When it comes to creating a bedroom that exudes elegance and modern luxury, the devil is in the details. A well-designed bedroom isnt just a place to sleepits a sanctuary, a reflection of your personal style, and a space that should make you feel relaxed and inspired. Whether youre starting from scratch or looking to elevate your current bedroom design, this guide will walk you through the key elements of achieving an elegant modern luxury bedroom design. Along the way, well share tips, tricks, and plenty of inspiring visuals to help you bring your vision to life.1. A Bedroom Where Art Meets FunctionalityVisualizer: Bayramali AsadliThis Elegant Modern Luxury Bedroom Design presents a harmonious blend of intricate detailing and modern refinement. The defining feature of the space is the hand-painted floral wallpaper in soft blue tones, accented with delicate gold branches. The three-dimensional effect of the design adds depth and an artistic quality to the walls, making them feel like a curated gallery rather than a simple backdrop. The bed, upholstered in a deep burgundy fabric, serves as a bold contrast against the soft pastel hues. An ornate ceiling medallion highlights the chandelier, a multi-tiered fixture with varied glass pendants in amber, teal, and clear crystal, acting as a striking centerpiece. Its high, curved headboard provides an enveloping sense of comfort while introducing a sculptural element. Furnishings are kept minimal yet purposeful. The bedside tables have a curved, high-gloss surface, subtly reflecting light and adding a contemporary touch.Bringing This Design Into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design teaches us how to balance classic elegance with modern comfort by combining intricate details with plush, inviting elements. Using hand-painted or wallpapered accent walls with delicate botanical patterns adds depth and visual interest, while wainscoting or paneling brings a structured, refined touch. By integrating these elements, we can design a bedroom that feels luxurious yet comfortable, making our personal spaces both beautiful and functional.2. Balancing Dark Tones with Soft Elegance Visualizer: 3D Visualization Olena MalaThis Elegant Modern Luxury Bedroom Design blends moody tones, sleek materials, and layered textures for a refined yet cozy ambiance. The soft gray upholstered bed with deep tufting is framed by a striking accent wall featuring abstract feather-patterned panels. A mix of warm beige and dark charcoal panels extends across the space, creating depth and contrast. The floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobe enhances light and space, while statement lightingincluding black glass pendant lamps and an arched floor lampadds a sculptural element. This design shows how a balance of muted hues, plush fabrics, and bold accents can create a modern yet inviting retreat.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis Elegant Modern Luxury Bedroom Design teaches us how to create a refined and cozy retreat at home. The key takeaways include using a balanced color palettemixing muted neutrals with rich, dark tones for contrast. Start with a neutral yet bold color palettemix warm beige, soft grays, and deep charcoal tones to create depth and coziness. Finally, sleek, reflective surfaces like mirrored wardrobes can enhance space and light, making even a compact bedroom feel luxurious and modern.3. Timeless Minimalist SerenityVisualizer: CGCE StudioThis bedroom embodies understated luxury, where warm neutrals, seamless finishes, and soft lighting create a deeply tranquil retreat. A balance of textures and clean lines gives the space a refined yet inviting feel. The standout element is the stunning wall-to-wall paneling, subtly illuminated by recessed lighting that enhances its depth while adding a soft, ambient glow.The low-profile bed, dressed in crisp bedding, blends effortlessly with the neutral tones, reinforcing the serene aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling drapes in earthy hues frame the large window, diffusing natural light to further soften the atmosphere. The carefully layered materialsfrom plush textiles to warm wooden finishescreate a harmonious flow, proving that minimalism can be both luxurious and deeply comforting.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis space teaches us that minimalism doesnt have to feel cold or emptyit can be warm, inviting, and deeply relaxing when done right. Soft, indirect lighting adds depth and ambiance. Finally, embracing a neutral palette with layered materials helps craft a timeless, serene retreat that feels effortlessly elegant.4. Modern Elegance with a Cozy TouchVisualizer: Mennatallah magdyThis bedroom is a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort, combining deep navy tones with soft, neutral textures for a balanced and inviting look. The standout feature is the curved white headboard, which brings a soft, modern touch that contrasts beautifully with the structured walls.Warm lighting, from the recessed ceiling lights to the sleek pendant fixtures, creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The plush bedding, layered with deep blue and soft gray tones, enhances the feeling of warmth, while the glass wardrobe adds a sleek, contemporary touch without making the space feel heavy.