic Games, which continued to take root without signs of de-escalation. However, the conflict did not dampen investors’ enthusiasm for Apple’s share, as Apple became the first U.S. company to reach a market capitalization of $ 2 trillion this week.

Other news this week includes rumors about future updates of iPad Air and iPad Pro, some more changes in the latest beta of iOS 14, and an update to Apple’s policy that will give users up to one year AppleCare + warranty and coverage for accidental damage purchase for a wide range of Apple products in the US and Canada.

Read below for details on all these stories and more from the past week!

Epic games seek side deal for Fortnite ahead of lawsuit, Apple says in court filing

It was just a week ago that things blossomed between Apple and Epic Games, and a lot has happened since then, so we’ve regularly updated our timeline of the events leading up to and major developments in the collision between the two companies .

Recently, Epic Games competed strategically against Apple’s and Google’s for in-app purchases, launching their own in-game currency payment system in their hit game Fortnite. Apple and Google pulled Fortnite out of their app stores, and Epic responded quickly with lawsuits and PR campaigns against the companies, with a major focus on breaking Apple’s firm control over app distribution on iOS and the revenue share it takes.

For its part, Apple has said it “will make no exception for Epic” and will terminate Epic’s developer accounts if Fortnite does not comply with App Store rules by August 28, a move that will affect numerous developers who rely on Epic’s Unreal Engine game engine. Apple also disputes Epic’s claims that it did not seek a special deal with Apple to allow its own in-app purchasing mechanism, as a new claim by Apple says this is exactly what Epic wanted.

With Fortnite removed from the App Store, some enterprising eBay sellers have taken to offering iPhones with Fortnite already installed, in some cases for thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, Epic is hosting a “#FreeFortnite Cup” this weekend as one last hurray for cross-platform play before existing Fortnite players on iOS “lag” as the next game update drops.

Apple’s market capitalization is $ 2 trillion

Just two months after becoming the first U.S. company to reach a market capitalization of $ 1.5 trillion, Apple reached another milestone by being the first to reach $ 2 trillion.

Apple’s share price has more than doubled since its low point just five months ago, and the company will complete a four-for-one deed split at the end of this month. That should bring Apple’s share price to the $ 100- $ 125 range, but with four times as many shares in circulation, it will not affect the company’s overall market value.

And Apple may not have done so yet, as the company’s share price has continued to rise to $ 500, with one analyst saying a bull-case scenario could drive the stock to $ 600 (on a pre- split base) on the power of an iPhone 12 “superbike.”

What’s New in iOS 14 Beta 5: Larger Apple News Widget, Alarm Clock, Hidden Photo Album Changes and more

Apple unveiled a fifth beta version of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 to developers and public beta testers this week, and the company continues to adjust things as an official launch approaches.

There’s a new “large” Apple News widget size option for the View Today, new privacy settings for widgets, a new “wheel” design for setting alarm times in the Clock app, a new option to to prevent the hidden album from appearing in the photos in the album list, and more.

Apple also unveiled new betas from macOS Big Sur, watchOS 7, and tvOS 14 this week.

iPad Air 4 Said to launch in March 2021 With A14 processor, iPad Pro update possible next month

Apple will launch the iPad Air 4 in March 2021 with an A14 processor, according to sources who also earlier rumors confirm that Apple will bring the ‌iPad‌ Air 4 much closer to the current iPad Pro in terms of design and features.

The ‌iPad‌ Air 4 will presumably have a Smart Connector on the back to support the new Magic Keyboard, while it is apparently set to switch from the Lightning Connector to USB-C and has four stereo speakers.

The report also claims that an updated ‌iPad Pro‌ could arrive as soon as next month, likely alongside new iPhones at Apple’s usual fall event. Rumors are mixed, however, when an updated ‌iPad Pro‌ sporty Mini-LED display technology may arrive, with the first projections claiming this fall and the latest claim of the first half of 2021.

Five Mac Apps Worth Checking – August 2020

Apps designed for the Mac often do not get as much coverage as apps designed for iPhones and iPads, which is why we here at MacRumors have a series that highlights interesting Mac apps that are worth checking out.

This month’s picks include app organization apps Panelicious and Tuck, Android tool file transfer tool MacDroid, retro summer music playlist app Poolside FM, and text recognition app TextSniper.

Apple Allows users in the US and Canada up to one year to purchase AppleCare +

Apple is significantly expanding the window in which users in the US and Canada can purchase an AppleCare + extended warranty with accidental damage coverage. Apple has typically allowed users to purchase AppleCare + for up to 60 days after purchasing a device, but that window will now be extended to one year, though users will need to visit an Apple store to inspect their devices for possible damage.

AppleCare +’s annual purchase window applies to a wide range of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, iPods, HomePods, AirPods, Apple Watches, and more.

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