Apple Inc. - AAPL STOCK NEWS

Apple has announced the election of Alex Gorsky, former chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, to its board of directors. Gorsky brings extensive experience in corporate leadership and health technologies, having led Johnson & Johnson to become the largest healthcare company globally. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm for Gorsky's innovative mindset and ability to improve lives through technology. Gorsky's leadership is expected to positively impact Apple’s direction in health-focused innovations.

Apple announced its fiscal 2021 fourth quarter results, achieving a record revenue of $83.4 billion, reflecting a 29% year-over-year increase. The company reported earnings per diluted share of $1.24. Key highlights include record performance in Services and Mac segments, along with a substantial growth in the active installed base of devices. Apple returned over $24 billion to shareholders and declared a cash dividend of $0.22 per share, payable on November 11, 2021. The financial results showcase strong double-digit growth across all geographic segments and product categories.

Apple has announced its commitment to sustainability by doubling the number of suppliers using 100% clean energy, with 175 suppliers now on board. This effort supports its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030. Apple will simultaneously launch 10 new renewable energy initiatives to assist under-resourced communities globally, aiming to create economic opportunities and social impact. Over the past five years, Apple has managed to reduce its carbon emissions by 40% and plans for every device sold to have a net-zero climate impact by 2030.

Apple has announced the opening of its new store, Apple Bağdat Caddesi, in Istanbul on October 22. This marks Apple's third retail location in Turkey, designed to integrate local materials and promote community engagement through programs like Perspektif Istanbul. The store offers an immersive AR exhibition and is staffed by a diverse team fluent in 14 languages. The grand opening will require appointments due to health measures.

Apple has released significant updates for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, designed for creative professionals utilizing the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Final Cut Pro now enables video editors to play seven streams of 8K ProRes and color grade in 8K HDR with Liquid Retina XDR. It introduces a machine-learning-based Object Tracker for creating engaging graphics. Logic Pro features tools for creating spatial audio music, allowing users to mix songs in Dolby Atmos. Both applications are available today on the Mac App Store.

Apple has unveiled the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips for the MacBook Pro, enhancing performance and efficiency. The M1 Pro features a 10-core CPU and GPU options that are 2x and 4x faster than the original M1, respectively. Memory bandwidth is significantly improved, with M1 Pro supporting up to 32GB and M1 Max up to 64GB of unified memory. Both chips introduce an advanced media engine with ProRes accelerators aimed at professional video processing. The launch marks a significant step in the transition to Apple silicon, promising greater power efficiency and unprecedented capabilities.

Apple unveiled its reimagined MacBook Pro powered by the new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. These chips offer groundbreaking performance with a 10-core CPU and up to 32-core GPU. The new 14- and 16-inch models feature a Liquid Retina XDR display, improved audio, and advanced connectivity including Thunderbolt 4 and MagSafe 3. The 14-inch model starts at $1,999 and the 16-inch at $2,499. Customers can order now, with availability beginning October 26. The MacBook Pro is aimed at professionals, delivering up to 21 hours of battery life and enhancing workflows significantly.

Apple has introduced the Apple Music Voice Plan, a new subscription model that leverages Siri for music streaming. Priced at $4.99 per month, this plan provides access to a vast catalog of over 90 million songs and curated playlists, all through voice commands. Available later this fall in 17 countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, the plan enhances music discovery via personalized playlists designed for voice requests. Subscribers can easily command Siri to play specific music across all Siri-enabled devices.

Apple has launched the third generation of AirPods featuring spatial audio and an advanced acoustic system. The new design focuses on user comfort with a shorter stem and enhanced control via a force sensor. Key features include Adaptive EQ, up to six hours of listening time, and a battery life of up to 30 hours with the charging case. The new AirPods will be available for $179 starting from October 26, 2021, with AirPods Pro now priced at $249. They also integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices, enhancing the overall user experience.