Apple

Published on 28/10/2025 – 16:58 GMT+1
•Updated
16:59

Apple’s stock reached new heights on Tuesday, trading above $269 a share and pushing the company’s market capitalisation to a record $4 trillion (€3.4tr). That followed stronger-than-expected demand for its latest iPhone 17.

The Cupertino-based technology giant therefore joins the elite club with Nvidia and Microsoft, which both surpassed the same valuation earlier this year.

Nvidia, the semiconductor powerhouse, became the first company in history to hit the $4tn milestone in July 2025. News of soaring AI investments and the firm’s strong profit outlook have continued to lift its share price since then, now approaching $4.7tn (€4tn).

The so-called Magnificent Seven, the seven largest publicly traded technology companies in the world, have been cashing in on the AI boom this year, with tech share prices rising accordingly. Since January, Apple shares are up more than 18%, Nvidia’s nearly 40%, and Microsoft’s close to 30%.

However, Apple has mostly stayed out of the race to invest billions in AI projects. Current market enthusiasm for the iPhone maker’s stock instead stems from the successful launch of its updated iPhone range, along with signs of easing trade and tariff pressures.

According to Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 series has outsold the iPhone 16 range by 14% during its first ten days on sale in China and the United States.

Five members of the Magnificent Seven, Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, are reporting earnings this week. They will need to demonstrate strong growth and justify the massive spending currently underway in artificial intelligence, amid growing concerns that the sector may be forming a bubble reminiscent of the dot-com boom that burst in 2000.

According to Kate Leaman, chief market analyst at AvaTrade:”Markets move on leadership, and right now, the leadership of Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple is inseparable from the risk appetite of investors worldwide.”

She noted that more than 40% of S&P 500 gains this year have come via these giants.

“But with that concentration comes fragility,” she added, saying that even as revenues climb, the commentary provided by executives “will critically frame how far and how confidently the market can chase the AI story into 2026”.

The square root of absolutely nothing happens in each episode, but I’m still watching every week!

A lavish sci-fi series with characters so bad you find yourself rooting for the evil aliens plotting to conquer Earth, Apple TV’s Invasion is the latest show that outstays its welcome after some early success.The first series was held together by a group of child actors, the second was held together by stunning visuals, but the third season is held together by… nothing at all.

At best, Apple TV’s Invasion is a victim of its own success and has been drawn out for one or two seasons too long. With an undeserved 6.2/10 on IMDB, it’s absolutely not worth your time – but for me, it is too late.

The third season boasts the usual high production values you get from an Apple series, but the script is abysmal (featuring timeless quips like the age-old “In English, please?!”) as it follows the violent spikey black aliens who, out of nowhere, have re-launched their invasion on Earth.

I have recently found solace in a community on Reddit dedicated to trashing the programme. One person wrote: “Every single episode makes me wonder, ‘Did I fall asleep watching the last episode and miss something? Did I accidentally skip an episode?’”

I agree with them. But sifting through the exasperated posts, it seems we have more than our hatred in common. We all, like a dog with a bone, return each and every Friday for another hit of this endlessly disappointing series.

Another wrote: “The season is almost over and nothing has happened yet. We saw one clear alien with a wounded leg, who seemed to be about as aggressive as a stoned jellyfish, and three hunter killers in a hole in the ground.

“I think it’s safe to say that this isn’t a sci-fi as much as it is an unfunny sitcom with annoying characters who are always whining about the invisible aliens winning a war.” Very true.

I think the reason for our slot-machine addiction to Invasion is the promise of the first season. That was almost entirely down to the young acting prowess of Billy Barratt (Caspar Morrow), India Brown (Jamila Huston) and Paddy Holland (Monty Cuttermill). We see them overcome school bully and victim dynamics, traverse the English Channel and unlock communication with the terrifying morphing alien beasts.

The sparkly performances from all three casts a Goonies-like magic on the plot and has you gunning for the humans – unlike some of the other characters who make you wonder if it’s actually time for an alien takeover.

Huston’s performance is certainly an anchor in the third season, but she is outnumbered by griege special effects and gaping plotholes, while the loss of her schoolmates is palpable. I am convinced that some distant promise of a reunion of the young stars is what is keeping us locked in.

One Redditor wrote of Barratt’s unexplained absence in the third season: “My guess is they have left it open for him to come back. I hope he does. But, with the quality of the show in decline, the actor may decide he doesn’t want to, especially if he is getting other offers.

“With the poor quality of script writing and character development, I can’t imagine it’s a very rewarding acting experience for the cast.”

For now, we are left with an indistinguishably twisty plotline that follows some of the most annoying characters on screen, even though I will be tuning in for every single episode and beyond!

The budget airline is making a big change to tickets at most airports

Ryanair is set to make a significant change to its ticketing system, effective from November 12. Starting from this date, the airline will only issue ‘100% Digital Boarding Passes’ (DBP), and physical tickets will no longer be accepted at most airports.

This scheme, initially scheduled for May 2025, seeks to help eliminate certain charges and save around 300 tonnes of paper each year, while allowing travellers to receive direct flight updates. But if you’re concerned about the practical aspects, don’t worry.

The Mirror has summarised three main questions and answers regarding the upcoming change, using official information from Ryanair. You can also learn more about the boarding pass change on the airline’s website here

1. How can I get a digital boarding pass?

Ryanair passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or via the Ryanair App, which is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The Express reports that passengers should complete this process before arriving at the airport to avoid extra charges.

After check-in, a DBP will automatically appear in the Ryanair App. You should present this at airport security and the boarding gate before your flight. The budget airline stated that this method is ‘quicker, easier,’ and results in ‘less stress’ compared to using paper tickets.

2. What happens if my phone dies or I lose it before boarding?

Losing your mobile phone can be a stressful experience, but according to Ryanair’s boss Michael O’Leary, it won’t stop you from catching your flight.

In a conversation on The Independent’s daily travel podcast, he explained: “The big concern that people have is: ‘What happens if I lose my battery or what if I lose my phone?’

“…If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you’ve checked in before you got to the airport, we’ll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge.”

Even if your mobile runs out of juice, O’Leary pointed out that staff will have each passenger’s ‘sequence number’ at the departure gate. This means you should still be able to board without it, so ‘nobody should worry’.

Guidance on Ryanair’s website echoes this, adding: “If you have already checked in online and you lose your smartphone or tablet (or it dies), your details are already on our system and you will be assisted at the gate.”

