A group of US senators is pushing to shake up the app store duopoly held by Apple and Google. They've reintroduced a bill that would force the tech giants to open up their walled gardens, allowing sideloading (installing apps from outside their official stores) and alternative payment systems. The goal? More competition and lower fees for developers—but Apple and Google argue it could compromise security.

Apple just laid out its new fee system for app developers in the EU, and it’s a mixed bag. While developers can now use alternative payment methods (a win for flexibility), Apple’s introducing new fees—including a controversial "core technology fee" for downloads over 1 million. Smaller devs might breathe easier, but bigger players could feel the pinch.

Editor’s Note: This is Apple’s response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which forces big tech to open up their walled gardens. The changes could mean cheaper apps for users—or just more complexity. Either way, it’s a big shift in how Apple does business in Europe, and developers (and their lawyers) will be dissecting the fine print for months.

Hong Kong is doubling down on its push to become a major player in the crypto world, releasing an updated policy plan to boost stablecoins and digital asset tokenization. This move comes as global competition heats up, especially with the US also making aggressive plays to dominate the crypto space under a potential second Trump administration.

Editor’s Note: Hong Kong's latest policy update signals it's serious about attracting crypto businesses and innovation, but it's not alone—the race to lead the digital asset economy is getting crowded. For investors and fintech firms, this could mean more opportunities (and choices) as major hubs jockey for dominance. The real winner? Possibly crypto adoption itself.