Good morning. Spotify's billion-dollar rebellion finally cracked Apple's iron monopoly, young tennis star Alcaraz seized world supremacy, and one trainer's basic three-day split can you help you drop +50 pounds of body fat.

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TOP STORY TODAY

Spotify vs. Apple

European regulators fined Apple $2 billion in March 2024 following Spotify's decade-long campaign against App Store policies. Epic Games won a U.S. court victory in April, allowing apps to bypass Apple's 30% payment system. Both decisions threaten Apple's digital marketplace control. Reddit: Apple Music vs. Spotify.

Spotify began challenging Apple's "tax" in 2016 when iPhone maker launched competing Apple Music. The Swedish company hired Microsoft veteran Horacio Gutierrez to wage regulatory battles worldwide. Apple's App Store generates 8% of revenue with 75% operating margins.

New European laws force Apple to loosen App Store restrictions. The company faces additional fines for non-compliance while iPhone sales face AI pressure. Cook's upcoming iPhone launch occurs amid unprecedented challenges to Apple's mobile dominance.

Apple is expected to share new iPhone tomorrow.

SPORTS

Alcaraz Wins US Open

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 Sunday to win his second US Open title. The victory returns the 22-year-old Spaniard to world No. 1, replacing Sinner atop men's rankings. President Trump attended the final in New York.

Alcaraz now holds six grand slam titles, with only Björn Borg achieving more (seven) before age 23. Sinner's second-set win was the only set Alcaraz lost during the entire tournament. Alcaraz dominated with 42 winners versus 21.

The title makes Alcaraz the first player to win multiple grand slams on all surfaces before turning 23. His complete performance demonstrates continued excellence at tennis's highest level. The Australian Open offers another record opportunity in January.

TECHNOLOGY

Larry Ellison’s Legacy

Oracle founder Larry Ellison purchased Oxford's historic Eagle and Child pub for $10.7 million in October 2023, signaling broader ambitions. The billionaire is building a $1.3 billion research campus housing 7,000 scientists by 2027. Institute director John Bell recently stepped down after operational clashes.

Ellison's Oxford partnership provides the university £20 million annually through 2030, plus 1% of institute profits. The world's second-richest person ($275 billion net worth) recruited top academics with Silicon Valley salaries. Over 40% of English universities ran deficits last year.

The for-profit institute aims to commercialize research in AI, healthcare, and climate solutions. Ellison plans to concentrate his wealth on the Oxford venture rather than traditional charity. The collaboration tests boundaries between public academic missions and private commercial interests.

Is Larry Ellison the most ruthless CEO in tech?

Get 1% Better

Simple 3-Day Split to Drop Body Fat

Michael Smoak (@HigherUpWellness) used this simple 3-day workout to drop 55 pounds of body fat and he’s since taught hundreds of people to do the same.

Monday (Upper Pull/Push):

  • Lat pulldown

  • Dumbbell incline bench press

  • Preacher curls

  • Cuban press

Wednesday (Compound Power):

  • Barbell back squat

  • Dumbbell overhead press

  • Bent over row

  • Deficit pushups (to failure)

Friday (Posterior Chain/Legs):

  • Deadlift

  • Machine chest press

  • Leg extensions

  • Leg curls

  • Calf raises

Daily Protocol: Walk one hour per day, eat your body weight in grams of protein (175 pounds = 175g protein), and try to hit Zone 2 once or twice per week. Watch fat loss.

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