Apple's App Store policies are once again impacting subscription-based platforms, while other tech companies face financial headwinds and seek solutions for cloud waste. Patreon creators are facing a mandate to switch to subscription billing, Tesla reported a significant profit decline, and a new company, Adaptive6, launched to tackle cloud waste.
Patreon will require creators to move away from legacy billing methods this fall to comply with Apple's revived subscriptions mandate, according to The Verge on January 29, 2026. This change will affect approximately four percent of Patreon creators who still utilize first-of-the-month and per-creation billing models. Patreon reportedly "strongly disagrees" with Apple's decision to reimpose the subscription billing mandate, according to The Verge.
Meanwhile, Tesla's financial results for 2025 revealed a downturn. Ars Technica reported that Tesla's revenues fell year-over-year for the first time in the company's history. Automotive revenues dropped by 11 percent to $17.7 billion, a significant decline compared to the previous year. While Tesla experienced a challenging year in automotive sales, its energy storage business saw double-digit growth, reaching $3.8 billion, a 25 percent increase. The company's services also grew by 18 percent, contributing $3.4 billion.
In other news, Apple officially launched its Creator Studio subscription bundle, offering access to a suite of professional apps for a monthly fee of $12.99 or an annual fee of $129, Ars Technica reported. Teachers and students can access the same apps for a discounted rate of $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. The bundle includes access to or enhanced features for ten Apple apps, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, and Keynote.
Addressing the growing concern of cloud spending, Adaptive6 emerged from stealth mode to help enterprises reduce cloud waste, VentureBeat reported on January 28, 2026. According to Gartner, public cloud spending is projected to increase by 21.3% in 2026. However, Flexera's State of the Cloud report indicates that up to 32% of enterprise cloud spending is wasted on duplicated, non-functional, or outdated code, as well as inefficient processes. Adaptive6 aims to optimize cloud resource utilization and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
PopSockets also announced a new product, the Kick-Out PopWallet, which combines a card holder with a kickstand, according to The Verge. The wallet can store a few credit cards and unfolds to prop up a phone for hands-free use.
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