Foxconn&nbsp;plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis.

"There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-apple-eyes-shift-to-india-from-china-smartphone-manufacturing-to-get-major-boost-298304">As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost</a>

Foxconn&nbsp;said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said.

Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-growing-tensions-with-china-taiwans-foxconn-eyes-investment-in-india-308087">Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India</a>

Taipei-headquartered&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others.

Foxconn&nbsp;Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details.

STATUS SYMBOL

Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol.

Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices.

Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported.

"With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said.

India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production.

Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs.

South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said. The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis. "There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Also read: As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost Foxconn said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said. Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by Foxconn in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised. Also read: Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India Taipei-headquartered Foxconn will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others. Foxconn Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details. STATUS SYMBOL Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol. Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices. Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported. "With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said. India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as Foxconn and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production. Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs. South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources

Apple Inc on Wednesday released a smaller iPhone priced at $399, cutting the starting price for the company`s smartphone line in a move to broaden its appeal to budget-conscious customers as the coronavirus hobbles the global economy.

The lower-cost model could also attract more consumers to Apple services, a growing driver of revenue. Shares of Apple fell 0.8%, less than the 2.1% decline of the S&amp;P 500 index.

Apple will start taking orders for the phone on its website on Friday, with the delivery of devices expected to start April 24.

The iPhone SE will start at $50 less than what was previously the cheapest iPhone available, the iPhone 8, which will be retired. The SE comes with a 4.7-inch display and the same processor chip as Apple`s most advanced phone, the 11 Pro. The SE lacks Apple`s facial recognition system to unlock the device, instead of relying on a fingerprint sensor similar to older models. While the new iPhone adds features such as wireless charging and a high-end camera, it lacks connectivity for 5G, the next generation of mobile data networks.

The announcement comes as the United States and much of the world is reeling from the novel coronavirus, although U.S. political leaders have begun to talk about ending stay-at-home orders and restarting the economy, hoping record deaths and falling hospitalizations represent a peak.

Previous iPhones have been unveiled in a polished presentation in front of fans, but large events remain banned in Apple`s home base of Santa Clara County, California, where public officials ordered the first lockdowns in the United States to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. 
Apple`s cheaper phone reflects the coronavirus-driven economic downturn and job loss.

Ben Bajarin, principal analyst for consumer market intelligence at Creative Strategies, said that Apple likely realized many customers were buying older models such as the iPhone 8 rather than the newer iPhone 11 Pro at $999, "and a big part of that is probably price." Those budget-minded iPhone buyers may have been turned off by the iPhone 8's ageing chips and camera.

Apple is "addressing that head-on with a device and price that can still get people on the latest technology," he said. "Having a device you`re sure is going to last a long time is exactly what (consumers) want." 
The new aluminum-and-glass SE - which comes in black, white and red, looks much like an iPhone 8.

The cheaper phone enters a cut-throat market for value phones, especially in China, where Apple derives about 17% of sales. In China, rivals such as Xiaomi Corp last month announced models with 5G features starting at about $425.

But Bajarin said buyers interested in 5G may gravitate toward flagship phones, while budget buyers “are not people that would give a hoot about 5G.”

With wavering hardware sales, Apple has been investing in subscription services such as its Apple TV+ streaming television service, Apple Music and iCloud. The new SE will come bundled with a one free year of the streaming television service, similar to Apple`s flagship devices released last fall.

"Given its price tag, (the iPhone SE) is unlikely to be that impactful for Apple’s financials, but could help widen the installed base, which will be helpful long term for Apple’s services revenue," said James Cordwell, an analyst with Atlantic Equities.

Horace Dediu, an analyst with Asymco, said that budget-minded phone buyers may not pay attention to whether a device has Apple`s latest chips, but third-party app developers do. If more iPhone users have powerful hardware, he said, it could encourage developers to create apps with augmented reality and artificial intelligence that could help the devices stand out against competitors.

The coronavirus has created a volatile start to the year. Sales in China, the first nation hit by the virus, plunged, then rebounded as the country began to reopen. Sales of 500,000 phones in February rose to 2.5 million phones in March, according to government sales data there.

Apple will begin selling the new model online while its stores around the world are closed, except those within its greater China sales region. 
Apple gets about 31% of its sales from its elegant stores and website, with 69% coming from partners such as mobile carriers and other retailers.

Apple said partners would decide whether to sell the phones in their physical stores. Many of Apple`s resellers are trying to guide customers toward online sales. Major partners such as Best Buy Inc have reduced their hours, and AT&amp;T Inc has closed about 40% of its U.S. retail stores.

Best Buy said customers would be able to pre-order the new iPhone on its website and either have it shipped to their home or use the company's curbside pickup option. Verizon Communications Inc, which has stopped selling any phones in physical stores, told Reuters on Wednesday that it will not sell the iPhone SE in stores. T-Mobile US Inc did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Apple Inc on Wednesday released a smaller iPhone priced at $399, cutting the starting price for the company`s smartphone line in a move to broaden its appeal to budget-conscious customers as the coronavirus hobbles the global economy.

Apple Inc on Wednesday released a smaller iPhone priced at $399, cutting the starting price for the company`s smartphone line in a move to broaden its appeal to budget-conscious customers as the coronavirus hobbles the global economy. The lower-cost model could also attract more consumers to Apple services, a growing driver of revenue. Shares of Apple fell 0.8%, less than the 2.1% decline of the S&P 500 index. Apple will start taking orders for the phone on its website on Friday, with the delivery of devices expected to start April 24. The iPhone SE will start at $50 less than what was previously the cheapest iPhone available, the iPhone 8, which will be retired. The SE comes with a 4.7-inch display and the same processor chip as Apple`s most advanced phone, the 11 Pro. The SE lacks Apple`s facial recognition system to unlock the device, instead of relying on a fingerprint sensor similar to older models. While the new iPhone adds features such as wireless charging and a high-end camera, it lacks connectivity for 5G, the next generation of mobile data networks. The announcement comes as the United States and much of the world is reeling from the novel coronavirus, although U.S. political leaders have begun to talk about ending stay-at-home orders and restarting the economy, hoping record deaths and falling hospitalizations represent a peak. Previous iPhones have been unveiled in a polished presentation in front of fans, but large events remain banned in Apple`s home base of Santa Clara County, California, where public officials ordered the first lockdowns in the United States to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Apple`s cheaper phone reflects the coronavirus-driven economic downturn and job loss. Ben Bajarin, principal analyst for consumer market intelligence at Creative Strategies, said that Apple likely realized many customers were buying older models such as the iPhone 8 rather than the newer iPhone 11 Pro at $999, "and a big part of that is probably price." Those budget-minded iPhone buyers may have been turned off by the iPhone 8's ageing chips and camera. Apple is "addressing that head-on with a device and price that can still get people on the latest technology," he said. "Having a device you`re sure is going to last a long time is exactly what (consumers) want." The new aluminum-and-glass SE - which comes in black, white and red, looks much like an iPhone 8. The cheaper phone enters a cut-throat market for value phones, especially in China, where Apple derives about 17% of sales. In China, rivals such as Xiaomi Corp last month announced models with 5G features starting at about $425. But Bajarin said buyers interested in 5G may gravitate toward flagship phones, while budget buyers “are not people that would give a hoot about 5G.” With wavering hardware sales, Apple has been investing in subscription services such as its Apple TV+ streaming television service, Apple Music and iCloud. The new SE will come bundled with a one free year of the streaming television service, similar to Apple`s flagship devices released last fall. "Given its price tag, (the iPhone SE) is unlikely to be that impactful for Apple’s financials, but could help widen the installed base, which will be helpful long term for Apple’s services revenue," said James Cordwell, an analyst with Atlantic Equities. Horace Dediu, an analyst with Asymco, said that budget-minded phone buyers may not pay attention to whether a device has Apple`s latest chips, but third-party app developers do. If more iPhone users have powerful hardware, he said, it could encourage developers to create apps with augmented reality and artificial intelligence that could help the devices stand out against competitors. The coronavirus has created a volatile start to the year. Sales in China, the first nation hit by the virus, plunged, then rebounded as the country began to reopen. Sales of 500,000 phones in February rose to 2.5 million phones in March, according to government sales data there. Apple will begin selling the new model online while its stores around the world are closed, except those within its greater China sales region. Apple gets about 31% of its sales from its elegant stores and website, with 69% coming from partners such as mobile carriers and other retailers. Apple said partners would decide whether to sell the phones in their physical stores. Many of Apple`s resellers are trying to guide customers toward online sales. Major partners such as Best Buy Inc have reduced their hours, and AT&T Inc has closed about 40% of its U.S. retail stores. Best Buy said customers would be able to pre-order the new iPhone on its website and either have it shipped to their home or use the company's curbside pickup option. Verizon Communications Inc, which has stopped selling any phones in physical stores, told Reuters on Wednesday that it will not sell the iPhone SE in stores. T-Mobile US Inc did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Apple rolls out cheaper iPhone as pandemic curbs spending

Apple devices are not impenetrable, after all!

Turns out, a security flaw in the web browser Safari can give hackers access to a person’s camera, either or on an iPhone or on a Macbook.

The flaw was discovered by Ryan Pickren, a security expert, who was later awarded money by Apple for finding their shortcoming.

According to him, this has a lot to do with how Apple’s browser - Safari logs permissions for websites that are visited frequently.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/imask-apple-starts-producing-protective-facial-gear-to-help-with-coronavirus-crisis-290773" hreflang="en">iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis</a>

For instance, a video chat application like Skype only needs permission to access your camera and microphone once, after which it will automatically access the lens whenever needed.

In a conversation with Wired, Pickren claimed that an attacker could make a “malicious website that, from Safari’s perspective could then turn into Skype”.

What does this imply?&nbsp;

Simply put, you no longer will know the hacker has access not only to your camera and microphone but can also screen all information and data!&nbsp;

Additionally, the hacker now can take as many pictures of you as they want, and then use them as they deem fit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/apple-doubles-china-donations-for-covid-19-recovery-efforts-289934" hreflang="en">Apple doubles China donations for COVID-19 recovery efforts</a>

How do they do this?

It’s simple, they make simple tweaks in the URL you intend to visit.&nbsp; For instance, www.wionews.com may come off as http://wion.com or http://wionews.com/news

Such slight variations may not mean anything for a casual user, but will give a lot of unregulated access to the hacker!

This is usually called the “bait and switch” attack.&nbsp;

If Apple is to be believed, the security flaw has been fixed in the security updates released in January and March. So if you’re an Apple user and haven’t updated yet - it might be time!

Apple devices are not impenetrable, after all! Turns out, a security flaw in the web browser Safari can give hackers access to a person’s camera, either or on an iPhone or on a Macbook.

Apple devices are not impenetrable, after all! Turns out, a security flaw in the web browser Safari can give hackers access to a person’s camera, either or on an iPhone or on a Macbook. The flaw was discovered by Ryan Pickren, a security expert, who was later awarded money by Apple for finding their shortcoming. According to him, this has a lot to do with how Apple’s browser - Safari logs permissions for websites that are visited frequently. Also read: iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis For instance, a video chat application like Skype only needs permission to access your camera and microphone once, after which it will automatically access the lens whenever needed. In a conversation with Wired, Pickren claimed that an attacker could make a “malicious website that, from Safari’s perspective could then turn into Skype”. What does this imply? Simply put, you no longer will know the hacker has access not only to your camera and microphone but can also screen all information and data! Additionally, the hacker now can take as many pictures of you as they want, and then use them as they deem fit. Also read: Apple doubles China donations for COVID-19 recovery efforts How do they do this? It’s simple, they make simple tweaks in the URL you intend to visit. For instance, www.wionews.com may come off as http://wion.com or http://wionews.com/news Such slight variations may not mean anything for a casual user, but will give a lot of unregulated access to the hacker! This is usually called the “bait and switch” attack. If Apple is to be believed, the security flaw has been fixed in the security updates released in January and March. So if you’re an Apple user and haven’t updated yet - it might be time!

Apple devices are not impenetrable, after all!

French anti-trust regulators on Monday find Apple, the makers of iPhone $ 1.23 billion after it found the company guilty of anti-competitive behaviour towards distribution and retail network.

"Apple and its two wholesalers agreed not to compete with each other and to prevent distributors from competing with each other, thereby sterilising the wholesale market for Apple products," the watchdog said in a statement.

Apple, however, said it will appeal the ruling. It is the biggest ever fine levied by French authorities.

"The French competition authority’s decision is disheartening," Apple said in a statement, adding,"It relates to practices from over a decade ago and discards 30 years of legal precedent that all companies in France rely on with an order that will cause chaos for companies across all industries." 
&nbsp;

French anti-trust regulators on Monday find Apple, the makers of iPhone $ 1.23 billion after it found the company guilty of anti-competitive behaviour towards distribution and retail network.

French anti-trust regulators on Monday find Apple, the makers of iPhone $ 1.23 billion after it found the company guilty of anti-competitive behaviour towards distribution and retail network. "Apple and its two wholesalers agreed not to compete with each other and to prevent distributors from competing with each other, thereby sterilising the wholesale market for Apple products," the watchdog said in a statement. Apple, however, said it will appeal the ruling. It is the biggest ever fine levied by French authorities. "The French competition authority’s decision is disheartening," Apple said in a statement, adding,"It relates to practices from over a decade ago and discards 30 years of legal precedent that all companies in France rely on with an order that will cause chaos for companies across all industries."

