Trump says Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei not seen after strike – Latest on Middle East crisis
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore naviga...
Apple’s latest smartphone, the iPhone Air, sold out within minutes of its launch in China on Friday, highlighting the brand’s enduring appeal among Chinese consumers despite growing competition from local Android makers.
The swift sellout came just days after Apple CEO Tim Cook concluded a high-profile visit to China, where he met with developers, retail staff, and partners in a show of confidence in the company’s second-largest market. Cook’s visit, widely covered by Chinese media, appeared to generate strong consumer enthusiasm ahead of the iPhone Air’s debut.
Apple’s Chinese website and several authorized online retailers reported that the new model was sold out within minutes of preorders opening, with delivery dates quickly pushed back by several weeks. The surge in demand reflects the continued loyalty of Apple’s user base in China, even as rivals such as Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo intensify competition with new flagship releases.
The iPhone Air, positioned as a lighter and more power-efficient version of Apple’s main lineup, has drawn attention for its sleek design and advanced display technology. Its lower price point compared with the Pro series also makes it attractive to a broader range of consumers, especially younger buyers in urban markets.
The strong launch suggests Apple’s brand image remains resilient in China, despite political tensions and the rise of homegrown alternatives. “The rapid sellout shows that Apple still commands significant emotional and technological appeal,” said one market expert. “Consumers trust the brand’s ecosystem, and the iPhone Air hits the sweet spot between performance and price.”
During his visit, Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to the Chinese market, describing the country as a “vital center for innovation and craftsmanship.” His remarks were interpreted as an effort to reassure both Chinese consumers and manufacturing partners amid ongoing scrutiny of US. tech companies operating in China.
While Apple continues to face headwinds from tightening regulations and fierce domestic competition, the iPhone Air’s early success suggests that the company’s formula of combining design, performance, and brand prestige still resonates deeply with Chinese consumers.
For now, the iPhone Air’s instant sellout shows more than just strong sales; it sheds light on Apple’s ability to maintain its cultural and commercial presence in one of the world’s most competitive smartphone markets.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
The prevailing security situation in the region has done little to deter entrepreneurs from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) who continue to view Dubai as a premier and safe location for business.
China has raised the retail prices of petrol and diesel after global oil prices climbed sharply. The country’s top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced the move after reviewing international oil market trends.
Global financial markets remained on edge on Friday as the escalating war involving the United States, Israel and Iran continued to rattle investors, fuelling volatility in stocks and sending energy prices sharply higher.
China’s top leadership has unveiled a new push to turn advanced technologies into large-scale industrial priorities as part of the country’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, which will guide economic and social development from 2026 to 2030.
The European Commission sees no immediate impact on the European Union's security of oil supply from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, it said in an email to EU governments, seen by Reuters on Monday (2 March).
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