US

App Store revenue climbs amid regulatory pressure

Apple’s App Store in the United States generated more than US$10 billion in revenue in 2024, according to estimates from app intelligence firm Appfigures.

This marks a sharp increase from the US$4.76 billion earned in 2020 and reflects the growing importance of Apple’s services business. Developers on the US App Store earned US$33.68 billion in gross revenue last year, receiving US$23.57 billion after Apple’s standard commission.

Globally, the App Store brought in an estimated US$91.3 billion in revenue in 2024. Apple’s dominance in app monetisation continues, with App Store publishers earning an average of 64% more per quarter than their counterparts on Google Play.

In subscription-based categories, the difference is even more pronounced, with iOS developers earning more than three times as much revenue per quarter as those on Android.

Legal scrutiny of Apple’s longstanding 30% commission model has intensified. A US federal judge recently ruled that Apple violated court orders by failing to reform its App Store policies.

While the company maintains that the commission supports its secure platform and vast user base, developers are increasingly pushing back, arguing that the fees are disproportionate to the services provided.

The outcome of these legal and regulatory pressures could reshape how app marketplaces operate, particularly in fast-growing regions like Latin America and Africa, where app revenue is expected to surge in the coming years.

As global app spending climbs toward US$156 billion annually, decisions around payment processing and platform control will have significant financial implications.

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Iranian hacker admits role in Baltimore ransomware attack

An Iranian man has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a ransomware campaign that disrupted public services across several US cities, including a major 2019 attack in Baltimore.

The US Department of Justice announced that 37-year-old Sina Gholinejad admitted to computer fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, offences that carry a maximum combined sentence of 30 years.

Rather than targeting private firms, Gholinejad and his accomplices deployed Robbinhood ransomware against local governments, hospitals and non-profit organisations from early 2019 to March 2024.

The attack on Baltimore alone resulted in over $19 million in damage and halted critical city functions such as water billing, property tax collection and parking enforcement.

Instead of simply locking data, the group demanded Bitcoin ransoms and occasionally threatened to release sensitive files. Cities including Greenville, Gresham and Yonkers were also affected.

Although no state affiliation has been confirmed, US officials have previously warned of cyber activity tied to Iran, allegations Tehran continues to deny.

Gholinejad was arrested at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in January 2025. The FBI led the investigation, with support from Bulgarian authorities. Sentencing is scheduled for August.

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OpenAI expands in Asia with new Seoul branch

OpenAI is set to open a new office in Seoul, responding to surging demand for its AI tools in South Korea—the country with the second-highest number of paid ChatGPT subscribers after the US.

The move follows the establishment of a South Korean unit and marks OpenAI’s third office in Asia, following Tokyo and Singapore.

Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s chief strategy officer, said Koreans are not only early adopters of ChatGPT but also influential in how the technology is being applied globally. Instead of just expanding user numbers, OpenAI aims to engage local talent and governments to tailor its tools for Korean users and developers.

The expansion builds on existing partnerships with local firms like Kakao, Krafton and SK Telecom. While Kwon did not confirm plans for a South Korean data centre, he is currently touring Asia to strengthen AI collaborations in countries including Japan, India, and Australia.

OpenAI’s global growth strategy includes infrastructure projects like the Stargate data centre in the UAE, and its expanding footprint in Asia-Pacific follows similar moves by Google, Microsoft and Meta.

The initiative has White House backing but faces scrutiny in the US over potential exposure to Chinese rivals.

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AI regulation fight heats up over US federal moratorium

The US House of Representatives has passed a budget bill containing a 10-year moratorium on the enforcement of state-level artificial intelligence laws. With broad bipartisan concern already surfacing, the Senate faces mounting pressure to revise or scrap the provision entirely.

While the provision claims to exclude generally applicable legislation, experts warn its vague language could override a wide array of consumer protections and privacy rules in the US. The moratorium’s scope, targeting AI-specific regulations, has triggered alarm among concerned groups.

Critics argue the measure may hinder states from addressing real-world harms posed by AI technologies, such as deepfakes, discriminatory algorithms, and unauthorised data use.

Existing and proposed state laws, ranging from transparency requirements in hiring and healthcare to protections for artists and mental health app users, may be invalidated under the moratorium.

Several experts noted that states have often acted more swiftly than the federal government in confronting emerging tech risks.

Supporters contend the moratorium is necessary to prevent a fragmented regulatory landscape that could stifle innovation and disrupt interstate commerce. However, analysts point out that general consumer laws might also be jeopardised due to the bill’s ambiguous definitions and legal structure.

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Most X users regain access after global glitch

X, formerly known as Twitter, has resumed normal operations for most users following a global outage early Friday.

Reports of the disruption surged shortly after 8AM ET, before rapidly declining within the hour. NetBlocks confirmed the outage was not linked to any national internet restrictions.

The incident followed a fire earlier in the week at a data centre in US Oregon reportedly owned by X.

Sources cited by Wired indicated that the blaze involved backup batteries and required a prolonged emergency response. Users had already reported problems in the days prior.

Although service has stabilised, the X developer status page still notes degraded performance with login features.

