Apple forced into huge iOS changes, De Minimis fallout + more! - TechLinked

Summary

TechLinked Podcast Summary Episode: Apple forced into huge iOS changes, De Minimis fallout + more! Release Date: May 3, 2025 Host: Linus Media Group

1. Apple Faces Major Setback in Epic Games Lawsuit

The episode delves into Apple's turbulent legal battles, particularly focusing on the recent developments in the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit. A significant moment occurs at [00:30], where a Tech Analyst describes the court's decision:

“Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers did not hold back. She accuses Apple VP of Finance Alex Roman of lying under oath and referred the incident to federal prosecutors for possible criminal contempt of court.” ([00:30])

The ruling mandates that Apple must allow iOS app developers to include buttons and external links directing users to alternative payment options. The judge criticized Apple for its repeated defiance of court orders and deceptive practices, emphasizing that this injunction is non-negotiable:

“She will not be entertaining a request for a stay because this is an injunction, not a negotiation for this court. There is no second bite at the Apple.” ([00:30])

In response, Apple has complied by updating their App Store guidelines, lifting previous restrictions on external links and calls to action. Major companies like Spotify, Stripe, and Patreon have already begun implementing these changes, with Spotify CEO Jack Conte announcing their compliance in a notably energetic video update.

2. Epic Games Celebrates and Plans Forward

Epic Games is seizing the moment by introducing new features such as webshops, which facilitate easier bypassing of Apple's in-app purchasing system by linking directly to alternative payment methods. Additionally, Epic has revamped its revenue-sharing model:

“The Epic Games store will take zero revenue from the first $1 million a game makes every year, which is like their previous policy, announced in 2020, but with a yearly reset.” ([00:30])

CEO Tim Sweeney is optimistic, believing the court's decision could allow Fortnite to return to iOS platforms imminently, despite Apple's previous breach-of-contract actions. However, Apple has indicated intentions to appeal the ruling, keeping the final outcome uncertain.

3. Trump Administration Ends De Minimis Rule: Impact on Import Tariffs

A pivotal change in trade policy was discussed, highlighting the Trump administration's termination of the de minimis rule, which previously exempted inexpensive goods from import tariffs. This shift has significant ramifications for popular US retailers like Temu and Shein, known for sourcing cheap products directly from China.

“Temu says they've stopped shipping goods from China directly to US customers and will now focus on shipping items from US-based warehouses.” ([00:30])

The removal of this exemption means increased costs for imported goods, leading to higher prices for consumers and forcing companies to adjust their logistics strategies.

4. Xbox Responds to Tariff Changes with Price Hikes

The fallout from the de minimis rule change isn't limited to online retailers. Xbox has responded by raising the prices of its consoles, accessories, and games globally. The Xbox Series X sees its base model increase from $500 to $600, and the 2TB version jumps to $730, surpassing the price of Sony's PS5 Pro.

“Xbox is probably fine with because they are making it very clear they do not care if you buy an Xbox because at this rate the PS5 Pro and your grandma will be an Xbox. Everybody's an Xbox.” ([00:30])

This strategic pricing underscores Xbox's confidence in their market positioning despite the economic pressures from increased tariffs.

5. Additional Tech News Highlights

a. Intel’s GPU Developments: Rumors have surfaced about a higher-tier Intel BattleMage GPU code-named BGM31, spotted in shipment manifests between Intel's Vietnam facilities and other labs. Leaker onewrightu suggested that Intel is still pursuing a powerful successor to the ARC B570 and B580, despite conflicting rumors about Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger potentially being ousted—a notion quickly debunked as Gelsinger remains firmly in his role.

b. Aurora’s Self-Driving Class 8 Trucks: A company named Aurora has achieved a milestone by becoming the first to commercially deploy self-driving Class 8 trucks. These autonomous vehicles will operate across Texas highways without a driver, leveraging lidar technology for improved navigation and safety.

c. Gaming Industry Layoffs: The gaming sector experienced significant turmoil with sudden layoffs at prominent outlets. Giant Bomb's parent company, Fandom, laid off key staff members, including Jeff Grubb. Similarly, Polygon faced workforce reductions following its acquisition by Valnet, a conglomerate owning numerous gaming and tech brands. These layoffs have sparked concerns about job security and the future direction of these beloved platforms.

d. Unique Research: Cicadas Play Pachelbel’s Canon: In a quirky twist, Japanese researchers have demonstrated that cicadas can be made to "play" the Baroque classic Pachelbel's Canon by stimulating their specialized sound-producing organs, known as timbals. While unconventional, the researchers envision potential emergency applications, albeit with humorous skepticism about the practicality and impact of such technology.

6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a humorous nod to the ongoing Xbox saga, referencing the playful fear of becoming synonymous with the console launch. The hosts sign off, promising more tech updates in the next episode, ensuring listeners stay tuned for continued coverage on the evolving tech landscape.

Notable Quotes:

Tech Analyst at [00:30]:

“Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers did not hold back... she will not be entertaining a request for a stay because this is an injunction, not a negotiation for this court.”
Host Commentary at [00:30]:

“Some of the floor over there. Better fire up the app.”

These insights provide a comprehensive overview of Apple's legal challenges, the ripple effects of trade policy changes, and other significant tech industry movements, offering listeners a deep dive into the current state of technology and gaming culture.