3. What if the airport Wi-Fi is poor, or I have no mobile data?

Ryanair has reassured passengers that once they’ve completed online check-in, their DBP will be accessible offline within the Ryanair App. However, its website guidance emphasises: “All Ryanair passengers will still receive email reminders to check-in online 48 and 24hrs predeparture.

“If any passenger arrives at airport but hasn’t checked in online (having ignored these reminders), they will still be required to pay the airport check-in fee.”

Currently, the fee is set at £55/€55 per passenger for most flights. However, passengers flying out of Spain are obliged to pay £30/€30, while those departing from Austria will be hit with a £40/€40 charge.

The cult comedy, which stars Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern and Carol Burnett, is returning for a second season next month

Yellowstone star Josh Lucas appears completely different in the forthcoming second series of Palm Royale, arriving on Apple TV+ next month.

The quirky comedy features Kristen Wiig as an ambitious social climber attempting to break into an elite society circle in 1960s Florida.

Despite garnering merely 56 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the debut series has slowly cultivated a devoted fanbase who insist it’s been “underrated” by reviewers.

Fortunately, it also proved sufficiently popular to secure a second series, which will see Wiig’s Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons reunited with Lucas, who plays her on-screen spouse Douglas Darby Dellacorte-Simmons.

Lucas, who has also appeared in films Sweet Home Alabama and Ford v Ferrari, is familiar to Yellowstone viewers for his portrayal of a younger Kevin Costner’s central character John Dutton in flashback sequences, reports the Mirror US.

Nevertheless, he appears utterly different in the sneak peek at Palm Royale series two, trading his cowboy hat and denim for a leather jacket, shades and aviator’s cap.

Viewers who have already watched the first series will have witnessed Lucas sporting a 60s-style haircut, complete with sideburns, and a freshly-shaved appearance.

The upcoming series will continue with Maxine grappling with Douglas’ infidelity as well as the impending arrival of his child with another woman.

If you haven’t already caught up with Palm Royale’s inaugural series, now’s the ideal moment as newcomers still have until 12th November before series two begins.

Viewers have been singing praises for the first series, with one Redditor posting: “Okay, what is up with the rating? This show is fabulous.”

“A lot of people don’t understand the tone of the show,” another viewer concurred.

“It’s camp, it’s fun, it’s a technicolor spectacular I wish everyone could just enjoy it and let it grow for a few more seasons.”

A third fan chimed in: “This is my favourite new show in the past few years! What talent! What writing!

“So incredibly funny and fabulous. Love the fashion and the cinematography. Every week keeps me wanting more! Love is an understatement!”

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The series also boasts several five-star Google reviews, with one viewer penning: “Love Kristen Wiig. Hilarious, comedic genius.

“Then I searched out the cast and I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Carol Burnett… The Queen of everything, Laura Dern. The leading cast is exquisite, all the parts are moving. This show is so much fun and quite entertaining with absurd scenarios.”

Will you be giving Palm Royale a chance now it’s returning for another round of misadventures in Florida?

Palm Royale season 2 premieres Wednesday, 12th November on Apple TV+. Yellowstone is available to stream on Paramount+.

As many stock market observers know, Warren Buffett‘s Berkshire Hathaway has been a net seller of stocks. The most notable sale has been Apple. That position made up over 40% of the portfolio at one time, but the share has since fallen to around 22%.

What investors need to understand is that the selling does not mean Buffett’s team isn’t buying stocks at all. One notable recent purchase has been Domino’s Pizza (DPZ -0.03%). The stock’s past gains and its value proposition have likely inspired this investment, and such optimism warrants a closer look at the business and the stock to see if it is a suitable choice for average investors.

Image source: Getty Images.

Berkshire Hathaway and Domino’s

Domino’s has returned more than 6,500% in stock gains and dividend payments since it went public in 2004. Most investors, including Berkshire Hathaway, have missed out on most of those gains, but Berkshire’s bets could indicate that significant upside remains.

DPZ Total Return Level data by YCharts

Buffett’s company began buying Domino’s shares in the third quarter of 2024 and has increased its position size in every quarter since that time. Today, it holds just over 2.6 million shares, or about 7.75% of the outstanding shares.

Another possible factor in Berkshire’s investment in Domino’s is that it is the world’s largest pizza chain, boasting 21,750 locations globally as of the end of fiscal Q3. Despite that success, investors may question why an investor would want to get into a business like pizza, which at least in theory, has low barriers to entry.

However, no other pizza business has grown to the same size, and one can find the kinds of competitive advantages that attract investors like Buffett when looking at Domino’s more closely.

One key part of Domino’s is its franchise model. This enables the chain to open a large number of locations with a relatively small amount of capital, leveraging high brand recognition to drive business.

Moreover, it offers a digital-first approach, which makes ordering easier and capitalizes on route planning for faster deliveries. Additionally, an efficient supply chain helps standardize food quality and costs, increasing consistency across locations.

Furthermore, despite a global footprint, Domino’s adapts its menu to suit local tastes, and new offerings such as parmesan-stuffed crust or added customization options keep its customers coming back to Domino’s.

The financial case for Domino’s

Buffett’s team was likely also drawn by its financial metrics. Indeed, with its global footprint, the maturity of the business appears to make it more of a value stock.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2025 (ended Sept. 8), revenue of $3.4 billion rose by 4%. Nonetheless, during that time, its free cash flow of $496 million surged 32% higher over the same timeframe. Gains on assets and lower capital expenditures bolstered that cash position.

Additionally, that free cash flow easily covered the company’s $119 million in dividend costs in the first nine months of the fiscal year. At $6.96 per share, its 1.6% dividend yield is well above the 1.2% average for the S&P 500. Buffett’s team also probably liked its 13-year history of payout hikes, a trend that makes further annual payout hikes likely to continue.

Investors should also take note of the pizza chain’s valuation. Its P/E ratio of 25 is below the company’s five-year average earnings multiple of 30. Also, since its P/E ratio has not fallen significantly below 25 since the early 2010s, one can assume that Domino’s stock sells at a reasonable price.

Should you follow Berkshire Hathaway into Domino’s stock?

Given the state of the company, investors can likely make a prudent move by following Berkshire Hathaway into Domino’s stock.

Indeed, a 6,500% total return over the stock’s history may cause some prospective buyers to shy away, particularly because of the competitive nature of the pizza industry.

However, Domino’s brand recognition and its focus on franchising, operational efficiency, and a robust supply chain give the company a competitive advantage. Moreover, investors can buy the stock at a relatively reasonable price and collect an above-average dividend yield.