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design proves that luxury doesnt have to be overcomplicatedthoughtful color choices, layered textures, and minimal yet stylish dcor can transform any bedroom into an elegant retreat. Finally, keep dcor minimal yet elegant to maintain a clean and sophisticated atmosphere.5. Elegance in a Contemporary SettingVisualizer: Marina R. ShafekThis bedroom is the epitome of understated luxury, blending classic architectural details with a modern, minimalist approach. Soft, neutral tones dominate the space, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The use of warm, layered texturesseen in the plush bedding, area rug, and upholstered bed frameadds depth without overwhelming the design. A striking feature is the seamless integration of the ensuite bathroom, enclosed in glass, which enhances the sense of openness and luxury. The minimalist floating nightstands and sleek vertical wall sconces provide functionality while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design teaches us that balance is key in creating a sophisticated yet livable space. To achieve this look in your own home, focus on a neutral color palette, subtle textures, and elegant architectural details. Incorporate warm lighting and minimalist furniture to maintain a sense of spaciousness6. A Serene Bohemian RetreatVisualizer: Elena MaksimiukThis Bohemian bedroom design blends organic textures, earthy tones, and sculptural elements to create a serene yet visually engaging space. The curved plaster wall with dried floral arrangements adds depth and a natural focal point, while the low-profile bed and raw stone furniture emphasize grounded comfort. Soft, layered textiles and sheer curtains diffuse natural light, reinforcing the airy, relaxed atmosphere. The use of warm neutrals and tactile materials like linen, wood, and marble creates a harmonious balance between minimalism and coziness.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis Bohemian bedroom design teaches us how to create a calming and visually rich space by incorporating organic materials, soft textures, and earthy tones. The sculptural wall feature with dried botanicals adds depth and artistry, while natural materials like linen, wood, and stone bring warmth and authenticity. By using diffused lighting, neutral hues, and a mix of raw and refined elements, we can design a space that feels both grounded and effortlessly stylisha perfect retreat for relaxation and self-expression.7. Bold Design with a Modern EdgeVisualizer: Hawra AlmutawaThis bedroom blends luxury with artistic expression, creating a bold yet balanced atmosphere. The oversized, vertically paneled headboard extends across the wall, giving the space a grand, seamless look. Rich textures like soft velvets, sleek marble, and metallic accents add layers of elegance without overpowering the design. The lighting is a true standoutan artistic chandelier with sculptural LED loops floats above the bed, while pendant lights with gold details add a contemporary touch. Thoughtfully placed dcor, like abstract artwork and geometric patterns, further enhances the modern aesthetic, making this space both stylish and deeply sophisticated.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnTo achieve this luxurious yet modern look, start with a statement headboard that extends across the wall for a seamless, high-end feel. Layer different textures, such as velvet, marble, and wood, to add depth and sophistication. Thoughtfully placed artwork and bold dcor choices will complete the refined, contemporary aesthetic.8. A Bedroom Rooted in SimplicityVisualizer: AHMED ZAHERThis bedroom embodies minimalist serenity, blending soft neutrals, natural textures, and clean architectural lines. The muted palette of warm whites and beiges creates a calming atmosphere, while the subtle interplay of texturesfrom the stone-accented wall to the fabric-wrapped paneladds depth without overwhelming the space. Thoughtfully placed furnishings, such as the low-profile bed, sculptural chairs, and floating pendant light, reinforce the sense of openness. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light, enhancing the rooms airy feel, while sheer curtains offer privacy without disrupting the aesthetic. The use of recessed lighting accentuates architectural elements, adding a soft, ambient glow that enhances the tranquil ambiance.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design teaches us the power of simplicity, balance, and natural elements in creating a serene and inviting space. By using a neutral color palette, soft textures, and clean lines, we can achieve a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation. Large windows and sheer curtains maximize natural light, reinforcing the connection to the outdoors. By embracing these principles, we can create a tranquil, minimalist retreat in our own homes.9. Modern Elegance with Artistic AccentsVisualizer: Yazeed IbrahimThese master bedrooms exude modern sophistication with a seamless blend of textures, materials, and statement dcor. The color palette is a mix of neutral toneswarm beige, deep gray, and rich wood finishescreating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. Elegant wall paneling, paired with bold, abstract artwork, adds a contemporary artistic touch. Plush bedding, layered fabrics, and carefully placed lighting, including pendant lamps and sculptural fixtures, enhance the luxurious feel. Thoughtfully arranged seating areas, coffee tables, and decorative accents contribute to a well-balanced and inviting space.