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Trump’s Apple tariff threat; Zepto Cafe’s roadblock
US President Donald Trump has warned Apple to produce iPhones sold in the US domestically or face consequences. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Apple plans glasses for 2026 as part of AI push, nixes watch with camera
Apple is accelerating development of AI-powered smart glasses, targeting a 2026 release, while cancelling plans for a camera-equipped Apple Watch. The glasses will rival Meta’s Ray-Bans, featuring cameras, microphones, and Siri integration. Concerns remain over Apple’s AI capabilities, which currently lag behind competitors like Meta and Google.
UP ATS arrests 2 for suspected espionage, links with Pakistan
Uttar Pradesh ATS has arrested two individuals, Mohd Haroon and Tufail, for their alleged involvement in activities threatening national security. Haroon is accused of illegally facilitating Pakistani visas and sharing sensitive information with a Pakistan High Commission employee. Tufail is suspected of promoting extremist ideologies, sharing sensitive details with Pakistani contacts, and attempting to undermine India's sovereignty.
Vietnam acts to block messaging app Telegram, government document shows
The document said the ministry was acting on behalf of the country's cyber-security department after police reported that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups in the country violated the law, citing fraud, drug trafficking and "cases suspected of being related to terrorism" among the illegal activities carried out through the app.
SC issues notice to centre on plea to ban betting apps
The petitioner, claiming himself "a prominent social activist, humanitarian, and President of Global Peace Initiative, which is dedicated to promoting peace and justice globally", said the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the interest of millions of people and to protect the sanity and democracy in India by banning "illegal" betting apps.
Top-deck churn at Tata Digital; Rapido’s cash burn rises
Happy Friday! Top-level exits continue at Tata Digital with CEO Naveen Tahilyani abruptly ending his year-long stint. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
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Google unleashes 'AI Mode' in the next phase of its journey to change search
The next phase outlined at Google's annual developers conference includes releasing a new "AI mode" option in the United States. The feature makes interacting with Google's search engine more like having a conversation with an expert capable of answering questions on just about any topic imaginable.
Broadband internet outage affects thousands in New Zealand; causes and explained
Contact Energy broadband users faced a major internet disruption. The outage impacted users in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Devoli, the network provider, traced the problem to a route reflector in Sydney. Devices in Auckland and Wellington were restarted to fix the issue. Contact Energy confirmed that services are now restored. The company is investigating the cause of the outage.
Epic Games says Fortnite back on Apple's US App Store
Last week, "Fortnite" became unavailable on the App Store around the world, apparently as the result of an updated version of the game being rejected by Apple. While Fortnite with its millions of daily players had already been unavailable to iPhone users in the United States, the block on downloads of the cartoonish multiplayer shooter affected the entire globe.
Fortnite returns to Apple's App Store after nearly five-year ban
Fortnite has officially returned to Apple's App Store in the United States, ending a nearly five-year ban triggered by a legal clash over in-app payment commissions. Epic Games, the studio behind Fortnite, announced the game's comeback after a recent US court ruling found Apple in breach of earlier orders to allow competition. Though Fortnite had already relaunched in the EU, this US return marks a pivotal shift in app store regulation. Analysts warn, however, the win may have come too late for Fortnite’s popularity to rebound.
President Trump signs Take It Down Act, addressing nonconsensual deepfakes. What is it?
President Trump signed the Take It Down Act, a bipartisan law targeting non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfakes. Introduced by Senators Cruz and Klobuchar, it mandates swift removal of such content by websites within 48 hours. While supported by many, including Melania Trump and Meta, critics raise concerns about potential censorship and First Amendment infringements due to the law's broad language.
Russia fines Apple $93,000 over 'LGBTQ Propaganda' violations
A Moscow court fined Apple's subsidiary for violating Russia's anti-LGBTQ laws. The fine is 7.5 million rubles. Apple is accused of distributing content promoting non-traditional relationships. This is Apple's first penalty under this law. Russia has been criticized internationally for its stance on LGBTQ issues. The government introduced an AI program to scan for illegal content.
Indian boycott of Turkish coffee, chocolates and fashion grows
Indian retailers and online platforms are boycotting Turkish goods, including food and apparel, due to Turkey's support for Pakistan in its conflict with India. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation has initiated a total boycott of Turkish-origin food products, while fashion websites like Myntra and AJIO have removed Turkish apparel brands.
Telegram founder says he rejected a Western request to silence conservative voices in Romania
Romanians were voting on Sunday in a run-off that pits a hard-right eurosceptic against a centrist independent. The outcome of the contest will have significant implications for both Romania's struggling economy and European Union unity. The vote takes place nearly six months after the initial ballot was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference - denied by Moscow - in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who was banned from standing again.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov drops 'silence voice' bomb against 'West'. Here is what he says
Pavel Durov was arrested at an airport near Paris last August. In March, Telegram founder returned to Dubai.
