Latest news with #AppleCare
GSM Arena
8 hours ago
- Business
- GSM Arena
Apple starts selling its products directly in Saudi Arabia
Apple has officially landed in Saudi Arabia. Not that its products hadn't been available over there so far, but now the company has opened its official online store in the country. You can also use the Apple Store app in Saudi Arabia, and both support the Arabic language of course. Apple promises to deliver "exceptional service" thanks to its "talented, dedicated team members". The online store, either on the web or via the app, houses the company's full lineup of products. In the app, you can get recommendations tailored to you based on the Apple products you already own. You can also compare different models, access saved items, and easily track your orders. For Macs, you have configure-to-order options, and you can personalize your Apple Watch case and band combination too. There's a free engraving service in both Arabic and English for AirPods, Apple Pencil, and AirTag, with text, emoji, and numbers in dual language. Support is provided via chat and phone, and after you receive an order you can connect with an Apple team member online to get help with Personal Setup, switching to iOS, as well as cellular activation. There will be a Buy Now Pay Later option too, with four monthly installments at zero percent interest. AppleCare+ is also supported in Saudi Arabia, as is the company's trade-in program. Apple plans to start opening physical stores in the country next year, including an iconic retail store coming to Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Source
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Will Tim Cook Resign In 2025? Apple's Next CEO Could Be A Surprise Pick
In 2025, Apple faces slumping sales in China and lagging AI efforts, sparking speculation about CEO Tim Cook's future 2025 hasn't been kind to Apple. Sales are slumping in China, the company's AI efforts are lagging behind rivals, and investors are beginning to get antsy. Whispers about CEO Tim Cook stepping down have only grown louder. But according to a detailed report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, there's one thing the tech giant isn't planning just yet, i.e. replacing Tim Cook. At 64, Cook is still firmly in control. He'll turn 65 in November and, by all indications, could lead Apple for at least five more years. That would take his tenure well into his 70s, similar to other corporate mainstays like Bob Iger at Disney or Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan Chase. Gurman notes that even as Apple wrestles with a shaky innovation pipeline and a rapidly shifting tech landscape, the board isn't looking for an exit strategy. Cook has delivered a 1,500% increase in Apple's market cap since taking over from Steve Jobs in 2011. That kind of track record buys loyalty. But while Cook isn't going anywhere, his leadership bench is thinning fast. Apple's longtime COO Jeff Williams, widely seen as Cook's natural successor, is retiring later this year. That alone would be a major shake-up. But he's just the beginning. Half of Cook's roughly 20 direct reports are now in their 60s. Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri is in the process of stepping down. Hardware veteran Dan Riccio is already out. Marketing head Greg Joswiak, chip chief Johny Srouji, and services boss Eddy Cue are all nearing retirement age. Sabih Khan, Apple's supply chain lead, is expected to take over the COO title. But insiders aren't convinced he's being groomed for the top job. Same goes for Apple's new CFO Kevan Parekh, who's managing a range of responsibilities but isn't seen as CEO material. That leaves one internal candidate who checks most of the right boxes: John Ternus. At 50, Apple's hardware lead has been shaping the company's product portfolio for over a decade. He's known internally as the 'product guy", a fitting label for a company that built its empire on industrial design and customer obsession. But there's a catch: Ternus lacks experience in finance and operations. If he's to take over, he'll need a strong support system or some serious fast-tracking. Despite looming retirements, Apple hasn't begun formally training or preparing any one person to take the CEO seat. Instead, what's happening is a gradual reshuffling of responsibilities under Cook's watchful eye. Sabih Khan is expanding his portfolio to include AppleCare. Fitness+ has been moved under the Services group. Health hardware and watchOS now report to software head Craig Federighi. Even Apple's famously siloed design teams are being restructured to report directly to Cook, a throwback to the Jobs era. Meanwhile, the Vision Pro team is being broken up and spread across hardware and software. And Apple's China business, increasingly volatile in a tight regulatory environment, will now be overseen directly by Cook and Khan. These moves aren't just