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design teaches us the power of layering textures, incorporating statement art, and using a refined color palette to create a sophisticated yet cozy bedroom. Mixing materials like wood, marble, and plush fabrics adds depth and warmth, making the space feel luxurious.10. The Art of Luxury and ComfortVisualizer: Mayar MohamedThis bedroom design blends luxury with softness, creating a serene and inviting space. The plush velvet bed in a muted teal hue adds a unique personality while maintaining an understated elegance. The delicate gold chandelier, resembling intertwined branches, introduces a dreamy, nature-inspired element. Soft neutrals in the bedding, seating, and area rug ensure a sense of calm, while the vertical wall paneling adds depth and texture. The carefully curated decor, including the minimalist vanity, sculptural chairs, and warm lighting, contributes to a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design teaches us that a luxurious bedroom doesnt have to feel overwhelmingsoft tones, plush textures, and subtle gold accents can create a high-end feel without excess. Incorporating sculptural lighting and textured furniture can add an artistic element to the space.11. Bedroom With Wooden CharmVisualizer: Esmael AbdelhamedThis master bedroom exudes modern luxury with its harmonious blend of warm wood tones, sleek marble accents, and soft neutral hues. The wood-paneled ceiling extends seamlessly into the vertical wall panels, creating a sense of depth and architectural elegance. A low-profile upholstered bed anchors the space, complemented by a sculptural curved sofa and organic-shaped wooden coffee tables that form a cozy lounge area.The interplay of ambient lighting, statement chandeliers, and natural light from the expansive windows enhances the rooms serene and inviting atmosphere. Every detail, from the rich textures to the fluid furniture forms, contributes to a space that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly relaxing.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnTo recreate this level of warmth and sophistication, focus on natural materials like wood and stone, blending them with modern lighting solutions to elevate the ambiance. Finally, integrating textured layers through upholstery, area rugs, and paneling adds depth and character, making the bedroom a true sanctuary of modern luxury.12. A Bedroom Designed with Soft CurvesVisualizer: Mahmoud JamalThis bedroom embraces the beauty of organic fluidity, where every element flows seamlessly into the next, creating a tranquil and immersive retreat. The sculptural bed, with its curved upholstered frame, extends into a built-in seating nook, reinforcing the rooms harmonious design. A striking, freeform mirror with integrated lighting adds depth and artistic intrigue, mirroring the natural textures of the subtly textured walls.The earthy, muted tones blend effortlessly with the warm wooden flooring, while soft, ambient lighting enhances the calming atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, ensuring a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. This design teaches us that a well-balanced mix of form, texture, and lighting can transform a bedroom into a true sanctuary.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis bedroom exemplifies the power of organic forms, warm neutrals, and ambient lighting in crafting a space that feels both luxurious and calming. The fluid, sculptural furniture demonstrates how curved silhouettes can create a softer, more inviting atmosphere. To bring this aesthetic into our homes, we can embrace neutral tones, invest in curved and upholstered furniture, and incorporate layered lighting for a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance.13. A Symphony of Luxury Visualizer: ToufiQ Design DzThis bedroom design strikes a perfect balance between luxury and simplicity, creating a space that feels both opulent and inviting. The standout feature is the oversized textured artwork above the bed, framed in gold, adding depth and sophistication to the room. The plush upholstered bed in deep teal contrasts beautifully with the neutral tones of the walls, bedding, and furniture, creating a rich yet calming atmosphere. Subtle decorative moldings on the walls add a touch of classic charm, while the modern chandelier and sleek wardrobe with glass paneling bring in a contemporary flair. The thoughtful use of lightingfrom the chandelier to the wall sconcesenhances the rooms warmth and elegance, making it a perfect retreat.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design teaches us that luxury doesnt have to be overwhelmingit thrives in simplicity and thoughtful details. Investing in key design features, such as stylish lighting and elegant storage solutions, ensures both beauty and functionality in a space meant for relaxation.14. Simplicity with a Touch of NatureVisualizer: Riham AliA soft, neutral palette of greys and creams is beautifully contrasted by deep green accents seen in the plush ottomans and statement armchairs, adding a natural and sophisticated touch. Thoughtfully curated shelving with decorative elements blends functionality with artistic expression, while marble side tables introduce timeless luxury. The ambient glow from spherical pendant lights enhances the calming mood, making this space an oasis of