Apple’s long-running app store battle with the EU appears to finally be over

9to5mac.com Aug 20, 2026

Apple’s long-running app store battle with the EU appears to finally be over

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The European Union has accepted Apple’s revised app‑store commission structure, ending a protracted antitrust dispute. Apple will now charge developers between 5% and 26% based on turnover and sales channels, and will allow third‑party app stores to operate within the bloc. The Commission praised the changes after a non‑compliance decision and will monitor implementation. Meanwhile, Apple’s U.S. legal battles, including talks with Epic Games, remain unresolved.

💡 Why It Matters

· The EU settlement removes a major regulatory hurdle, enabling Apple to streamline its European marketplace and potentially lower costs for developers.
· This shift could reshape competition dynamics and set a precedent for global app‑store practices.

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iPhone 18 Pro: 12GB RAM Gates Advanced Apple Intelligence, Mechanical Iris Debuts

John Ternus, Apple’s first CEO with a mechanical engineering background, is scheduled to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the company’s inaugural foldable iPhone Ultra on September 9. Pre-orders begin September 12, with sales launching September 18. The Pro lineup features a mechanical variable aperture, a 2-nanometer chip with redesigned transistor architecture, and increased battery capacity. Crucially, iOS 27’s advanced on-device AI capabilities require a minimum of 12GB of unified memory. This hardware threshold restricts access to these AI features exclusively to the Pro, Pro Max, and foldable Ultra models. Standard iPhone 18 models, arriving in spring 2027, will lack the necessary memory configuration. Ternus, who oversaw hardware development for all major Apple product lines for 25 years, leads this transition. His engineering expertise aligns with the new hardware-centric era where on-device AI performance depends heavily on specific memory and chip architectures. This strategic shift underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating advanced computational photography and artificial intelligence directly into its premium device ecosystem.

💡 The 12GB memory requirement creates a definitive hardware divide, forcing consumers to choose premium models to access core AI functionality. This strategy effectively uses artificial intelligence as a gatekeeper for high-end sales rather than a universal feature.

appleinsider.com · Aug 20

Beats 360 retail leak spills almost everything about the over-ear headphones

Retail listings on Amazon UK and other UK sites revealed the Beats 360 over‑ear headphones, providing a near‑complete feature set before the official launch. The headphones feature a rounder design than the Studio Pro, mesh‑fabric ear cups, replaceable cushions, and a fold‑flat case. They claim sweat and water resistance, improved ANC (up to 1.75× better than the Studio Pro), personalized spatial audio, and all‑day battery life. The model is expected to start at $299 in the U.S. with multiple color options.

💡 The leak shows Beats is pushing advanced audio tech into a broader price tier, potentially reshaping mid‑range headphone competition. It also signals a rapid rollout, hinting at a strategic move to capture market share before competitors release similar features.

appleinsider.com · Aug 20

B&H slashes M5 MacBook Pro further, now just $1,669

B&H Photo has introduced a $350 discount on Apple’s 14‑inch M5 MacBook Pro, lowering the price to $1,669 for the Space Black model equipped with a 10‑core M5 chip, 16 GB unified memory, 1 TB SSD and a 96 W USB‑C power adapter. The promotion includes free two‑day continental U.S. delivery and a $20 upgrade to the higher‑watt charger. Compared with Amazon’s listing of the same configuration with a 70 W adapter at $1,849, B&H’s offer is $180 cheaper. The retailer also lists additional markdowns across the M5, M5 Pro and M5 Max lines, with savings ranging from $200 to $600 on various 14‑inch and 16‑inch models. B&H warns that many deals have limited inventory and encourages early purchase before stocks run out today.

💡 The sub‑$1,700 price point brings Apple’s premium 14‑inch MacBook Pro within reach of independent creators who previously faced a steep cost barrier.

appleinsider.com · Aug 20

New Apple Store to open in Meridian, Idaho just outside of Boise

Apple has announced a new 10,000‑square‑foot store at the Village at Meridian shopping center, slated to open in September 2026. The center, located just outside Boise, Idaho, will launch its first phase of retail in September, with full occupancy expected by February 2027. The new Apple location will sit beside a similarly sized Pottery Barn. The store will provide in‑person product trials, Genius Bar support, and repair services, complementing the existing Boise Towne Square Apple Store a few miles east.

💡 The addition expands Apple’s footprint into a rapidly growing suburban market, offering residents a local hub for tech support and product testing. This move underscores Apple’s strategy of placing flagship stores in high‑traffic, upscale retail environments.

techradar.com · Aug 20

Apple TV 4K fans are begging for these 3 upgrades from the…

Apple’s upcoming Siri Remote for Apple TV 4K is confirmed by a code reference in the macOS 26.7 release candidate, aligning with Bloomberg’s 2026 roadmap. The current remote has been criticized for its sharp design and imprecise button placement. Leaked details suggest a new model, dubbed “ATVRemote1.5,” may include a dedicated Source button, a Find My speaker, and a customizable action button. Users hope the Source button will eliminate the need for third‑party remotes, while the Find My speaker could prevent the remote from getting lost in couch cushions.

💡 The new remote could streamline Apple TV control, reducing reliance on external remotes and enhancing user experience.

9to5mac.com · Aug 20

9to5Mac Daily: August 20, 2026 – Apple RAM suppliers, iPhone Ultra rumors

9to5Mac Daily’s August 20, 2026 episode covers three major tech stories. U.S. officials reportedly oppose Apple’s planned purchase of Chinese memory chips, raising concerns about supply chain security. Leaked details suggest Apple will launch an iPhone Ultra, with a new name and release window hinted. A separate report reveals a significant overhaul of Apple’s Home product line. The podcast, available on major platforms, includes sponsorship from Backblaze and encourages listeners to subscribe for ad‑free content.

💡 The U.S. stance on Chinese chip procurement could reshape Apple’s manufacturing strategy, while the iPhone Ultra and Home updates signal the company’s next product push.