about operational efficiency; they're a quiet admission that Apple needs to hit reset before things start to spiral. Cue reportedly warned internally that without major change, Apple risks ending up like BlackBerry or Nokia. Could a Surprise CEO Come From Outside? There's always a long-shot possibility of a radical move, like acquiring a major AI startup and installing its founder as a future CEO. But that's not Apple's style. The company has historically avoided big, splashy M&A. Betting the future of the company on someone outside the Apple ecosystem would break with everything the board and Cook have done for the past decade. Adding to speculation about Cook's long-term grip is the fact that Apple's chairman, Arthur Levinson, has already passed the company's recommended board retirement age. If he steps down, some believe Cook could take on that role as well, consolidating power even further. That would echo moves by Iger at Disney or Nadella at Microsoft. Despite the recent turbulence, Cook's personal finances remain rock solid. In 2024, he took home a compensation package worth around Rs 610 crore ($73 million), with the bulk coming from stock awards. His base salary? Just $30. According to Forbes, his net worth sits at $2.4 billion (over Rs 20,000 crore) as of March 2025. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
CNET
11-07-2025
- CNET
My Favorite Headphones Are Over 50% Off During the Last Day of the Amazon Prime Day Sale
It all started when my beloved Apple AirPods just stopped working one day. No matter what I did, attempting to charge and revive them, they simply would not turn on, and I had to finally accept that they had a good run, and it was time to put them to rest. RIP. That put me in a tricky predicament, though. I use headphones at least 4 to 5 hours a day, and I desperately needed new ones immediately. I knew I was due for an upgrade, but the AirPods weren't on sale at the time. But coincidentally, the Beats Studio Pro were. I didn't expect to fall in love with a pair of headphones so quickly, especially because I loved my Apple buds so much. I was just hoping for solid noise cancellation and good sound quality, but the Beats delivered so much more -- and now they're an essential part of my daily routine, practically an extension of my ears. Like I said, I get a lot of mileage out of them every single day. Whether I'm writing, commuting, doing chores or taking my precious pup out for a walk, the Beats Studio Pro are there with me. And now, most colors are a solid 51% off right now on Amazon for Prime Day. You can even grab 2 years of AppleCare+ for only $19, or at a 34% discount. If you're on the fence, you don't have much longer to jump on this deal, as the Prime Day sale ends today. If you're looking for more gifting options, check out our roundups of the best tech gifts under $100 and the best Prime Day headphone deals. Here's how the Beats Studio Pro work Let's start with the specs. The Beats Studio Pro are premium over-ear headphones that bring serious upgrades to the iconic Beats design. Think of these as the grown-up, more refined cousin of the Beats Solo series. They're still stylish, still punchy, but with significantly better sound quality and comfort. Here are some key features of the Beats Studio Pro: Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Macy Meyer/CNET Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode : Two core features that let you tune out the world or stay aware, depending on your mood. The ANC is excellent, especially for this price, and it's great for navigating travel, open offices or city streets. and : Two core features that let you tune out the world or stay aware, depending on your mood. The ANC is excellent, especially for this price, and it's great for navigating travel, open offices or city streets. USB-C Lossless Audio : A game-changer for audiophiles. With USB-C, you can listen to lossless audio directly from your device -- no compression, just crystal-clear sound. : A game-changer for audiophiles. With USB-C, you can listen to lossless audio directly from your device -- no compression, just crystal-clear sound. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking: This creates an immersive, surround-sound-like experience. with dynamic head tracking: This creates an immersive, surround-sound-like experience. Custom 40mm drivers : Deliver balanced sound, with punchy bass, crisp mids and smooth highs. : Deliver balanced sound, with punchy bass, crisp mids and smooth highs. Battery : Up to 40 hours with ANC off or 24 hours with it turned on. That's more than enough to get you through several workdays or even a full international flight without scrambling for a charger. : Up to 40 hours with ANC off or 24 hours with it turned on. That's more than enough to get you through several workdays or even a full international flight without scrambling for a charger. Built-in microphones