Apple closes iPhone carrier financing loophole and increases subscription prices

Apple has closed a long-standing loophole that allowed customers to purchase carrier-financed iPhones that were unlocked. Previously, users could take advantage of carrier promotions while receiving an unlocked device, but new policies now ensure these devices remain carrier-locked until fully paid off. In addition to this change, Apple has increased subscription prices for several services. Individual Apple Music subscriptions have risen by $1 to $11.99 per month, while the family plan has increased by $3 to $19.99. Apple One family and premier plans have also seen a $2 monthly price increase. In other developments, Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit regarding a vulnerability in its "Hide My Email" feature, which allegedly fails to mask user email addresses as advertised. The company is also pursuing legal action against OpenAI, alleging that former Apple employees now working at the AI company misappropriated confidential trade secrets. Finally, the European Commission has granted exemptions to its battery removal regulations for specific wearable devices, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, acknowledging the technical challenges of making these small, sealed products user-serviceable.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

Apple has closed a long-standing loophole that allowed customers to purchase carrier-financed iPhones that were unlocked. Previously, users could take advantage of carrier promotions while receiving an unlocked device, but new policies now ensure these devices remain carrier-locked until fully paid off. In addition to this change, Apple has increased subscription prices for several services. Individual Apple Music subscriptions have risen by $1 to $11.99 per month, while the family plan has increased by $3 to $19.99. Apple One family and premier plans have also seen a $2 monthly price increase. In other developments, Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit regarding a vulnerability in its "Hide My Email" feature, which allegedly fails to mask user email addresses as advertised. The company is also pursuing legal action against OpenAI, alleging that former Apple employees now working at the AI company misappropriated confidential trade secrets. Finally, the European Commission has granted exemptions to its battery removal regulations for specific wearable devices, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, acknowledging the technical challenges of making these small, sealed products user-serviceable.

Apple has closed a loophole that allowed carrier-financed iPhones to be sold as unlocked devices. Individual Apple Music subscriptions have increased by $1, while family and bundle plans have also seen price hikes.

A class-action lawsuit alleges that Apple's "Hide My Email" feature fails to protect user privacy as promised. Apple has initiated legal action against OpenAI, claiming that former employees misappropriated confidential trade secrets.

The European Commission has exempted the Apple Watch and AirPods from new battery removal regulations.

Chapter guide

iOS 27 Public BetaOverview of the latest iOS 27 public beta, including new features in the Wallet app and a bug affecting notification language.Apple Legal NewsDiscussion of the class-action lawsuit regarding the "Hide My Email" vulnerability and the ongoing trade secret litigation against OpenAI.Carrier Financing LoopholeExplanation of the change in Apple's policy regarding carrier-financed iPhones and the impact on device locking.Upcoming iPad UpdatesReport on the upcoming iPad mini overhaul, including the introduction of OLED screens and expected release timelines.EU Regulations and PricingUpdates on EU battery regulations for wearables and the recent price increases for Apple Music and Apple One subscriptions.AirTag Stalking CaseDetails of a legal case involving the misuse of an Apple AirTag for stalking purposes.

Worth noting

  • Information regarding future product specifications, such as the iPad mini's display technology and release date, is based on leaks and reports and has not been officially confirmed by Apple.
  • The claims regarding the "Hide My Email" vulnerability and the trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI are based on ongoing legal proceedings and reports, and the final outcomes remain uncertain.

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