The European bureaucrats are at it again -- and I couldn't be happier.

Thanks to the EU's sweeping Digital Markets Act, Apple may be forced to make big changes to the iPhone in 2024, including side loading apps, allowing alternative app stores and third-party payment systems.

Apple might be obliged to open up Messages and FaceTime to work with Android or FaceBook Messenger.

The EU has already forced Apple’s hand in adopting USB-C on iPhone, and the latest legislation might auger big changes in software and services too.

There are significant downsides. With alternative app stores, there'd be no system-wide way to block apps from tracking you, for example.

But overall, I like what I'm reading about the legislation. It seems to me that most of the changes are beneficial to end users, and increase choice and interoperability.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

EU’s Digital Markets Act takes step toward forcing huge changes to iPhone — www.cultofmac.com

The European Parliament passed the landmark Digital Markets Act on Tuesday. The legislature aims to outlaw many common practices of Big Tech companies, especially Apple, Google and Amazon. For iPhone users, the DMA would force Apple to allow rival app stores and sideloaded applications.

These iOS 16 features won’t be available at launch — www.cultofmac.com

Not all new iOS 16 features will arrive on day one when the operating system launches this fall. A handful of them will come later, after Apple has had a chance to polish them and get them ready for prime time.

Apple Music gives free Beats Flex earphones to new student subscribers — www.cultofmac.com

Apple is giving new Apple Music student subscribers free Beats Flex earphones worth $69.99. The offer is only for eligible students in the United States and the U.K.

Dress up your wrist with a classy calfskin leather Apple Watch band — www.cultofmac.com

Nothing beats the classic style and comfort of a premium leather Apple Watch band. And calfskin leather typically makes for an especially supple version of the classic strap. If you’re looking to upgrade the look and feel of your wrist, check out the Speidel Sport Calf Skin Leather Apple Watch Band. You can get a good price on it in the Cult of Mac Store.

Don’t expect health monitoring in this year’s AirPods Pro — www.cultofmac.com

Health features like heart rate or body temperature monitoring don't look likely for this year's update. However, Apple continues to test both features internally.

Apple will now pay you less for your old iPhone, iPad or Mac — www.cultofmac.com

The company regularly updates the trade-in prices of older devices as they depreciate in value over time.

10 best movies on Apple TV+ — www.cultofmac.com

From Irish folklore to ’60s New York, from culture clashes to meteors, here is a list of the very best films on Apple TV+ so far.

Make your furry friend findable with an AirTag cat collar [Review] ★★★★☆ — www.cultofmac.com

The Leather Apple AirTag Cat Collar from Nine Twenty Eight gives you some peace of mind that you’ll be able to find your pet if she ever sneaks outside your home. And it’s well-made and looks good, whatever color you choose.

Today in Apple history: Apple ships its last Mac with a CRT monitor — www.cultofmac.com

On July 5, 2006, Apple discontinued its final CRT Mac, with the cancellation of the company's low-end eMac product line aimed at schools.

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"We have an environment where excellence is really expected. What's really great is to be open when [the work] is not great. My best contribution is not settling for anything but really good stuff, in all the details. That's my job -- to make sure everything is great." -- Steve Jobs