and voice-targeting beamforming tech: Translation: your voice will sound clear on calls, even in a noisy space. They also pair effortlessly with both Apple and Android devices, thanks to support for Find My, Google Fast Pair and one-touch pairing. CNET audio expert David Carnoy closely reviewed these earphones and found both the sound quality and voice-calling performance impressive. "The noise canceling is quite effective," Carnoy wrote in his review. "It's the adaptive variety, so it's not a fixed setting, and occasionally I'd hear it shift in strength as it adjusted to the ambient noise around me, whether I was on the subway or walking the streets of New York." Why I'm obsessed with my Beats There are plenty of great headphones out there. So what sets these apart for me? First and foremost, I love the comfort. I've worn lots of over-ear headphones that start to ache or feel heavy after an hour or so. I also have several ear piercings -- five in my left ear and three in my right -- and that means many over-ear headphones push the earring into my skin, digging in until it's quite painful. Not these. The earcups are plush, the clamping force is just right, and the memory foam actually makes a difference. I can wear them for hours without fatigue, which is saying something when you log four to five hours a day in them. The sound quality is also great. Beats used to have a reputation for overly bass-heavy tuning, but the Studio Pro strikes a beautiful balance. There's still that satisfying low-end thump when I'm listening to pop, hip hop or K-pop, but it doesn't overpower the vocals or mids. Whether I'm streaming Hozier for the umpteenth hour, catching up on podcasts or listening to a new audiobook, everything sounds great. Finally, the ANC and Transparency Mode are shockingly good. I've used my Beats in loud coffeeshops, on airplanes and while vacuuming, and they efficiently block out noise like a champ. But when I need to hear what's going on (like when I run into one of my neighbors while I'm walking my dog), a quick button press switches me into Transparency Mode, and I can hear them clearly. It's seamless. I would also be remiss if I didn't mention their style. Frankly, they just look cool. I know that's not the most important thing, but the sleek matte finish, the minimalist design and the range of colors make these headphones feel like a fashion accessory as much as a tech device. I have the "Earth" color headphones, and they look so gorgeous with any outfit. My one request, though, (Beats execs, I'm sure you're reading this!) would be to make these in a sage green color. Pretty please? They'd make a great gift for any audiophile Buying tech for someone else can be tricky, but I think the Beats Studio Pro are a pretty safe bet for anyone for a few reasons. For one, they work across platforms, so it doesn't matter if your gift recipient is team iPhone or Android. The intuitive pairing process, native device integration and wide compatibility make these user-friendly for just about anyone. They're also great for all types of use cases. Daily commuters? Check. Frequent flyers? Definitely. College students pulling all-nighters, or music lovers who want to hear every nuance of a track? Absolutely. These can suit really any type of person, day in and day out. The Beats just feel premium, too. This is the kind of gift someone might not splurge on for themselves, but they would certainly be grateful to open up these Beats, no matter the occasion. If you're shopping for graduation season, Father's Day or a summer birthday, these are a hit waiting to happen. Why this Beats deal matters Let's get down to numbers. The Beats Studio Pro normally retail for $350 or $450, depending on the color you select. That's pretty pricey. But right now, most colors are 51% off, bringing the price down to about $170. That's some of the lowest prices I've seen, and I keep a pretty close eye on tech deals. Sales like this don't come around often, especially on newer, high-demand models, so when they do, it's worth jumping on. Considering the quality, durability and features packed into these headphones, $170 is honestly a steal. You're getting flagship-level ANC, excellent sound and cross-platform support for less than the cost of most premium earbuds. Best Prime Day Headphones Deals Prime Day means you don't have to pay full price for a great pair of headphones. Whether you prefer earbuds, headphones or something in between we've got Prime Day headphone deals for you. See Now My final thoughts on my Beats Studio Pro headphones In a world full of flashy gadgets and fleeting trends, the Beats Studio Pro are the real deal. They've become an essential part of my everyday life, not because they're trendy or hyped, but because they work. They're reliable, comfortable and sound fantastic. And now that they're seeing a deep discount, it's a great time to pull the trigger and buy them.