French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion

Apple has been hit by another million dollar lawsuit as the company agreed to pay 500 million dollars to settle claims over 'intentionally' slowing down older iPhones to preserve older batteries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-clouds-apples-timeline-for-new-iphones-283117">Coronavirus clouds Apple's timeline for new iPhones</a>

Apple and lawyers representing iPhone consumers agreed to a deal stemming from apple's 2017 admission that it was slowing down phone performance in older models to avoid unexpected shutdowns related to battery fatigue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-appeals-rejected-by-us-supreme-court-in-legal-battle-with-virnetx-282583">Apple appeals rejected by US Supreme Court in legal battle with VirnetX</a>

It calls for Apple to pay consumers $25 per iPhone, which may be adjusted up or down depending on how many iPhones are eligible.

That admission led to apple offering discounted battery replacements at $29, but many people claimed they had already spent hundreds of dollars to buy new phones because Apple didn't reveal the cause of the problem.

Some consumers have said if apple had known they could just buy new batteries, they might not have bought new phones.

Apple did not admit wrongdoing, As part of the settlement, the company will pay $310 million to 500 million&nbsp;including about $93 million&nbsp;to lawyers representing consumers.

iPhone users who were named in the class-action lawsuit will get up to $3,500 each. The rest of the settlement money will be distributed to owners of iPhone 6, 6s, 7 and SE models who meet eligibility requirements related to the operating system they had running. They must file claims to get the award. If too many people file, the $25&nbsp;amount could shrink.

Apple has been hit by another million dollar lawsuit as the company agreed to pay 500 million dollars to settle claims over 'intentionally' slowing down older iPhones to preserve older batteries.

Apple has been hit by another million dollar lawsuit as the company agreed to pay 500 million dollars to settle claims over 'intentionally' slowing down older iPhones to preserve older batteries. Also read: Coronavirus clouds Apple's timeline for new iPhones Apple and lawyers representing iPhone consumers agreed to a deal stemming from apple's 2017 admission that it was slowing down phone performance in older models to avoid unexpected shutdowns related to battery fatigue. Also read: Apple appeals rejected by US Supreme Court in legal battle with VirnetX It calls for Apple to pay consumers $25 per iPhone, which may be adjusted up or down depending on how many iPhones are eligible. That admission led to apple offering discounted battery replacements at $29, but many people claimed they had already spent hundreds of dollars to buy new phones because Apple didn't reveal the cause of the problem. Some consumers have said if apple had known they could just buy new batteries, they might not have bought new phones. Apple did not admit wrongdoing, As part of the settlement, the company will pay $310 million to 500 million including about $93 million to lawyers representing consumers. iPhone users who were named in the class-action lawsuit will get up to $3,500 each. The rest of the settlement money will be distributed to owners of iPhone 6, 6s, 7 and SE models who meet eligibility requirements related to the operating system they had running. They must file claims to get the award. If too many people file, the $25 amount could shrink.

Slow iPhones: Apple agrees to pay up to $500 million to settle lawsuit

Travel restrictions to China because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;have come just as Apple Inc's&nbsp;engineers usually jet off to Asia to perfect the production of this fall's new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">iPhones</a>, former employees and supply chain experts told Reuters.

High-volume manufacturing is not scheduled until summer, but the first months of the year are when Apple irons out assembly processes with partners such as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">Foxconn</a>, two former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">Apple</a>&nbsp;employees said.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/impact-of-coronavirus-on-global-economy-278907">How coronavirus is affecting the global economy</a>

"They probably have one assembly line they're trying things out on," said one of the former employees who asked not to be named discussing production matters.

"Are Apple's engineers with the Foxconn engineers? If they are, they're probably making progress. But if they're not, if they're quarantined, that could be bad."

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">Apple</a>&nbsp;uses other contract manufacturers such as Wistron Corp to make some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">iPhones</a>, Taiwan's Foxconn tends to handle the introduction of new models because its capabilities are the most advanced, supply chain experts said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-to-launch-first-retail-store-in-india-next-year-283115">Apple to launch first retail store in India next year</a>

Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, delayed reopening key iPhone factories in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou after the Lunar New Year holiday but hopes to resume half of its Chinese production by the end of February.

Senior Foxconn officials who have been working remotely from Taipei since the holiday have not yet returned to China on a large scale, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, speaking of company officials generally.

Apple declined to comment. Foxconn Technology Group said in an emailed statement on Tuesday that the company is following all legally required health and safety practices at its factories to protect employee welfare.

"Consistent with this, we are taking a cautious approach in the implementation of our post-holiday production schedules in each of our facilities in China," the company said.

Last week, Apple warned investors it was unlikely to meet revenue targets for the first three months of 2020 and that global iPhone supplies would be limited as manufacturing sites in China were not ramping up production as quickly as expected.

Foxconn said this month that the coronavirus outbreak would lower its revenue this year.

Earlier this month, United Airlines, which has disclosed that Apple is a major customer, said it was cancelling all fights to China until late April. Apple, meanwhile, said on January&nbsp;28 that it was restricting employee to travel to China to "business-critical" situations.

Travel restrictions to China because of the coronavirus have come just as Apple Inc's engineers usually jet off to Asia to perfect the production of this fall's new iPhones, former employees and supply chain experts told Reuters.

Travel restrictions to China because of the coronavirus have come just as Apple Inc's engineers usually jet off to Asia to perfect the production of this fall's new iPhones, former employees and supply chain experts told Reuters. High-volume manufacturing is not scheduled until summer, but the first months of the year are when Apple irons out assembly processes with partners such as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co's Foxconn, two former Apple employees said. Also see: How coronavirus is affecting the global economy "They probably have one assembly line they're trying things out on," said one of the former employees who asked not to be named discussing production matters. "Are Apple's engineers with the Foxconn engineers? If they are, they're probably making progress. But if they're not, if they're quarantined, that could be bad." While Apple uses other contract manufacturers such as Wistron Corp to make some iPhones, Taiwan's Foxconn tends to handle the introduction of new models because its capabilities are the most advanced, supply chain experts said. Also read: Apple to launch first retail store in India next year Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, delayed reopening key iPhone factories in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou after the Lunar New Year holiday but hopes to resume half of its Chinese production by the end of February. Senior Foxconn officials who have been working remotely from Taipei since the holiday have not yet returned to China on a large scale, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, speaking of company officials generally. Apple declined to comment. Foxconn Technology Group said in an emailed statement on Tuesday that the company is following all legally required health and safety practices at its factories to protect employee welfare. "Consistent with this, we are taking a cautious approach in the implementation of our post-holiday production schedules in each of our facilities in China," the company said. Last week, Apple warned investors it was unlikely to meet revenue targets for the first three months of 2020 and that global iPhone supplies would be limited as manufacturing sites in China were not ramping up production as quickly as expected. Foxconn said this month that the coronavirus outbreak would lower its revenue this year. Earlier this month, United Airlines, which has disclosed that Apple is a major customer, said it was cancelling all fights to China until late April. Apple, meanwhile, said on January 28 that it was restricting employee to travel to China to "business-critical" situations.

Coronavirus clouds Apple's timeline for new iPhones

Apple will open its maiden physical retail store in India in 2021, CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday.

Replying to a question from a shareholder at Apple's annual shareholder meeting in Cupertino, California about the tech giant's plans for India, Cook said Apple would start this year selling its products online in the country. He also added that the first Apple-branded store will be opened next year.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-party-apps-to-get-more-screen-time-on-apple-products-after-criticism-281993">Third-party apps to get more screen time on Apple products after criticism</a>

"We needed to get approval from the government to go in there ourselves" rather than with a domestic partner, Cook said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-says-it-wont-be-able-to-meet-revenue-estimates-for-march-quarter-due-to-coronavirus-281242">Apple says it won't be able to meet revenue estimates for March quarter due to coronavirus&nbsp;</a>

"I don't want somebody else to run the brand for us."

Cook also said that the company has so far not got approval from the government, though he was hopeful that soon the government will give their nod.&nbsp;

Apple's announcement comes six months after the Indian government relaxed local sourcing norms for single-brand retailers in the country. These norms acted as a major obstruction for companies to set up stores in India.&nbsp;

The tech giant had earlier been in talks with the government for subsidies and cutting down import duties before launching its own stores in the country.&nbsp;

Earlier, Apple was expected to open its stores in India between January and March 2020, however, the company kept on delaying it citing logistic issues.&nbsp;

India has proved to be a key market for Cook, especially in the fourth quarter of 2019, when the tech giant witnessed 41 per cent year-on-year growth.

(with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Apple will open its maiden physical retail store in India in 2021, CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday. Replying to a question from a shareholder at Apple's annual shareholder meeting in Cupertino, California about the tech giant's plans for India, Cook said Apple would start this year selling its products online in the country.

Apple will open its maiden physical retail store in India in 2021, CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday. Replying to a question from a shareholder at Apple's annual shareholder meeting in Cupertino, California about the tech giant's plans for India, Cook said Apple would start this year selling its products online in the country. He also added that the first Apple-branded store will be opened next year. Also read: Third-party apps to get more screen time on Apple products after criticism "We needed to get approval from the government to go in there ourselves" rather than with a domestic partner, Cook said. Also read: Apple says it won't be able to meet revenue estimates for March quarter due to coronavirus "I don't want somebody else to run the brand for us." Cook also said that the company has so far not got approval from the government, though he was hopeful that soon the government will give their nod. Apple's announcement comes six months after the Indian government relaxed local sourcing norms for single-brand retailers in the country. These norms acted as a major obstruction for companies to set up stores in India. The tech giant had earlier been in talks with the government for subsidies and cutting down import duties before launching its own stores in the country. Earlier, Apple was expected to open its stores in India between January and March 2020, however, the company kept on delaying it citing logistic issues. India has proved to be a key market for Cook, especially in the fourth quarter of 2019, when the tech giant witnessed 41 per cent year-on-year growth. (with inputs from Reuters)

Apple to launch first retail store in India next year

Wistron Corp, Taiwan's phone assembler has announced plans to assemble PCBs or printed circuit boards at its new plant in South India.&nbsp;

Apple is pushing to increase manufacturing in India, which is the world's second-largest smartphone market.

Earlier, Wistron had assembled and manufactured Apple's middle-tier device called the ''SE'' in 2017. Currently, iPhones 6s and 7 are also assembled there.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-apple-prepares-from-for-virus-fallout-samsung-says-it-will-affect-first-quarter-earnings-277547">Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings</a>

This is the first assembly of PCBs by Wistron in India.

A PCB holds the key components of a phone, including processors, memory, wireless chipsets, which remain at the centre of an electronic device.

The PCBs usually account for half of the cost of a smartphone. 
Wistron is set to open another facility 65 kms out of Bengaluru, which shall become operational by April. The plant will make iPhone 7 and 8 models, with much of it being exported.

<h6><img alt="apple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b13f965-4a52-4e4f-a1f7-354a54d648a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/78235-untitled-design-3_0.jpg" /> 
Apple logo | Reuters</h6>

 
Reuters reported that the facility can produce 8 million smartphones annually.&nbsp;

In 2018, Wistron had announced plans for a 30 billion rupee investment in Karnataka.

Foxconn, Wistron's rival began making iPhone XR models in India last year, with PCB assembly happening locally.

The local assembly of PCBs will help Apple save on import taxes on smartphone components, which is levied by the central government to boost local manufacturing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-to-close-all-china-mainland-stores-due-to-virus-outbreak-278041">Apple to close all China mainland stores due to virus outbreak</a>

In the yearly budget, India announced that the taxing import on PCBs will increase to 20 per cent, from an earlier ten.

Apple still makes most iPhones in China but has been scouting other locations amidst the trade war between US and China.

India boasts 1.1 billion wireless connections, with about 480 million smartphones in the country. However, Apple's share based on shipment volumes is just over one per cent. 
&nbsp;

Wistron Corp, Taiwan's phone assembler has announced plans to assemble PCBs or printed circuit boards at its new plant in South India. Apple is pushing to increase manufacturing in India, which is the world's second-largest smartphone market.

Wistron Corp, Taiwan's phone assembler has announced plans to assemble PCBs or printed circuit boards at its new plant in South India. Apple is pushing to increase manufacturing in India, which is the world's second-largest smartphone market. Earlier, Wistron had assembled and manufactured Apple's middle-tier device called the ''SE'' in 2017. Currently, iPhones 6s and 7 are also assembled there. Also read: Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings This is the first assembly of PCBs by Wistron in India. A PCB holds the key components of a phone, including processors, memory, wireless chipsets, which remain at the centre of an electronic device. The PCBs usually account for half of the cost of a smartphone. Wistron is set to open another facility 65 kms out of Bengaluru, which shall become operational by April. The plant will make iPhone 7 and 8 models, with much of it being exported. Apple logo | Reuters Reuters reported that the facility can produce 8 million smartphones annually. In 2018, Wistron had announced plans for a 30 billion rupee investment in Karnataka. Foxconn, Wistron's rival began making iPhone XR models in India last year, with PCB assembly happening locally. The local assembly of PCBs will help Apple save on import taxes on smartphone components, which is levied by the central government to boost local manufacturing. Also read: Apple to close all China mainland stores due to virus outbreak In the yearly budget, India announced that the taxing import on PCBs will increase to 20 per cent, from an earlier ten. Apple still makes most iPhones in China but has been scouting other locations amidst the trade war between US and China. India boasts 1.1 billion wireless connections, with about 480 million smartphones in the country. However, Apple's share based on shipment volumes is just over one per cent.

