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South Korea lawsuit forcing Google and Apple to allow built-in payment systems
Recently, South Korea has passed a written bill to protect major platform owners such as Google and Apple from restricting application engineers from built-in payment systems, reports The Wall Street Journal. The bill is now expected to be signed into law by President Moon Jae-in, whose party supported the law.
The law comes as a blow to Google and Apple both require that in-app purchases flow only through their programs, instead of external payment processors, allowing tech giants to collect 30 percent cuts. If technology companies fail to comply with the new law, they could face fines of up to 3 percent of South Korea’s revenue.
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This law is an amendment to the South Korean Telecommunications Business Act and could have a significant impact on how the Google Play Store and Apple App Store operate worldwide. South Korea’s National Assembly passed the constitution on Tuesday.
The law also prevents operators from delaying the approval of applications or improperly blocking them from the market, both of which are intended to prevent retaliation from the operator.
A law similar to the one recently passed in South Korea threatens to sue Google and Apple over their forums and could lead to billions of dollars in losses if similar laws are passed in the U.S. and the EU.
In a statement sent to The Verge, Google expressed disappointment with the new law.
“Just as it costs developers money to build an app, it costs us money to build and maintain an operating system and app store,” a Google spokesperson told the publication. “We’ll reflect on how to comply with this law while maintaining a model that supports a high-quality operating system and app store, and we will share more in the coming weeks.”
The outcome of ongoing lawsuits from Epic Games and the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and efforts to lobby groups such as the Coalition for App Fairness will play a key role in determining the outcome of similar laws passed in the U.S. and the EU.
Samsung confirmed One UI 7 Beta coming by the end of this year for developers. We were guessing a short and limited Beta availability this year. In a shocking development, the company announced One UI 7 rollout will start next year.
We observed a major reshuffle in Samsung’s software strategy this year. The company fueled many features in the One UI 6.1 update. The One UI 6.1.1 is also a big update, which expanded in much time as compared to previous versions.
One UI 7 Beta was not announced in August, its usual release month. September was also left waiting and seemingly October will also change nothing. Samsung says, One UI 7 Beta will release for developers by the end of this year.
Previous Beta activities still had wider availability among users. However, we don’t expect the same to repeat this year with One UI 7. With “developers” the company might have meant to a limited audience for a limited period.
The Beta release is scheduled for later this year, quite close to January’s Stable debut. So, flagship Galaxy users have to be satisfied with One UI 6.1.1 features. The next big thing would arrive when you would have guessed the 7.1 release.
At SDC24, the company also teased core design elements of the One UI 7. The firmware will bring a new user experience focused on simple, impactful, and emotive design. The home screen layout will also add intuitive grid functionality for better UX.
Apple and Samsung’s mobile software bring their own set of features and innovations, but the question remains: does iOS 18 set a new standard that One UI 7 can’t meet? Let’s explore the strengths of both OSs and see how they compare.
iOS 18 is available on compatible Apple iPhone models internationally. Samsung is paying the price of reliance on the Android operating system. The delay in Android 15 seemingly caused One UI 7 Beta to be delayed and delayed.
Apple’s software is well known for its fluid animations and reliable functioning. Samsung is trying hard to challenge iOS reign but lags behind. Galaxy phones are literally unable to make sensible use of cutting-edge hardware specifications.
iOS 18 comes with many design enhancements, including updated widgets and improved notification management. These changes make a major impact on everyday usage, providing a more seamless and visually appealing user experience.
Apple Intelligence’s inclusion will help iOS lead further. The company has collaborated with OpenAI for AI capabilities on the iPhone. The software is deeply integrated with AI to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience.
It doesn’t mean iOS 18 is unbeatable.
iOS 18 is difficult to defeat but not impossible for Samsung’s One UI 7. The Galaxy AI suite is far ahead in terms of usability against Apple Intelligence. Galaxy phones have countless AI tricks that Apple would be able to adopt in years.
Samsung has to work on system stability and performance. The software always shines with its customization capabilities. The Galaxy’s hardware should be optimized for Android, so the processor, display, and camera would offer the most.
Whether you pick iOS or One UI, depends on your priorities. If you love the customization and openness of Android, One UI will be your first choice. Meanwhile, if you aren’t a power user and prefer reliable + stable UX, iOS would attract you.
One UI and iOS have their strengths. Samsung is expected to introduce the One UI 7 at the SDC24 event today. We are guessing the Stable rollout could be promised without the commencement of Beta testing activity as it’s already delayed.
Google clarified after Epic Games sued Samsung over One UI’s Auto Blocker feature. The company disclaims involvement in the creation or functioning of Auto Blocker. Meanwhile, Samsung said it is ready to contest a legal battle with Epic Games.
Recently, Google’s Head of Android Security and Privacy, David Kleidermacher, called Epic’s latest lawsuit a “meritless and dangerous” move. The executive clarified that Google did not request Samsung to “create” the Auto Blocker feature.
🧵Epic’s latest lawsuit is a meritless and dangerous move. Google did not request that Samsung create their Auto Blocker feature. (1/5) https://t.co/WFrPXAje9Z
— David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024
Following David’s clarification, MishaalRahman asked him about the functioning of Auto Blocker. He, then, explained that Google has no role in Samsung shipping Auto Blocker enabled by default in new Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1 and later.
TheVerge reached out to Samsung for a follow-up on the recent controversy. The company would not confirm or deny whether it worked with Google on Auto Blocker, but said “ready to contest” with Epic. Here is the full statement of a Samsung spokesperson:
- Contrary to Epic Game’s assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.
- The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users’ personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time.
- We plan to vigorously contest Epic Game’s baseless claims.
Epic Games, in its lawsuit, claimed that Samsung intentionally crafted Auto Blocker to benefit Google. Epic highlighted that Samsung first debuted Auto Blocker and started shipping it enabled by default after a few months.
Samsung launched Auto Blocker in late 2023, which started arriving enabled by default in newer One UI versions. The feature disables app sideloading to secure your device against any unauthorized app installation.