relaxation and style.This luxury master bedroom embodies the perfect fusion of minimalism and elegance, where refined textures, muted tones, and organic shapes create a serene yet opulent atmosphere. The arched headboard wall, adorned with subtle patterns and warm recessed lighting, serves as a striking focal point, enhancing depth and visual interest.Bringing This Design Into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis luxurious minimalist bedroom teaches us the art of balancecombining simplicity with rich textures and curated elegance. The use of soft neutrals, deep green accents, and warm lighting creates a calming yet sophisticated ambiance. Incorporating sculptural furniture, natural materials, and thoughtful lighting in your space can help achieve a refined yet cozy retreat. By focusing on clean lines and intentional dcor, you can bring this timeless, serene aesthetic into your own home.15. A Fusion of Art and EleganceVisualizer: Ashrakt Amr El-BahnacyThis bedroom design is a masterful combination of contemporary sophistication and artistic expression, drawing inspiration from Picassos abstract forms. The space is defined by a neutral color palette, warm wood tones, and striking textures that add depth and visual interest. A captivating wooden wall panel with abstract carvings serves as the focal point, seamlessly blending art with interior design. Complementing this artistic feature, a luxurious marble accent wall enhances the rooms opulence, framed by soft LED lighting for a subtle yet dramatic effect. The sleek glass wardrobe doors reflect natural light, contributing to the rooms airy and expansive feel, while modern lighting elements, including pendant lamps and recessed ceiling lights, create a warm, inviting ambiance.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThis design teaches us how to merge art with functionality, transforming a bedroom into a personal sanctuary. The use of neutral tones and natural materials establishes a calming atmosphere, making the space both stylish and comfortable.16. A Neo-Classic Dream BedroomVisualizer: Andrew RaafatThis neo-classic master bedroom blends classic charm with modern simplicity, creating a space that feels both luxurious and inviting. The intricate wall paneling, ceiling moldings, and elegant chandelier add a timeless appeal, while the neutral color palette of soft grays and beiges keeps the room feeling light and serene. A cozy upholstered bed sits against a delicate nature-inspired mural, adding depth and warmth. Modern touches like sleek nightstands, built-in shelving, and stylish lighting bring functionality without taking away from the classic beauty. Soft textures, subtle patterns, and carefully placed decor complete the look, making the room feel both sophisticated and comfortable.Bringing This Design into Our Homes: What We Can LearnThe neo-classic master bedroom design teaches us the importance of balance between traditional and contemporary elements. The key to achieving this style lies in the careful selection of elegant yet functional elements, ensuring a space that feels both timeless and inviting.Finishing NotesAt Home-Designing, we believe that great interiors are more than just aestheticsthey tell a story, evoke emotions, and create comfort. This journey through stunning bedroom designs has shown us how art, architecture, and modern sensibilities can come together to craft spaces that feel both luxurious and livable. Whether its the bold creativity of a Picasso-inspired bedroom or the refined elegance of neo-classical interiors, each design carries elements that can transform our own homes.Inspired to revamp your space? Stay tuned to Home-Designing for more expert insights, trend breakdowns, and timeless inspiration. Your dream home starts here!

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MacworldWhile were still waiting for iOS 18.4 to arrive with new emoji and Visual Intelligence for the Action button, Apple issued a slightly smaller update this week that most people wont notice.: the 25W MagSafe charger.The firmware update, 2A146, brings the version 136 from 133. The update only applies to the newer charger that provides faster wireless charging up to 25W when using a 30W power adapter. This is the second MagSafe charger update issued this year that didnt include the older 15W charger, so it appears that Apple will no longer support that charger with new firmware.As with most firmware updates, Apple isnt divulging what it does. In an alternate universe, Apple might have issued a MagSafe update to support the new iPhone 16e, but Apple instead decided that the phone wouldnt ship with MagSafe support. At any rate, we dont know what the firmware does and likely never will.Apple MagSafe ChargerBest Prices Today:$39 at Adorama | $39 at Apple | $39.99 at Best BuyApples latest 25W MagSafe charger arrived alongside the iPhone 16 in September. It is compatible with all iPhones that support MagSafe, but iPhone 12 to 15 models will only get 15W charging.To update your charger, plug it in and attach it to your iPhone. The update should arrive within a half hour. To check your firmware version, go to the Settings app, then tap General > About and select the Apple MagSafe Charger option.Wondering what MagSafe is all about? Learn more in our guide to MagSafe. Also, check out our best picks for MagSafe wireless chargers for iPhone and our best MagSafe portable battery packs for iPhone.