Wistron to start assembly of key iPhone component in India soon

Sales of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-taking-a-deeper-look-at-map-policies-after-calling-crimea-part-of-russia-265344">Apple</a> Inc's iPhone in China in December jumped more than 18 per cent&nbsp;year on year, government data showed on Thursday.

China is gearing up for the Lunar New Year in late January, a major gift-giving holiday.

Apple shipped roughly 3.2 million phones in China in December, data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology and Reuters calculations showed.

That was up from 2.7 million a year earlier.

After a peak period in 2015, iPhone sales in China stagnated due to factors including longer upgrade cycles and competition from Chinese rivals.

Sales of phones from China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/some-huawei-suppliers-get-us-approval-to-restart-sales-to-blacklisted-firm-263525">Huawei Technologies</a> Co Ltd have boomed while overseas the company has faced political pressure from Washington over its technology.

In the third quarter of 2019, Huawei accounted for 42 per cent of new phone shipments in China, according to research firm IDC.

Throughout 2019, Apple offered discounts and financing schemes aimed at boosting sales in China.

In the company's last earnings call, CEO Tim Cook suggested that such initiatives were successful in attracting more Chinese consumers.

Apple is scheduled to release its next quarterly financial report in late January.

Sales of Apple Inc's iPhone in China in December jumped more than 18 per cent year on year, government data showed on Thursday. China is gearing up for the Lunar New Year in late January, a major gift-giving holiday.

Sales of Apple Inc's iPhone in China in December jumped more than 18 per cent year on year, government data showed on Thursday. China is gearing up for the Lunar New Year in late January, a major gift-giving holiday. Apple shipped roughly 3.2 million phones in China in December, data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology and Reuters calculations showed. That was up from 2.7 million a year earlier. After a peak period in 2015, iPhone sales in China stagnated due to factors including longer upgrade cycles and competition from Chinese rivals. Sales of phones from China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd have boomed while overseas the company has faced political pressure from Washington over its technology. In the third quarter of 2019, Huawei accounted for 42 per cent of new phone shipments in China, according to research firm IDC. Throughout 2019, Apple offered discounts and financing schemes aimed at boosting sales in China. In the company's last earnings call, CEO Tim Cook suggested that such initiatives were successful in attracting more Chinese consumers. Apple is scheduled to release its next quarterly financial report in late January.

Apple's iPhone sales in China up 18 per cent in December: Report

Apple Inc&nbsp;asked the Trump administration to waive tariffs on Chinese-made Apple Watches, iPhone components, and other consumer products, according to company filings with the US Trade Representative's Office.

The company on Thursday sought tariff exclusions from 11 products, including HomePod speakers, iMac computers, parts for use in repairing iPhones, iPhone smart battery cases, AirPods and others. The public has until November&nbsp;14 to submit comments on the requests.

Apple told the U.S. Trade Representative's Office the products were consumer electronic devices and "not strategically important or related to 'Made in China 2025' or other Chinese industrial programs."

The exclusions seek relief from 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs that took effect on September&nbsp;1.

FitBit Inc&nbsp;asked the administration to waive tariffs on its fitness trackers. The company told the administration "the vast majority of global production capacity for wrist-wearable communications devices is in China."

The company added that "while Fitbit is aware of facilities currently producing such devices in Taiwan and South Korea, these facilities are fully owned by, or otherwise contracted to, Fitbit competitors that use them for their own branded production, rendering them unavailable to Fitbit." Alphabet Inc&nbsp;announced Friday it has reached a deal to acquire Fitbit.

Apple submitted the requests on the first day the Trump administration began accepting them. An Apple spokesman did not immediately comment.

Apple's wearables and accessories&nbsp;business,&nbsp;which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods and HomePod - brought in $24.5 billion&nbsp;in its fiscal 2019 ended in September, or about 9.4 per cent&nbsp;of Apple's revenue. Sales in the segment were up 41% versus the prior year, and the devices have become an important driver of Apple's&nbsp;business&nbsp;as iPhone sales declined for the past four straight quarters.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook said Wednesday on the company's earnings call the company is paying "some tariffs today, as you know, some that went into effect pre-September and some others that went into effect in September. So we are paying some."

Christie's Inc has asked the administration waive tariffs on Chinese sculptures, statues, paintings, antique furniture and silverware, and other collectible items.

Sea Eagle Boats Inc submitted requests to waive tariffs on inflatable stand up paddleboards.

Apple Inc asked the Trump administration to waive tariffs on Chinese-made Apple Watches, iPhone components, and other consumer products, according to company filings with the US Trade Representative's Office.

Apple Inc asked the Trump administration to waive tariffs on Chinese-made Apple Watches, iPhone components, and other consumer products, according to company filings with the US Trade Representative's Office. The company on Thursday sought tariff exclusions from 11 products, including HomePod speakers, iMac computers, parts for use in repairing iPhones, iPhone smart battery cases, AirPods and others. The public has until November 14 to submit comments on the requests. Apple told the U.S. Trade Representative's Office the products were consumer electronic devices and "not strategically important or related to 'Made in China 2025' or other Chinese industrial programs." The exclusions seek relief from 15 per cent tariffs that took effect on September 1. FitBit Inc asked the administration to waive tariffs on its fitness trackers. The company told the administration "the vast majority of global production capacity for wrist-wearable communications devices is in China." The company added that "while Fitbit is aware of facilities currently producing such devices in Taiwan and South Korea, these facilities are fully owned by, or otherwise contracted to, Fitbit competitors that use them for their own branded production, rendering them unavailable to Fitbit." Alphabet Inc announced Friday it has reached a deal to acquire Fitbit. Apple submitted the requests on the first day the Trump administration began accepting them. An Apple spokesman did not immediately comment. Apple's wearables and accessories business, which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods and HomePod - brought in $24.5 billion in its fiscal 2019 ended in September, or about 9.4 per cent of Apple's revenue. Sales in the segment were up 41% versus the prior year, and the devices have become an important driver of Apple's business as iPhone sales declined for the past four straight quarters. Apple chief executive Tim Cook said Wednesday on the company's earnings call the company is paying "some tariffs today, as you know, some that went into effect pre-September and some others that went into effect in September. So we are paying some." Christie's Inc has asked the administration waive tariffs on Chinese sculptures, statues, paintings, antique furniture and silverware, and other collectible items. Sea Eagle Boats Inc submitted requests to waive tariffs on inflatable stand up paddleboards.

Apple asks United States to waive tariffs on Chinese-made watches, iPhone parts, AirPods

Apple Inc has started selling its popular iPhone XR phones assembled in India, as it looks to expand its share in the world's second-largest smartphone market where it has struggled against cheaper products from rivals.

The phones are being assembled at Chinese contract manufacturer Foxconn's India factory, helping the Cupertino, California-based company avoid high levies on the import of fully-built devices as well as meet local sourcing norms for opening its own retail stores in India.

iPhone XR boxes with an "Assembled in India" tag were seen on Monday in many of the country's electronic product retailers, including Croma, with a price tag of 49,900 Indian rupees (£542) for the 64 GB version.

The company has slashed iPhone XR prices in India to counter a prolonged sales slowdown amid fierce competition from premium smartphones from Samsung and OnePlus.

Earlier this year Reuters had reported that the company would assemble its top-end iPhones in India.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has tried to position South Asia's third-biggest economy as a hub for smartphone manufacturing.

Companies such as Apple are also looking to use India as an export hub to soften the impact of an ongoing trade war between the United States and China.

Apple Inc has started selling its popular iPhone XR phones assembled in India, as it looks to expand its share in the world's second-largest smartphone market where it has struggled against cheaper products from rivals.

Apple Inc has started selling its popular iPhone XR phones assembled in India, as it looks to expand its share in the world's second-largest smartphone market where it has struggled against cheaper products from rivals. The phones are being assembled at Chinese contract manufacturer Foxconn's India factory, helping the Cupertino, California-based company avoid high levies on the import of fully-built devices as well as meet local sourcing norms for opening its own retail stores in India. iPhone XR boxes with an "Assembled in India" tag were seen on Monday in many of the country's electronic product retailers, including Croma, with a price tag of 49,900 Indian rupees (£542) for the 64 GB version. The company has slashed iPhone XR prices in India to counter a prolonged sales slowdown amid fierce competition from premium smartphones from Samsung and OnePlus. Earlier this year Reuters had reported that the company would assemble its top-end iPhones in India. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has tried to position South Asia's third-biggest economy as a hub for smartphone manufacturing. Companies such as Apple are also looking to use India as an export hub to soften the impact of an ongoing trade war between the United States and China.

Apple starts selling locally assembled iPhone XR in India

Apple Inc has asked suppliers to increase the production of its iPhone 11 models by up to 8 million units, or about 10%, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Friday, citing better than expected demand.

"Previously, Apple was quite conservative about placing orders", which were less than for last year's new iPhone, said the Nikkei quoting a source.

"After the increase, prepared production volume for the iPhone 11 series will be higher compared to last year".

Sources cited by Nikkei said that the recent surge in iPhone orders is concentrated in the cheapest iPhone 11 model and the iPhone 11 Pro model, while Apple has slightly revised down orders for its top range model, the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which has a starting price of $1,099.

The newspaper also reported that suppliers remain cautious and said they were concerned that the higher level of orders would not be sustained.

"Demand is good for now. But we have to be careful not to be too optimistic," an executive-level source said in the report. "I hope that this year's peak season lasts longer than last year."

Apple did not respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular US business hours.

The company launched its three new iPhone models in September and reduced the starting price of the model upgrade, despite better cameras, to $699, compared to $749 for last year's iPhone XR. 
&nbsp;

Apple Inc has asked suppliers to increase the production of its iPhone 11 models by up to 8 million units, or about 10%, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Friday, citing better than expected demand.

Apple Inc has asked suppliers to increase the production of its iPhone 11 models by up to 8 million units, or about 10%, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Friday, citing better than expected demand. "Previously, Apple was quite conservative about placing orders", which were less than for last year's new iPhone, said the Nikkei quoting a source. "After the increase, prepared production volume for the iPhone 11 series will be higher compared to last year". Sources cited by Nikkei said that the recent surge in iPhone orders is concentrated in the cheapest iPhone 11 model and the iPhone 11 Pro model, while Apple has slightly revised down orders for its top range model, the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which has a starting price of $1,099. The newspaper also reported that suppliers remain cautious and said they were concerned that the higher level of orders would not be sustained. "Demand is good for now. But we have to be careful not to be too optimistic," an executive-level source said in the report. "I hope that this year's peak season lasts longer than last year." Apple did not respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular US business hours. The company launched its three new iPhone models in September and reduced the starting price of the model upgrade, despite better cameras, to $699, compared to $749 for last year's iPhone XR.

Apple raises iPhone 11 production by about 10%: Nikkei

Apple's latest iPhone 11 range hit stores in China on Friday, with short queues of die-hard fans contrasting with the hundreds who camped out ahead of previous launches.

The sales performance of the US tech giant's latest line-up is being closely watched in the world's largest smartphone market, where Apple has been losing ground to competitors with cheaper and feature-packed handsets in recent years.

The queues at the Shanghai and Beijing stores added up to few dozen customers, were in sharp contrast to previous years, when hundreds used to wait for hours outside Apple's shops to be the first to grab its latest offerings.

But much of the fanfare in China has moved online where the pre-sales for iPhone 11, priced between $699 and $1,099, started last week.

Analysts said they had gotten off to a better start than the last cycle a year ago. Chinese e-commerce site JD.com said day one pre-sales for the iPhone 11 series were up 480% versus comparable sales for the iPhone XR last year.

Among the customers who went to a store in Beijing on Friday to make a purchase in person was a programmer who only gave his surname as Liu and said that he has owned a model from every Apple series since the 3G range.

He said he was particularly attracted to the more expensive iPhone 11 Pro, which has three cameras on the back. "When it comes to taking photos, it's better for night shots and the image is clearer", he told Reuters.

Other customers, however, said that they were concerned that the range was not enabled for fifth-generation networks, putting them behind 5G models already released by China's Huawei Technologies and smaller rival Vivo, and expressed hopes that Apple could make it happen for its next line-up.

Apple's latest iPhone 11 range hit stores in China on Friday, with short queues of die-hard fans contrasting with the hundreds who camped out ahead of previous launches.

