Earlier this week, Apple released a HomePod 13.2 software update. After installing that update, however, some users reported bricked HomePod units, causing Apple to pull the update. Now, Apple has released HomePod 13.2.1 to the public. HomePod software version 13.2.1 is rolling out now via the Home app. The update includes all of the features of the HomePod 13.2 update, but with a fix for the bricking problem. As we explained at the time:...

It certainly seems like Apple is approaching original content more seriously now, with Eddy Cue reportedly wanting to challenge the likes of Game of Thrones with Apple’s TV shows. The Financial Times is reporting that Apple is bidding on a new drama series starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, battling against Netflix for rights. The concept of the show relates to morning television chat shows, pitched by HBO’s former head of drama....

Back in March, Apple announced WWDC 2018 with an eye catching graphic. Shortly after, designer Martin Hajek released a sharp set of wallpapers for iPhone and Mac. Now he’s back with a DIY kit to create your own WWDC 2018 design. Hajek has shared a full walkthrough on how to build your own 2018 WWDC 3D custom design. The $75 kit can be purchased from shapeways and the corresponding dot graphic can be downloaded here....

We’ve already seen how Apple is presenting the upcoming Apple Watch, which it calls its most personal device yet, as not just another technology device but also a piece of jewelry that the fashion world will be proud to embrace. Aside from beefing up on how much of its staff is well versed in fashion and luxury lingo, there’s potential for greater changes in 2015 for Apple’s retail stores as it presents the Apple Watch to the world....

Bloomberg reports that Apple was sued on December 23rd over claims that App Store apps are proving user data to advertisers without consent. The lawsuit claims that Apple’s iOS devices “are encoded with identifying devices that allow advertising networks to track what applications users download, how frequently they’re used and for how long.” The lawsuit also states that user information like age, gender, and political views are being sold to advertisers as well....

Apple has today pushed an update to its Apple Support app, available for iPhone and iPad. Today’s update brings it to version 3.0 and adds a few handy features. Available now, the Apple Support app has added a new tab that lets users easily search support articles and documentation. The app replaces the current Account tab with a Search button at the bottom, moving access to your account to the Discover tab at the top right corner....

UPDATE [Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 7:25am ET]: A Samsung spokesperson chimed in, providing us with the official statement, included at the end of this article. After Samsung confirmed the addition of four more complaints to its German patent offensive (two are standard-related patents, the other two being utility patents) on Monday, Apple this morning fired back by extending its Australian patent complaint to include Samsung-made cases for Galaxy tablets and smartphones, according to Bloomberg....

It was reported yesterday that the French government is taking both Apple and Google to court over alleged “abusive trade practices.” Specifically, the government claims that neither Apple nor Google treat their developers fairly, citing factors such as non-negotiable commissions and contract terms. Today, both Google and Apple have commented on the accusations made by French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire… As a recap, Le Maire stated that despite how “powerful” Apple and Google are, they “should not be able to treat starts and developers the way they currently do....

Apple TV+ has inked a new first-look deal with Natalie Portman and her production partner Sophie Mas. This multi-year deal will give Apple a first look at television shows that are developed through the MountainA production company founded by Mas and Portman. The deal was first reported by Deadline, which explains that the timing aligns with Apple’s acquisition of the limited series Lady in the Lake last week, which stars Portman....

Apple Pay has officially gone live in Italy today, as earlier rumors had anticipated. As the clock has already turned to Wednesday in the country, users are now able to add their credit and debit cards to the mobile payment platform and pay in-app, online, and in store using their Apple devices. In Italy, Apple Pay is supported by three banks: Boon, Carrefour Banca, and UniCredit. MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards are supported....

Apple is planning to adopt a new connector type for accessories for iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices through its official Made-for-iPhone (MFi) licensing program. Dubbed the “Ultra Accessory Connector” (UAC), Apple has recently launched a developer preview of the new connector type to prepare manufacturing partners for the component that in some cases will replace the use of Lightning and USB connectors, according to sources familiar with the program....

Apple just released a third beta version of the upcoming iOS 5.1 firmware (Build 9B5141a). The software is available as an over-the-air update for existing iOS 5.1 beta users, but is not yet available (update: now available) as a standalone download through Apple’s developer portal. As you might imagine, it contains the obligatory bug fixes and improvements. According to the tips we’ve received, it also restores the Enable 3G toggle in the Settings app which has been strangely absent on the iPhone 4S since it’s mid-October release....

Bloomberg reports this evening that Apple has secured a new deal with Warner Music Group for Apple Music. The deal is Apple’s first since introducing Apple Music two years ago, while the company hopes it will set precedent for future negotiations with other labels. Today’s report explains that Warner will provide Apple with a catalog including recent stars like Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars, as well as older artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, for both the iTunes Store and Apple Music....

Having originally planned to add a new transit directions feature to Maps last year, only to pull the feature before WWDC 2014, Apple now hopes to launch its Transit service with iOS 9, according to sources. Apple currently plans to debut bus, subway, and train route navigation as the central upgrade to the Maps app in iOS 9 at WWDC, using a user interface similar to the one intended for last fall’s launch, as depicted in the screenshots above…...

Alongside iOS 14.4, Apple today has also released HomePod Software 14.4 with new features for HomePod mini users. The update brings a revamped Handoff experience, new personalized listening suggestions, and more. The leading change with HomePod Software Version 14.4 is an all-new Handoff experience powered by the Ultra Wideband, or U1 chip, in the iPhone. Previously, users would just hold their iPhone near the top of a HomePod to transfer audio to or from the device....

In addition to releasing software updates across iOS, Mac, and watchOS, Apple today has released an update to iTunes. The update brings iTunes to version 12.4 and includes the design tweaks that were initially rumored earlier this month. iTunes 12.4 introduces a variety of interface tweaks that Apple says make it easier to navigate the app and switch between different kinds of content. First off, there’s a new media picker that allows users to quickly switch between Music, Movies, TV shows, and more....

Ahead of the April 24th launch of its first wearable, Apple has started removing competing health and fitness products from its retail stores. Re/code reports that the company is pulling fitness bands from Nike and Jawbone from its shelves. It’s not the first time Apple has stopped selling a product to avoid competition. Last year the retailer removed Bose products from its stores after the NFL banned Apple-owned Beats headphones from appearing on camera to accommodate a Bose sponsorship deal, and Bose filed a lawsuit against Beats....

Apple is rolling out the fifth macOS 10.12.5 developer beta through the Mac App Store. macOS Sierra 10.12.5 beta is currently only available to developers. Public beta versions usually come a few days after developer versions if not the same day. The upcoming update follows macOS 10.12.4 which brought Apple’s color shifting Night Shift feature to the Mac for the first time. Apple is also running developer betas for iOS 10....

Update #2, 3:30AM ET: 4-5 week shipping times across the board from Apple. Update: Most all models are now shipping in 2-3 weeks via Apple. The iPhone X is now available for pre-order on Apple’s website. After 6 hours of downtime, the Apple Online Store has returned with the iPhone X in tow. Head there now to get the pre-order process started. The iPhone X is also now available from carrier websites:...

The company has won a China network license for the iPhone 4 from China’s Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center. That’s broadly in line with statements from Apple’s Chinese iPhone carrier, China Unicom, which has previously said it expects to offer the iPhone in China later this year. China Unicom spokesman Wen Baoqiu and Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu, both based in Beijing, declined to comment when approached by Dow Jones. This will potentially be a very big deal for Apple’s adventures in China....