The European Commission has abandoned plans for an EU-wide digital services tax that would have singled out technology groups such as Apple and Meta, according to a draft budget document seen by multiple media outlets. Dropping the proposal removes a major source of tension with Washington and is viewed as a political win for U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened retaliatory trade measures.

In place of the digital levy, the Commission intends to introduce a broader annual charge on all companies operating in the bloc whose net turnover exceeds €50 million. Officials expect the measure, together with separate levies on non-recycled electronic waste and tobacco products, to raise about €25-30 billion per year to help service common EU debt incurred after the pandemic.

The full package is due to be unveiled next Wednesday as part of the draft 2028-34 multi-annual financial framework. Any new EU tax requires unanimous backing from the 27 member states, leaving the plan’s fate uncertain amid concern from corporate lobbies and several net-contributor governments.

Justin Bieber released his seventh studio album, "Swag," at midnight on 11 July after only a few hours of advance notice. Issued through Def Jam Recordings, the 21-song set arrived following a brief teaser campaign of billboard images in Los Angeles, Reykjavik and on the singer’s Instagram account.

The hour-long project features guest verses from Gunna, Sexyy Red, Lil B, Dijon, Cash Cobain and comedian Druski, with additional contributions from producer-songwriters such as Carter Lang and Eddie Benjamin. Early streaming listings show no detailed credits, reflecting what industry sources described as an unusually late delivery of masters to digital platforms.

Read more

Apple is reshuffling its hardware roadmap and now plans to introduce a broad slate of products in the first half of 2026 rather than later this year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The lineup is expected to include an entry-level iPhone 17e powered by the forthcoming A19 chip, refreshed low-cost iPads, an iPad Air upgraded to the M4 processor and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models running Apple’s next-generation M5 silicon.

The schedule shift means Apple will likely skip a MacBook Pro update in 2025, breaking a nearly two-decade pattern of annual revisions. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg the company wants to space out launches to stabilise revenue following softer demand for tablets and a post-pandemic sales slowdown. An M5-based iPad Pro remains slated for late 2025, allowing the tablet to showcase the new chip months before it appears in Macs.

Hip-hop duo Clipse returned on Friday with “Let God Sort Em Out,” their first studio album since 2009’s “Til the Casket Drops.” The 13-track project was released through Roc Nation after Pusha T paid a reported seven-figure sum to free both his solo work and the group from Def Jam, according to Billboard.

Pharrell Williams produced the entire set, recorded largely at Louis Vuitton’s Paris headquarters. Guests include Kendrick Lamar—whose appearance survived Def Jam’s earlier attempt to remove it—Tyler, The Creator, Nas, John Legend, The-Dream, Stove God Cooks, Ab-Liva and the Voices of Fire choir. The comeback follows Thursday’s early release of the single “Chains & Whips” on Apple Music.

The Virginia brothers’ reunion ends a 16-year hiatus and will be followed by the Let God Sort Em Out Tour, beginning next month with support from EarthGang. Clipse last performed together intermittently but had not issued a full collaborative project since disbanding in 2010, when Malice (now again using his original stage name) pursued faith-based work.

Nigerian artist Burna Boy released his eighth studio album, "No Sign of Weakness," on July 11, 2025. The album features collaborations with notable artists including Travis Scott, Mick Jagger, Stromae, and Shaboozey. The release has been accompanied by positive attention, with the album entering the top 10 on the US Apple Music charts. Stromae’s collaboration marks a return following his successful single with Pomme, while Mick Jagger's involvement has been highlighted as a notable feature. The album has been promoted as a demonstration of Burna Boy's artistic strength and versatility.

Hip-hop duo Clipse released a new single, “Chains & Whips,” featuring Pulitzer-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar, on Thursday. The track became available exclusively on Apple Music on 10 July, according to multiple music outlets promoting the launch.

The collaboration marks the first time Clipse and Lamar have appeared together on an officially issued studio recording. Details on a broader project or forthcoming album were not disclosed at the time of release.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday dismissed national reports that the city experienced “riots” during anti-ICE demonstrations in June, telling reporters that the events “never happened” and describing the unrest as limited to “a couple of incidents of vandalism and looting.” Bass also said she was unaware of a recent attack on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Texas and declined to outline any new measures to protect federal personnel in Los Angeles.