Apple's latest iPhone 11 range hit stores in China on Friday, with short queues of die-hard fans contrasting with the hundreds who camped out ahead of previous launches. The sales performance of the US tech giant's latest line-up is being closely watched in the world's largest smartphone market, where Apple has been losing ground to competitors with cheaper and feature-packed handsets in recent years. The queues at the Shanghai and Beijing stores added up to few dozen customers, were in sharp contrast to previous years, when hundreds used to wait for hours outside Apple's shops to be the first to grab its latest offerings. But much of the fanfare in China has moved online where the pre-sales for iPhone 11, priced between $699 and $1,099, started last week. Analysts said they had gotten off to a better start than the last cycle a year ago. Chinese e-commerce site JD.com said day one pre-sales for the iPhone 11 series were up 480% versus comparable sales for the iPhone XR last year. Among the customers who went to a store in Beijing on Friday to make a purchase in person was a programmer who only gave his surname as Liu and said that he has owned a model from every Apple series since the 3G range. He said he was particularly attracted to the more expensive iPhone 11 Pro, which has three cameras on the back. "When it comes to taking photos, it's better for night shots and the image is clearer", he told Reuters. Other customers, however, said that they were concerned that the range was not enabled for fifth-generation networks, putting them behind 5G models already released by China's Huawei Technologies and smaller rival Vivo, and expressed hopes that Apple could make it happen for its next line-up.

No crowds as Apple's iPhone 11 hits stores in China

Google security experts uncovered an "indiscriminate" hacking operation that targeted iPhones over a period of at least two years and used websites to implant malicious software to access photos, user locations and other data.

In a post on Thursday on the blog of Google's Project Zero security taskforce, cyber experts did not name the hacked websites hosting the attacks, but estimated they received thousands of visitors a week. &nbsp;

"Simply visiting the hacked site was enough for the exploit server to attack your device, and if it was successful, install a monitoring implant," said Project Zero's Ian Beer.

Once installed, the malicious software "primarily focused on stealing files and uploading live location data," Beer said, adding it had been able to access encrypted messenger apps like Telegram, WhatsApp and iMessage.

Google hangouts and Gmail had also been affected, he added in the post, which provided a detailed breakdown of how the malicious software targeted and exploited iPhone vulnerabilities.

Most of the vulnerabilities targeted were found in the iPhone's default Safari web browser, Beer said, adding that the Project Zero team had discovered them in almost every operating system from iOS 10 through to the current iOS 12 version.

Once embedded in a user's iPhone, the malicious software sent back stolen data, including live user location data back to a "command and control server" every 60 seconds.

Beer said Google had informed Apple of the attacks in February, and Apple subsequently released a security patch for the iOS 12.1.

Long the driver of Apple's money-making machine, iPhone revenue overall was down 12 percent from last year to $26 billion.

The tech giant sent out invitations on Thursday to a September event at its Silicon Valley campus where it is expected to unveil a new-generation iPhone.

Google security experts uncovered an "indiscriminate" hacking operation that targeted iPhones over a period of at least two years and used websites to implant malicious software to access photos, user locations and other data.

Google security experts uncovered an "indiscriminate" hacking operation that targeted iPhones over a period of at least two years and used websites to implant malicious software to access photos, user locations and other data. In a post on Thursday on the blog of Google's Project Zero security taskforce, cyber experts did not name the hacked websites hosting the attacks, but estimated they received thousands of visitors a week. "Simply visiting the hacked site was enough for the exploit server to attack your device, and if it was successful, install a monitoring implant," said Project Zero's Ian Beer. Once installed, the malicious software "primarily focused on stealing files and uploading live location data," Beer said, adding it had been able to access encrypted messenger apps like Telegram, WhatsApp and iMessage. Google hangouts and Gmail had also been affected, he added in the post, which provided a detailed breakdown of how the malicious software targeted and exploited iPhone vulnerabilities. Most of the vulnerabilities targeted were found in the iPhone's default Safari web browser, Beer said, adding that the Project Zero team had discovered them in almost every operating system from iOS 10 through to the current iOS 12 version. Once embedded in a user's iPhone, the malicious software sent back stolen data, including live user location data back to a "command and control server" every 60 seconds. Beer said Google had informed Apple of the attacks in February, and Apple subsequently released a security patch for the iOS 12.1. Long the driver of Apple's money-making machine, iPhone revenue overall was down 12 percent from last year to $26 billion. The tech giant sent out invitations on Thursday to a September event at its Silicon Valley campus where it is expected to unveil a new-generation iPhone.

Google reveals years-long 'indiscriminate' iPhone hack

Apple sent out invitations on Thursday to a September 10 event at its Silicon Valley campus where it is expected to unveil a new-generation iPhone.

In its trademark, tight-lipped style, Apple disclosed little about what it plans to spotlight in the Steve Jobs Theater at its headquarters in the city of Cupertino.

For years now, Apple has hosted events in the fall to launch new iPhone models ahead of the Christmas holiday shopping season.

Introduction of "iPhone 11" handsets would come as the global smartphone market tightens and Apple makes a priority of selling digital content and services to fans of its hardware.

New iPhones are expected to boast improvements including ramped-up processing power and camera capabilities, but no radical changes or offerings for super-speedy 5G telecom networks that are starting to take shape.

Apple last month delivered stronger than expected results in the just-ended quarter as growth from services helped offset weak iPhone sales.

Chief executive Tim Cook said the company had its "biggest June quarter ever -- driven by all-time record revenue from services, accelerating growth from wearables, strong performance from iPad and Mac and significant improvement in iPhone trends."

Long the driver of Apple's money-making machine, iPhone revenue overall was down 12 per cent from last year to $26 billion.

The premium smartphone market has grown fiercely competitive and overall sales have cooled as a lack of stunning innovation has caused people to wait longer before upgrading to new models.

Rivals in the premium smartphone market also field champions to fight for market share during the prime shopping season.

Google typically holds a Fall event to launch new Pixel smartphones powered by its Android software.

Samsung recently introduced a new-generation Galaxy Note large-screen handset starting at $950 and said it will work closer with Microsoft so that services function better across its array of devices.

Apple lost more ground in the shrinking smartphone market last quarter, with a sales tracker saying the tech giant was pushed off the top-three seller list by a Chinese rival.

Apple fell to fourth place in global smartphone sales, shipping 35.3 million iPhones in the second quarter compared to the 36.2 million units shipped by Oppo, according to a report from IHS Markit this week.

South Korean consumer electronics titan Samsung remained in first place with 23 per cent of the market, having shipped 75.1 million smartphones, China's Huawei shipped 58.7 million smartphones to claim 18 per cent of the market, IHS Markit calculated.

Other smartphone market trackers such as Counterpoint Research and International Data Corporation concluded that while iPhone shipments sank in the second quarter, Apple remained in third place what it came to global shipments.

Apple sent out invitations on Thursday to a September 10 event at its Silicon Valley campus where it is expected to unveil a new-generation iPhone. In its trademark, tight-lipped style, Apple disclosed little about what it plans to spotlight in the Steve Jobs Theater at its headquarters in the city of Cupertino.

Apple sent out invitations on Thursday to a September 10 event at its Silicon Valley campus where it is expected to unveil a new-generation iPhone. In its trademark, tight-lipped style, Apple disclosed little about what it plans to spotlight in the Steve Jobs Theater at its headquarters in the city of Cupertino. For years now, Apple has hosted events in the fall to launch new iPhone models ahead of the Christmas holiday shopping season. Introduction of "iPhone 11" handsets would come as the global smartphone market tightens and Apple makes a priority of selling digital content and services to fans of its hardware. New iPhones are expected to boast improvements including ramped-up processing power and camera capabilities, but no radical changes or offerings for super-speedy 5G telecom networks that are starting to take shape. Apple last month delivered stronger than expected results in the just-ended quarter as growth from services helped offset weak iPhone sales. Chief executive Tim Cook said the company had its "biggest June quarter ever -- driven by all-time record revenue from services, accelerating growth from wearables, strong performance from iPad and Mac and significant improvement in iPhone trends." Long the driver of Apple's money-making machine, iPhone revenue overall was down 12 per cent from last year to $26 billion. The premium smartphone market has grown fiercely competitive and overall sales have cooled as a lack of stunning innovation has caused people to wait longer before upgrading to new models. Rivals in the premium smartphone market also field champions to fight for market share during the prime shopping season. Google typically holds a Fall event to launch new Pixel smartphones powered by its Android software. Samsung recently introduced a new-generation Galaxy Note large-screen handset starting at $950 and said it will work closer with Microsoft so that services function better across its array of devices. Apple lost more ground in the shrinking smartphone market last quarter, with a sales tracker saying the tech giant was pushed off the top-three seller list by a Chinese rival. Apple fell to fourth place in global smartphone sales, shipping 35.3 million iPhones in the second quarter compared to the 36.2 million units shipped by Oppo, according to a report from IHS Markit this week. South Korean consumer electronics titan Samsung remained in first place with 23 per cent of the market, having shipped 75.1 million smartphones, China's Huawei shipped 58.7 million smartphones to claim 18 per cent of the market, IHS Markit calculated. Other smartphone market trackers such as Counterpoint Research and International Data Corporation concluded that while iPhone shipments sank in the second quarter, Apple remained in third place what it came to global shipments.

Apple expected to unveil new iPhone at September 10 event

Is Siri or Alexa making us impolite?

Apple lost more ground in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-offers-record-bounty-to-researchers-who-find-iphone-security-flaws-241605">shrinking smartphone market</a> last quarter, with a sales tracker saying the tech giant was pushed off the top-three seller list by a Chinese rival.

Apple fell to fourth place in global smartphone sales, shipping 35.3 million iPhones in the second quarter compared to the 36.2 million units shipped by Oppo, according to a report from IHS Markit this week.

South Korean consumer electronics titan Samsung remained in first place with 23 per cent of the market, having shipped 75.1 million smartphones, China's Huawei shipped 58.7 million smartphones to claim 18 per cent of the market, IHS Markit calculated.

"Apple continues to face challenges in terms of unit shipments -- a trend that is unlikely to be fixed soon," IHS smartphone research and analysis director Jusy Hong said in an online post.

While California-based Apple has been aggressively promoting iPhones, current-generation smartphones have "super-premium" prices while models a few years old are still costly compared to bargain Android-powered handsets, the analyst reasoned.

Other smartphone market trackers such as Counterpoint Research and International Data Corporation concluded that while iPhone shipments sank in the second quarter, Apple remained in third place what it came to global shipments.

Huawei, meanwhile, saw smartphone shipments rise despite the overall market contracting and US-China trade tensions, market trackers reported.

Chinese rivals rising

Huawei -- considered the world leader in superfast fifth-generation, or 5G, equipment and the world's number two smartphone producer -- has been blacklisted by US President Donald Trump amid suspicions it provides a backdoor for Chinese intelligence services. The company denies those charges.

"The effect of the ban did not translate into falling shipments during this quarter, which will not be the case in the future," Counterpoint associate research director Tarun Pathak said in the firm's market report.

"In the coming quarters, Huawei is likely to be aggressive in its home market and register some growth there, but it will not be enough to offset for the decline in its overseas shipments."

The combined global smartphone market share of Chinese firms Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and Realme reached a new high of 42 per cent in the second quarter, according to Counterpoint.

"These brands have been aggressively expanding outside China and achieving growth offsetting the saturation in their home market," said Counterpoint research analyst Varun Mishra.

"Their strategies and product portfolios are more aligned to the local needs and preferences, which is one of their key strengths."

Apple has been striving to wean itself off its reliance on iPhone sales with a focus on services, digital content and related gadgets.

In the just-ended quarter, Apple for the first time took in less than half its revenue from the iPhone, the longtime cash and profit driver for the company.

Apple managed to grow its overall revenues, albeit by a modest one per cent, to $53.8 billion, even as iPhone revenues plunged nearly 12 per cent in the April-June period.

The company delivered strong growth from digital content and services including Apply Pay and Apple Music, along with wearables and accessories like the Apple Watch and Air Pods.

Apple has stopped reporting iPhone unit sales, but chief executive Tim Cook said during an earnings call that there was a "strong customer response" to iPhone promotions and financing programs.

Apple saw its sales improve in the crucial China market, which included a double-digit increase in services revenue driven by strong growth in the App Store there, according to the company.

The sale of iPhones in that country was boosted by factors including pricing moves by Apple, and trade-in and financing programs, Cook said.

Apple lost more ground in the shrinking smartphone market last quarter, with a sales tracker saying the tech giant was pushed off the top-three seller list by a Chinese rival.

