AppleInsider Podcast Earnings, Epic Games, iPhone 17, and a portable Mac mini on the AppleInsider Podcast
May 2, 2025
Apple's recent earnings exceed expectations, even as it faces legal challenges from Epic Games, which could impact its App Store policies. The hosts explore the practicalities of creating a portable Mac mini, comparing it to the MacBook Air. There's also a glimpse into upcoming iPhone models and a fascinating discussion about age verification and tech dilemmas. The episode digs into Apple's AI restructuring and its global manufacturing challenges, all while engaging with listener feedback and teasing future discussions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Apple's Anti-Steering Loophole
- Apple's anti-steering rules blocked apps from linking to external purchasing sites, protecting its commission revenue.
- After being ruled unlawful, Apple's compliance measures were minimal and ineffective, resulting in poor adoption by developers.
Apple's Court Compliance Failure
- Apple deliberately ignored the court's spirit by imposing burdensome rules on external payment links.
- This led to a contempt of court ruling and damage to Apple's reputation despite winning the main case.
Complex Morality in Epic vs Apple
- Initially, Apple seemed the clear 'good guy' against Epic Games' aggressive tactics.
- Yet Apple's narrow legal compliance and harmful policies validated Epic's final legal arguments.