It’s time for Apple Miscellany, a run down of some of the minor happenings in the world of Apple. This time around, Apple Podcast subscriptions will soon gain video support, Apple is testing an iPhone setting for Chinese users, Apple bumps up the interest rate on Apple Card savings accounts, and the Shazam app gets an update.
Apple Podcasts Subscriptions to Support Video
Apple Podcasts Subscriptions will soon support video, allowing podcasters to offer video directly through Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, including subscriber-exclusive episodes, ad-free video, early access, and bonus content to audiences in more than 170 countries and regions, Apple today announced.
The feature will be available to audiences across Apple devices and the web. Apple says it is working with podcast hosting providers across the industry to make integration seamless, and to stay tuned for more details from participating partners in the coming months.
Apple Testing New Setting for iPhone Users in China
IT Home reports that Apple is testing an iPhone setting for users in China that allows them to add apps to a list that prevents them from accessing the device’s motion sensors. The new “Restrict Motion Data” feature is available in the most recent iOS 27.2 beta seed for China (located in “Settings – Privacy & Security – Motion & Fitness”). The setting blocks app access to accelerometer and gyroscope data.
While Apple hasn’t said what spurred the new setting, Chinese apps sometimes show “shake-to-open” ads on launch, which can be triggered by nearly any movement, resulting in unwanted redirects.
For now, the option appears tied to mainland China App Store accounts, and it isn’t expected to be available to iPhone users anywhere else when iOS 27.2 is released later this year.
Apple Increases Apple Card Savings Account Interest Rate
Apple has increased the annual percentage yield (APY) for the Apple Card’s savings account from 3.4% to 3.5% today.
That means a user that deposits $1,000 and make no withdrawals for one year would earn $35 in interest at the current APY.
Apple Updates Shazam for iOS
Apple today updated the Shazam app for iOS adding a slightly frostier-looking app icon, as well as a new set of iMessage stickers, which can be sent in the Messages app on the iPhone by tapping the plus sign in a conversation, selecting Stickers, tapping on the Shazam app icon, and tapping on a sticker. Stickers can also be used during FaceTime video calls and in other apps where the emoji keyboard is available.
