Apple's new programming tool opens door to more Hong Kong developers

Hong Kong mobile application companies predict more local developers will join the ranks of those creating apps for Apple devices, following the technology giant's surprise release of a new programming language earlier this month.

Taiwan’s Quanta to start making Apple smartwatch in July

Taiwan’s Quanta Computer will start mass production of Apple’s first smartwatch next month, a source familiar with the matter said, as the US tech giant tries to prove it can still innovate against South Korean rival Samsung Electronics.

China cracks down on Apple’s iMessage as national web cleanup continues

China’s Ministry of Information and Information Technology (MIIT) intends to lay down new regulations governing Apple’s iMessage, the default messaging app in every Apple iPhone and iPad. 

The measures include tools to monitor and prevent spam messages, which the ministry says are prevalent on the iOS default messaging app.

EU to probe Apple’s Irish tax shelters

The European Commission will launch a formal investigation on Wednesday into Apple’s tax arrangements in Ireland, Irish state broadcaster RTE reported, without naming its source.

The European Union’s competition authority said last year that it was looking into corporate tax arrangements in several member states and had requested information from Ireland.

Apple's operating system upgrade to spur mobile apps

Mobile applications developers in Hong Kong expect to generate fresh business opportunities after Apple took the wraps off its new and improved mobile operating system, iOS 8.

Apple opens the door for digital currencies, such as bitcoin

Hong Kong's biggest virtual currency trading platform hopes to benefit from a rewrite of rules by Apple that could soon allow the use of bitcoin and other digital money transactions on mobiles and tablet devices.

Apple CEO Tim Cook under pressure to launch next 'must have' product

When Apple's chief executive Tim Cook takes the stage at the Moscone Centre in San Francisco tomorrow, he will face one key question: can Apple do it again?

Apple pays US$3b for music streaming and headphones firm Beats

Apple will buy Beats for about US$3 billion and bring recording mogul Jimmy Iovine into its ranks, hoping to win points with the music industry and help it catch up in fast-growing music streaming.

As expected, Beats co-founders Iovine and rapper Dr Dre will join Apple as part of the acquisition of the music streaming and audio equipment company.