In the end, even if Domino’s does not generate excitement, the stock is likely to cook up rising dividends and market-beating returns over time.

F1 races are exclusively coming to Apple TV next year as part of a five-year deal announced Friday between the tech giant and Formula 1.

Apple TV subscribers in the U.S. will have access to practice, qualifying, Sprint sessions and Grands Prix footage, as well as F1 TV Premium, Formula 1’s subscription service.

Some races and practice sessions may be free for viewing on the Apple TV app. The Apple Sports app will show live updates on each Grand Prix, including real-time leaderboards, Apple said.

“2026 marks a transformative new era for Formula 1, from new teams to new regulations and cars with the best drivers in the world, and we look forward to delivering premium and innovative fan-first coverage to our customers in a way that only Apple can,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, said in a statement.

Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s president and CEO, said the partnership will help maximize Formula 1’s growth potential in the U.S. His company worked with Apple on “F1 The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, which was released last summer. It was Apple’s first box office hit.

“We have a shared vision to bring this amazing sport to our fans in the U.S. and entice new fans through live broadcasts, engaging content, and a year-round approach to keep them hooked,” Domenicali said in a statement.

Apple paid roughly $140 million a year for the rights to show the races, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly. The races have been airing on ESPN since 2018 in a deal that will end this year. ESPN paid roughly $85 million per year on average, the source said. The financial terms were first reported by CNBC.

Apple and Formula 1 did not immediately return a request for comment and ESPN declined to comment on the financial terms of the deal.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we and Formula 1 accomplished together in the United States and look forward to a strong finish in this final season,” ESPN said in a statement. “We wish F1 well in the future.”

Streaming services have increasingly been airing sports on their platforms to attract more viewers who gather for major events. In addition to F1, Apple has deals to air games from Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer.

Apple also recently announced a deal to bundle Apple TV with NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock.

Microsoft (MSFT -0.15%) and Apple (AAPL 0.54%) are forever rivals. They are competitors in the personal computer market and for years have been the leading tech companies in the world. Even today, their valuations are similar. As of Tuesday’s close, Microsoft had a slight edge in market cap ($3.82 trillion versus $3.67 trillion).

There’s a new arena that could be their new battleground: artificial intelligence (AI). It’s still the early innings of AI deployment, and how their businesses evolve and adapt to AI remains a big question mark. But based on where they are today, which AI stock looks to be the better buy right now?

Image source: Getty Images.

Which company has the better overall growth prospects?

Both of these companies already have large, robust businesses that can benefit from AI. Apple is a big name in consumer electronics with its iPads and iPhones being highly coveted products and, in some cases, status symbols. Microsoft, meanwhile, has its core in the business world with companies all over using its office products and cloud software for their day-to-day operational needs. They also both sell personal computers, with Microsoft focusing more on practicality and real-world business use, while Apple’s focus has been on simplicity and ease of use for the average user.

They both have many opportunities where AI can enhance their existing products in services. But the edge for sheer growth potential has to go Microsoft, simply because of how much broader its business has become over the years, especially in gaming, with it wrapping up its massive $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard a couple of years ago.

Which company will benefit the most from AI?

AI has tremendous potential applications for these businesses. Many Apple users have been eagerly awaiting the launch of new AI-powered features for the company’s iPhones and were disappointed when they learned many of the key ones related to Siri will be pushed back until next year.

When that happens, however, that could trigger a flurry of upgrades and growth for the business. I don’t think a slow-and-steady approach will necessarily hurt Apple. In fact, it could end up being a smart move for the tech company by taking its time and ensuring everything is rolled out smoothly, to ensure that user privacy is well protected in the process.

Microsoft has already been enhancing its products and services with AI capabilities. However, there’s been plenty of debate about just how successful its Copilot AI really is. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has referred to it as “Clippy 2.0,” in reference to the frustrating assistant that Microsoft had years ago that users didn’t find all that helpful.

Apple deserves an edge when it comes to AI potential, simply for the massive wave of upgrades that could be coming if it hits it out of the park with its new iPhone features.

Which stock has the more attractive valuation?

It’s always important to consider valuation when buying a stock, as buying at a high price may impact your ability to earn a good return from your investment in the future. For a while, Microsoft’s stock was trading at more of a premium to Apple’s stock, but in recent weeks, that gap has evaporated.

Data by YCharts.

This one is easy to decide: It’s a tie. Their price-to-earnings multiples are almost identical at this stage. But it is notable to see that prior to the announcement of reciprocal tariffs in April, it was Apple that was trading at more of a premium than Microsoft, and then the trend reversed, with Apple’s exposure to manufacturing its iPhones in China likely weighing down the stock for part of the year.

Which stock should you buy?

The stock I’d buy today is Apple. It has devoted fans who will be willing to upgrade to the newest iPhone, even under challenging economic conditions, if it means access to cutting-edge features. Apple may be slow in rolling out AI, but when it does, the execution can be a lot cleaner, polished, and better for users in the end than if it were rushed.

Microsoft, meanwhile, has been quick to rush out AI features for its software. However, in an increasingly crowded market for AI services, it may have a more difficult time keeping customers happy when there may be other, and potentially better, options to choose from.

Apple, may, in the end, benefit from being a bit slower in its AI deployment.

THEY say an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – and in the case of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter it could hardly be more appropriate.

Yesterday we revealed Apple Martin’s first photoshoot, posing with a python in an ad campaign for fashion brand Self-Portrait.

And last week saw her collaboration with her mum for a high-profile Gap shoot.

But the 21-year-old model, singer and socialite insists we should all forget the nepo baby label — because it’s all thanks to her parents “instilling a work mentality in her”.

“I should not be entitled to anything, I have to work,” she said in a recent interview.

But what Apple means by “work” is raising a few eyebrows in the world of showbiz.

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Singing on records by her dad’s band Coldplay, cameos in her mum’s Netflix documentaries, and even a movie role — despite having zero acting experience — are only fuelling accusations that she could well be this year’s ultimate nepo baby, or the child whose success is seen as resulting from their parents’ connections.

A showbiz insider said: “Apple has all the qualities to be the new It girl.

“She’s got girl-next-door looks and has a sweet and innocent demeanour, but deep down she has a wild side.

“She’s sure to ruffle a few feathers as she makes her way in the modeling world.

“And whether she likes it or not, she’s definitely one of the nepos to watch.”

But showing she is not afraid to hit back at the naysayers, the fiery model said: “I constantly remind myself how grateful I am to have these opportunities. I know this is not a normal way to grow up, by any means.