Local law-enforcement records from the June disturbances show police officers were assaulted, five Waymo autonomous cars were torched and more than 100 people were arrested for looting in a single night, with additional detentions for arson and attempted murder over several days of civil disorder. The incidents prompted the deployment of National Guard troops requested by the Trump administration, a move later criticized by Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Bass argued that national media coverage overstated the scale of the violence, comparing it unfavourably to accounts of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which left 63 people dead and caused more than $1 billion in damage. Her latest remarks have reignited debate over how city officials depict public-safety threats and the appropriate response to attacks on federal agents.

Apple TV+ has officially renewed the sci-fi series "Murderbot" for a second season ahead of the Season 1 finale, which aired on July 11, 2025. The show, created and showrun by Academy Award nominees Chris and Paul Weitz, stars Emmy Award winner Alexander Skarsgård, who also serves as an executive producer. "Murderbot" is based on the literary saga "Diary of a Murderbot" by author Martha Wells. The renewal announcement highlights the streaming service's confidence in the series as it prepares to continue beyond its debut season.

Jack White, the Grammy-winning former frontman of the White Stripes, has joined the smartphone era on his 50th birthday. The Detroit-born musician revealed that his wife, singer-guitarist Olivia Jean, gave him his first cellphone—an iPhone—during celebrations on 9–10 July.

White, who has long discouraged phone use at his concerts and previously described himself as "an anomaly" for never owning a handset, acknowledged the move with characteristic humor. In an Instagram post he called himself a “reluctant owner,” joking that modern necessities such as QR-code parking and in-car streaming finally forced his hand. “Well y’all, it’s either all over for me now or just the beginning,” he wrote.

The milestone ends a decades-long personal resistance to the technology that White once likened to a societal addiction. While the musician did not say how he intends to use the device, he quipped that his new phone number is “the square root of all our combined social interaction times π,” hinting that fans may soon see the famously analog artist experimenting with digital communication.

The annual Allen & Co. retreat opened this week in Sun Valley, Idaho, bringing together a who’s-who of technology, media and political power brokers for five days of private discussions and outdoor networking. The gathering, often a springboard for high-profile deals, is unfolding against a backdrop of rapid advances in artificial intelligence, regulatory uncertainty in Washington and a wave of corporate restructuring across the entertainment industry.

Read more

Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer and right-hand executive to CEO Tim Cook, has announced his retirement after 27 years with the company. This departure comes amid challenges Apple faces in advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and ongoing speculation about the company's leadership succession. Analysts and industry observers are debating whether Tim Cook, who lacks a product development background, should continue as CEO or be succeeded by a new leader who can better steer Apple's AI ambitions. Some experts suggest that while Cook is a skilled logistics expert, a fresh perspective is needed to address the company's recent missteps, including issues with the Vision Pro product.

Despite these concerns, others believe Cook remains the appropriate leader to guide Apple through its AI transition before eventually passing the baton to a successor, potentially Apple executive John Ternus. The COO's exit also raises questions about the future leadership of the Apple Watch division. Overall, Apple's succession plans have become a focal point as investor frustration grows over the company's AI progress and strategic direction.

Samsung has unveiled three new foldable smartphones aimed at strengthening its position in the foldable device market ahead of Apple’s anticipated entry next year. The new lineup is designed to broaden mainstream appeal and counter competition from Chinese manufacturers. Samsung’s move reflects its strategy to consolidate dominance in the foldable category by offering updated models with enhanced features and competitive pricing.

Apple Inc. is preparing the first hardware refresh of its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset and could introduce the upgraded model as soon as late 2025, Bloomberg reports.

The revision will replace the existing M2 processor with Apple’s newer M4 chip—promising faster CPU and graphics performance and an expanded Neural Engine for artificial-intelligence tasks—and will ship with a redesigned head strap aimed at reducing neck strain. Other specifications and the $3,499 price tag are expected to remain largely unchanged.

Read more

Apple Inc. is reportedly discussing a sequel to its recent film 'F1,' with talks already underway according to Variety. The original 'F1' film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and featuring stars such as Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, has garnered attention, prompting early plans for a follow-up. This development comes amid broader strategic shifts within Apple, including discussions about its leadership and future direction.

