Mobile

Google revealed new details around how its upcoming safety section will work and expanded its privacy policy requirements to all apps on the Play Store. The search giant is trying to catch up to Apple on app transparency to cater to increasingly privacy-minded consumers.

CEO Tim Cook told investors to expect the chip shortage to impact Q4 iPhone production. The news bodes ill for Apple and other hardware manufacturers as the iPhone was one of the few major consumer devices untouched by the shortage.

The Apple Watch in particular saw unprecedented growth and new user adoption, while challengers lag far behind. With competing smartwatches still months out, competitors need to find other ways to challenge Apple’s devices on price, functionality, and cross-platform compatibility.

Apple dives headfirst into 5G: Reports say it may release a fleet of 5G-enabled phones, roll out a 5G-enabled SE model, and ditch its mini version. If they’re true, Apple’s commitment to 5G could help drive 5G adoption more widely.

Counterfeit hearables have proliferated alongside surging consumer demand for AirPods and other devices. Though most counterfeiters seek to replicate well-known brands, the continuing chip shortage has also incentivized production of counterfeit semiconductors, which could pose risks to consumers.

Thanks to hefty spending at the FCC’s C-band auction, AT&T believes it has enough spectrum to bring 5G coverage to 70–75 million people by 2022. But AT&T needs to continue forging partnerships to deploy that spectrum in ways that consumers will actually notice the benefit.

The telecom announced it will remove data throttling from its Unlimited Elite plan. AT&T’s move highlights the pressure telecoms are under to stay competitive in the rabid race for 5G supremacy.

BytePlus gives brands access to star-making AI: ByteDance is offering websites and apps the option to take advantage of TikTok's recommendation algorithm and a suite of content and measurement tools.