“But my parents did a really good job of instilling in me that I shouldn’t be entitled to anything.”

Apple claims she always wanted to be a model, recalling how she “did run runway walks” in her bedroom while dressed for school, practising her version of Ben Stiller’s Blue Steel pose from the film Zoolander.

She said: “I’ve always been obsessed with fashion. I remember when my mum would do fittings for photoshoots when I was younger, I’d love to just hang out while she was getting her make-up done on set.”

My parents did a really good job of instilling in me that I shouldn’t be entitled to anything

Apple Martin

Given that dad Chris is the super-clean frontman of the world’s most inoffensive band, Apple’s personality — as well as her looks — is perhaps more aligned with her Hollywood-star mum, who knows all too well about divisive images.

Gwyneth — herself the nepo baby of film director Bruce Paltrow and actress Blythe Danner — was a self-confessed party girl in the Nineties and famously bragged about loving the buzz of “doing cocaine and not getting caught” during her twenties in New York.

It’s yet to be seen how Apple gets her kicks on a night out, but her parties have certainly gained quite a reputation after police were forced to shut down one particularly raucous bash in 2022 with 50 of her pals at Gwyneth’s estate in the Hamptons — the affluent seaside resort on New York’s Long Island.

Mum was out of town at the time but according to neighbours, the revellers were “partying like rock stars” and made so much noise, angry locals had no choice but to call the cops.

Apple reportedly ended up receiving a fine for hosting a gathering without a permit. Her parents have a combined worth of £320million, so it’s unlikely she would have struggled to pay it.

Apple, who was born in London, was educated in California, attending the £30,000-a-year Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where she graduated in 2022.

She is now studying English and history at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Her taste for fashion has been evident since she got a job in a clothes shop aged 15.

I don’t think we need another celebrity child in the world

Apple Martin

She attended her first runway show in 2023, sitting front row at the Chanel Haute Couture show in Paris, and said afterwards she was developing her own style, a mix of “classic ’90s and cool grandpa”.

Apart from brief appearances in her mum’s Netflix shows and Instagram pictures, as well as singing on Coldplay songs — including 2021 single Higher Power — Apple has only entered the limelight in the last few years, when signs of her personality have begun to shine through.

In April this year she gave a bolshy take on growing up in the public eye for high-end fashion mag Interview — where she worked as an intern — in which she admitted she used to be “anxious about making mistakes”.

She added that she had been put off showbiz because “I don’t think we need another celebrity child in the world.”

She continued: “I just try to do what feels right and block out anything regarding me in the news to the best of my ability.

“And I’m getting a lot better at being like, ‘F*** it’. I’m not going to be scared. I just want to do what seems fun and figure my life out.”

But Apple’s steely approach was put to the test last year when she made her debut at the high-society Le Bal des Débutantes — a modern version of the old debutante ball — in Paris.

The bash at the $1,000-a-night Hotel Shangri-La was supposed to signal her arrival, in a stunning Valentino gown, as a new Hollywood power player.

But instead Apple suffered an online backlash after she was accused of deliberately photobombing a fellow guest and forcing her out of the frame, then pouting and posing for several photos.

After the footage went viral, social media users branded her “obnoxious”, “entitled” and “giving Regina George” — a reference to the notorious queen bee in the 2004 movie Mean Girls.

But rather than give a mature response, Apple instead poked fun at the situation, posting a video on TikTok with a pal jokingly stating that they are both “a delight” and “very funny” — which only served to earn her the nickname “Rotten Apple”.

Gwyneth was also at the ball with ex-husband Chris and Apple’s 19-year-old brother Moses, who is the lead singer in up-and-coming band Dancer.

She has previously admitted that despite Apple’s recent claims that her parents don’t want her to be “entitled”, there is little doubt that she is — but Gwyneth sees it as positive.

Talking about Apple and her pals, she said: “They have, and I mean this word in the best possible way, a sense of entitlement that’s beautiful.

“It’s not spoiled . . .  I find it very uplifting and heartening that we all seem to be going in this direction together.”

Even so, Gwyneth knows Apple’s spiky side too, having received a ticking off from her for posting a snap of her on Instagram when she was 14.

Apple commented under Gwyneth’s post, ranting: “Mom we have discussed this. You may not post anything without my consent.”

Sassy response

She later deleted the remark after her mum replied: “You can’t even see your face.”

Apple also gave a sassy response when her mum posted a picture of herself making breakfast while topless, writing: “Did I steal your shirt by accident”.

And she also ripped into Gwyneth’s morning routine while trolling the TikTok account of her lifestyle brand Goop, saying: “She eats nothing except for dates and almond butter,” adding that Gwyneth had been on a cleanse “since the day I was born, apparently”.

But when asked how she stays grounded, Apple said: “Hanging out with my friends and trying to have a normal college experience makes me feel more normal.

“That’s how I like to unwind. We’ll sit down and do little guitar playing sessions, one person will play and the others will sing.

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“I also love watching reality TV with my friends. There was one day we spent five hours on the couch and just watched old episodes of America’s Next Top Model.”

Normal? Or nepo? You decide.

Nearly 30 million people in the UK who bought an Apple or Samsung smartphone between 2015 and 2024 may be entitled to about £17 if the consumer campaign group Which? is successful in a case against US tech giant Qualcomm.

The consumer group is taking the tech giant to the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London on Monday.

The trial between Which? and Qualcomm is expected to last five weeks. The consumer group is accusing the chip company of anti-competitive practices.

It claims the firm forced Apple and Samsung to pay inflated prices and licensing fees for essential handset components, which then pushed up the cost of those smartphones for consumers.

The BBC has reached out to Qualcomm for comment.

The trial starting on Monday will focus on whether Qualcomm held market power and, if so, whether it abused a dominant position.

If Which? is successful, there will be a second stage seeking £480m from Qualcomm, to be distributed among an estimated 29 million British phone owners affected.

Which? is seeking damages for all affected Apple and Samsung smartphones purchased between 1 October 2015 and 9 January 2024.

The consumer group says this would probably work out at around £17 each. Qualcomm has previously said the case has “no basis”.

A similar case against Qualcomm is ongoing in Canada, and the firm has also previously been fined by the EU for antitrust.

Anabel Hoult, chief executive of Which?, said: “This trial is a huge moment. It shows how the power of consumers – backed by Which? – can be used to hold the biggest companies to account if they abuse their dominant position.”

Qualcomm is one of the world’s biggest producers of smartphone chips and has faced allegations about anti-competitive behaviour before.