Analysts have debated whether Apple should replace CEO Tim Cook, highlighting the company's need for new leadership as it faces existential challenges. Meanwhile, the legacy of Steve Jobs continues to influence the company, even as insiders prepare to take over top roles. The 'F1' film is seen as a potential catalyst in Apple's broader entertainment ambitions.

Apple TV+ released a teaser for the fourth season of its Emmy-winning drama “The Morning Show” and confirmed a global premiere date of 17 September 2025. The 10-episode season will debut with a single episode and continue weekly through 19 November, maintaining the streamer’s tent-pole Wednesday rollout.

Season 4 jumps nearly two years ahead of the previous finale to spring 2024, after the UBA-NBN merger. The newsroom is portrayed grappling with deepfakes, corporate cover-ups and a polarized public, asking, “Who can you trust?” according to Apple’s logline.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon return as Alex Levy and Bradley Jackson, joined by newcomers Marion Cotillard, Boyd Holbrook, Jeremy Irons, Aaron Pierre and William Jackson Harper. Charlotte Stoudt continues as showrunner, with Mimi Leder directing and executive-producing alongside Media Res, Hello Sunshine and Echo Films.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Apple "thinks it is too big to tariff," underscoring tensions between the Trump administration and the iPhone maker over where it manufactures its products. Speaking in a 9 July Fox Business interview, Navarro argued that the company has been slow to shift production from China to the United States despite the administration’s push to repatriate supply chains.

Navarro’s remarks come three months after Washington imposed a 145% tariff on a wide range of Chinese imports, a measure that has increased pressure on U.S. technology firms with substantial operations in China. He added that investors should view recent trade letters as part of ongoing negotiations and repeated his call for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at its July meeting to mitigate trade-related economic headwinds.

Apple shares fell about 1% in pre-market trading following Navarro’s comments, reversing earlier gains. The stock move highlights investor sensitivity to signs that the company could face higher import costs or other punitive measures if it does not accelerate the relocation of its manufacturing footprint.

Apple Inc. is in advanced talks to secure the United States broadcast and streaming rights for Formula 1 when the package becomes available next year, according to the Financial Times and corroborated by Reuters. The move would challenge Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN, which has held exclusive U.S. rights since 2018 but whose contract expires after the 2025 season.

People familiar with the negotiations told Puck’s Dylan Byers that Apple has tabled an offer between $150 million and $200 million a year—well above the roughly $85 million to $90 million ESPN currently pays. Formula 1’s owner, Liberty Media, has not yet decided on a winner and is expected to weigh additional bids, including interest previously signaled by Netflix.

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Apple announced that its design team will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook following the planned retirement of Jeff Williams later this year. Williams, who has been overseeing the design team since the departure of Evans Hankey in 2023, currently serves as Apple's Chief Operating Officer. This leadership change marks a notable shift in the company's organizational structure, placing Cook in a more hands-on role as Apple prepares for a significant visual overhaul of its products. The move comes amid broader executive transitions at the Cupertino-based technology giant.

Apple on Tuesday said Senior Vice President of Operations Sabih Khan will become chief operating officer later this month, succeeding Jeff Williams in a transition the company described as long-planned. Khan, 59, has spent nearly three decades at the iPhone maker, helping build the global supply chain and spearheading efforts that Apple says reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60%.

Williams, 62, will stay on through the end of the year, continuing to oversee Apple’s design organization, Apple Watch and health initiatives while reporting to Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook. Once Williams retires, the design team will shift to reporting directly to Cook, formalizing a structure put in place after the departure of design chief Evans Hankey in 2023.

The reshuffle removes a long-time lieutenant often viewed as Cook’s potential successor and positions Khan as the highest-ranking operations executive at the world’s most valuable company. It also marks Apple’s most significant leadership change since the exits of key designers and hardware chiefs in recent years, as the company navigates supply-chain pressures and prepares new product lines.

The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is expected to be available in four color options, including a new light blue shade. This particular blue is described as a 'barely blue' or sky blue color that could appear almost white in low-light conditions, reminiscent of the blue Sierra tone seen on the iPhone 13 Pro. The new finish aims to emphasize the ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air, distinguishing it from previous Apple blue hues. Multiple sources and leaks have confirmed the introduction of this unique color as part of the iPhone 17 Air lineup.