CNET
11-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
My Teen Loves Her AirPods Pro 2. They're $100 Off During the Last Day of Amazon Prime Day
My 13-year-old daughter loves her music and her privacy, and for years she has wanted a pair of AirPods. I always considered them too expensive, so I bought her cheaper headphones like the Amazon Echo Buds. After one too many disappointed sighs -- and a mysteriously "lost" pair -- it became clear those budget options just weren't cutting it. So last year, when I saw that the actual Apple AirPods Pro 2 were on sale, I pounced. She's happy, she uses them every day and she hasn't lost them yet. Now the Apple AirPods 2 are on sale again for Prime Day -- at their lowest price ever. For just $149 (a 40% discount), if you're looking for a pair of headphones that will satisfy your teen, you might want to consider pouncing right now too. You can even add 2 years of AppleCare+ at a 7% discount ($27) while you're at it. Read more: Best Prime Day Apple Deals Why I didn't wait for the AirPods Pro 3 Rumors abound that Apple will replace the Pro 2 with an updated Pro 3 version later this year. My kid wanted headphones sooner, so I got her the Pro 2s. But if you're on the fence, here's my perspective. The main improvements to the Pro 3 are said to be heart-rate monitoring like the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 have, as well as a new design. Other speculation points to improved sound and processing with Apple's H3 chip, temperature sensors, built-in infrared cameras, a touchscreen on the case, live translation of languages and more. There's no way to know what they actually will have, but I do know that they'll be more expensive than the Pro 2 (especially at this sale price). I don't think those new features are going to be worth the money, however. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. You might have a different take, especially if you want heart-rate monitoring on your headphones for fitness sessions or one of those rumored extras. In that case it might be worth waiting to see what the new versions include. The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be announced in September and on sale soon after. Why I didn't get the AirPods 4 instead Why did I choose AirPods Pro 2 instead of the newer AirPods 4 with ANC? First off, as I mentioned in another article about a different pair of earbuds I bought, I think sealed, in-ear buds are better than open-design models like the AirPods 4. The seal creates another layer of noise isolation and contributes to superior sound quality, and if you want to pay attention to the world you can always engage ambient sound mode, which Apple calls transparency mode. XS eartips mean an XL hug from a happy kid may be coming soon. Lexy Savvides/CNET Also a factor was the commentary of CNET reviewer David Carnoy, who considers the Pro 2 the best Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds: "While we're quite impressed with those new models -- and with the AirPods 4 ANC in particular -- the AirPods Pro 2 remain arguably the best Apple AirPods you can buy if you don't mind having silicone ear tips jammed in your ears." My daughter uses earplugs all the time to help her sleep, so she definitely qualifies as somebody who's comfortable stuffing things in her ears. Like her fingers, when I start using words like "sigma," "skibidi" and "relatable" to try to relate to her. I asked Carnoy about the Pro 2s potentially not fitting in her kid-size ears and he reassured me that the range of eartips that come with the Pro 2s "now include XS, so they should fit." Should you buy now with threat of tariffs? It's no secret that President Donald Trump's tariffs are leading to higher prices for a lot of things, including electronics. We're actually tracking the price of the AirPods Pro 2 in our tariff tracker and as of press time the price has actually decreased since January. If you're in the market for AirPods 2 now anyway, now is a good time to buy. A Reuters report from April said AirPods could be subject to a 39% price hike to cover tariff costs, but the tariff situation is fluid, so I wouldn't use that potential increase as a reason to buy now. If you wait until the new model comes out later this year, the price on the older AirPods Pro 2 might even get lower. Best Prime Day Headphones Deals Prime Day means you don't have to pay full price for a great pair of headphones. Whether you prefer earbuds, headphones or something in between we've got Prime Day headphone deals for you. See Now Do AirPods make a great gift? It took me years to finally understand, but yes, for someone looking for wireless earbuds, AirPods -- especially the Apple AirPods Pro 2 -- make the perfect gift, regardless of whether you're a teenage girl or not. If you're looking for more gifting options, check out our roundups of the best tech gifts under $100 and the best Prime Day headphone deals.
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Indian-origin Sabih Khan becomes COO at Apple
Cupertino (California): Apple has announced that Sabih Khan, an Indian-origin executive with 30 years of experience at the tech giant, will be its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Khan will take over from Jeff Williams, who is stepping down from the role this month and will retire later this year. The leadership change comes at a time when Apple is facing challenges, such as slowing iPhone sales and tariff issues. Jeff Williams, who has been with Apple for more than 27 years, will continue to lead the company's design team and health projects until his that, Apple's design team will report directly to CEO Tim Cook. Cook praised Williams for his remarkable work, calling him a key figure in Apple's success. He credited Williams for building one of the best supply chains in the world, launching the Apple Watch, shaping the company's health strategy, and leading the design team with passion and commitment. Sabih Khan joined Apple in 2019 as Senior Vice-President of Operations. He has played an important role in managing the company's global supply chain and overseeing procurement and manufacturing. As the new COO, Khan will report to Tim Cook and is expected to take on more responsibilities, including overseeing AppleCare. Cook spoke highly of Khan, saying, 'Sabih is a brilliant strategist and a key architect of Apple's supply chain. He has helped introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, expanded Apple's production in the United States, and made the company more flexible in handling global challenges.'