Apple lost more ground in the shrinking smartphone market last quarter, with a sales tracker saying the tech giant was pushed off the top-three seller list by a Chinese rival. Apple fell to fourth place in global smartphone sales, shipping 35.3 million iPhones in the second quarter compared to the 36.2 million units shipped by Oppo, according to a report from IHS Markit this week. South Korean consumer electronics titan Samsung remained in first place with 23 per cent of the market, having shipped 75.1 million smartphones, China's Huawei shipped 58.7 million smartphones to claim 18 per cent of the market, IHS Markit calculated. "Apple continues to face challenges in terms of unit shipments -- a trend that is unlikely to be fixed soon," IHS smartphone research and analysis director Jusy Hong said in an online post. While California-based Apple has been aggressively promoting iPhones, current-generation smartphones have "super-premium" prices while models a few years old are still costly compared to bargain Android-powered handsets, the analyst reasoned. Other smartphone market trackers such as Counterpoint Research and International Data Corporation concluded that while iPhone shipments sank in the second quarter, Apple remained in third place what it came to global shipments. Huawei, meanwhile, saw smartphone shipments rise despite the overall market contracting and US-China trade tensions, market trackers reported. Chinese rivals rising Huawei -- considered the world leader in superfast fifth-generation, or 5G, equipment and the world's number two smartphone producer -- has been blacklisted by US President Donald Trump amid suspicions it provides a backdoor for Chinese intelligence services. The company denies those charges. "The effect of the ban did not translate into falling shipments during this quarter, which will not be the case in the future," Counterpoint associate research director Tarun Pathak said in the firm's market report. "In the coming quarters, Huawei is likely to be aggressive in its home market and register some growth there, but it will not be enough to offset for the decline in its overseas shipments." The combined global smartphone market share of Chinese firms Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and Realme reached a new high of 42 per cent in the second quarter, according to Counterpoint. "These brands have been aggressively expanding outside China and achieving growth offsetting the saturation in their home market," said Counterpoint research analyst Varun Mishra. "Their strategies and product portfolios are more aligned to the local needs and preferences, which is one of their key strengths." Apple has been striving to wean itself off its reliance on iPhone sales with a focus on services, digital content and related gadgets. In the just-ended quarter, Apple for the first time took in less than half its revenue from the iPhone, the longtime cash and profit driver for the company. Apple managed to grow its overall revenues, albeit by a modest one per cent, to $53.8 billion, even as iPhone revenues plunged nearly 12 per cent in the April-June period. The company delivered strong growth from digital content and services including Apply Pay and Apple Music, along with wearables and accessories like the Apple Watch and Air Pods. Apple has stopped reporting iPhone unit sales, but chief executive Tim Cook said during an earnings call that there was a "strong customer response" to iPhone promotions and financing programs. Apple saw its sales improve in the crucial China market, which included a double-digit increase in services revenue driven by strong growth in the App Store there, according to the company. The sale of iPhones in that country was boosted by factors including pricing moves by Apple, and trade-in and financing programs, Cook said.

Apple loses more ground in smartphone market; falls to fourth place in global sales

Apple Inc is offering cybersecurity researchers up to $1 million to detect flaws in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-faces-investigation-for-suspected-unfair-competition-in-russia-241525"> iPhones</a>, the largest reward offered by a company to defend against hackers, at a time of rising concern about governments breaking into the mobile devices of dissidents, journalists and human rights advocates.

Unlike other technology providers, Apple previously offered rewards only to invited researchers who tried to find flaws in its phones and cloud backups.

At the annual Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas on Thursday, the company said it would open the process to all researchers, add Mac software and other targets, and offer a range of rewards, called "bounties," for the most significant findings.

The $1 million prize would apply only to remote access to the iPhone kernel without any action from the phone's user. Apple's previous highest bounty was $200,000 for friendly reports of bugs that can then be fixed with software updates and not leave them exposed to criminals or spies.

Watch: Apple loses bid to end Antitrust case in Supreme Court

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Government contractors and brokers have paid as much as $2 million for the most effective hacking techniques to obtain information from devices. Apple's new bounties, however, are in the same range as some published prices from contractors.

Apple is taking other steps to make research easier, including offering a modified phone that has some security measures disabled. A principal component of breaches is programs that take advantage of otherwise unknown flaws in the phones, their software or installed applications.

A number of private companies, such as Israel's NSO Group, sell hacking capabilities to governments.

"NSO Group develops technology that is licensed to intelligence and law enforcement agencies for the sole purpose of preventing and investigating terror and crime," NSO said in a statement. "It is not a tool to target journalists for doing their job or to silence critics." 
&nbsp;

Apple Inc is offering cybersecurity researchers up to $1 million to detect flaws in iPhones, the largest reward offered by a company to defend against hackers, at a time of rising concern about governments breaking into the mobile devices of dissidents, journalists and human rights advocates.

Apple Inc is offering cybersecurity researchers up to $1 million to detect flaws in iPhones, the largest reward offered by a company to defend against hackers, at a time of rising concern about governments breaking into the mobile devices of dissidents, journalists and human rights advocates. Unlike other technology providers, Apple previously offered rewards only to invited researchers who tried to find flaws in its phones and cloud backups. At the annual Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas on Thursday, the company said it would open the process to all researchers, add Mac software and other targets, and offer a range of rewards, called "bounties," for the most significant findings. The $1 million prize would apply only to remote access to the iPhone kernel without any action from the phone's user. Apple's previous highest bounty was $200,000 for friendly reports of bugs that can then be fixed with software updates and not leave them exposed to criminals or spies. Watch: Apple loses bid to end Antitrust case in Supreme Court × Government contractors and brokers have paid as much as $2 million for the most effective hacking techniques to obtain information from devices. Apple's new bounties, however, are in the same range as some published prices from contractors. Apple is taking other steps to make research easier, including offering a modified phone that has some security measures disabled. A principal component of breaches is programs that take advantage of otherwise unknown flaws in the phones, their software or installed applications. A number of private companies, such as Israel's NSO Group, sell hacking capabilities to governments. "NSO Group develops technology that is licensed to intelligence and law enforcement agencies for the sole purpose of preventing and investigating terror and crime," NSO said in a statement. "It is not a tool to target journalists for doing their job or to silence critics."

Apple offers record 'bounty' to researchers who find iPhone security flaws

Apple Inc rolled out its virtual credit card on Tuesday, working with bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc on the new iPhone add-on that may help Apple diversify from device sales and build out the Wall Street bank's new consumer business.

Apple announced the card in March, aiming to draw in iPhone owners by offering a card with 2% cashback on purchases with the Apple Pay service, no fees, an app to manage related finances, and a focus on data privacy.

For Goldman, the issuing bank, the card builds on a foray into its Marcus consumer banking brand, started in 2015.

Apple said a limited number of consumers who expressed interest in the card will start to receive sign-up invitations on Tuesday.

The card is designed to work with the iPhone, where users sign up for the card and can start using it immediately if approved via the Apple Wallet app and Apple Pay system.

Apple offers an option for a physical card made of titanium, but the physical card has no visible number. Instead, the card's number is stored in a secure chip inside the iPhone, which generates virtual numbers for online or over-the-phone purchases requiring a number.

Apple has focused on privacy, saying that purchase information is stored on the user's iPhone and that it cannot see the information.&nbsp;

Goldman will not be allowed to use data for marketing purposes, even for selling other Goldman products.

Gene Munster, managing partner with Loup Ventures and a longtime Apple watcher, said Apple Card adoption is likely to be low in the first year, but that Apple Card could generate about $1.4 billion of high-margin revenue by 2023, adding about 1.8% to Apple's overall earnings and complementing the much larger Apple Pay business for total payments revenue of $5.38 billion by 2023. Apple has roughly 50 million US Apple Pay users now.

But at Apple's size - $265.6 billion in sales for fiscal 2018 - the revenue matters less than the effect on keeping Apple customers tied to its brand, analysts said, said Ben Bajarin, an analyst at Creative Strategies. 
"If it works, it's one more thing that causes you to stay deeply loyal and entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, even if something better comes along," he said

Apple Inc rolled out its virtual credit card on Tuesday, working with bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc on the new iPhone add-on that may help Apple diversify from device sales and build out the Wall Street bank's new consumer business.

Apple Inc rolled out its virtual credit card on Tuesday, working with bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc on the new iPhone add-on that may help Apple diversify from device sales and build out the Wall Street bank's new consumer business. Apple announced the card in March, aiming to draw in iPhone owners by offering a card with 2% cashback on purchases with the Apple Pay service, no fees, an app to manage related finances, and a focus on data privacy. For Goldman, the issuing bank, the card builds on a foray into its Marcus consumer banking brand, started in 2015. Apple said a limited number of consumers who expressed interest in the card will start to receive sign-up invitations on Tuesday. The card is designed to work with the iPhone, where users sign up for the card and can start using it immediately if approved via the Apple Wallet app and Apple Pay system. Apple offers an option for a physical card made of titanium, but the physical card has no visible number. Instead, the card's number is stored in a secure chip inside the iPhone, which generates virtual numbers for online or over-the-phone purchases requiring a number. Apple has focused on privacy, saying that purchase information is stored on the user's iPhone and that it cannot see the information. Goldman will not be allowed to use data for marketing purposes, even for selling other Goldman products. Gene Munster, managing partner with Loup Ventures and a longtime Apple watcher, said Apple Card adoption is likely to be low in the first year, but that Apple Card could generate about $1.4 billion of high-margin revenue by 2023, adding about 1.8% to Apple's overall earnings and complementing the much larger Apple Pay business for total payments revenue of $5.38 billion by 2023. Apple has roughly 50 million US Apple Pay users now. But at Apple's size - $265.6 billion in sales for fiscal 2018 - the revenue matters less than the effect on keeping Apple customers tied to its brand, analysts said, said Ben Bajarin, an analyst at Creative Strategies. "If it works, it's one more thing that causes you to stay deeply loyal and entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, even if something better comes along," he said

Apple, Goldman Sachs start issuing Apple Cards to consumers

With its latest financial results, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-woos-investors-with-china-gain-market-value-nears-1-trillion-239747">Apple </a>is showing it can move beyond the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apples-services-wearables-shore-up-results-as-iphone-drops-below-half-of-sales-239681"> iPhone</a> with gadgets and services that can help the California tech giant weather the slumping smartphone market.

In the just-ended quarter, Apple took in less than half its revenue from the iPhone, the longtime cash and profit driver for the company, representing a milestone for the company.

Apple managed to grow its overall revenues, albeit by a modest one per cent, to $53.8 billion, even as iPhone revenues plunged nearly 12 per cent in the April-June period.

The company delivered strong growth from digital content and services that include its Apply Pay and Apple Music, along with wearables and accessories like the Apple Watch and Air Pods.

Apple is preparing to launch its branded credit card in August that ties into its digital wallet, as well as its own streaming television service to compete with Netflix and others, with at least $1 billion invested in original content.

The results show Apple is lessening its dependence on the iPhone, analysts said.

"As the smartphone market matures Apple can no longer rely on iPhones alone to power the company forward," said Avi Greengart of the consultancy Techsponential.

"Apple has been signaling for a while that its plan was to diversify into services and we've seen from the latest results that this strategy is working quite well."

- Apple's roadmap -

Apple's update should allay investor concerns that the company's growth could be hobbled by a sputtering smartphone market, said a research note from Gene Munster and Will Thompson of the equity firm Loup Ventures.

"We believe the Street is systematically undervaluing Apple's ecosystem by focusing on hardware sales instead of revenue and earnings growth plus optionality," Munster and Thompson wrote.

"We believe this quarter's results and the roadmap for the next two years will prove to be a turning point for investors to begin valuing Apple with a more appropriate multiple."&nbsp;

- Challenges ahead -

But some analysts warn that Apple still faces challenges as rivals chip away at the smartphone market, in which the iPhone's share is less than 12 per cent.

Daniel Newman of Futurum Research said it was "an impressively unimpressive quarter" for Apple highlighted by weak iPhone sales.

"I believe the iPhone success is a double-edged sword for Apple, because it has become such a dependency for the company to achieve its growth targets, yet the market is clearly showing a stabilizing or even shrinking demand," Newman said in a research note.

Newman said Apple has no other product as lucrative as the iPhone, which has seen problems in China and has failed to gain traction in low-income countries.

"I believe Apple is floundering a bit more than people want to believe," Newman said.

"The company's strategy seems to be lacking vision. Apple's growth is coming from accessories and services, rather than iPhones and iPads. While diversification is a step forward, the company will need more of it, and fast."

Richard Windsor of the research firm Radio Free Mobile said Apple "is still a one-product company" because its ecosystem revolves around the iPhone.

"I still think that ending its dependence on the iPhone is a very distant dream meaning Apple will continue to live and die with the success of this product," Windsor said in a blog post.

While Apple is showing gains in these new services, Windsor said Apple's trajectory remains somewhat murky.

"If the Apple iPhone suddenly loses its mojo then these businesses which are being dressed up as iPhone independent are also likely to crater."

Greengart said the fears are overblown, pointing out that Apple has a large and loyal base of iPhone users which allows the company to sell more accessories and services.

"They're keeping their existing customers and there's still more switching to iPhone than away from iPhone," he said.

Greengart said Apple has the potential to lead in mobile augmented and virtual reality, health and wellness services through its smartwatch, which has been dominating the segment.

"Satisfaction with the Apple Watch is very high," the analyst said.

"If you want a smartwatch and you have an iPhone the Apple Watch is compelling, and once you have the Apple Watch, you're not going to switch to Android."

With its latest financial results, Apple is showing it can move beyond the iPhone with gadgets and services that can help the California tech giant weather the slumping smartphone market.

