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This week in Apple: The top news from Android's main competitor

This week in Apple news we heard about the new iPod touch, the possible end of iTunes, and privacy issues.
By
May 31, 2019
A render based on rumors of what the iPhone 11 could look like.
Rumor-based renders of the iPhone 11 (or iPhone XI, maybe).
Welcome to a new series on Android Authority which gives a rundown of the latest news related to Android's primary competitor, Apple. This is an easy way for Android fans to stay up-to-date on what's happening in mobile outside the Android world.

This week in Apple news there’s the possibility of it retiring one of its most iconic products. We also saw the company embroiled in a new privacy lawsuit as well as having to deal with Google’s insinuation that Apple dishes privacy as “a luxury good.” We also heard some interesting rumors surrounding the 2019 iPhones, the 2020 iPhones, and what could get announced at WWDC 2019 (which starts on Monday). Oh yeah, and there’s a new iPod Touch. For real.

See the roundup below for all the latest!


The top Apple news stories of the past week:

  • Surprise! New iPod Touch is for sale: Apple dropped a surprising upgrade to the iPod Touch. It now comes with an A10 fusion chip and a new 256GB storage option. An entry-level Touch will set you back $200, while a maxed-out model will cost $400. And yes, it still has a headphone jack.
  • No more iTunes?: According to a new rumor, Apple could do away with iTunes in the next version of macOS, expected to debut on Monday. We previously heard the company was going to break up iTunes into other apps, but now it seems that break up could mean the end of the iTunes branding.
  • 2019 iPhones could finally get dual-Bluetooth support: We Android users have enjoyed this for quite a while now, but it looks likely that iOS users could finally have the ability to use two Bluetooth devices at the same time on one iPhone. This would enable two people to connect to one phone and listen to music simultaneously.
  • 2019 iPhones might not have 3D Touch: There’s a rumor that the pressure-sensitive touch feature on iPhones — sold as 3D Touch — could be going away. Instead, Haptic Touch could take its place in the upcoming crop of 2019 iPhones. This feature already exists on the iPhone XR.
  • System-wide dark mode could come with iOS 13: We expect Apple to drop iOS 13 at WWDC on Monday. Although nothing is known for certain yet, it’s looking very likely that Apple will introduce a system-wide dark mode for iOS at that event. Looks like Apple will beat Android to the punch on that one.
  • 2020 iPhones could have in-display fingerprint sensor under entire screen: According to analysts speaking with the Apple supply chain, the 2020 iPhones will have “acoustic fingerprint technology” which will allow for full-screen Touch ID. Android’s already beaten Apple to the punch with in-display sensors, but if Apple could make it work on the entire screen, that would be pretty cool.
  • Apple is having privacy problems: A new lawsuit filed against Apple alleges that the company is tracking and selling iTunes data, despite Tim Cook’s claims to the contrary. And in related news, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai threw some shade at Apple for making privacy into a “luxury good.” Apple’s software engineering chief Craig Federighi disputed that assumption.
  • Apple starts new webpage to counter monopoly claims: With numerous complaints from developers as well as a lawsuit (which received the Supreme Court’s blessing) that call out the Apple App Store as a monopoly, the company has responded by making a new website explaining how it isn’t that. It points to apps for sale that compete against its own apps as an example.

Thinking about making the switch?

If you are currently an Apple user thinking about making the switch to Android, we have multiple articles and guides that can help you with that process. Despite how it might seem, moving from iOS to Android is easier than ever, and many of the services and systems on iOS have similar or even the same counterparts on Android.

How to switch from iPhone to Android: Sync your contacts, photos, and more!
Guides
Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra standing

The best place to start would be our guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android, which goes over all the basics. We also have more specific guides, such as how to transfer your calendar from iPhone to Android. We also have app guides that will give you the best alternatives to iOS staples, such as our list of best alternatives to FaceTime on Android.

If you’re looking for a great Android device to replace your iPhone, consult our list of the best Android smartphones available now.