In the UK and other markets, Apple plans to raise the price of apps in the App Store.

Expanding its domestic efforts, Facebook is taking on "fake news" around the world.

Did Apple monopolize the iPhone app market by preventing users from purchasing apps outside of the App Store? Well, a federal appeals court has decided to let app developers sue Apple over the issue.

Over the past year, overall app usage grew by 11%, according to new findings from Flurry. Even more impressive, time spent in apps grew by 69%, year-over-year. Yet a closer look at the data shows that, unlike in previous years, all app categories are not growing in tandem.

In the coming weeks, Instagram users can expect to start seeing full-screen, "sound-on," auto-play ads in Stories. "We are unveiling an initial test of immersive, full-screen ads in Stories with targeting, reach and measurement capabilities," a company spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

The deal comes on the heels Fitbit's agreement to acquire the software team behind smartwatch startup Pebble. With both deals, Fitbit continues to assemble an impressive talent roster, including some of the brightest minds in the smartwatch business.

Although Christmas and Hanukkah are behind us, Facebook still has a special gift in store for advertisers. Yes, the social giant is reportedly readying a mid-roll ad format, which will give brands the opportunity to reach video viewers, mid-stream.

Between its Galaxy Note 7 debacle and the struggling smartphone market, you might think Samsung would have had a bad year. But, you'd be wrong. Year-over-year, in fact, fourth-quarter profit rose by 50%, the South Korean tech giant forecast on Friday.

Apple today announced that the App Store welcomed 2017 with its busiest single day ever on New Year's Day, capping a record-breaking holiday season and a year of unprecedented developer earnings and breakout app hits. Last year, App Store developers earned over $20 billion -- up more than 40% from 2015 -- according to fresh figures from Apple.

The New Year is expected to be a better one for smartphone makers. After dropping to a three-year low, in 2016, smartphone sales are finally expected to bounce back, according to a fresh forecast from Accenture.