Skip to main content

Want to save the planet? Download some of Apple's 'Apps for Earth'

apple store south korea applestoredisplay3
Apple
You can help the environment with a click of a button when you download select apps from Apple’s App Store. As part of a broader environmental push, Apple and the World Wildlife Fund have launched “Apps for Earth,” a new campaign aimed at raising awareness about many of the issues and challenges facing our planet today.

As a part of the campaign, Apple teamed up with 24 developers to build content in their apps related to the WWF’s cause. Not only that, but between April 14-24, 100 percent of the money made by those apps will go straight to the WWF — that includes money made from buying the app itself and money made from the campaign-specific in-app purchases.

Recommended Videos

Apps for Earth focuses on the funds’s core efforts — conservation of forests, fresh water, oceans, food, wildlife, and raising awareness on climate change.

Apps for Earth

There are a total of 27 apps that are part of the collection, including both games like Angry Birds 2, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Best Friends, and Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes, as well as utility apps like Map My Run.

In fact, Apple’s efforts don’t stop at the App Store. The campaign will have a heavy presence on Apple.com, coupled with the company’s revamped Environmental page. Apple’s retail stores will have apps related to the campaign on display, and the leaf on the Apple logo at its stores will be green during the campaign.

Implementation for the campaign is different in each app — Enlight, which is a photography app, focused on creating themes and tutorials about nature photography. Star Wars Galaxy, on the other hand, was updated to include a special battle following Ewoks protecting the forests on Endor.

To check out the list of apps that are part of the Apps For Earth campaign, head to the App Store, and start making those in-app purchases! At least until April 24, that is.

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
The ugly side to Apple’s embrace of third-party App Store payments
apple app store third party payment allow ugly side reality render

Apple says it will allow app developers in South Korea to enable third-party payment systems in their apps. In doing so, developers will no longer be forced to pay a 30% cut of their gross app revenue for using the App Store's own in-app payment system.

Despite years of developer backlash, Apple has been adamant about forcing developers to use its in-house payments system for handling in-app purchases and subscription payments. Apple's grip was so tight that the company didn't hesitate before kicking a bonafide money-making machine like Fortnite off the App Store because Epic tried to avoid the Apple tax with its own payment system.

Read more
This YouTube Apple Watch app is just as ridiculous as you’d expect
this youtube apple watch app is just as ridiculous youd expect watchtube

The Apple Watch has allowed users to do everything from calling their family and friends to keeping tabs on their health. But its media streaming abilities have been restricted to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. That's about to change, as now you'll be able to watch your favorite YouTube videos on your wrist thanks to a new app called WatchTube.

Created by Hugo Mason, WatchTube gives access to every YouTube video through the app, and you can hear the videos either through the Apple Watch's built-in speaker or with a pair of Bluetooth headphones. However, the app cannot be linked to your YouTube account in any way as it's a third-party app that just happens to carry the word "Tube" in its name. That said, you'll still be able to search and subscribe to your favorite content creators.

Read more
Apple seems to have embarked on new purge of neglected apps
An Apple iPhone 13 Pro being held in a person's hand.

Apple appears to have embarked on a new round of purging apps from its App Store, specifically those that have been left untouched by developers for a long period of time

In a message sent to affected developers, Apple said: “This app has not been updated in a significant amount of time and is scheduled to be removed from sale in 30 days. No action is required for the app to remain available to users who have already downloaded the app.”

Read more