Apple fined $15.5 million as South Korea orders changes to App Store rules

9to5mac.com Oct 29, 2026

Apple fined $15.5 million as South Korea orders changes to App Store rules

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 29, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

South Korea’s Korea Media and Communications Commission fined Apple 20.81 billion won (about $15.5 million) and ordered policy changes after finding the company violated the Telecommunications Business Act. Apple was cited for forcing developers to use its in‑app payment system, delaying app reviews, and charging discriminatory commissions—charging South Korean developers VAT-inclusive prices while overseas developers were charged VAT‑exclusive. The fine marks the first enforcement under the 2021 amendment and requires Apple to allow third‑party payment methods and clarify review timelines.

💡 Why It Matters

· The ruling signals a tightening of global antitrust scrutiny on dominant app platforms, compelling Apple to adjust its revenue model and developer relations in a key market.

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The new MacBook Pro has everything I wanted, minus one thing

Apple released a new MacBook Pro featuring a PROLED XDR display, touch support, and the Dynamic Island, appealing to users who previously relied on the iPad Pro. The laptop offers a thin, lightweight design and modern OS features, but it lacks built‑in cellular connectivity—a key omission for users who depend on mobile data. Despite the high price, the device is praised for its performance and display quality, though some reviewers question the necessity of cellular in a laptop.

💡 The absence of cellular in Apple’s flagship laptop underscores a strategic gap in the company’s ecosystem, potentially limiting mobile productivity for professionals who rely on uninterrupted connectivity.

appleinsider.com · Oct 29

It was the right time to add touch to the MacBook Pro,…

Apple has introduced touch support in the new MacBook Pro, a first for the Mac line, after years of speculation. CEO John Ternus explained the decision was driven by technological readiness, including an OLED display and a new hinge system that eliminates screen wobble. The move aligns with the growing demand from creative and engineering professionals who already use iPads and iPhones. Apple emphasized that adding touch did not compromise the device’s weight, thickness, or performance. The launch marks a significant shift in Apple’s laptop strategy.

💡 By integrating touch, Apple expands the MacBook Pro’s appeal to a generation of creators accustomed to direct screen interaction, potentially reshaping workflow expectations in professional environments.

appleinsider.com · Oct 29

AirTag lawsuit challenges how easily tracking alerts can be disabled

A Washington woman has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company’s AirTag safeguards failed to alert her to three hidden trackers used by her abusive husband. The complaint claims the devices were found in a son’s diaper bag, a car’s rear‑seat upholstery, and a vehicle console, yet her iPhone never issued warnings. She argues Apple should require biometric confirmation for disabling alerts and notify users when notifications are turned off. The suit seeks damages, legal costs, and enhanced safety features.

💡 The case underscores the urgency of reliable anti‑stalking technology in personal devices, a gap that could expose victims to ongoing surveillance and harm.

9to5mac.com · Oct 29

iPhone Duo could capture nearly 30% of foldable market in 2027, per…

TrendForce reports that Apple’s iPhone Duo will ship 5 million units by the end of 2026, capturing 24.8 % of the foldable smartphone market. The firm projects the segment to grow to 23.5 million shipments in 2027, with Apple’s share rising to 29.8 %. Samsung is expected to decline to 31.9 %, while Huawei falls to 21.3 %. Apple’s advantage lies in its integrated chips, OS, and developer ecosystem, which could shift focus from form‑factor to multitasking efficiency.

💡 Apple’s early lead could accelerate foldable adoption, redefining industry standards and consumer expectations.

appleinsider.com · Oct 29

Apple updated the World Travel Adapter Kits and two power adapters

Apple released updated versions of its 70W and 140W power adapters and the World Travel Adapter Kit, alongside a new Power Adapter Extension Cable that has been unavailable for roughly two years. The company attributes the changes to “updated regulations,” prompting a redesign of the adapters’ specifications and packaging. The new extension cable offers users greater flexibility for international travel, while the updated adapters comply with revised safety and environmental standards. Apple’s support page details the new product specifications and availability.

💡 The revisions signal Apple’s compliance with evolving global safety norms, ensuring its accessories remain market‑ready across regions. The reintroduction of the extension cable addresses a long‑standing consumer need, potentially boosting sales among frequent travelers.

techcrunch.com · Oct 29

Apple’s touchscreen MacBook Pro pushes laptop pricing to a new extreme

Apple unveiled a touchscreen MacBook Pro line, with base pricing at $2,899 and fully configured 16‑inch models reaching $14,549. The top spec includes the M5 Max processor, an 18‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, up to 128 GB of RAM, and storage options up to 16 TB, each adding steep premiums: $1,000 for 4 TB SSD, $3,000 for 8 TB, $7,000 for 16 TB, and $2,000 for the maximum memory. A nano‑texture glass finish costs an extra $150. Compared with the previous 16‑inch MacBook Pro’s $10,149 ceiling, the new range lifts the price ceiling by $4,400. Pre‑orders begin Oct. 30 with shipments slated for Nov. 6, marking Apple’s first true touchscreen laptop after abandoning the Touch Bar a decade earlier. It also adds a new configurator for custom builds.

💡 By pricing a touchscreen laptop into the ultra‑premium tier, Apple forces competitors to confront a market segment where luxury features outweigh cost, reshaping buyer expectations for high‑end notebooks.