The company has yet to comment publicly on the situation. User concerns remain visible across social media platforms and tech forums.

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Tech coalition to push for faster US foreign cybersecurity aid

A coalition of leading technology and cybersecurity firms, including Carahsoft, Dell Technologies, Forescout, Google Cloud, Trellix, and Velos, has launched the Strategic Cybersecurity Coalition (SCC). The group is dedicated to advocating for a more efficient and streamlined US approach to foreign cybersecurity assistance.

Their goal is to accelerate the deployment of sustainable, interoperable cybersecurity solutions that can effectively respond to the growing global cyber threat landscape. The US government continues to face significant bureaucratic and legal barriers that slow the delivery of timely cybersecurity support to its allies.

Despite the Biden administration’s introduction of a rapid-response fund, the broader foreign aid framework remains outdated and ill-equipped to keep pace with fast-evolving cyber incidents. Progress was further stalled by a pause in foreign assistance during the previous administration.

Moreover, existing military aid programs focus largely on traditional weaponry, which often requires years-long procurement processes, an impractical timeline for urgently needed cybersecurity tools and training. Restrictive regulations also hinder US companies from providing cybersecurity services abroad, limiting critical threat intelligence sharing vital to national security.

Strengthening allied cybersecurity is crucial for US security, as threats often target both partners and the US. The SCC calls for faster, streamlined cyber aid through military programs by easing contracting rules and funding limits, aiming to reduce procurement from years to months.

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FCC to enhance security on foreign communications equipment

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented new policies aimed at strengthening the security of the United States’ communications infrastructure against foreign threats. These policies expand the FCC’s authority to prohibit the authorisation of communications equipment from companies identified as national security risks, including Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua.

Additionally, the FCC now has the power to revoke previously granted equipment authorisations if a company is later added to the ‘covered list.’ The scope of these regulations has also broadened to cover not only core network infrastructure but also a wide range of devices such as routers, switches, and consumer electronics, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and protecting against foreign interference.

US telecom companies must comply by replacing equipment from covered vendors, which may involve significant costs. While this transition poses challenges, the FCC stresses minimal short-term impact on consumers and highlights the long-term security benefits.

The agency also has enforcement powers, including fines, to ensure compliance. Going forward, the FCC will keep monitoring threats and update its policies as needed.

It will also work with government and international partners to strengthen cybersecurity efforts, showing its commitment to protecting critical communications infrastructure.

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Google’s AI Mode is now live for all American users

Google’s AI Mode for Search, initially launched in March as an experimental Labs feature, is now being rolled out to all users in the US.

Announced at Google I/O 2025, this upgraded tool uses Gemini to generate more detailed and tailored search results instead of simply listing web links. Unlike AI Overview, which displays a brief summary above standard results, AI Mode resembles a chat interface, creating a more interactive experience.

Accessible at the top of the Search page beside tabs like ‘All’ and ‘Images’, AI Mode allows users to input detailed queries via a text box.

Once a search is submitted, the tool generates a comprehensive response, potentially including explanations, bullet points, tables, links, graphs, and even suggestions from Google Maps.

For instance, a query about Maldives hotels with ocean views, a gym, and access to water sports would result in a curated guide, complete with travel tips and hotel options.

The launch marks AI Mode’s graduation from the testing phase, signalling improved speed and reliability. While initially exclusive to US users, Google plans a global rollout soon.

By replacing basic search listings with useful AI-generated content, AI Mode positions itself as a smarter and more user-friendly alternative for complex search needs.

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TSMC threatens to scale back Arizona fabs over US chip tariffs

TSMC has warned the US government that it may halt or scale back plans to expand its semiconductor manufacturing in Arizona if new tariffs on foreign-made chips are introduced. However, the entire plan now hangs in the balance, depending on how the White House proceeds.

The company, which supplies key US tech firms like Apple and Nvidia, says such tariffs would make production costly and risk reducing demand. TSMC currently operates one plant in Arizona, with two more under construction and three additional facilities planned.

The warning comes as the Biden administration considers imposing tariffs on imported semiconductors. TSMC argues that firms already investing heavily in US chip production, like itself, should be exempt. In a letter to the US Commerce Department, it cited risks to customer demand and its own business strategy.

Arizona is set to become central to TSMC’s most advanced chipmaking, with upcoming 2nm and 1.6nm chips produced using cutting-edge technology. These new fabs could make up 30% of the company’s future high-end capacity.

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Quantum computing partnership launches in Doha

Quantinuum and Al Rabban Capital have announced a new venture aimed at advancing quantum computing in Qatar and the region.

The partnership seeks to provide access to Quantinuum’s technologies, co-develop relevant quantum applications and train a new generation of developers.

This move aligns with Qatar’s ambition to become a hub for advanced technologies. Applications will focus on energy, medicine, genomics, and finance, with additional potential in emerging fields like Generative Quantum AI.

The venture builds on existing collaborations with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing. Quantinuum’s expansion into Qatar follows growth across the US, UK, Europe, and Indo-Pacific.

Leaders from both organisations see this as a strategic milestone, strengthening technological ties between Qatar and the West. The joint venture not only supports national goals but also reflects rising global demand for quantum technologies.

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