Assistive TechnologyPolicy

California Age-Gate Law Transforms App Store Safety Standards

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1043 into law, establishing age-gating requirements for app stores and operating systems. The legislation creates four age categories for users without requiring parental consent or photo ID uploads. These changes represent California’s latest move in digital safety regulation.

California has enacted groundbreaking age-gate legislation that will fundamentally change how app stores and operating systems handle minor users. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1043 into law alongside several other internet safety bills, positioning California at the forefront of digital protection for children and teens. The new requirements represent a more privacy-conscious approach to age verification compared to laws in other states, receiving unanimous legislative support and backing from major technology companies.

How California’s App Store Age Verification Works

Gaming HardwareInternational Business and Trade

iPhone 17 Preorders Surge as Global Smartphone Market Defies Economic Headwinds

Global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in Q3 2025 despite economic uncertainty, with iPhone 17 preorders outpacing last year’s model. Samsung maintained market leadership while premium devices continued to drive growth across the industry.

Despite ongoing tariffs and economic uncertainty, global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with iPhone 17 preorders significantly outpacing last year’s iPhone 16 launch according to the International Data Corporation. The sustained growth in premium device sales, including Apple’s latest iPhone and Samsung’s newest foldables, demonstrates remarkable consumer resilience in the face of economic pressures that industry experts note would typically suppress high-end purchases.

Smartphone Market Defies Economic Expectations

BusinessStocks and Bonds

Pre-Market Stock Movers: JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, General Motors Lead Earnings-Driven Activity

Major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs report strong quarterly earnings, while General Motors faces electric vehicle charges. Rare earth miners surge on supply chain developments as several companies announce strategic moves affecting pre-market trading.

Pre-market trading activity shows significant movement across multiple sectors as companies report quarterly earnings and announce strategic developments. Financial heavyweights including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs lead the early session following better-than-expected results, while General Motors faces pressure from electric vehicle strategy changes and rare earth miners continue their rally on supply chain developments.

Financial Sector Earnings Drive Early Market Movement