The Federal Trade Commission in the United States sued the firm for unfair practices in the way it licensed its technology back in 2017, but had its case dismissed in 2020.

The technology giant Apple has confirmed the removal of ICEBlock, a crowdsourcing app that collects sightings of US immigration officers, and similar software from its App Store, following pressure from the administration of United States President Donald Trump.

As of Friday, ICEBlock was no longer available on the App Store, where users can download software.

“We just received a message from Apple’s App Review that #ICEBlock has been removed from the App Store due to ‘objectionable content’,” the app’s social media team said in a post on the platform BlueSky. “The only thing we can imagine is this is due to pressure from the Trump Admin. We have responded and we’ll fight this!”

The move marks a rare instance of an app being taken down due to demands from the US government, raising concerns about pressure on private companies and limits to free speech.

ICEBlock is a free iPhone-only app that allows users to anonymously report and track Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

It was developed in April in response to President Trump’s hardline immigration agenda and the recent increase in ICE arrests.

ICE has been a central part of Trump’s push for mass deportation since he took office for a second term. Its agents have regularly raided workplaces, homes and courthouses to arrest migrants, and rights advocates say free speech and due process are often being infringed upon in the government’s deportation drive.

Apple’s decision to remove the ICEBlock app from its platform has also shed light on the growing ties between major tech firms and the Trump administration. Many companies, including the iPhone maker, have sought to avoid clashes with a White House that has not been shy about issuing threats — particularly around tariffs — against specific firms.

“Based on information we’ve received from law enforcement about the safety risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps from the App Store,” Apple said in an emailed statement.

Fox Business first reported the app’s removal on Thursday, citing a statement from US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said the Department of Justice contacted Apple and that the company complied with its request to pull the app.

“ICEBlock is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs, and violence against law enforcement is an intolerable red line that cannot be crossed,” Bondi told Fox Business.

Joshua Aaron, the Texas-based creator of ICEBlock, disputed that characterisation and criticised Apple’s decision.

“I am incredibly disappointed by Apple’s actions today. Capitulating to an authoritarian regime is never the right move,” Aaron told the Reuters news agency.

David Greene, the civil liberties director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights group, said the move underscored a pattern of government overreach.

“It is not surprising — they have been threatening this for a while and we do expect to see more of this and other blatantly unconstitutional actions going forward,” Greene told Al Jazeera.

The Trump administration has shown “little to no regard” for the rule of law, Greene explained, pointing out that the app’s activities are protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution, which enshrines the right to free speech.

He also argued that the public should know how its government is operating, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like immigration. But, Greene added, the Trump administration has “never sincerely cared about the free flow of information”.

“Publishing truthful information about matters of public interest is worthy of the highest level of First Amendment protection, and the operations of government, and the identities of who the operators are, is certainly a matter of high public interest,” Greene said.

‘Watch out’

Bondi, however, has previously argued that Aaron is “not protected” under the Constitution and that they are looking at prosecuting him, warning him to “watch out”.

Civilian surveillance of federal immigration agents has become more assertive in recent months, as activists try to protect their communities from aggressive enforcement by ICE agents.

Since Trump returned to office, ICE has ramped up its enforcement efforts, and a bill passed in July has assured the agency of $75bn in new funding through 2029.

The agency has also arrested visa holders and permanent US residents targeted by the Trump administration over pro-Palestinian advocacy.

In one high-profile case, Mahmoud Khalil, a US resident of Palestinian origin, was arrested after serving as a spokesperson for the antiwar protests at Columbia University, a move that rights groups condemned as intimidation.

While Khalil was released from detention in June, he continues to face deportation proceedings. In September, an immigration judge in Louisiana ordered his deportation, though Khalil has 30 days to appeal.

Legal experts have said that civilian surveillance of ICE is largely protected under the US Constitution, as long as observers do not try to obstruct law enforcement activities.

Apple removed more than 1,700 apps from its App Store in 2024 in response to government demands, but the vast majority of those requests — more than 1,300 — came from China.

Russia filed the second-highest number of demands, at 171, followed by South Korea with 79.

Over the last three years, the US was typically not among the countries where apps were removed due to government demands, according to company transparency reports.

A majority of Apple’s iPhones are manufactured in China, making the company particularly sensitive to tariff policies.

In recent months, the White House has floated potential taxes on the import of chips used in Apple devices like iPhones and Mac computers.

Apple removes thousands of apps from its app store every year, including more than 82,500 in 2024, for other reasons, including design-related issues, fraud or intellectual property infringement. Apple shares were down fractionally on Friday.

Second order this year focuses on UK users; earlier attempt included US user data, but was withdrawn under US pressure.

The British government has ordered Apple to hand over personal data uploaded by its customers to the cloud for the second time this year in an ongoing privacy row that has raised concerns among civil liberties campaigners.

The Home Office issued a demand in early September for the tech behemoth to create a so-called back door that would allow the authorities access to private data uploaded by United Kingdom Apple customers after a previous attempt that included customers in the United States failed, according to a report published on Wednesday by The Financial Times.

A previous technical capability notice (TCN) issued early this year led to a major backlash from the US, which frowns upon foreign entities seeking to regulate Silicon Valley. The administration of US President Donald Trump eventually forced the UK to back down.

US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard said in August that the administration had wanted to “ensure Americans’ private data remains private and our constitutional rights and civil liberties are protected”.

Civil liberties campaigners in the UK reacted with alarm to the latest order for access to encrypted data. “If this new order isn’t stopped, the UK Government will likely issue similar orders to other companies, too,” said London-based group Privacy International.

It said the UK government, which would be deploying the measure to protect national security, risked “everyone’s security, while claiming to ‘protect’ people”.

If this new order isn’t stopped, the UK Government will likely issue similar orders to other companies, too.

— Privacy International (@privacyint) October 1, 2025

The Home Office was cited by the FT as saying: “We do not comment on operational matters, including, for example, confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.”

Privacy through encryption is a major selling point for tech platforms, which have long seen providing access to law enforcement as a red line.

On Wednesday, Apple said it had “never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will”. The company had appealed against the earlier TCN at the UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the body confirmed in April.

However, it withdrew full end-to-end encryption, known as Advanced Data Protection, for UK users in February. The feature allows iPhone and Mac users to ensure that only they – and not even Apple – can unlock data stored on its cloud.

“Apple is still unable to offer Advanced Data Protection in the United Kingdom to new users, and current UK users will eventually need to disable this security feature,” the California-based company said on Wednesday.

The company said it was committed to offering users the highest level of security, and it was hopeful it would be able to do so in Britain in the future.