The European Commission has abandoned plans for an EU-wide digital services tax that would have singled out technology groups such as Apple and Meta, according to a draft budget document seen by multiple media outlets. Dropping the proposal removes a major source of tension with Washington and is viewed as a political win for U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened retaliatory trade measures.

In place of the digital levy, the Commission intends to introduce a broader annual charge on all companies operating in the bloc whose net turnover exceeds €50 million. Officials expect the measure, together with separate levies on non-recycled electronic waste and tobacco products, to raise about €25-30 billion per year to help service common EU debt incurred after the pandemic.

The full package is due to be unveiled next Wednesday as part of the draft 2028-34 multi-annual financial framework. Any new EU tax requires unanimous backing from the 27 member states, leaving the plan’s fate uncertain amid concern from corporate lobbies and several net-contributor governments.

Justin Bieber released his seventh studio album, "Swag," at midnight on 11 July after only a few hours of advance notice. Issued through Def Jam Recordings, the 21-song set arrived following a brief teaser campaign of billboard images in Los Angeles, Reykjavik and on the singer’s Instagram account.

The hour-long project features guest verses from Gunna, Sexyy Red, Lil B, Dijon, Cash Cobain and comedian Druski, with additional contributions from producer-songwriters such as Carter Lang and Eddie Benjamin. Early streaming listings show no detailed credits, reflecting what industry sources described as an unusually late delivery of masters to digital platforms.

Read more

Apple is reshuffling its hardware roadmap and now plans to introduce a broad slate of products in the first half of 2026 rather than later this year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The lineup is expected to include an entry-level iPhone 17e powered by the forthcoming A19 chip, refreshed low-cost iPads, an iPad Air upgraded to the M4 processor and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models running Apple’s next-generation M5 silicon.

The schedule shift means Apple will likely skip a MacBook Pro update in 2025, breaking a nearly two-decade pattern of annual revisions. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg the company wants to space out launches to stabilise revenue following softer demand for tablets and a post-pandemic sales slowdown. An M5-based iPad Pro remains slated for late 2025, allowing the tablet to showcase the new chip months before it appears in Macs.

Hip-hop duo Clipse returned on Friday with “Let God Sort Em Out,” their first studio album since 2009’s “Til the Casket Drops.” The 13-track project was released through Roc Nation after Pusha T paid a reported seven-figure sum to free both his solo work and the group from Def Jam, according to Billboard.

Pharrell Williams produced the entire set, recorded largely at Louis Vuitton’s Paris headquarters. Guests include Kendrick Lamar—whose appearance survived Def Jam’s earlier attempt to remove it—Tyler, The Creator, Nas, John Legend, The-Dream, Stove God Cooks, Ab-Liva and the Voices of Fire choir. The comeback follows Thursday’s early release of the single “Chains & Whips” on Apple Music.

The Virginia brothers’ reunion ends a 16-year hiatus and will be followed by the Let God Sort Em Out Tour, beginning next month with support from EarthGang. Clipse last performed together intermittently but had not issued a full collaborative project since disbanding in 2010, when Malice (now again using his original stage name) pursued faith-based work.

Nigerian artist Burna Boy released his eighth studio album, "No Sign of Weakness," on July 11, 2025. The album features collaborations with notable artists including Travis Scott, Mick Jagger, Stromae, and Shaboozey. The release has been accompanied by positive attention, with the album entering the top 10 on the US Apple Music charts. Stromae’s collaboration marks a return following his successful single with Pomme, while Mick Jagger's involvement has been highlighted as a notable feature. The album has been promoted as a demonstration of Burna Boy's artistic strength and versatility.

Hip-hop duo Clipse released a new single, “Chains & Whips,” featuring Pulitzer-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar, on Thursday. The track became available exclusively on Apple Music on 10 July, according to multiple music outlets promoting the launch.

The collaboration marks the first time Clipse and Lamar have appeared together on an officially issued studio recording. Details on a broader project or forthcoming album were not disclosed at the time of release.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday dismissed national reports that the city experienced “riots” during anti-ICE demonstrations in June, telling reporters that the events “never happened” and describing the unrest as limited to “a couple of incidents of vandalism and looting.” Bass also said she was unaware of a recent attack on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Texas and declined to outline any new measures to protect federal personnel in Los Angeles.