MacworldIf we go by the usual schedule, were probably a little under three months out from this years Worldwide Developers Conferencechances are itll be announced before the end of this very month.It promises to be quite the event.Thats in no small part because Apples found itself in an unusual position this year: the company has already copped to the fact that some of the most impressive features from last years WWDC keynoteSiris ability to use personal context and take action in various appswill not arrive on time, and we dont know exactly when they might ship, if ever.So, at this years WWDC when Tim Cook greets the in-person crowd and fires up the keynote video, what exactly are we going to see, and hows it going to play?No feature left behind*Back in 2012, Apple made a bold move and replaced Google Maps as the provider of its built-in mapping software with a homegrown solution in iOS 6. That was, to put it politely, a debacle: for millions of users, the Apple map app went from robust to untrustworthy overnight, and the company (rightfully) earned itself a black eye. The situation was so bad, in fact, that Tim Cook, only a year into his tenure as CEO, took to Apples website with an apology, writing, We will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard.Granted, the situation with these Apple Intelligence features is a little different. Yes, the company demoed them at WWDC and subsequently used them as the basis for an iPhone advertising campaign in the fall, but unlike with Maps, its not as if their absence has made customers phones less useful than before.Still, this kind of overpromising, while far from unheard of in the tech industry, isnt the way that Apple tends to conduct itself. Thats not to say it doesnt happen; the company has gotten over its skis in the past, such as when it pre-announced a wireless charging mat that it would never be able to ship. Embarrassing as that was, a hardware accessory is hardly critical to the companys success; Cook certainly didnt put out a public mea culpa about it. Instead, like the announcement of the Apple Intelligence delay, the news on AirPower came via a Friday press statement.That said, Im of the opinion that a miss of the level of Apple Intelligence probably should involve a public apologyif not Tim Cook writing on Apple.com, then at least a sit-down explanation with some of the press. But so far that hasnt seemed to be forthcoming, which raises the question: will the company acknowledge it at WWDC?Theres a lot of drama at Apple leading up to WWDC25 in June.FoundryIgnore and overrideThis years keynote is sure to be jam-packed, with the company demoing new features across the half-dozen platforms it maintains. Its certainly easy to imagine Apple bulling ahead, confident in the power of its fabled reality distortion field, pretending nothing untoward has happened and that everything is fine in Cupertino.But if this years announcements include, as is not unlikely, another crop of Apple Intelligence features, well, that becomes a trickier proposition. How do you build on features that didnt ship? Its hard to make the argument that youre bringing the second-generation of Apple Intelligence features when the first never finished shipping. Or do you blithely re-introduce those capabilities like Bullwinkle trying to pull a rabbit out of his hat?More to the point, how do you expect developers, customers, and the media to treat any such announcement? The virtue of being up on stage, especially with a pre-recorded video, may mean that everybody has to listen to what you have to say, but you can bet that its going to be greeted with a whole lot more scrutiny and skepticism after the fact.The Apple Intelligene slides at WWDC 2025 might be a bit less cheerful.AppleQuiet professionalsHeres the thing: it didnt have to be this way. Apples playbook has long been to sit tight on a project until its ready to shipor, more importantly, until you know its not going to ship. This is the company that spent ten years looking at building a car and killed that project off without ever so much as acknowledging it, much less releasing an actual product. But you cant be mad at the company for not shipping something it never said it would ship. (Well, you can, but that seems a little unreasonable.)The Vision Pro is another good example. By all indications, plans for the companys headset date back as far as 2008, no doubt well before the product was technologically feasible. If anything, you could argue that the company maybe should have sat on it longer to get the price down, but theres certainly no argument that the Vision Pro technology works as demonstrated.General consensus seems to be that Apple was caught flat-footed by the intense success of generative AI and had to scramble to catch up. It certainly seems like the company acted out of fear to try and not look like it was irrelevant, but from this vantage it seems like that decision may have backfired. Now, instead of simply looking out of touch, Apple looks, worse, like it cant get the job done.

