TikTok has been reinstated in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in the United States. The app was removed from both stores on January 19, 2025, due to a nationwide ban. Briefly.
The future of TikTok remains uncertain. President Trump is seeking a “deal” that would allow the company to continue operating in the US, potentially involving arrangements that would give the US government a stake in the company.
Other social media companies are likely unhappy about this development.
— Mat Smith
Get this delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe right here!
The biggest tech stories you missed
On February 19, maybe a new iPhone SE and a 2nd-gen AirTag.
In a tweet on Thursday, CEO Tim Cook told Apple fans to “get ready to meet the newest member of the family.” The product remains a mystery, but it will be revealed on Wednesday, February 19.
While there has been speculation about a next-gen iPhone SE, Cook’s tweet also featured an animated image of a shimmering Apple logo on what appears to be the outline of an AirTag. There have been rumors of a second-gen tracker being introduced this year.
Also, AirTags have been incredibly useful for me, and I’m excited to see what a new tracker could offer. Hopefully, it won’t involve AI.
No Honsan. No Ninda.
The tech love story of 2025 has ended. Honda and Nissan have canceled their merger plans, which would have resulted in a combined net worth of around $50 billion if they had also brought Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi on board.
The Financial Times reported that Honda presented a new company structure that would have made Nissan its subsidiary as a “take it or leave it” offer. Nissan decided to leave it.
Ask Engadget: Where is the best place to buy a cheap iPad?
Ask Mat Anything.
Thanks to everyone who has sent in questions, including a timely one about new Apple hardware. From Matt Ali: What’s the cheapest way to get an iPad? And which one should I get in early 2025?
Rather than doing my own research, I asked our iPad expert, Nathan Ingraham, for an answer:
“Apple hardware is known for being expensive, but the company has a store packed with high-quality refurbished products that can save you some serious cash. I’ve bought many devices there over the years and have never had a problem — everything is in like-new condition and has the same warranty as a brand-new product.”
If you want an iPad nearly as capable as the newest models but want to save some cash, you can grab a sixth-generation, 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an M2 chip and 256GB of storage for $979. Considering the latest 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1299, this is worth considering — especially if you’re an artist who wants a large canvas.
If you don’t need that large screen, consider the fifth-generation iPad Air. For $529, you’ll get an 11-inch display, M1 chip, and 256GB of storage. That’s $170 less than the current M2 iPad Air with the same amount of storage. Apple’s standard iPad is also available refurbished, but you can often find a brand-new version of it on sale on Amazon. Between that and the rumors of a new basic iPad coming this spring, I’d avoid this one for now.
You can also upgrade the storage or get a model with cellular connectivity for extra cash. For me, 256GB or 512GB is the sweet spot for storage — given the ubiquity of the cloud, having a ton of local storage doesn’t feel particularly necessary.
Similarly, cellular connectivity is probably not worth the extra cash unless you plan to travel with your iPad. Most of the time, you can easily tether an iPad to your phone if you need to get online quickly. But those refurb options are available if you want them.”
Thanks, Nate! If you have any other tech dilemmas, such as questions about modern texting etiquette or the best way to make your wearable nag you into your new year fitness goals, feel free to ask.
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn a commission.
Source Link