The controversy over official attempts to snoop on Apple users comes amid a growing furore over government plans to issue digital identity cards to curb undocumented immigration and ward off threats from the right-wing Reform UK party.

The move raised hackles among civil liberties groups and citizens in the UK, where the concept of national identity cards has traditionally been unpopular.

Sept. 25 (UPI) — Apple released a statement on the effects of the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act saying the law puts Apple users in the European Union at a disadvantage and that it could prevent the company from selling its products there.

Apple’s statement on Wednesday listed in detail why it believes the DMA causes harm to users as well as Apple itself. Chiefly, the DMA requires Apple to make its apps available on other markets and to other devices as well as allow other apps on its App Store, which Apple said causes increased security and privacy issues.

The DMA became law in November 2022. It says that companies must make digital markets more open and fair. The EU called for a review of the legislation that was designed to control the monopolistic power of large tech companies in their search engines, app providers and messaging services.

For example, the DMA requires that Apple users be able to use other brands of headphones besides those made by Apple. Apple said this has delayed the launch of Live Translation in the EU because of a threat to user privacy.

“We designed Live Translation so that our users’ conversations stay private — they’re processed on device and are never accessible to Apple — and our teams are doing additional engineering work to make sure they won’t be exposed to other companies or developers either,” the statement said.

With iPhone mirroring, users can see and interact with their iPhones on their Macs. But “our teams still have not found a secure way to bring this feature to non-Apple devices without putting all the data on a user’s iPhone at risk. And as a result, we have not been able to bring the feature to the EU,” Apple said.

Apple also alleged unfair competition and the ability of other companies to steal its technology.

“Instead of competing by innovating, already successful companies are twisting the law to suit their own agendas — to collect more data from EU citizens, or to get Apple’s technology for free,” it said in the statement.

Apple and the EU have clashed for years. In July, Apple appealed a $580 million fine that the EU levied against the company for DMA violations.

In August, President Donald Trump used tariffs to threaten retaliation for rules that affect American tech companies, though he didn’t specify which countries.

“I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology. They also, outrageously, give a complete pass to China’s largest Tech Companies. This must end, and end NOW!” he said on Truth Social.

Jessica Chastain has publicly challenged Apple TV+ following the streamer’s decision to hold her upcoming series “The Savant.”

Apple TV+ on Tuesday said it would be delaying the release of the show about domestic terrorism, which follows an investigator who infiltrates online hate groups.

Chastain voiced her opposition to the postponement Wednesday on Instagram, writing that she and Apple were “not aligned on the decision to pause the release of The Savant.”

Representatives for Apple TV+ did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment.

In her Instagram post, Chastain said, “In the last five years since we’ve been making the show, we’ve seen an unfortunate amount of violence in the United States,” going on to cite the Jan. 6 insurrection and the Sept. 10 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk among instances of political violence in recent years.

“I’ve never shied away from difficult subjects, and while I wish this show wasn’t so relevant, unfortunately it is,” Chastain said.

“The Savant is about the heroes who work every day to stop violence before it happens, and honoring their courage feels more urgent than ever,” she said.

Chastain said she hopes audiences will be able to see the show soon. Apple has not yet announced a new release date for the series.

President Trump’s new sky-high visa fees have shaken Silicon Valley’s tech giants as they contemplate a surge in the cost of hiring global talent and a new tactic the White House can use to keep Silicon Valley in line.

The tech industry was already navigating an economy with higher and unpredictable tariffs, when last week the Trump administration threw another curveball aimed directly at its bottom line: a $100,000 fee for the visas used to hire certain skilled foreign workers. The industry relies heavily on the H-1B visa program to bring in a wide range of engineers, coders, and other top talent to the United States.

The rollout has sparked confusion among businesses, immigration lawyers and current H-1B visa holders.

Over the weekend, the Trump administration clarified that the new fee will apply to new visas, isn’t annual and doesn’t prevent current H-1B visa holders from traveling in and outside of the country. Companies would have to pay the fee with any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after a specific time on Sept. 21, the White House said.

On Monday, the Trump administration also clarified that certain professions, such as doctors, may be exempt from the fee. Some observers are concerned that a selective application of the fee could be a way the White House can reward its friends and punish its detractors.

Meta, Apple, Google, Amazon and Microsoft have been strengthening their ties with the Trump administration by committing to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States.

Still, immigration has long been a contentious issue between the Trump administration and tech executives, some of whom were on a H-1B visa before they co-founded or led some of the world’s largest tech companies.

One of the most vocal supporters of the H-1B visas: Elon Musk, who backed Trump but has publicly sparred with him after he led the federal government’s efforts to slash spending. Musk, who runs multiple companies, including Tesla, SpaceX and xAI, is a naturalized U.S. citizen born in South Africa and has held an H-1B visa.

Tech executives have said the H-1B visa program has been crucial for hiring skilled workers. Competition to attract the world’s best talent has been intensifying since the popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT sparked a fierce race to rapidly advance artificial intelligence.

The new fee could slow California’s development and the United States’ position in the AI race by making it tougher for companies — especially startups with less money — to bring in international employees, experts said.

So far this fiscal year, more than 7,500 companies in Californiahave applied forH-1B visas and 61,841 have been approved, data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shows.

Tech companies use the visa program to hire computer scientists and engineers because the U.S. isn’t producing enough workers with the skills needed, said Darrell West, a senior fellow in the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution.

Trump “likes to talk tough on immigration, but he fails to recognize how important immigrants are to our economy,” he said. “Companies in technology, agriculture, hotels, restaurants and construction rely heavily on immigrants, and slowing that flow is going to be devastating for companies in those areas.”

In his executive order, the Trump administration noted that some companies, such as information technology firms, have allegedly misused the program, citing mass layoffs in the tech industry and the difficulty young college graduates face in landing jobs.

“President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down American wages,” Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement.

Economists and tech executives, though, have pointed to other factors affecting hiring, including economic uncertainty from tariffs, a shift in investments and the rise of AI tools that could complete tasks typically filled by entry-level workers.

California’s unemployment rate of 5.5% in August was higher than the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The rollout of the new changes has been “extremely chaotic,” and while the White House has tried to clear up some of the confusion, tech companies still have a lot of questions about how the fee would work, said Adam Kovacevich, chief executive of the Chamber of Progress, a center-left tech industry policy coalition.

“You never know what you’re gonna end up with the final policy in Trump world,” he said. “Somebody within the administration drives an announcement, there’s blowback, and then they end up modifying their plans.”