Sales of virtual reality (VR) headsets fell by 12% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a new report from analyst firm Counterpoint. The decline markers the third year in a row sales have fallen and it is mainly on the consumer side that demand is low.The best performer is Meta, which has a 77% market share, followed by Sony, Pico, DPVR, and Apple.When it comes to Apple, interest in the pricey Vision Pro has increased among business users. But the headset, which went on sale just over a year ago, is still only available in 13 countries and territories.Counterpoint expects demand for VR headsets to remain low this year, though interest in smart glasses with augmented reality (AR) capabilities is expected to increase significantly.

With its latestDigital Markets Act(DMA) action against Apple, the European Commission (EC) proves it is bad for competition, bad for consumers, and bad for business. It also threatens Europeans with a hitherto unseen degree of data insecurity and weaponized exploitation. The information Apple is being forced to make available to competitors with cynical interest in data exfiltration will threaten regional democracy, opening doors to new Cambridge Analytica scandals.This may sound histrionic. And certainly, if you read theECs statementdetailing its guidance to facilitate development of innovative products on Apples platforms youd almost believe it was a positive thing. Gee, you might think, now those no-mark, cheap not-so-smart watches will offer some of the features Apple invented. But the positive spin of a press release puts a gloss over a tide of darkness.What Europe wantsDevice manufacturers and app developers will be provided with improved access to iPhone features that interact with connected devices (e.g. displaying notifications on smartwatches), faster data transfers (e.g. peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, and near-field communication) and easier device set-up (e.g. pairing).To force this interoperability, developers will gain improved access to technical documentation on featuresnot yet availableto third parties, timely communication and updates, andamore predictable timeline for the review of interoperability requests.The words, not yet available do a lot of heavy lifting in the above. They basically require that, when developing new features, Apple must also develop those features to be compatible with competitive system for no cost. Thats going to raise the cost of development and slow the introduction of new features in the EU.The specification decisions are legally binding. Apple is required to implement them in accordance with the conditions set out in the decisions,European regulators explained, adding that Apple still has the right to independent judicial scrutiny.I dont know whether Apple will exercise that right, but it should.Seriously, if commissioners really believe this will be good for tech, innovation, or competition across the region, their hallucination shows the extent to which our political classes are utterly disconnected from the reality most of us endure. It is also noteworthy that Apple is the only tech firm these demands are being made of.Europe gives your privacy awayIm not just talking about the notion that Apple must permit sideloading on iPhones and offer support for app services outside of the App Store. Ive almost accepted theres merits to that. There might even be solutions to the dangers it also provides. But in this case, Im looking at a reprehensible set of additional demands being levied against the company in the region.One of the worst of these is that notifications, until now end-to-end encrypted on your devices, will be shared with manufacturers of connected devices in unencrypted form.Ostensibly, that is so manufacturers can work with those notifications and weave them into their own product experiences. But in practice, it means your notifications can be exfiltrated from your device and transported to servers beyond your control.Once that information is out there, it is no longer protected and will give those with access to it (likely including data-mining firms) even closer insight into what you do, where you go, and who you are.Its a measure that absolutely conflicts with GDPR rules, which is why companies with an at-best questionable record on respecting customer privacy such as Metahave been requesting such access. Apple also claims some companies are making interoperability requests that abuse the DMA system.A threat to security?You wont need to dig deep to see how this kind of data was abused before. Now it will be again, this time using more powerful generative AI (genAI) technology to generate insights, results, plans, personalized posts and highly targeted ads.Dont even get me started on how the exfiltration of data could also be used by foreign intelligence services. Im sure the Commission spent time considering that before it decided to carve a massive hole at the heart of privacy and security on the worlds most trusted and secure mobile platform.Why wouldnt the kind of information gathered by data brokers using these connected devices be of use to, say, a hostile intelligence service attempting to track troop or munitions movements?Apple can protect us against this kind of threat, you say?Not under the DMA. Because when it comes to security patches for services/on-device features used by competitors, Apple will need to not only test its patches on its own devices, but on theirs (at its own expense).In some cases, such as when attempting to put a stop to hostile data extraction, third-party developers may complain, Apple will have to investigate, and the complaint may end up on the desk of some European mandarin for final adjudication. As a result, sometimes essential software updates might take days, weeks, or even months to gain approval, leaving customers exposed to abuse in the meantime.Is that what you call security?Thats not Apples fault, either, its how this part of the DMA implementation has been designed.What Apple saidApple isnt at all happy. In a statement, it said: Todays decisions wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apples ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who dont have to play by the same