We've got good news for those still waiting to buy an Apple Watch, reports of Apple smacking down a major iPhone accessory maker, and word that Apple is scrambling to secure deals with indie publishers two weeks before the launch of Apple Music. Apple Daily has arrived, so dig in!
Apple Unplugs Monster's MFi Certification Over Beats Lawsuit
Sometimes you take a bite out of the apple, and sometimes the Apple bites you. MacRumors is reporting that accessory maker Monster is apparently learning this lesson the hard way, with Apple suspending the company's Made for iPhone (MFi) certification used on nearly one quarter of the cables and headphones Monster has produced since 2008.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the suspension has nothing to do with defective products — it's actually a slap on the wrist over Monster filing a lawsuit against Beats Electronics back in January, a tussle dating back to 2011, well before Apple acquired Beats from co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre.
Monster attorney David Tognotti claims the termination became effective May 5, and referenced a comment made by Apple counsel Noreen Krall, who described the relationship between the two companies as no longer "mutually beneficial." Tognotti's response was equally short and sweet: "Apple can be a bully."
Still Waiting for Apple Watch? Try Your Local Apple Store
BGR today reported that Apple Retail Stores are finally receiving shipments of Apple Watch, which can be purchased online for Personal Pickup. The word comes directly from "trusted sources" around the country, although it's unclear if orders can actually be made starting today for pickup tomorrow, or at some point later in the week.
As is typically the case with new Apple products, the watch has been in extremely short supply since going on sale back in late April. Many early preorders didn't ship until the following month, and some buyers of the 42mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Space Black Link Bracelet model are still waiting.
Apple has yet to confirm or deny the report, and the situation is made even more opaque because no one seems to know what mix of Apple Watch models will be offered.
Indie Publishers Apparently Have Yet to Hear from Apple Music
Don't push the panic button just yet, but Billboard today reported that publishers representing indie artists claim to have had "no contact" from Apple Music as yet, with only two weeks remaining prior to the service going public. The Cupertino company is expected to soon issue a bulk email to those publishers "with an opt-in contract attached" to cover the necessary license to stream and broadcast such music.
Although Apple appears to be waiting until the eleventh hour, the delay could work out in favor of the publishers, who experts claim will receive a headline rate of 13.5 percent — slightly higher than what Apple currently pays for iTunes Match streams (12 percent) or iTunes Radio playback (10 percent). Music insiders also anticipate some degree of pushback from indie publishers over Apple Music's 90-day free trial, during which time royalty payments are off the table entirely.
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