Tech companies have been trying to navigate a fine line in their relationship with Trump.

During Trump’s first term, high-profile tech executives, including those from Meta, Amazon, Google and Apple, spoke out about his administration’s order to restrict travel from several majority-Muslim countries. But in his second term, those same executives have cozied up to the Trump administration as they seek to influence AI policy and strike lucrative partnerships with the government.

They’ve contributed to his inauguration fund, appeared at high-profile press events, and attended a White House dinner, where Trump asked them how much they’re investing in the United States.

Microsoft declined to comment. Meta, Google and Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Changes to the H-1B program could also worsen relations with other countries, such as India, that send skilled tech workers to the U.S., experts said.

Indian nationals are the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program, accounting for 71% of approved petitions, followed by those from China, at approximately 12%.

Some Indian venture capitalists and research institutes see a silver lining in this murky future. On social media, some have posted that the uncertainty surrounding H-1B visa rules could encourage talented engineers to return home to build startups, thereby fueling India’s tech sector. That would mean more competition for U.S. tech companies.

Kunal Bahl, an Indian tech investor and entrepreneur, posted “Come, build in India!” on social media. His firm, Titan Capital, launched a seed funding and mentorship program aimed at attracting students and professionals rethinking their future in the U.S. after the visa troubles.

Global tech companies might also consider opening more centers abroad where workers can work remotely and not have to move to the U.S., said Phil Fersht, the founder and chief executive of HFS Research.

“The more the U.S. makes itself a less attractive place to bring in talent,” he said, “the more it is going to harm its economy.”

LOVE a freebie? Don’t we all – but the best giveaways rarely last forever.

We’ve rounded up the very best offers and promotions that are due to run out before the end of 2025. Don’t ignore them: you could miss out on free Apple AirPods, a £400 laptop, cheap theatre tickets, and more video games than you could ever hope to play.

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FREE SAMSUNG LAPTOP

A tempting offer to claim a free £400 laptop from Samsung is due to expire this year.

Samsung launched the promotion back in August.

It gets you either a £399 14-inch Chromebook Go or a Samsung Galaxy Watch7 worth £239.

You can claim it if you’ve recently bought an eligible Samsung smartphone.

For a free laptop, you’d need to have bought:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
• Samsung Galaxy S25+
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

And for a free smartwatch, you’d need to have snapped up one of the following:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
• Samsung Galaxy S25
• Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

The promotion is due to close down on October 2 this year.

And you need to submit your claim for the freebie within 30 days of making your purchase.

To claim the offer, just follow our guide here: Samsung free laptop promotion.

THREE+ FREEBIES

Earlier this year, Three revealed a generous batch of freebies along with the dates that they would expire.

They’re part of the Three+ rewards scheme, which is free to join. You just claim the freebies through the dedicated app.

And many of them are currently due to cut off at the end of the year.

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That includes 10% off theatre tickets, a cut-price English Heritage membership, and cheap airport parking.

They’re all decent perks, so don’t miss out on claiming them.

Here’s the full list of Three perks with a current expiry date of December 31, 2025:

• LOVEtheatre – 10% off tickets
• English Heritage – 25% off annual membership for 2x adults and up to 12 children = £36
• Tiqets – Get up to 45% off museums, theme parks, zoos and more, plus an extra 10% off with Three+
• Airparks – Up to 30% off airport parking
• Go Henry – two months free on financial education app for kids, plus £15 pocket money
• Banjo Robinson – free activity pack

It’s always possible that some of these perks could be extended, but there’s no guarantee.

FREE APPLE AIRPODS

Yes, really.

Apple is running a back-to-school promotion that expires next month.

And the offer nets you a free pair of Apple AirPods if you’ve bought a qualifying gadget.

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You just need to be a teacher, staff, student or parent.

And students are anyone who has gone on to college, university, or any other public or private tertiary education institution.

But beware: the deal runs out on October 21, 2025.

If you’ve bought a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro then you can claim:

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 (with £50 fee) – saving £169
• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (free) – saving £169

If you’ve snapped up an iPad Air or iPad Pro, you can get:

• Apple AirPods 4 (free) – saving £119
• Apple AirPods Pro 3 (with £100 fee) – saving £119

And if you’ve bagged an iMac, the options are:

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (free) – saving £169
• Apple AirPods Pro 3 (with £50 fee) – saving £169

The main catch is that you can only do this once for the promotion period. Just don’t miss the offer window.

It’s also worth noting that Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are brand new, so they’re a good buy.

BONUS £100 FROM O2

If you’re planning to buy one of the new iPhone models recently announced by Apple, take a look at this O2 offer.

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It comes with a bonus £100 – but only until October 8, 2025.

If you buy the new iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro Max on a pay-monthly plan, you’ll get an extra £100 if you recycle your existing mobile.

That’s in addition to the regular trade-in value of your phone.

It’s a special promotion on the O2 Recycle scheme, and you can only claim the deal once.

You don’t get the money in cash – but it’ll be credited to your plan.

So effectively, it’s a £100 discount on the amount you would’ve plaid.

You can check out the full terms for the offer here.

AMAZON PRIME GAMES

There are loads of Amazon Prime freebies that will vanish before the year is out.

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Amazon runs a special scheme for Prime members called Prime Gaming.

Every month, Amazon will dish out a selection of free games that you can keep forever.

Usually the monthly haul is worth hundreds of pounds, so it’s not bad at all.

The games drop in waves every single Thursday, and by the end of the month, the full batch is available.

But the games are only available for a month before they vanish from Amazon’s freebie list.

So you need to claim them before they disappear.

If you’re savvy, you’ll collect them all. You can bag September’s lot, and then get the October, November, and December offerings too.

You’ll probably end up with more than £1,000 in games from a four-month run.

But if you miss any of them then you’ll be too late – they’re then gone for good.

So make sure you’re hot on checking for the freebies each month. You can find them here at the Prime Gaming website.

Just note that you’ll need to have an active Amazon Prime membership to claim the games.

All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.

Always do your own research before making any purchase.

Dodgers fans pay up, in significant numbers and in significant amounts, to watch their team on SportsNet LA: Home team, home channel.

Not on Friday, though, when Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for what might well be the final time at Dodger Stadium.

The exclusive broadcast rights for the game belong to Apple TV+, as part of a package of Friday night games bought from Major League Baseball. Apple is guaranteed a minimum of four exclusive broadcasts for whatever teams it chooses to air, according to a league official. Friday’s game will be the Dodgers’ fourth on Apple TV+ this season, so it remains exclusive to Apple.