rules. Its bad for our products and for our European users. We will continue to work with the European Commission to help them understand our concerns on behalf of our users.There are several other iniquitous measures contained in Europes flawed judgement. For example, Apple will be forced to hand over access to innovations to competitors for free from day one, slowing innovation. This is going to make product introductions in Europe much slower. The implementation also gives unqualified European officials the power to micromanage what Apple does and what software it gets to release.Its a field day for Apples biggest competitors.It is noteworthy that Apple is the only company to have such demands made of it under so called Specification Tools provided to European regulators under the DMA.What makes this weird is that even though other companies are also subject to the DMAs interoperability requirements, it is only Apple that is being forced to share its innovations. It means Apple must give away its intellectual property to competitors for free even though those competitors are not obliged to follow the same rules. That seems to be an incredibly one-sided application of process that ignores the 250,000+ APIs Apple already offers developers so they can build products on its platforms.Who pays for all of this?You users worldwide will pay for Europes folly. You see, while Apple will now be forced to pay staffers to test software changes across all its own devices and across third-party and competing services and products in Europe, it will not be able to pass on that charge to those competitors.To get some scale to this, Apple already has 500 engineers in Europe working on DMA compliance.The new DMA findings mean it will need to hire even more, and if the competitors arent paying for those people, and Europe is not paying for those people, then it will be you paying for those people.This likely means more expensive Apple products, as Apple users globally are forced to pay to support rules that actually make their digital lives less secure, while also opening up access to their personal information to some of the worst companies in the world.What about business?This affects enterprise users as well. Sure, some companies (particularly one household name) will make billions exploiting this personal information. But others will immediately find themselves struggling with a newly inflated threat environment that means theyll have to, among other things, limit what employees do with the devices they use and put policies and protections in place against casual data exfiltration.Endpoint security, already a challenging space, will become even more difficult to guarantee, as that harmless seeming smart home device with seemingly benign access to your notifications turns out to be sending your notifications and location data to rogue nation states.How does that protect your business? It doesnt.How does that help your business grow? It wont.Better use Lockdown Mode until Europe bans it.State-sponsored failureIve always been pro-Europe. The freedom to move between member states and the opportunity to settle in them was an important benefit for most of my life, until it was thrown away with Brexit. But this new set of European rules absolutely illustrates the dumb decision-making that drove so many in my country to vote to leave the bloc. Its yet another chink in the battle-weary armor of privacy and security. Its yet another in what seems an unyielding series ofstate-mandated enshitificationsthat erode platform security, damage personal privacy, and threaten business and commerce globally, not just in Europe.The effect of this mass data exfiltration is a threat to democracy. The only beneficiaries will be dodgy AI firms trying to monetize your data for their advantage. None of this is good. All of it is wrong. And globally, we are all poorer for it.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn, andMastodon.

Apple's M4 MacBook Air is more powerful than ever, but the MacBook Pro still dominates the premium laptop market.MacBook AirApple's laptop lineup received significant updates recently, with both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air transitioning to the M4 chipset. Usually, Apple's updates for Macs have been sporadic, unlike the predictable yearly cycles of the iPhone.The MacBook Pro, which saw an update in October 2024, was quickly followed by the refreshed M4 MacBook Air models introduced in early 2025. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The European Commission is forcing new rules on Apple and only Apple that will likely mean delaying or not releasing more iPhone software updates to the European Union, all in the name of interoperability with rivals.EU flags in Brussels image credit: EUThe EC's announcement follows its September 2024 decision that Apple is in breach of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). It also follows Apple's December 2024 white paper on how the then proposed remedies invite abuse by rival firms."[These measures concern] nine iOS connectivity features, predominantly used for connected devices such as smartwatches, headphones or TVs," says the EC in its full announcement. "The measures will grant device manufacturers and app developers improved access to iPhone features that interact with such devices (e.g. displaying notifications on smartwatches), faster data transfers (e.g. peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, and near-field communication) and easier device set-up (e.g. pairing)." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

U.S. firms headquartered domestically will soon face difficulties obtaining business in Ontario after its Premier Doug Ford issued a new ban affecting public sector contracts in response to the escalating trade war between the United States and Canada. The move, a direct shot at President Trump's aggressive tariff tactics, "locks out" AEC firms from an estimated $139 billion market for infrastructure projects.The market for architectural services industries in all of Canada reached $7.2 billion in 2023. U.S. firms have won $147 million worth of Toronto city government contracts in the last two years alone, per the CBC. (h/t Global Construction Review)