Apple Advance Commerce API, Highnote $90M, Perplexity Sonar
The API Changelog issue 2025.05
This is issue 2025.05 of the API Changelog, a mix of API news, commentary, and opinion. In this issue, you'll get to know the most relevant API-related information from the week of January 20, 2025. Subscribe now, so you never miss an issue of the API Changelog.
News highlight
Apple introduced the Advanced Commerce API to support developers with large content catalogs and complex subscription models. Eligible apps can apply to streamline their in-app purchases using App Store's trusted commerce system.
This API is designed for apps with extensive content libraries or subscription add-ons, offering an alternative to App Store Connect. It offers simplified purchase management, no need for virtual currencies, and customizable subscriptions. The API won't change existing business terms or commission rates, but it prevents developers from selling virtual currency through external storefronts. However, it comes with restrictions such as eligibility criteria, OS compatibility, feature restrictions, and an approval process. The API could simplify the in-app purchase process for developers and users by enabling direct purchases without relying on virtual currencies or complex systems. However, adoption will depend on developers' ability to integrate the API into their apps and whether the benefits outweigh the limitations. Apple's tight control over the eligibility process may slow widespread adoption, but the API has the potential to reshape how in-app purchases are handled.
See additional coverage on the Mac Observer, mactrast, TechCrunch, Medium, 9TO5Mac, Appleosophy, Datacomony, How To Geek, and Subscription insider.
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Announcements
Microsoft is retiring its Azure AD Graph API by February 2025, urging the use of the newer Microsoft Graph API. Tools and assistance are provided for transitioning, with temporary workarounds for legacy applications until June 2025.
Advise Wise has successfully integrated an API with LV=, enabling instant access to KFIs and easier online applications for mortgage products. The platform's users can now seamlessly request and download LV= KFIs and submit online applications, improving efficiency for financial advisers. See additional coverage on Mortgage Solutions and financial reporter.
CrashPlan has successfully integrated with ConnectWise's Asio platform, enhancing data management for MSPs. The partnership between the two companies promises seamless management of CrashPlan's backup solutions and broader benefits as the Asio platform grows. See additional coverage on MorningStar.
Riege Software is integrating with CargoAi's API, allowing Scope users to directly book air cargo with 117+ airlines. This partnership streamlines operations, offers real-time rates, and supports Riege's digital innovation commitment.
CARET Legal unveiled its public API with an integration with Lawmatics, facilitating smoother data management for law firms. This collaboration automates data syncing, boosting efficiency and enhancing the client experience in the legal industry.
Microsoft and OpenAI are deepening their partnership, maintaining key elements like IP rights and revenue sharing through 2030. OpenAI's API remains Azure-exclusive, with new Azure commitments supporting OpenAI's products and model training advancements.
StarHub and Nokia collaborate on network APIs to foster 5G and 4G enterprise application development across various sectors. The partnership leverages Nokia’s Network as Code platform, offering developers access to StarHub's network capabilities for innovation in multiple industries. See additional coverage on Mobile world Live, Telecom Review, RCRWireless News, The Fast Mode, and ComputerWeekly.com.
Funding and M&A
Heraeus will acquire Umicore's platinum API business outside South America to enhance its market position and offerings. This move follows Heraeus' platinum API production increase in Hanau, Germany, in 2021, securing supply transition with Umicore's APIs.
The BTCPay Server Foundation received a $25,000 bitcoin grant from Unbank for the development and maintenance of its systems. Unbank employs BTCPay's API for transactions and values contributing to the open-source financial ecosystem.
Highnote, a modern card issuance company, closed a $90 million Series B funding round and launched a new acquiring solution. The platform unifies issuing and acquiring, simplifying payments for SMBs and enterprises with API-driven integration and major US card brand certifications.
Open Payments, a Swedish open banking platform, secured €3 million in funding led by Alfvén & Didrikson with multiple investors participating. The company integrates bank APIs with payment systems, recently adding cross-border payment features, totaling €11.5 million raised funding.
MoneyHash, an MEA-based payment orchestration platform, secured $5.2 million in pre-A funding, demonstrating remarkable growth and partnerships. The platform, known for its unified payment operations and market adaptability, is well-positioned for expansion with over 300 pre-integrated APIs.
AI
Perplexity launched an API, Sonar, for integrating its generative AI search into applications, with a real-time internet connection for factual answers. The company offers a cost-effective Sonar base and a detailed Sonar Pro while claiming superiority over Google and OpenAI models.
Sonar allows developers and enterprises to build generative AI tools using their own applications. Sonar is available in two tiers: Sonar and Sonar Pro. The basic version charges $1 per million input and output tokens and $5 per 1,000 searches, while Sonar Pro charges $3 per million input tokens, $15 per million output tokens, and $5 per 1,000 searches. The Sonar Pro version provides in-depth answers and robust models, with a larger context window for longer and more nuanced searches. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas emphasized the importance of supporting AI-driven tools with real-time search capabilities. Sonar is considered the most affordable API product on the market, and video communications company Zoom has seen "big wind" after integrating it. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas aims to make search-grounded large language models accessible and cost-effective.