With its latest financial results, Apple is showing it can move beyond the iPhone with gadgets and services that can help the California tech giant weather the slumping smartphone market. In the just-ended quarter, Apple took in less than half its revenue from the iPhone, the longtime cash and profit driver for the company, representing a milestone for the company. Apple managed to grow its overall revenues, albeit by a modest one per cent, to $53.8 billion, even as iPhone revenues plunged nearly 12 per cent in the April-June period. The company delivered strong growth from digital content and services that include its Apply Pay and Apple Music, along with wearables and accessories like the Apple Watch and Air Pods. Apple is preparing to launch its branded credit card in August that ties into its digital wallet, as well as its own streaming television service to compete with Netflix and others, with at least $1 billion invested in original content. The results show Apple is lessening its dependence on the iPhone, analysts said. "As the smartphone market matures Apple can no longer rely on iPhones alone to power the company forward," said Avi Greengart of the consultancy Techsponential. "Apple has been signaling for a while that its plan was to diversify into services and we've seen from the latest results that this strategy is working quite well." - Apple's roadmap - Apple's update should allay investor concerns that the company's growth could be hobbled by a sputtering smartphone market, said a research note from Gene Munster and Will Thompson of the equity firm Loup Ventures. "We believe the Street is systematically undervaluing Apple's ecosystem by focusing on hardware sales instead of revenue and earnings growth plus optionality," Munster and Thompson wrote. "We believe this quarter's results and the roadmap for the next two years will prove to be a turning point for investors to begin valuing Apple with a more appropriate multiple." - Challenges ahead - But some analysts warn that Apple still faces challenges as rivals chip away at the smartphone market, in which the iPhone's share is less than 12 per cent. Daniel Newman of Futurum Research said it was "an impressively unimpressive quarter" for Apple highlighted by weak iPhone sales. "I believe the iPhone success is a double-edged sword for Apple, because it has become such a dependency for the company to achieve its growth targets, yet the market is clearly showing a stabilizing or even shrinking demand," Newman said in a research note. Newman said Apple has no other product as lucrative as the iPhone, which has seen problems in China and has failed to gain traction in low-income countries. "I believe Apple is floundering a bit more than people want to believe," Newman said. "The company's strategy seems to be lacking vision. Apple's growth is coming from accessories and services, rather than iPhones and iPads. While diversification is a step forward, the company will need more of it, and fast." Richard Windsor of the research firm Radio Free Mobile said Apple "is still a one-product company" because its ecosystem revolves around the iPhone. "I still think that ending its dependence on the iPhone is a very distant dream meaning Apple will continue to live and die with the success of this product," Windsor said in a blog post. While Apple is showing gains in these new services, Windsor said Apple's trajectory remains somewhat murky. "If the Apple iPhone suddenly loses its mojo then these businesses which are being dressed up as iPhone independent are also likely to crater." Greengart said the fears are overblown, pointing out that Apple has a large and loyal base of iPhone users which allows the company to sell more accessories and services. "They're keeping their existing customers and there's still more switching to iPhone than away from iPhone," he said. Greengart said Apple has the potential to lead in mobile augmented and virtual reality, health and wellness services through its smartwatch, which has been dominating the segment. "Satisfaction with the Apple Watch is very high," the analyst said. "If you want a smartwatch and you have an iPhone the Apple Watch is compelling, and once you have the Apple Watch, you're not going to switch to Android."

As iPhone sales sputter, Apple moves toward reinvention, again

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-design-chief-jony-ive-steve-jobs-confidant-to-leave-and-start-own-firm-231020">Apple Inc</a> will likely see a surge in services revenue in the third quarter, charged by app store developer revenue and renewed growth in China, critical areas for the future as the iPhone maker faces a maturing smartphone market, Evercore ISI said on Tuesday.

Rosenblatt Securities on Monday downgraded Apple shares to "sell" from "neutral", citing the probability of disappointing new iPhone sales.

With Apple focusing more on the services business, Evercore said it expects total App Store developer revenue to grow 18 per cent to about $9 billion in the third quarter. Apple is due to report results on July 30.

"We think there is likely upside ahead when it comes to services revenues in the June-quarter, driven by a sizable acceleration in China-centric markets," analyst Amit Daryanani said in a note.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-explores-moving-15-30-of-production-capacity-from-china-to-southeast-asia-report-228703">China is a key market for Apple </a>as well as a major production center for its devices. The company earned nearly 18 per cent of its total revenue from Greater China in the quarter ended March.

"The reacceleration of growth in China is encouraging, while most other growth trends held stable," Daryanani said.

China and services revenue will be key areas as the company shifts its strategy from focusing on hardware sales.

App Store is a key driver of Apple's services segment, which brought in $37.1 billion in revenue last year. The company had earlier this year attempted to reintroduce itself as an entertainment and financial services company with new launches, including a TV streaming service.

Meanwhile, JP Morgan turned positive on its volume outlook for iPhone shipments in 2020 in a note on Monday. The brokerage raised its price target on the stock to $239 from $233.

Apple shares closed down 2.1 per cent at $200.20 on Monday, after Rosenblatt analyst Jun Zhang said: "new iPhone sales will be disappointing".

He expects the company to face "fundamental deterioration" in the next six to 12 months.

Evercore and JP Morgan have a buy or higher rating on the stock.

Apple Inc will likely see a surge in services revenue in the third quarter, charged by app store developer revenue and renewed growth in China, critical areas for the future as the iPhone maker faces a maturing smartphone market, Evercore ISI said on Tuesday.

Apple Inc will likely see a surge in services revenue in the third quarter, charged by app store developer revenue and renewed growth in China, critical areas for the future as the iPhone maker faces a maturing smartphone market, Evercore ISI said on Tuesday. Rosenblatt Securities on Monday downgraded Apple shares to "sell" from "neutral", citing the probability of disappointing new iPhone sales. With Apple focusing more on the services business, Evercore said it expects total App Store developer revenue to grow 18 per cent to about $9 billion in the third quarter. Apple is due to report results on July 30. "We think there is likely upside ahead when it comes to services revenues in the June-quarter, driven by a sizable acceleration in China-centric markets," analyst Amit Daryanani said in a note. China is a key market for Apple as well as a major production center for its devices. The company earned nearly 18 per cent of its total revenue from Greater China in the quarter ended March. "The reacceleration of growth in China is encouraging, while most other growth trends held stable," Daryanani said. China and services revenue will be key areas as the company shifts its strategy from focusing on hardware sales. App Store is a key driver of Apple's services segment, which brought in $37.1 billion in revenue last year. The company had earlier this year attempted to reintroduce itself as an entertainment and financial services company with new launches, including a TV streaming service. Meanwhile, JP Morgan turned positive on its volume outlook for iPhone shipments in 2020 in a note on Monday. The brokerage raised its price target on the stock to $239 from $233. Apple shares closed down 2.1 per cent at $200.20 on Monday, after Rosenblatt analyst Jun Zhang said: "new iPhone sales will be disappointing". He expects the company to face "fundamental deterioration" in the next six to 12 months. Evercore and JP Morgan have a buy or higher rating on the stock.

Apple likely to see surge in third quarter revenue charged by China: Analyst

Jony Ive, a close creative collaborator with Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs whose iPhone and other designs fueled Apple's rise to a $1 trillion company, will leave later this year to form an independent design company.

Apple said Ive will continue work on its products at his new venture, but shares fell as much as 1.5% to $197.44 in after-market trading, wiping about $9 billion from the firm's value.

Ive spent nearly three decades at Apple, leading the design of the candy-coloured iMacs that helped Apple re-emerge from near death in the 1990s to the iPhone, regarded by some experts as one of the most successful consumer products of all time.

"It's the most significant departure of somebody who was a core part of the growth story" under Jobs, said Ben Bajarin, analyst with Creative Strategies.

Ive joined Apple in 1992 and led Apple's design teams since 1996. He became chief design officer in 2015.

Ive's new company will be called LoveFrom, the Financial Times reported, quoting Ive as saying it would be based in California "for now." Ive told the newspaper he would work on Apple devices in addition to unspecified "personal passions" and non-Apple projects.

"I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come," Ive said.

Ive's departure comes amid falling iPhone sales, including a record drop in Apple's most recent quarter. Sales of some newer hardware products such as the Apple Watch and its wireless AirPods headphones are expanding, but Apple has turned its attention to growing its services business, which includes Apple Music and iCloud.

Nehal Chokshi, an analyst with Maxim Group, said that despite Ive's key role in Apple history, his departure will not hurt the iPhone maker.

"I would view it as Jony Ive looking to get paid market rates for his design expertise from Apple, with the right to allow other companies - not competitors to Apple - to leverage that expertise," Chokshi said.

Continuity after jobs

Jobs deeply involved himself in Apple's design process, sometimes visiting Apple's design studios daily to offer Ive feedback. Chief Executive Tim Cook, to whom Ive now reports, has not done the same.

After Jobs' death, pundits questioned whether Apple could continue Jobs' pace of new products. Ive became a symbol of continuity, bridging the Jobs and Cook eras.

But Alan Cannistraro, chief executive of online video discovery platform Rheo who previously worked at Apple for a dozen years, said Apple employees knew Ive had taken on fewer day-to-day design duties in the past several years. Around 2015, Cannistraro would often see Ive at a high-end fitness gym on Market Street in San Francisco doing mid-morning workouts.

"When I would see him there, two days a week or more, that just told me he had taken a step back," Cannistraro said.

Ive came to oversee both hardware and software design at Apple, but the company laid the groundwork for his departure over several years. During 2015, Ive handed off some duties to other executives while he finished Apple's new corporate headquarters, Apple Park.

One of those executives was Alan Dye, who Apple on Thursday said will become vice president of human interface design. The company appointed Evans Hankey as vice president of industrial design. Both have "played key leadership roles" in Apple's design team for years, the company said.

Cannistraro, the former Apple employee, said Hankey stood out as "exceptional" among Apple's already strong design teams. Around 2008, as Apple readied new iMacs, Hankey dug in on an idea to make Apple products talk to each other as a home control system.

The effort, which was never released, was not part of Hankey's official duties. But she took an interest anyway because of her “very long-term vision kind of role – looking for seeds that could turn into something bigger, or maybe plant some seeds, too,” Cannistraro said.

The elevation of Dye and Hankey could reignite the connection between Apple's design teams and senior executives. Both will report to Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, who will in turn hand off logistics and supply chain duties to Sabih Khan, newly named senior vice president of operations.

Meantime, Williams, who oversaw development of the Apple Watch, "will spend more of his time working with the design team in their studio," Apple said.

Williams has gained clout in Apple's product development process, but that does not necessarily mean he is poised to become chief executive in the near future, Maxim Group's Chokshi said.

"I don't see Tim Cook retiring anytime soon," Chokshi said. 
&nbsp;

Jony Ive, a close creative collaborator with Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs whose iPhone and other designs fueled Apple's rise to a $1 trillion company, will leave later this year to form an independent design company.

Jony Ive, a close creative collaborator with Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs whose iPhone and other designs fueled Apple's rise to a $1 trillion company, will leave later this year to form an independent design company. Apple said Ive will continue work on its products at his new venture, but shares fell as much as 1.5% to $197.44 in after-market trading, wiping about $9 billion from the firm's value. Ive spent nearly three decades at Apple, leading the design of the candy-coloured iMacs that helped Apple re-emerge from near death in the 1990s to the iPhone, regarded by some experts as one of the most successful consumer products of all time. "It's the most significant departure of somebody who was a core part of the growth story" under Jobs, said Ben Bajarin, analyst with Creative Strategies. Ive joined Apple in 1992 and led Apple's design teams since 1996. He became chief design officer in 2015. Ive's new company will be called LoveFrom, the Financial Times reported, quoting Ive as saying it would be based in California "for now." Ive told the newspaper he would work on Apple devices in addition to unspecified "personal passions" and non-Apple projects. "I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come," Ive said. Ive's departure comes amid falling iPhone sales, including a record drop in Apple's most recent quarter. Sales of some newer hardware products such as the Apple Watch and its wireless AirPods headphones are expanding, but Apple has turned its attention to growing its services business, which includes Apple Music and iCloud. Nehal Chokshi, an analyst with Maxim Group, said that despite Ive's key role in Apple history, his departure will not hurt the iPhone maker. "I would view it as Jony Ive looking to get paid market rates for his design expertise from Apple, with the right to allow other companies - not competitors to Apple - to leverage that expertise," Chokshi said. Continuity after jobs Jobs deeply involved himself in Apple's design process, sometimes visiting Apple's design studios daily to offer Ive feedback. Chief Executive Tim Cook, to whom Ive now reports, has not done the same. After Jobs' death, pundits questioned whether Apple could continue Jobs' pace of new products. Ive became a symbol of continuity, bridging the Jobs and Cook eras. But Alan Cannistraro, chief executive of online video discovery platform Rheo who previously worked at Apple for a dozen years, said Apple employees knew Ive had taken on fewer day-to-day design duties in the past several years. Around 2015, Cannistraro would often see Ive at a high-end fitness gym on Market Street in San Francisco doing mid-morning workouts. "When I would see him there, two days a week or more, that just told me he had taken a step back," Cannistraro said. Ive came to oversee both hardware and software design at Apple, but the company laid the groundwork for his departure over several years. During 2015, Ive handed off some duties to other executives while he finished Apple's new corporate headquarters, Apple Park. One of those executives was Alan Dye, who Apple on Thursday said will become vice president of human interface design. The company appointed Evans Hankey as vice president of industrial design. Both have "played key leadership roles" in Apple's design team for years, the company said. Cannistraro, the former Apple employee, said Hankey stood out as "exceptional" among Apple's already strong design teams. Around 2008, as Apple readied new iMacs, Hankey dug in on an idea to make Apple products talk to each other as a home control system. The effort, which was never released, was not part of Hankey's official duties. But she took an interest anyway because of her “very long-term vision kind of role – looking for seeds that could turn into something bigger, or maybe plant some seeds, too,” Cannistraro said. The elevation of Dye and Hankey could reignite the connection between Apple's design teams and senior executives. Both will report to Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, who will in turn hand off logistics and supply chain duties to Sabih Khan, newly named senior vice president of operations. Meantime, Williams, who oversaw development of the Apple Watch, "will spend more of his time working with the design team in their studio," Apple said. Williams has gained clout in Apple's product development process, but that does not necessarily mean he is poised to become chief executive in the near future, Maxim Group's Chokshi said. "I don't see Tim Cook retiring anytime soon," Chokshi said.

