BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Meta to Shutter Messenger Desktop Apps, Shifts Users to Web

Meta Platforms is sunsetting its dedicated Messenger applications for desktop operating systems, according to recent reports. Users will lose access to the standalone apps after a 60-day transition period, with all desktop traffic being redirected to web-based alternatives starting December 15.

Meta is pulling the plug on its dedicated Messenger applications for Windows and Mac computers, sources familiar with the company’s plans indicate. The move signals a significant shift in how users will access the messaging platform on desktop devices, with the tech giant apparently consolidating its development efforts around mobile and web-based experiences.

The Countdown Begins

BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Apple Faces £1.5 Billion UK Antitrust Ruling Over App Store Fees

A UK tribunal has ruled Apple abused its dominant position by charging excessive App Store fees to developers. The landmark decision could entitle 36 million consumers to approximately £1.5 billion in damages. Apple has announced it will appeal the ruling.

Landmark Ruling Against Tech Giant

Apple has reportedly lost a groundbreaking UK class action lawsuit alleging the company imposed “excessive and unfair” charges through its App Store, according to tribunal documents released Thursday. The Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled that the Silicon Valley-based tech giant abused its dominant market position by charging developers commissions as high as 30% on App Store purchases.

BusinessCybersecuritySoftware

Apple Removes Women’s Safety Dating App Over Privacy and Moderation Failures

Apple has removed the women’s dating safety app Tea from its App Store after multiple privacy breaches and failure to implement required content moderation. The app, which promised user anonymity, faced lawsuits over exposed personal data including sensitive conversations and identity documents.

App Store Removal Following Guideline Violations

Apple has removed the controversial women’s dating safety application Tea from the App Store after the app repeatedly failed to meet platform requirements for content moderation and user privacy protection, according to reports from 404 Media. The removal also extends to a copycat application called TeaOnHer, with Apple confirming both apps violated multiple App Store guidelines regarding user data protection and objectionable content reporting mechanisms.

LegalPolicyTechnology

Texas Age Verification Law Faces Constitutional Challenges from Tech Giants and Student Groups

A coalition including Apple, Google, and student organizations is challenging Texas’ upcoming age verification mandate for app stores. The lawsuits argue the law creates unconstitutional restrictions on information access and raises serious data privacy risks.

Legal Challenges Mount Against Texas App Store Age Verification Mandate

A significant legal battle is unfolding in Texas as technology giants and student advocacy groups unite to challenge the state’s upcoming app store age verification law, with sources indicating the measure faces multiple constitutional complaints. The Texas App Store Accountability Act, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, requires official app stores to perform mandatory age checks on all Texas users before permitting mobile application downloads.

Assistive TechnologyGaming Hardware

Apple Launches M5-Powered iPad Pro With Major AI Performance Boost

Apple has introduced its new iPad Pro lineup featuring the powerful M5 chip, marking a significant focus on AI capabilities. The tablets maintain their ultra-thin design while promising substantial performance improvements for future AI applications.

Apple’s Latest iPad Pro Embraces AI Revolution with M5 Chip

Apple has unveiled its new iPad Pro models featuring the company’s latest M5 chip, with reports indicating the update places significant emphasis on artificial intelligence capabilities. According to sources, the technology giant is positioning its premium tablets as ready for future AI advancements despite not yet delivering the complete Apple Intelligence experience.

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