See additional coverage on SiliconANGLE, Interesting Engineering, ComputerWorld, reddit, the decoder, TestingCatalog, MSN, Ciol, and VentureBeat.
DeepSeek, supported by High-Flyer Capital Management, introduced its new AI reasoning models, DeepSeek-R1 and DeepSeek-R1-Zero. These models are designed as competitors to systems like OpenAI-o1. See additional coverage on maginative.
NetBox Labs is integrating AI into network team workflows, launching features like the NetBox AI Enrichment API for data enrichment. The upcoming NetBox AI will empower engineers with AI-enhanced operations, automation, and easier data access for troubleshooting.
Atua AI enhances its ecosystem with the integration of the Grok xAI API, boosting automation and predictive analytics for decentralized enterprises. The partnership strengthens Atua AI's role in combining AI and blockchain technologies to improve operational efficiency for various industries.
Postman, an Indian API platform with 500,000 users, has dipped into AI by launching an AI agent builder and visual editor. The new features cater to both developers and non-developers, allowing the creation and testing of AI agents that interact with APIs. See additional coverage on sdx Central, businesswire, Silicon, SD Times, and SiliconANGLE.
Vector database startup Pinecone has launched Pinecone Assistant, a tool simplifying retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) application development. Pinecone Assistant features new APIs, file format support, customization options, and benchmarks showing 12% more accuracy over OpenAI's tools.
Colle AI enhances its AI-NFT platform's capabilities by integrating Grok API's advanced AI and machine learning tools. This partnership aims to improve NFT creation efficiency and scalability, reinforcing Colle AI's position in the blockchain and Web3 market.
Llama Stack 0.1.0, a new platform for generative AI development, offers a unified and flexible framework to ease application deployment across environments. It streamlines infrastructure management, incorporates essential features like safety and telemetry, and provides SDKs for multiple programming languages.
Fintech and Crypto
The European Payments Council has initiated the EPC Directory Service project, with Swift chosen for its development and operations. Swift will create a platform vital for payment service providers to comply with the Instant Payment Regulation, set to launch by October 2025.
Oana Ifrim from The Paypers examines the SPAA scheme, a pivotal development for Europe's Open Banking that enhances accessibility and sustainability. The scheme is set to revolutionize the way Open Banking operates across the continent.
Klasha has launched 'Pay to China,' enabling instant, low-cost payments from Africa to China via multiple Chinese platforms. The service targets Africa-China trade by offering fast, affordable CNY transactions through Klasha's user-friendly dashboard and API.
The Financial Data Exchange (FDX) has been approved by the CFPB as a standard-setting body for open banking, with conditions for fairness and transparency. FDX's forthcoming open banking standards aim to improve financial data-sharing while Clark Hill offers legal guidance in this regulatory landscape.
Cross River Bank introduced an automated sweep feature with IntraFi to offer extensive FDIC insurance across network banks. The feature integrates via APIs, simplifying large deposit management and enhancing deposit protection for BaaS clients. See additional coverage on Fintech Futures.
Security
Palo Alto Networks unveiled a QRNG Open API framework in collaboration with six technology partners to enhance cryptographic security. The open framework aligns with NIST PQC standards and will be integrated into their NGFWs for improved quantum security readiness.
Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) Open API framework, allows users to prepare for quantum security threats. The framework aims to promote multi-vendor interoperability and build resilient QRNG-based systems. QRNG generates random numbers, essential for creating secure cryptographic keys. The QRNG Open API simplifies QRNG integration, maximizes interoperability, accelerates QRNG adoption, and provides a common mechanism for high-quality entropy. Palo Alto Next Generation Firewalls will support the QRNG Open API later this year.
See additional coverage on SecurityBrief Asia, BISinfotech, iTVoice, CXO today.com, Security Infowatch, Quantum Computing Report, Security Boulevard, Technology Magazine, and Insider Monkey.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is probing a breach claim by hacker IntelBroker, involving stolen sensitive data and customer PII. IntelBroker's track record includes major firms, but the impact of breaches has often been overstated.
Openai ChatGPT API flaw allows attackers to launch DDoS attacks by manipulating HTTP POST requests. Despite discovery and notification in January 2025, neither OpenAI nor Microsoft have responded. See additional coverage on dev.ua, Information Security Buzz, SiliconANGLE, Cyberscoop, and CSO.
The European Commission is probing into Twitter's algorithm and moderation, checking DSA compliance with document requests until 2025. While X faces EU regulator scrutiny for transparency and might incur hefty fines, the investigation also responds to worries over misinformation and platform governance.
Verisk launched CargoNet ® RouteScore API to counter rising U.S. cargo theft, offering risk assessment scores for transport routes. The API integrates with systems, advising on security measures and aligning shipments with secure carriers. See additional coverage on MorningStar, GlobeNewswire, Verisk, Trailer Body Builders, and Stock Titan.