The rewards app Freecash, which claimed to pay users for scrolling TikTok, actually collected sensitive data and funneled users into mobile games. Apple removed the app from its App Store after being contacted by TechCrunch, while Google Play also removed it. The app had reached the No. 2 position in the U.S. App Store before being taken down.
Google announced a new spam policy targeting back button hijacking, where websites manipulate browser history to trap users. Sites using these deceptive tactics will face demotions in search results starting June 15, 2026. The practice, exemplified by LinkedIn redirecting users to feeds instead of letting them leave, has been criticized as hostile to users.
John Gruber argues that Apple's competitive advantage comes from having the best apps on its platforms, which attracts users. He suggests this edge is waning as fewer developers are motivated to create well-crafted native apps exclusively for Apple's platforms.
The author considers phone calling and alarm features sacred and believes they must never fail. They missed an alarm for the first time in years when their iPhone 13 Pro with latest iOS displayed the alarm screen silently for 45 minutes without sound or responsive buttons. The author had to force quit the clock app and is considering getting a quartz clock alarm.