Apple design chief Jony Ive, Steve Jobs' confidant, to leave and start own firm

Apple is aiming to show it can do more than just make iPhones in a quarterly update Tuesday for investors who are skeptical over whether the culture-changing company can regain the momentum from its glory days.

In recent weeks, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/apple-in-crisis-users-complaining-of-swollen-iphone-8-and-8-plus-21175">Apple shares have been hammered</a> on concerns that its best days are over, with smartphone sales slipping and no new "big thing" on the horizon.

Amid turbulence in the tech sector, Apple has lost its trillion-dollar status and slid behind rivals Microsoft and Amazon on the list of most valuable corporations.

The California tech giant has been trying to shift focus to growth in the side of its business devoted to selling music, movies, apps, and services to the vast "install base" of Apple gadget owners as well as via other internet-linked devices.

Apple delivered a stunning admission earlier this month that iPhone sales and overall revenues would be below most forecasts, citing economic weakness in China and trade frictions between Washington and Beijing.

Some analysts believe iPhone sales over the quarter to December will show an unprecedented decline, although the exact figures won't be visible because Apple has decided to leave off unit sales.

Resilience? 
Gene Munster and Will Thompson of the investment firm Loup Ventures said that despite lower iPhone sales, Apple can make up for lost revenues from its growing services segment.

"This is unprecedented and representative of a resilient business," Munster and Thompson write in a blog post.

The saturated global smartphone market is forcing Apple to seek another reinvention.

"This is not 'the fall of Apple' -- it's just the shift of smartphones to boring maturity, as we look for what's next," Benedict Evans of the investment firm Andreessen Horowitz said in a recent blog post.&nbsp;

Rumors buzzing about the company include its plans to produce it own shows, potentially challenging streaming television giants Netflix and Amazon Prime, which have invested heavily in original content.

"There are other ways to make money but it's not clear how Apple is going to do that," noted analyst Jack Gold of J. Gold Associates.

Apple has consistently touted the success of its eponymous smartwatch, engineering the wristwear with health and fitness features.

Apple Pay has been steadily adding to the roster of businesses that let people tap handsets to consummate transactions.

Another important source of income is the surging market for app downloads, where Apple gets 30 percent of the action.

Meanwhile, Apple remains under pressure as fans and analysts wonder whether the company lost its ability to wow the world when co-founder and chief Steve Jobs died in late 2011.

The China factor 
Apple had been growing in China until recently, but the combination of trade frictions and a slowing Chinese economy are cutting into its sales there.

Former Apple executive Jean-Louis Gassee said the surprise on Chinese sales was a massive mistake for CEO Tim Cook.

"I distinctly recall Cook telling analysts during a quarterly earnings call that, having studied the country for 30 years, he knew China," Gassee said in a blog.

"How could Apple, which is more embedded than most Western companies, not see a Chinese economy slowdown that started well before the 2018 holiday quarter?"

Apple is likely to face questions on whether it boosted prices too far, lifting its newest handsets to $1,000 or more, in a market that is seeing tougher competition.

Consumer Intelligence Research Partners said its survey showed 65 percent of iPhone buyers chose the newer models over the less expensive ones, and that the average selling price of the devices rose to "well over $800."

Apple is aiming to show it can do more than just make iPhones in a quarterly update Tuesday for investors who are skeptical over whether the culture-changing company can regain the momentum from its glory days.

Apple is aiming to show it can do more than just make iPhones in a quarterly update Tuesday for investors who are skeptical over whether the culture-changing company can regain the momentum from its glory days. In recent weeks, Apple shares have been hammered on concerns that its best days are over, with smartphone sales slipping and no new "big thing" on the horizon. Amid turbulence in the tech sector, Apple has lost its trillion-dollar status and slid behind rivals Microsoft and Amazon on the list of most valuable corporations. The California tech giant has been trying to shift focus to growth in the side of its business devoted to selling music, movies, apps, and services to the vast "install base" of Apple gadget owners as well as via other internet-linked devices. Apple delivered a stunning admission earlier this month that iPhone sales and overall revenues would be below most forecasts, citing economic weakness in China and trade frictions between Washington and Beijing. Some analysts believe iPhone sales over the quarter to December will show an unprecedented decline, although the exact figures won't be visible because Apple has decided to leave off unit sales. Resilience? Gene Munster and Will Thompson of the investment firm Loup Ventures said that despite lower iPhone sales, Apple can make up for lost revenues from its growing services segment. "This is unprecedented and representative of a resilient business," Munster and Thompson write in a blog post. The saturated global smartphone market is forcing Apple to seek another reinvention. "This is not 'the fall of Apple' -- it's just the shift of smartphones to boring maturity, as we look for what's next," Benedict Evans of the investment firm Andreessen Horowitz said in a recent blog post. Rumors buzzing about the company include its plans to produce it own shows, potentially challenging streaming television giants Netflix and Amazon Prime, which have invested heavily in original content. "There are other ways to make money but it's not clear how Apple is going to do that," noted analyst Jack Gold of J. Gold Associates. Apple has consistently touted the success of its eponymous smartwatch, engineering the wristwear with health and fitness features. Apple Pay has been steadily adding to the roster of businesses that let people tap handsets to consummate transactions. Another important source of income is the surging market for app downloads, where Apple gets 30 percent of the action. Meanwhile, Apple remains under pressure as fans and analysts wonder whether the company lost its ability to wow the world when co-founder and chief Steve Jobs died in late 2011. The China factor Apple had been growing in China until recently, but the combination of trade frictions and a slowing Chinese economy are cutting into its sales there. Former Apple executive Jean-Louis Gassee said the surprise on Chinese sales was a massive mistake for CEO Tim Cook. "I distinctly recall Cook telling analysts during a quarterly earnings call that, having studied the country for 30 years, he knew China," Gassee said in a blog. "How could Apple, which is more embedded than most Western companies, not see a Chinese economy slowdown that started well before the 2018 holiday quarter?" Apple is likely to face questions on whether it boosted prices too far, lifting its newest handsets to $1,000 or more, in a market that is seeing tougher competition. Consumer Intelligence Research Partners said its survey showed 65 percent of iPhone buyers chose the newer models over the less expensive ones, and that the average selling price of the devices rose to "well over $800."

Apple's best days behind it?

Apple Inc said on Monday it will issue a software patch later this week for a bug that lets iPhone users hear audio from users who have not yet accepted a video call.

The bug, which Reuters was able to replicate, allows an iPhone user placing a call using Apple's FaceTime video-calling feature to hear audio from the recipient's phone even if the recipient has not yet picked up the call.

The bug appears to rely on Apple's group video-calling feature.

In certain situations, the bug also broadcast both video and audio from the recipient's phone, the technology news website the Verge noted.

"We're aware of this issue and have identified a fix that will be released in a software update later this week," an Apple spokesperson said.

Apple's group FaceTime was temporarily made unavailable due to an ongoing issue, according to Apple's system status webpage.

The Cupertino, California-based company was not immediately available to comment on the update on its system status page.

Users took to Twitter to tweet jokes and comments about the bug affecting Apple's group FaceTime service.

"Disable FaceTime for now until Apple fixes," Twitter Inc CEO Jack Dorsey tweeted.

Apple announced the feature last summer, but then removed it from early test versions of its iOS 12 operating system. The company launched the feature in October.

Apple Inc said on Monday it will issue a software patch later this week for a bug that lets iPhone users hear audio from users who have not yet accepted a video call.

Apple Inc said on Monday it will issue a software patch later this week for a bug that lets iPhone users hear audio from users who have not yet accepted a video call. The bug, which Reuters was able to replicate, allows an iPhone user placing a call using Apple's FaceTime video-calling feature to hear audio from the recipient's phone even if the recipient has not yet picked up the call. The bug appears to rely on Apple's group video-calling feature. In certain situations, the bug also broadcast both video and audio from the recipient's phone, the technology news website the Verge noted. "We're aware of this issue and have identified a fix that will be released in a software update later this week," an Apple spokesperson said. Apple's group FaceTime was temporarily made unavailable due to an ongoing issue, according to Apple's system status webpage. The Cupertino, California-based company was not immediately available to comment on the update on its system status page. Users took to Twitter to tweet jokes and comments about the bug affecting Apple's group FaceTime service. "Disable FaceTime for now until Apple fixes," Twitter Inc CEO Jack Dorsey tweeted. Apple announced the feature last summer, but then removed it from early test versions of its iOS 12 operating system. The company launched the feature in October.

Apple to patch privacy bug in video-calling feature

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat.

According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

People were unable to log into the app at all and who did&nbsp;log in could not send or receive messages.&nbsp;

The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown.

Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem.

This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five.

WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android. People were unable to log into the app at all and who did log in could not send or receive messages. The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown. Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem. This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five. WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp temporary outage hits users worldwide, issue resolved

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/apple-cuts-first-quarter-production-plan-for-new-iphones-by-10-nikkei-asian-review-189136">Apple's mobile phones</a> are recently going through a price reduction wave on the Chinese market due to the company's weak business performance, with the latest iPhone model dropping as much as 1400 yuan (about $207) in some places.

Due to the unexpected low sales, Apple's mobile phones experienced a big price cut in the Chinese market. In an electronics store in Shanghai, all the iPhone products, from iPhone 7 to the latest model XS MAX, have been labelled with a price drop. Among them, the price of 256G iPhone XS MAX dropped from 10,999 yuan to 9,899 yuan (from $1626.4 to $1463.7).

"People's apple craze is on the wane, so we have to lower the price to ensure sales," said Zhou Shunliang, owner of the electronics store.

"The reason behind the price drops is that more people have turned to home-made brands," said a resident.

Various Chinese major e-commerce platforms have also launched price reduction strategies to promote sales. On Su'ning and Tmall online platforms, some iPhones are 1400 yuan ($354.9) cheaper than on Apple's official website. On Jingdong, the price of 64G iPhone 8 dropped by 700 yuan ($103.5), and the price of iPhone 8 plus dropped by 900 yuan ($133).

Some residents, however, said that the price reduction is still not enough, considering the extra high original price.

"The price drop is far from enough. I think it should be reduced by at least 30 per cent, then it would be a worthy price. The original price is too high," said a citizen.

"The latest model didn't sell well, as it is way too expensive," said another citizen.

'People's apple craze is on the wane, so we have to lower the price to ensure sales,' said the owner of the electronics store.

Apple's mobile phones are recently going through a price reduction wave on the Chinese market due to the company's weak business performance, with the latest iPhone model dropping as much as 1400 yuan (about $207) in some places. Due to the unexpected low sales, Apple's mobile phones experienced a big price cut in the Chinese market. In an electronics store in Shanghai, all the iPhone products, from iPhone 7 to the latest model XS MAX, have been labelled with a price drop. Among them, the price of 256G iPhone XS MAX dropped from 10,999 yuan to 9,899 yuan (from $1626.4 to $1463.7). "People's apple craze is on the wane, so we have to lower the price to ensure sales," said Zhou Shunliang, owner of the electronics store. "The reason behind the price drops is that more people have turned to home-made brands," said a resident. Various Chinese major e-commerce platforms have also launched price reduction strategies to promote sales. On Su'ning and Tmall online platforms, some iPhones are 1400 yuan ($354.9) cheaper than on Apple's official website. On Jingdong, the price of 64G iPhone 8 dropped by 700 yuan ($103.5), and the price of iPhone 8 plus dropped by 900 yuan ($133). Some residents, however, said that the price reduction is still not enough, considering the extra high original price. "The price drop is far from enough. I think it should be reduced by at least 30 per cent, then it would be a worthy price. The original price is too high," said a citizen. "The latest model didn't sell well, as it is way too expensive," said another citizen.

iPhones go through price reduction wave in China

In pictures: Apple CEO Tim Cook earns $15.7 million, salary rises 22%

Apple plunged at the start of trading on Thursday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-cuts-forecast-citing-weak-china-sales-amid-trade-tensions-187959">weighing on the broader market</a> after the tech giant cut its sales forecast due to weakness in China.

About 12 minutes into trading, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index fell 1.3 per cent to 6,580.30, with Apple shedding about 8.8 per cent.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1.4 per cent to 23,027.14, while the broad-based S&amp;P 500 slid 1.0 per cent to 2,486.25.

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook had said Wednesday that iPhone sales had been dented by steeper-than-expected "economic deceleration" in China, the latest sign of sluggishness in the world's second-biggest economy as a trade war between Beijing and Washington drags out.

Thursday's early losses on Wall Street were a sign that the stock market's struggles at the end of 2018 could extend well into the New Year as investors assess the impact of trade wars, Federal Reserve interest rate hikes and a US government shutdown.

"Against the backdrop of financial-market volatility, the government shutdown seems more threatening," said FTN Financial's Chris Low, describing the lack of progress in talks between President Donald Trump and congressional Democratic leaders.

