Dennis Sellers

<p class="">This could be good news for Apple TV+, Apple's $4.99/month video streaming service: while the majority of American households currently subscribe to cable, the latest research from <a href="http://www.thetradedesks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Trade Desk</a>, an ad tech company, indicates that with almost all Americans working from home, the shift away from traditional linear and cable TV may be accelerating.</p>

<p class="">Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,627248) for a “cognitive load routing metic for vehicle guidance.” The goal: to help you arrive at your destination quickly or, if you prefer, by a more scenic route.</p>

<p class="">On a regular basis, <em>Apple World Today </em>posts a list of notable new apps or app updates that have been released. They may not necessarily be new, but they're popular and deserve mention. Here are this week’s picks.</p>

<p class="">“Defending Jacob,” a limited drama series, debuts today on Apple TV+, Apple’s US$4.99/month streaming service.</p>

<p class="">The largest Swiss Bank, UBS, says Apple Pay is “coming soon." As noted by <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2020/04/24/ubs-apple-pay/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a>, UBS announced the news <a href="https://twitter.com/UBSschweiz/status/1253594531750182917" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in a tweet</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/217022185489319/posts/817811325410399/?d=n&substory_index=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook post</a>, neither of which gives any further information.</p>

<p class="">The WLAN Association — whose purpose is to “define industry best practices and quality assurance in the delivery of Wi-Fi “ — has <a href="https://twitter.com/WLANAssociation/status/1253385230276341763" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced</a> that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to expand WiFi into the 6GHz band.</p>

<p class="">Apple tells <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-24/apple-finds-no-evidence-hackers-exploited-iphone-ipad-mail-flaw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a> that reports that hackers exploited an email flaw on the iPhone and iPad isn’t true.</p>

<p class="">Apple has send an email to Apple Pay users telling how they can donate instantly to needy causes. The tech giant says that, with the payment service, there's no forms to fill out or accounts to create.</p>

<p class="">Most of the young folks I know don't carry much — or any— cash. Twelve South's new US$49.99 <a href="https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/surfacepad-for-iphone?variant=31533373456441" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SurfacePad</a> for the iPhone 11 line-up is great for such folks who don't need a bulky, super protective case.</p>

<p class="">This doesn't affect Apple Arcade, Apple’s game streaming service, as well as the rumored <a href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2020/4/20/the-sellers-research-group-looks-at-the-flurry-of-new-apple-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple game controller</a>, but it could have a residual effect: according to <a href="https://www.npd.com/">The NPD Group</a>, March tracked spending across video game hardware, software, accessories and game cards totaled US$1.6 billion, gaining 35%when compared to the same time period last year.</p>

<p class="">As noted by<a href="https://9to5mac.com/2020/04/23/tim-cook-joins-bbc-pandemic-relief-event-promises-signficant-apple-donation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> 9to5Mac</a>, Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared on the BBC and shared that Apple is making a big contribution to the network’s entertainment relief event <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bignightin/">“The Big Night In.”</a></p>

<p class="">Apple has given a straight-to-series order to The Shrink Next Door for its Apple TV+ streaming service, reports <a href="https://deadline.com/2020/04/apple-will-ferrell-paul-rudd-limited-tv-series-the-shrink-next-door-podcast-michael-showalter-georgia-pritchett-1202916186/"><span style="text-decoration:underline">Deadline</span></a>. It's an eight-episode limited series starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd, which is based on the #1 new podcast of 2019 by Wondery and Bloomberg Media.</p>

<p class="">In a note to clients -- as noted by <a href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/04/23/third-generation-airpods-expected-in-2021-new-airpods-pro-in-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider </a>-- analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts we'll see a premium Apple-branded headset later this year, third generation AirPods next year, and new AirPods Pro in 2022.</p>

<p class="">According to <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/retail/apple-offers-exclusive-brand-stores-financial-support-cos-like-hul-and-itc-extend-payment-term/articleshow/75328654.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Economic Times</a>, Apple has paid its 500-odd exclusive stores in India to cover two months of their rent and salaries for store staff, apart from providing additional credit period of 60 days to help them tide over business disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p class="">The second generation iPhone SE is due to start arriving to customers tomorrow. When it does, they’ll be able to install a special iOS 13.4.1 update that Apple released today.</p>