Local law-enforcement records from the June disturbances show police officers were assaulted, five Waymo autonomous cars were torched and more than 100 people were arrested for looting in a single night, with additional detentions for arson and attempted murder over several days of civil disorder. The incidents prompted the deployment of National Guard troops requested by the Trump administration, a move later criticized by Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Bass argued that national media coverage overstated the scale of the violence, comparing it unfavourably to accounts of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which left 63 people dead and caused more than $1 billion in damage. Her latest remarks have reignited debate over how city officials depict public-safety threats and the appropriate response to attacks on federal agents.

Apple TV+ has officially renewed the sci-fi series "Murderbot" for a second season ahead of the Season 1 finale, which aired on July 11, 2025. The show, created and showrun by Academy Award nominees Chris and Paul Weitz, stars Emmy Award winner Alexander Skarsgård, who also serves as an executive producer. "Murderbot" is based on the literary saga "Diary of a Murderbot" by author Martha Wells. The renewal announcement highlights the streaming service's confidence in the series as it prepares to continue beyond its debut season.

Jack White, the Grammy-winning former frontman of the White Stripes, has joined the smartphone era on his 50th birthday. The Detroit-born musician revealed that his wife, singer-guitarist Olivia Jean, gave him his first cellphone—an iPhone—during celebrations on 9–10 July.

White, who has long discouraged phone use at his concerts and previously described himself as "an anomaly" for never owning a handset, acknowledged the move with characteristic humor. In an Instagram post he called himself a “reluctant owner,” joking that modern necessities such as QR-code parking and in-car streaming finally forced his hand. “Well y’all, it’s either all over for me now or just the beginning,” he wrote.

The milestone ends a decades-long personal resistance to the technology that White once likened to a societal addiction. While the musician did not say how he intends to use the device, he quipped that his new phone number is “the square root of all our combined social interaction times π,” hinting that fans may soon see the famously analog artist experimenting with digital communication.

The annual Allen & Co. retreat opened this week in Sun Valley, Idaho, bringing together a who’s-who of technology, media and political power brokers for five days of private discussions and outdoor networking. The gathering, often a springboard for high-profile deals, is unfolding against a backdrop of rapid advances in artificial intelligence, regulatory uncertainty in Washington and a wave of corporate restructuring across the entertainment industry.

Read more

Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer and right-hand executive to CEO Tim Cook, has announced his retirement after 27 years with the company. This departure comes amid challenges Apple faces in advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and ongoing speculation about the company's leadership succession. Analysts and industry observers are debating whether Tim Cook, who lacks a product development background, should continue as CEO or be succeeded by a new leader who can better steer Apple's AI ambitions. Some experts suggest that while Cook is a skilled logistics expert, a fresh perspective is needed to address the company's recent missteps, including issues with the Vision Pro product.

Despite these concerns, others believe Cook remains the appropriate leader to guide Apple through its AI transition before eventually passing the baton to a successor, potentially Apple executive John Ternus. The COO's exit also raises questions about the future leadership of the Apple Watch division. Overall, Apple's succession plans have become a focal point as investor frustration grows over the company's AI progress and strategic direction.

Samsung has unveiled three new foldable smartphones aimed at strengthening its position in the foldable device market ahead of Apple’s anticipated entry next year. The new lineup is designed to broaden mainstream appeal and counter competition from Chinese manufacturers. Samsung’s move reflects its strategy to consolidate dominance in the foldable category by offering updated models with enhanced features and competitive pricing.

Apple Inc. is preparing the first hardware refresh of its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset and could introduce the upgraded model as soon as late 2025, Bloomberg reports.

The revision will replace the existing M2 processor with Apple’s newer M4 chip—promising faster CPU and graphics performance and an expanded Neural Engine for artificial-intelligence tasks—and will ship with a redesigned head strap aimed at reducing neck strain. Other specifications and the $3,499 price tag are expected to remain largely unchanged.

Read more

Apple Inc. is reportedly discussing a sequel to its recent film 'F1,' with talks already underway according to Variety. The original 'F1' film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and featuring stars such as Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, has garnered attention, prompting early plans for a follow-up. This development comes amid broader strategic shifts within Apple, including discussions about its leadership and future direction.

