Apple embraces shift in EU app landscape, introducing revised policies and fees

admin 2024年5月1日

Beginner

science & technology, science & technology - beginner

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Do you think Apple’s products and innovations have had a significant impact on the tech industry?
Would you agree that Apple stands out from other technology companies in terms of design and user experience?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

user /YOO-zer/

[noun] – someone who uses a product, machine, or service
The new software update was designed to enhance the user experience for both beginners and advanced users.

avoid /uh-VOID/

[verb] – to stay away from someone or something
She decided to avoid the busy city center and take a scenic route to her destination.

fee /fee/

[noun] – an amount of money paid for a particular piece of work or for a particular right or service
The consultant charged a substantial fee for providing expert advice on the business strategy.

update /UHP-deyt/

[noun] – a more recent, and usually improved, form of something, especially something that is regularly changed
The latest software update for the smartphone introduced several new features, including enhanced security measures and an improved user interface.

method /MEH-thuhd/

[noun] – a particular way of doing something
Scientists are exploring innovative methods to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

On January 25, Apple made adjustments in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a recent European Union law. This law targets significant companies like Apple, aiming to improve collaboration with other apps and allow users to choose their preferred pre-installed apps. Now, developers can create different app stores for iPhones and avoid Apple’s payment system fees, although they still need approval and face cybersecurity checks.

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Apple’s changes, expressing concerns about potential violations of DMA rules. He worries that Apple now has the authority to decide which stores can compete with its App Store. Apple provided tools for developers to adapt, and users noticed these changes in a March iOS update. In response to complaints, Apple altered its App Store approach. In the U.S., a 27% fee on earnings from external website links was introduced. In the EU, developers can use other payment methods for free. Even if developers avoid Apple’s services, they still must pay a “core technology fee” of 50 euro cents per user account annually, with exemptions for the first 1 million users and certain entities.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Developers can now create different app stores for iPhones and avoid Apple’s payment system fees.
Developers do not need approval and do not face cybersecurity checks for their app stores.
In the EU, developers cannot use other payment methods for free.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Apple’s changes, expressing concerns about potential violations of DMA rules.
The DMA targets significant companies like Apple, aiming to improve collaboration with other apps and allow users to choose their preferred pre-installed apps.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

user

avoid

fee

update

method

Teachers often employ different __________ to engage students and enhance their learning experiences.
The online platform allows __________ to create personalized profiles and connect with other users who share similar interests.
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, he tries to __________ consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods.
The parking garage imposes a daily __________ for vehicles parked within its premises.
Users were excited to download the most recent __________ for the photo editing app, as it promised better performance and compatibility with the latest devices.