This Week in Apps: OnlyFans, TikTok, and Apple Updates

This Week in Apps: A Recap of the Mobile World

Welcome back to This Week in Apps, your go-to source for the latest news and trends in the mobile app ecosystem. We cover everything from operating system updates to app economy insights.

The app industry continues its impressive growth trajectory. In 2020 alone, there were a record 218 billion app downloads and $143 billion in global consumer spending. Android users spent a remarkable 3.5 trillion minutes within apps. Notably, app usage in the U.S. now surpasses time spent watching live television; Americans dedicate four hours daily to mobile devices, compared to 3.7 hours to traditional TV.

Apps are not merely a source of entertainment; they represent a significant business opportunity. Mobile-first companies boasted a combined valuation of $544 billion in 2019, a figure 6.5 times greater than their non-mobile-focused counterparts. Investment in mobile companies reached $73 billion in 2020, marking a 27% year-over-year increase.

This Week in Apps provides a curated overview of this dynamic industry, delivering the latest news, updates, funding announcements, and app recommendations.

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Top Stories

OnlyFans to Ban Sexually Explicit Content

The creator platform OnlyFans announced a significant policy shift, prohibiting all “sexually explicit” content starting October 1, 2021. The company cited a need to ensure long-term platform sustainability as the rationale behind this decision.

This announcement sparked outrage among creators who rely on OnlyFans as a primary income source and were not given prior notice. However, reports suggest OnlyFans faced challenges securing investment due to its adult content. Some venture capital firms have restrictions on investing in such businesses, and concerns exist regarding advertising and brand partnerships.

The move coincides with a marketing campaign for OnlyFans’ SFW (safe for work) app, OFTV, and reports of the company seeking a valuation exceeding $1 billion. OnlyFans may be strategically pivoting to attract a broader creator base, particularly with high-profile names like Bella Thorne and Cardi B joining the platform.

U.S. Lawmakers Demand Information on TikTok’s Biometric Data Collection

U.S. lawmakers are scrutinizing TikTok’s plans for collecting biometric data from its users. TikTok’s updated privacy policy, reported by TechCrunch in June, grants the company permission to collect biometric data, including “faceprints and voiceprints,” within the U.S.

Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Thune sent a letter to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, expressing alarm and requesting details about the data collection practices and intended use of the information. TikTok previously faced legal action over data collection, settling a class-action lawsuit for $92 million related to unlawful biometric data collection and sharing.

Weekly News

Platforms: Apple

• ⭐️ Apple informed developers that certain iOS 15 features will not be available at launch. This includes SharePlay, which allows shared experiences during FaceTime calls. Other delayed features include Wallet’s ID card support and the App Privacy report.
• Apple reverted its controversial Safari changes with the iOS 15 beta 6 update. The address bar will now appear at the bottom of the screen, offering a more familiar user experience. Users can also revert to the classic top-bar design.

Apple addressed concerns regarding its new CSAM detection technology, clarifying that the reverse-engineered version was a generic one, not the complete system planned for release.

The Verge published a compilation of emails from the Apple-Epic trial, revealing insights into Apple’s relationships with companies like Netflix, Google, and Amazon.

Platforms: Google

• A beta version of the Android Accessibility Suite introduced “Camera Switches” to Switch Access, enabling users to interact with their devices using facial gestures.
• Google announced the Pixel 5a with 5G, offering a more affordable entry point into the Pixel ecosystem at $449.
• An unredacted complaint from the Apple-Epic trial revealed Google’s “Project Hug” program, which involved payments to developers to remain on the Play Store.

Augmented Reality

• Snap hired Konstantinos Papamiltiadis as its first VP of Platform Partnerships for AR, focusing on onboarding partners and expanding AR integration.

Fintech

• Coinbase is entering the Japanese market through a partnership with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

Social

Facebook launched a test of Facebook Reels in the U.S., competing directly with TikTok.

Twitter’s website and app redesign faced criticism from users and accessibility experts. Concerns were raised about visual contrast and accessibility options.

Twitter appointed Jay Graber to lead the “bluesky” project, aiming to create a decentralized social media protocol.

YikYak relaunched under new ownership, hoping to address past issues with cyberbullying.

Research revealed child exploitation images on Gettr, a pro-Trump Twitter alternative, due to lax moderation.

Pinterest introduced inclusive search filters for diverse hair textures.

Photos

• Photoshop for iPad gained new image correction tools and external monitor support.

Messaging

• WhatsApp is being used by the Taliban in Afghanistan, despite being on Facebook’s banned organizations list.
• WhatsApp is testing a feature for larger link previews.

Streaming & Entertainment

• Netflix added spatial audio support on iOS 14.
• Audius partnered with TikTok to streamline song uploads for artists.
• YouTube’s mobile app added chapter navigation.
• Spotify’s Anchor app expanded “Music + Talk” podcasts to global markets.
• Podcasters criticized Apple’s revamped Podcasts platform for bugs and usability issues.

Dating

• Tinder introduced identity verification to enhance platform safety.

Gaming

Pokémon Unite will launch on iOS and Android on September 22.

Konami released Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls exclusively on Apple Arcade.

Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle surpassed $3 billion in player spending.

Sensor Tower released a report on mobile gaming advertising networks.

Health & Fitness

• Apple scaled back its HealthHabit internal app.
• Samsung launched a digital vaccination card feature in partnership with The Commons Project.

Adtech

• Samsung removed ads from its default apps.

Government & Policy

• China cited 43 apps for illegal data transfer.

Security & Privacy

• A report revealed an Apple security team member acted as a double agent, spying for Apple while also engaging with jailbreaking communities.

Funding and M&A

💰 GS Retail Co. Ltd will acquire Delivery Hero’s Yogiyo for $685 million.

💰 Roblox acquired Guilded, a Discord rival.

💰 Travel app Hopper raised $175 million in a Series G round.

💰 Indian quiz app Zupee raised $30 million in a Series B round.

💰 Danggeun Market’s Karrot raised $162 million in a Series D round.

💰 Smallcase, a Bangalore-based fintech app, raised $40 million in Series C funding.

💰 Earbuds, a social listening app, raised $3 million in Series A funding.

💰 U.S. neobank One raised $40 million in Series B funding.

Public Markets

📈 ixigo is planning an initial public offering in India.

📉 Robinhood’s first quarterly earnings as a public company disappointed, with a net loss of $502 million.

Downloads

Polycam (update)

Polycam launched Photo Mode, enabling 3D scanning with just an iPhone’s camera.

Jiobit (update)

Jiobit partnered with Noonlight to offer Jiobit Protect, providing emergency response services.

Tweets

When your app redesign goes wrong…

Image Credits: Twitter.com

App Store critic Kosta Eleftheriou shut down FlickType due to frustrations with App Review.

Image Credits: Twitter.com

Anyone have app ideas?