Analysts have debated whether Apple should replace CEO Tim Cook, highlighting the company's need for new leadership as it faces existential challenges. Meanwhile, the legacy of Steve Jobs continues to influence the company, even as insiders prepare to take over top roles. The 'F1' film is seen as a potential catalyst in Apple's broader entertainment ambitions.

Apple TV+ released a teaser for the fourth season of its Emmy-winning drama “The Morning Show” and confirmed a global premiere date of 17 September 2025. The 10-episode season will debut with a single episode and continue weekly through 19 November, maintaining the streamer’s tent-pole Wednesday rollout.

Season 4 jumps nearly two years ahead of the previous finale to spring 2024, after the UBA-NBN merger. The newsroom is portrayed grappling with deepfakes, corporate cover-ups and a polarized public, asking, “Who can you trust?” according to Apple’s logline.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon return as Alex Levy and Bradley Jackson, joined by newcomers Marion Cotillard, Boyd Holbrook, Jeremy Irons, Aaron Pierre and William Jackson Harper. Charlotte Stoudt continues as showrunner, with Mimi Leder directing and executive-producing alongside Media Res, Hello Sunshine and Echo Films.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Apple "thinks it is too big to tariff," underscoring tensions between the Trump administration and the iPhone maker over where it manufactures its products. Speaking in a 9 July Fox Business interview, Navarro argued that the company has been slow to shift production from China to the United States despite the administration’s push to repatriate supply chains.

Navarro’s remarks come three months after Washington imposed a 145% tariff on a wide range of Chinese imports, a measure that has increased pressure on U.S. technology firms with substantial operations in China. He added that investors should view recent trade letters as part of ongoing negotiations and repeated his call for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at its July meeting to mitigate trade-related economic headwinds.

Apple shares fell about 1% in pre-market trading following Navarro’s comments, reversing earlier gains. The stock move highlights investor sensitivity to signs that the company could face higher import costs or other punitive measures if it does not accelerate the relocation of its manufacturing footprint.

Apple Inc. is in advanced talks to secure the United States broadcast and streaming rights for Formula 1 when the package becomes available next year, according to the Financial Times and corroborated by Reuters. The move would challenge Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN, which has held exclusive U.S. rights since 2018 but whose contract expires after the 2025 season.

People familiar with the negotiations told Puck’s Dylan Byers that Apple has tabled an offer between $150 million and $200 million a year—well above the roughly $85 million to $90 million ESPN currently pays. Formula 1’s owner, Liberty Media, has not yet decided on a winner and is expected to weigh additional bids, including interest previously signaled by Netflix.

Read more

Apple announced that its design team will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook following the planned retirement of Jeff Williams later this year. Williams, who has been overseeing the design team since the departure of Evans Hankey in 2023, currently serves as Apple's Chief Operating Officer. This leadership change marks a notable shift in the company's organizational structure, placing Cook in a more hands-on role as Apple prepares for a significant visual overhaul of its products. The move comes amid broader executive transitions at the Cupertino-based technology giant.

Apple on Tuesday said Senior Vice President of Operations Sabih Khan will become chief operating officer later this month, succeeding Jeff Williams in a transition the company described as long-planned. Khan, 59, has spent nearly three decades at the iPhone maker, helping build the global supply chain and spearheading efforts that Apple says reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60%.

Williams, 62, will stay on through the end of the year, continuing to oversee Apple’s design organization, Apple Watch and health initiatives while reporting to Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook. Once Williams retires, the design team will shift to reporting directly to Cook, formalizing a structure put in place after the departure of design chief Evans Hankey in 2023.

The reshuffle removes a long-time lieutenant often viewed as Cook’s potential successor and positions Khan as the highest-ranking operations executive at the world’s most valuable company. It also marks Apple’s most significant leadership change since the exits of key designers and hardware chiefs in recent years, as the company navigates supply-chain pressures and prepares new product lines.

The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is expected to be available in four color options, including a new light blue shade. This particular blue is described as a 'barely blue' or sky blue color that could appear almost white in low-light conditions, reminiscent of the blue Sierra tone seen on the iPhone 13 Pro. The new finish aims to emphasize the ultra-thin design of the iPhone 17 Air, distinguishing it from previous Apple blue hues. Multiple sources and leaks have confirmed the introduction of this unique color as part of the iPhone 17 Air lineup.