Transcript

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Tech Analyst (0:30)

Has just spectacularly had its ass handed to it in a way I didn't think I would see in Tim Sweeney's lifetime. On Wednesday, the judge in Epic Games lawsuit against Apple ordered Apple to immediately allow iOS app developers to include buttons and external links to alternative payment options in a fiery ruling excoriating the tech giant for repeatedly defying court orders, lying under oath, and consistently making bad choices. A copy of the ruling was also sent to every Apple executive's mother. I'm just kidding. But that would be great because Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers did not hold back. She accuses Apple VP of Finance Alex Roman of lying under oath and referred the incident to federal prosecutors for possible criminal contempt of court. She says CEO Tim Cook chose to listen to his CFO's advice to ignore the court's injunction, and in doing so, Cook chose poorly. She sounds like a Viking shaman telling a cautionary tale and now his eyes shall be eaten by Drauker in Muspelheim. Is that offensive, Bjorn? Other highlights include the judge calling out Apple for internally calling it a good thing if external link pop ups are scary, and then defending that by arguing that scary is a a term of art, an industry specific term that means raising awareness and caution, which a is BS and b that still means scary. Now because Apple has been acting a fool, Gonzalez Rogers ended with some bangers writing that she will not be entertaining a request for a stay because this is an injunction, not a negotiation for this court. There is no second bite at the Apple. Ooh, you know when she finished writing this at 3am she's hitting those keys hard. Now Apple is actually complying with the order. They updated their App Store guidelines to remove restrictions on buttons, external links and calls to action in the US and some companies have already started to car pay this diem, including Spotify, Stripe and Patreon, as announced by CEO Jack Conte in another of his signature video updates filled with what I like to call parasocial manic boyfriend energy. Okay, I know you're worried and I promise I'll sleep soon, but this is important. Been doing a lot of research. Meanwhile, Epic Games is taking a victory lap, announcing webshops, a feature that will make it easier for app developers to avoid Apple's in app purchasing by linking to payment options elsewhere. And Epic is so happy. They also announced the Epic Games store will take zero revenue from the first $1 million a game makes every year, which is like their previous policy, announced in 2020, but with a yearly reset. Now CEO Tim Sweeney apparently thinks this ruling will make it so that Fortnite can return to iOS next week, but Apple kicked them out for breach of contract, so Sparky might be getting a little excited. Also, though they're complying with the ruling for now, Apple said they're still planning to appeal and Mr. Apple, I wouldn't have it any other way. That's a joke. Please stop. Believe it or not, other stuff happened this week. Like for example, the Trump administration officially ended the de minimis rule that exempted inexpensive goods from import tariffs. This rule was basically the only reason that Temu and Shein got so popular in the US as the go to destination for finding cheap things to ship directly from China. So you can fill up your house and hopefully the hole in your heart. I I think you can still see some of the floor over there. Better fire up the app. Well, not anymore. Temu says they've stopped shipping goods from China directly to US customers and will now focus on shipping items from US based warehouses. Meanwhile, tariffs have driven Xbox to raise the prices of its consoles, accessories and games worldwide. The base model Series X will now cost 600 USD up from 500, while the 2 terabyte version is now $730, making it more expensive than a PS5 Pro, which Xbox is probably fine with because they are making it very clear they do not care if you buy an Xbox because at this rate the PS5 Pro and your grandma will be an Xbox. Everybody's an Xbox. Also, wait, why are game prices going up? Those don't have to be imported just because. Ah yes, yeah, sounds right. It almost makes you wanna check out our sponsor osnap. Oh Snap is their name. It's appropriate because they make phone accessories that are actually really good. I know it's shocking, but their Snap Grip, SnapCharge wireless charger and Snap Car mount also magnetically snap together. So that also works. And it would work great for your mom. This is not a mom joke. Mother's Day is right around the corner on May 11 and moms are always juggling a million things. So get this for her and her losing her phone in her car is one less thing. Now if you buy one of these, you're probably gonna want all of them cause they're good. So why not save some money and get them all with the car power kit? Tell your mom you got a deal. She'll love that. Now be a good progeny and check out. Oh, snap at our link in the description, huh? And now it sounds like it's time for the quick bits. What do you mean you can't hear that? References to a higher Tier Intel BattleMage GPU code named BGM31 have been spotted in manifests for shipments traveling between Intel Vietnam and its other labs, according to Twitter posts from the leaker known as Haze. Other Twitter leaker onewrightu also suggested intel hasn't given up on a more powerful sibling to the ARC B570 and B580, despite rumors to the contrary. But there are also rumors of Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger being fired. But he's still there. He's still. He's still in. In here, Pat. A company called Aurora has become the first to commercially deploy self driving Class 8 trucks, which will be driving themselves all over the great highways and byways of Texas completely without a driver inside. Which is unbeknownst to many Tesla owners, what self driving is actually supposed to mean. Although it definitely helps that Aurora trucks use lidar. I hear it's better than regular cameras. I don't Two storied gaming outlets were hit by sudden layoffs this week. Giant Bomb's owner fandom laid off a number of prominent staff, including Jeff Grubb, who we have cited on the show many times. Many staff at Polygon were also let go as the site was sold by Vox Media to Valnet, the company that owns a ton of brands including Game Rant, Dualshockers, XDA Developers, Android Police, and HowToGeek. I would say. Well, at least some staff survived the purge, but they're now working for a holding company that sued the Wrap over that outlet's report on sweatshop like conditions at Valnet's company. So guess you'll be wearing shorts to work now. And Japanese researchers have proven you can get cicadas to play the baroque classic Pachelbel's cannon by jabbing electrodes into their specialized sound producing organs called timbals. Okay, why? The researchers say, hey, it doesn't harm them. And one day they could be used in emergency situations such as earthquakes. To do what? Give grandmas a heart attack. Earthquake. Earthquake. I mean, she's already been turned into an Xbox. Give her a break. And it's time for us all to take a break from tech news. But only until Monday, when we'll all come back here and check on our Xbox Mutation progress. I'm already starting to see my buttons. Come in.