Epic Games' Fortnite not available on iPhones in EU and the US
Epic Games did not give a reason why Fortnite was blocked, but Apple said it had asked Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update without including the U.S. storefront so as not to impact Fortnite in other geographies. "We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces," an Apple spokesperson said.
Fortnite fans shocked as Apple blocks game on iOS globally, despite Epic Games’ major legal victory just weeks ago
Fortnite faces another ban on iPhones and iPads in the US and EU. This happened even after Epic Games secured a court victory against Apple. Epic Games says Fortnite on iOS is offline globally until Apple allows it. The dispute began in 2020 over in-app purchase commissions. A judge ruled Apple broke rules by restricting payment systems.
Dailyhunt parent VerSe to lay off 350 employees this month in push for profitability
VerSe Innovation, parent of Dailyhunt and Josh, is laying off 350 employees to boost profitability and invest in AI-driven efficiencies. The move is part of a strategic overhaul to streamline operations. Despite a drop in revenue for FY24, the company projects 75% growth in FY25 and aims to become profitable.
Fortnite vanishes from iPhones worldwide: Apple blocks comeback in explosive tech showdown
Fortnite has vanished from iPhones worldwide as Apple blocks its return to the App Store. Epic Games calls it an act of digital gatekeeping, reigniting a fierce battle over app store monopolies, commissions, and developer freedom. What began as a game update has spiraled into a global tech standoff that could change how apps are bought, sold, and controlled.
Delhivery’s modest quarter; US eases chip limits
Delhivery reported tepid growth and steady improvement in profitability. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
ByteDance aims to match Meta sales in 2025 as TikTok gains steam
ByteDance is aiming for 20% revenue growth in 2025, reaching $186 billion and nearing Meta’s projected earnings. Despite US pressure to divest TikTok over security concerns, global expansion continues. Though growth is slowing, strong international performance and rising valuations reflect ByteDance’s resilience, with TikTok driving much of its momentum.
UPI extras miss mark; Amazon streamlines India ops
Happy Friday! Most new features on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have struggled to gain meaningful traction over the years. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
US steps up action against visa fraud and illegal immigration
The US government is cracking down on visa fraud with permanent bans and targeting countries facilitating illegal migration. Border security policies have intensified, leading to a significant drop in illegal crossings. A voluntary departure program offers undocumented migrants financial assistance and deprioritization for detention if they self-deport, though experts warn of potential impacts on future legal status.
Sniper rifles, not books: Senior Assassin video game gives Canada sleepless nights
A violent video game, "Senior Assassin," is raising concerns in Canada due to its potential to promote gun culture and aggressive behavior. Calgary police fear the game, involving replica weapons and app-tracked targets, could lead to dangerous real-world encounters. Authorities are urging parents to discuss online privacy and physical safety with their children as the game gains popularity.
Tiny company with China ties announces big purchase of Trump cryptocurrency
GD Culture Group, a struggling tech firm with Chinese ties and reliance on TikTok, plans to invest $300 million in Bitcoin and the $TRUMP meme coin, raising ethical concerns due to Trump's involvement and potential conflicts of interest.
Pakistan Army deploys Chinese artillery closer to LoC & IB, indicate reports
Following 'Operation Sindoor,' reports indicate Pakistan's deployment of Chinese SH-15 artillery systems near the International Border and LoC. These systems, acquired in 2019, possess a range of up to 53 km with precision-guided munitions. Security agencies also note the continued presence of foreign militants, primarily affiliated with LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen, raising concerns despite claims of zero infiltration.
Apple asks US appeals court to pause ruling in Epic Games case
Apple has asked a US court to delay a ruling that forces it to ease control over its App Store. The judge had found Apple in contempt for not following a previous order. Apple argues the changes would harm its business, while the case from Epic Games continues.
Convicted double murderer Mark Lundy out of jail after 23 years; what he can and can’t do
Convicted of murdering his wife and daughter, Mark Lundy is now free after more than two decades in prison. He was convicted of killing his wife and daughter. The New Zealand Parole Board granted his release. Lundy faces many restrictions. He cannot visit certain areas or contact the victims' families. His internet use is monitored. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is reviewing his case.
TikTok, facing a US ban, tells advertisers: We're here and confident
At its annual ad pitch, TikTok reassured marketers of its future despite a looming US ban unless ByteDance sells. With 170 million US users, it spotlighted cultural impact, AI tools, and ad potential, aiming to maintain confidence and secure 2025 brand investments.
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