On the positive side, an ADP employment report showed private-sector firms added 271,000 jobs in December, well above analyst forecasts.&nbsp;

The data came ahead of Friday's more closely-watched Department of Labor report. Analysts expect the US added 180,000 jobs last month and unemployment held at 3.7 per cent.

Drug company Celgene surged 28.7 per cent after it reached a deal to be bought by the larger pharma company Bristol-Myers Squibb for $74 billion. Bristol-Myers fell 12 per cent. 
&nbsp;

Apple plunged at the start of trading on Thursday, weighing on the broader market after the tech giant cut its sales forecast due to weakness in China. About 12 minutes into trading, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index fell 1.

Apple plunged at the start of trading on Thursday, weighing on the broader market after the tech giant cut its sales forecast due to weakness in China. About 12 minutes into trading, the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index fell 1.3 per cent to 6,580.30, with Apple shedding about 8.8 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1.4 per cent to 23,027.14, while the broad-based S&P 500 slid 1.0 per cent to 2,486.25. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook had said Wednesday that iPhone sales had been dented by steeper-than-expected "economic deceleration" in China, the latest sign of sluggishness in the world's second-biggest economy as a trade war between Beijing and Washington drags out. Thursday's early losses on Wall Street were a sign that the stock market's struggles at the end of 2018 could extend well into the New Year as investors assess the impact of trade wars, Federal Reserve interest rate hikes and a US government shutdown. "Against the backdrop of financial-market volatility, the government shutdown seems more threatening," said FTN Financial's Chris Low, describing the lack of progress in talks between President Donald Trump and congressional Democratic leaders. On the positive side, an ADP employment report showed private-sector firms added 271,000 jobs in December, well above analyst forecasts. The data came ahead of Friday's more closely-watched Department of Labor report. Analysts expect the US added 180,000 jobs last month and unemployment held at 3.7 per cent. Drug company Celgene surged 28.7 per cent after it reached a deal to be bought by the larger pharma company Bristol-Myers Squibb for $74 billion. Bristol-Myers fell 12 per cent.

Apple stocks plunge over China report; Dow, Nasdaq down

China's foreign ministry has some suggestions for the Trump administration if they are worried about foreign eavesdropping on the US president's iPhone: use a Huawei handset instead.

Or just sever ties with the outside world completely.

The riposte came after a New York Times report that Chinese and Russian spies often secretly listened in on President Donald Trump when he used his unsecure Apple cellphone to gossip with old friends.

"Reading this report, I feel that today in the United States there really are some people who are doing their utmost to win best script at the Oscars," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news conference on Thursday.

Such reports were "evidence that the New York Times makes fake news", she said, adding two suggestions that were apparently aimed at the Trump administration.

"If they are really very worried about Apple phones being bugged, then they can change to using Huawei," she said, referring to China's biggest telecommunications equipment maker.

"If they are still not at ease, then in order to have an entirely secure device, they can stop using all forms of modern communication devices and cut off all ties with the outside world."

The Times reported that Trump's aides have repeatedly warned him that his cellphone calls are not secure, but the president refuses to give them up.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has come under scrutiny in the United States where intelligence agency leaders and others have said they are concerned that Huawei and other Chinese companies may be beholden to the Chinese government or ruling Communist Party, raising the risk of espionage.

The US Democratic National Committee warned party candidates running in November elections not to use devices from Huawei or ZTE, another major Chinese telecoms gear maker.

The US Department of Defense has stopped selling mobile phones and modems made by Huawei and ZTE in stores on its military bases, citing potential security risks.

And in March, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai told Congress he shared the concerns of some U.S. lawmakers about espionage threats from Huawei.

The New York Times cited US officials as saying China had a sophisticated approach toward the intercepted presidential phone calls and was seeking to use them to determine what Trump thinks, whom he listens to and how best to sway him.

Beijing particularly is trying to use what it learns to prevent the current trade war between the two countries from escalating further, according to the newspaper.

Concerns have been raised on several occasions this year about cellphone surveillance activity in the Washington area. The Department of Homeland Security said in a letter to several senators in March that it had observed activity in Washington consistent with mobile subscriber identity catchers.

China's foreign ministry has some suggestions for the Trump administration if they are worried about foreign eavesdropping on the US president's iPhone: use a Huawei handset instead.

China's foreign ministry has some suggestions for the Trump administration if they are worried about foreign eavesdropping on the US president's iPhone: use a Huawei handset instead. Or just sever ties with the outside world completely. The riposte came after a New York Times report that Chinese and Russian spies often secretly listened in on President Donald Trump when he used his unsecure Apple cellphone to gossip with old friends. "Reading this report, I feel that today in the United States there really are some people who are doing their utmost to win best script at the Oscars," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news conference on Thursday. Such reports were "evidence that the New York Times makes fake news", she said, adding two suggestions that were apparently aimed at the Trump administration. "If they are really very worried about Apple phones being bugged, then they can change to using Huawei," she said, referring to China's biggest telecommunications equipment maker. "If they are still not at ease, then in order to have an entirely secure device, they can stop using all forms of modern communication devices and cut off all ties with the outside world." The Times reported that Trump's aides have repeatedly warned him that his cellphone calls are not secure, but the president refuses to give them up. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has come under scrutiny in the United States where intelligence agency leaders and others have said they are concerned that Huawei and other Chinese companies may be beholden to the Chinese government or ruling Communist Party, raising the risk of espionage. The US Democratic National Committee warned party candidates running in November elections not to use devices from Huawei or ZTE, another major Chinese telecoms gear maker. The US Department of Defense has stopped selling mobile phones and modems made by Huawei and ZTE in stores on its military bases, citing potential security risks. And in March, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai told Congress he shared the concerns of some U.S. lawmakers about espionage threats from Huawei. The New York Times cited US officials as saying China had a sophisticated approach toward the intercepted presidential phone calls and was seeking to use them to determine what Trump thinks, whom he listens to and how best to sway him. Beijing particularly is trying to use what it learns to prevent the current trade war between the two countries from escalating further, according to the newspaper. Concerns have been raised on several occasions this year about cellphone surveillance activity in the Washington area. The Department of Homeland Security said in a letter to several senators in March that it had observed activity in Washington consistent with mobile subscriber identity catchers.

Worried about iPhone eavesdroppers? China says Trump may need a Huawei

Apple&nbsp;Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook on Friday told an online news website that Bloomberg should retract a story that claimed&nbsp;Apple's internal computer systems had been infiltrated by malicious computer chips inserted by Chinese intelligence agents.

Bloomberg said it stood by its report, published earlier this month.

“There is no truth in their story about&nbsp;Apple,” Cook told BuzzFeed News in an interview with the online publication. "They need to do that right thing and retract it."

Apple&nbsp;confirmed the accuracy of the BuzzFeed News report to Reuters but declined to comment further.

Cook's comments follow a denial by&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;that Bloomberg included in its story, a statement posted on&nbsp;Apple's own website, and a letter to US&nbsp;lawmakers.

Apple&nbsp;declined to say whether it planned to take legal action against Bloomberg.

In response to questions from Reuters about Cook's request for a retraction in the BuzzFeed News story on Friday, Bloomberg reiterated that it was confident of its reporting, conducted over more than a year. The news agency said that 17 sources confirmed "the manipulation of hardware and other elements of the attacks."

Bloomberg had reported that a unit of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army infiltrated the supply chain of computer hardware maker Super Micro Computer Inc&nbsp;to plant malicious chips that could be used to steal corporate and government secrets.

Bloomberg said in its report that some 30 companies and multiple US&nbsp;government agencies were targeted by the chips, which would give Beijing secret access to internal networks.

Super Micro also has denied the report.

Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook on Friday told an online news website that Bloomberg should retract a story that claimed Apple's internal computer systems had been infiltrated by malicious computer chips inserted by Chinese intelligence agents.

Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook on Friday told an online news website that Bloomberg should retract a story that claimed Apple's internal computer systems had been infiltrated by malicious computer chips inserted by Chinese intelligence agents. Bloomberg said it stood by its report, published earlier this month. “There is no truth in their story about Apple,” Cook told BuzzFeed News in an interview with the online publication. "They need to do that right thing and retract it." Apple confirmed the accuracy of the BuzzFeed News report to Reuters but declined to comment further. Cook's comments follow a denial by Apple that Bloomberg included in its story, a statement posted on Apple's own website, and a letter to US lawmakers. Apple declined to say whether it planned to take legal action against Bloomberg. In response to questions from Reuters about Cook's request for a retraction in the BuzzFeed News story on Friday, Bloomberg reiterated that it was confident of its reporting, conducted over more than a year. The news agency said that 17 sources confirmed "the manipulation of hardware and other elements of the attacks." Bloomberg had reported that a unit of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army infiltrated the supply chain of computer hardware maker Super Micro Computer Inc to plant malicious chips that could be used to steal corporate and government secrets. Bloomberg said in its report that some 30 companies and multiple US government agencies were targeted by the chips, which would give Beijing secret access to internal networks. Super Micro also has denied the report.

Apple CEO urges Bloomberg to retract spy chip story

Dozens of Chinese iPhone users have recently complained that their money was stolen through online payment services after their Apple accounts were allegedly hacked by cyber attackers.

Two major pay pals in China, WeChat payment and AliPay, have been involved in various cases.

AliPay said in its Weibo blog that it contacted Apple and is working to get to the bottom of the breach. It also advised users who have linked their Apple identities to any payment services to lower transaction limits to prevent further losses.

Similar reports have been circulating on Chinese social media platforms with hundreds of people claiming to be the victims of the Apple ID breach. Some even claimed to have lost as much as 10,000 yuan.

Ms Hu living in Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province is one of the victims. Hu found that her phone keep popping out payment messages on Wednesday, in which they said that her account had paid 6,707 yuan for online games.

"I checked roughly and learned that those unauthorized payments ranged from 3 to 5 yuan, to 500, 600 and 1,000 yuan each. I then checked my Merchants Bank account and found that the records of all unauthorized transactions were consistent with those messages. It means that I made the payments in the Apple app store without my authorization and most of them were made for recharge cards of games," said Hu.

Ms Xi from Tiantai County of Taizhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province shared the same story with Hu. Xi saw her AliPay account make an unauthorized payment totalling 3,836 yuan on Tuesday afternoon alone.

"I paid about 4,000 yuan for recharge cards of the game Honor of Kings in the Apple app store. The first payment is 50 yuan and the three subsequent transactions are each worth 1,000 yuan. And there are also several payments of 118 yuan each. About 4,000 yuan was paid within just three minutes for accumulation of points from 44 to 47 on the game that I have never played," said Xi.

Xi then connected the AliPay service from which she was told that the company has to verify the case with Apple as Xi previously signed an online contract according to which some payments will be automatically made without inputting payment code.

According to Mr Xu who lives in northeast China's Jilin Province, he called the Apple service center three times after his account made unauthorized transactions totalling 2,592 yuan on Monday.

Xu was told that the company won't refund the money under the company's rules and regulations.

Apple told the press that they are still investigating the cases and no further comments have been made by it as of Friday.

Dozens of Chinese iPhone users have recently complained that their money was stolen through online payment services after their Apple accounts were allegedly hacked by cyber attackers.

Dozens of Chinese iPhone users have recently complained that their money was stolen through online payment services after their Apple accounts were allegedly hacked by cyber attackers. Two major pay pals in China, WeChat payment and AliPay, have been involved in various cases. AliPay said in its Weibo blog that it contacted Apple and is working to get to the bottom of the breach. It also advised users who have linked their Apple identities to any payment services to lower transaction limits to prevent further losses. Similar reports have been circulating on Chinese social media platforms with hundreds of people claiming to be the victims of the Apple ID breach. Some even claimed to have lost as much as 10,000 yuan. Ms Hu living in Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang Province is one of the victims. Hu found that her phone keep popping out payment messages on Wednesday, in which they said that her account had paid 6,707 yuan for online games. "I checked roughly and learned that those unauthorized payments ranged from 3 to 5 yuan, to 500, 600 and 1,000 yuan each. I then checked my Merchants Bank account and found that the records of all unauthorized transactions were consistent with those messages. It means that I made the payments in the Apple app store without my authorization and most of them were made for recharge cards of games," said Hu. Ms Xi from Tiantai County of Taizhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province shared the same story with Hu. Xi saw her AliPay account make an unauthorized payment totalling 3,836 yuan on Tuesday afternoon alone. "I paid about 4,000 yuan for recharge cards of the game Honor of Kings in the Apple app store. The first payment is 50 yuan and the three subsequent transactions are each worth 1,000 yuan. And there are also several payments of 118 yuan each. About 4,000 yuan was paid within just three minutes for accumulation of points from 44 to 47 on the game that I have never played," said Xi. Xi then connected the AliPay service from which she was told that the company has to verify the case with Apple as Xi previously signed an online contract according to which some payments will be automatically made without inputting payment code. According to Mr Xu who lives in northeast China's Jilin Province, he called the Apple service center three times after his account made unauthorized transactions totalling 2,592 yuan on Monday. Xu was told that the company won't refund the money under the company's rules and regulations. Apple told the press that they are still investigating the cases and no further comments have been made by it as of Friday.

IPhone users see money taken as Apple IDs believed to have been hacked

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