Apple News 3 Hours

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 8:40 AM ET

Apple ecosystem & competition

Android mimics Handoff as several manufacturers rolled out a cross‑device continuity feature that lets users start a task on a phone and finish it on a tablet, echoing Apple’s long‑standing hand‑off integration. The move underscores growing pressure on Apple to defend the seamless experience that has kept iPhone, iPad and Mac users locked into its ecosystem, especially as rivals claim the feature narrows the gap in productivity workflows. Meanwhile, Jamf appoints former CTO as CEO to steer its AI‑driven device‑management platform, a step that could tighten enterprise control over mac OS and iOS fleets and reinforce Apple’s foothold in corporate environments where AI‑enhanced security and automation are becoming decisive factors.

Security upgrades in rival apps

Discord activates end‑to‑end encryption for all voice and video calls across desktop, mobile, web and console platforms, delivering the same default privacy level that Apple’s Face Time has offered since 2021. The upgrade arrives as Apple continues to promote its encrypted communication suite, positioning privacy as a key differentiator in the crowded messaging market. In parallel, WhatsApp tests read‑triggered disappearing messages, adding a nuanced timer that starts after a message is viewed, a feature that may pressure Apple to further enhance iMessage’s ephemerality options to retain users who value transient chats.