The alternate Apple game Friday involves the Toronto Blue Jays. As it became apparent the Blue Jays might clinch a playoff spot on Friday, Apple and MLB agreed that Sportsnet — the Blue Jays’ equivalent of SportsNet LA – could air a simulcast of that Apple TV+ broadcast. (That change was announced Thursday morning, before a Jays loss and Cleveland Guardians win made it impossible for Toronto to clinch on Friday.)

However, the Jays will total five exclusive Apple TV+ broadcasts this season.

This will not be the first bit of Dodgers history limited to the Apple audience. In 2022, when Albert Pujols hit his 700th career home run, the game was on Apple.

The man who called the Pujols game for Apple also will call the Kershaw game for Apple: Wayne Randazzo, the voice of the Angels.

Kershaw, the 11-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young award winner, said Thursday he would retire at season’s end. After the weekend series against the San Francisco Giants, in which Kershaw is scheduled to start Friday’s game, the Dodgers finish the regular season on the road. The Dodgers have not said what role, if any, Kershaw might fill on their playoff roster.

Fans can sign up for a free seven-day trial of Apple TV+ here. (If you’re signing up just to watch Kershaw, you’ll need to cancel within the seven-day window, or you’ll be billed $12.99 each month.)

BLACK FRIDAY has long been the moment to score serious savings on Apple’s handsets, and this year looks no different.

The timing is especially sharp; Apple’s latest iPhone launch has nudged prices down across the range, and we’re already seeing early iPhone 16 Black Friday deals.

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The timing is especially sharp; Apple’s latest iPhone launch nudges prices down.

For anyone eyeing an upgrade, this is a smart window to start watching the sales.

Retailers tend to slash prices on premium tech throughout November, and while Apple rarely leads with markdowns, there are tried-and-true places to find them.

The recent flagship release adds an extra twist: older models are dropping in price at the same time seasonal Black Friday promotions begin.

That combination makes the iPhone 16 a particularly attractive buy.

If you’d rather explore the very latest hardware, my Apple iPhone 17 where to buy guide has everything you need to know.

But if you’re hoping to save on the 16, we’ll be tracking the best Black Friday deals on the iPhone 16 right here, so it’s worth keeping this page bookmarked.

Below, you’ll find the early deals we’ve spotted, plus a look back at last year’s discounts.

When is Black Friday 2025?

November 28, 2025, is the date to know, but you can expect deals to land earlier in the month, with the best reserved for the big day.

The sale always falls on the day after Thanksgiving, as per the American tradition.

But while it may have begun over in the States, Black Friday has now snowballed into one of the biggest events across the world.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our guide to the meaning behind Black Friday.

Is Apple taking part in Black Friday this year?

Apple doesn’t tend to discount its tech, and the brand doesn’t join in Black Friday shenanigans.

So third-party retailers are your best bet, and often where you’ll find the biggest discounts on Apple products during the sale period.

The likes of Argos, Amazon, John Lewis, and Currys will almost certainly have offers to jump on, as well as mobile phone network providers.

We’ll handle the hard work for you by updating this page with the best discounts as soon as they drop.

So, keep checking back to snap up a bargain.

What to expect from Apple’s Black Friday sale 2025

This Black Friday, we’re expecting to see some deals on the iPhone 16, although the discounts may not be major.

If you’re shopping with big savings in mind and aren’t fussed about having the absolute latest features, it’s a smart idea to search for deals on older models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.

The iPhone 15 will continue to be supported by Apple until at least 2028.

What was in Apple’s sale last year?

In 2024, the former flagship in November was the Apple iPhone 15, and we spotted several deals worth jumping on.

Here are a few of our favourite offers from last year:

iPhone 15

• Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, £678 (was £699) from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, £679 (was £699) from John Lewis – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, £678 (was £799) from Very – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 100GB, £38/month from Sky – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 150GB, £50/month (£25 upfront) from Three – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 100GB 500GB, £36.99/month (£9 upfront) from Mobiles.co.uk – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 25GB 60GB, £39.55/month (£20 upfront) from GiffGaff – buy here

iPhone 15 Plus

• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £899) from Very – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £793.61) from John Lewis – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £799) from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £799) from AO – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 100GB, £42/month from Sky – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 150GB, £58.75/month (£35 upfront) from Three – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 25GB 60GB, £43.92/month (£25 upfront) from GiffGaff – buy here

iPhone 15 Pro

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 512GB, £1,149 (was £1,219) from Amazon –buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 150GB, £63.25/month (£35 upfront) from Three – buy here

iPhone 15 Pro Max

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, £1,049 (was £1,119) from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, £1,049 (was £1,099) from John Lewis – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 150GB, £71.13/month (£55 upfront) from Three – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Apple taking part?

This year, Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, December 1.

Back when Black Friday was a bigger brick-and-mortar event, Cyber Monday was reserved as an exclusive online-only event.

These days, things have moved on, and the day is more of an extension to the month-long event, with pretty similar deals across the board.

That’s not to say there are no surprises, but where iPhones are concerned, the deals will only last as long as the stock does, so with hot ticket items like this, it pays to snag them early.

While Apple doesn’t typically offer direct discounts on its products during Cyber Monday, plenty of other retailers do.

We’ve listed several UK retailers below, so make sure to check them out.

How much does Apple’s shipping cost?

Apple offers free standard shipping for all online orders in the UK.

That said, if you’re shopping for a bargain, you likely won’t be shopping there.

So, the shipping costs will vary from retailer to retailer.

To avoid any surprises, check your chosen retailer’s shipping costs before checking out.

Does Apple offer any other discounts?

If you are shopping with Apple directly, there are a few types of discounts offered.

First, there are discounts for students, teachers, and educational staff, which are available through Apple’s education store.

This typically includes savings on Macs, iPads, and accessories, along with discounts on AppleCare and Apple Music subscriptions.

There’s also a trade-in programme that allows you to trade in eligible devices for credit toward a new purchase or an Apple Store Gift Card.

Plus, you can check out the certified refurbished products page, which features discounted items that have been tested and come with a full warranty, often making them a cost-effective option.

For more information on refurbished devices, visit our refurbished tech guide.

Which retailers have the best Black Friday iPhone 16 deals in the UK?

As Apple is one of the most well-known brands worldwide, many major UK network providers and retailers will be selling the smartphone.

If you want to land the best deals, check out the sites listed below.

Visit our tech Black Friday deals hub to shop more of the best discounts from the top brands.

Find your favourite brand’s Black Friday deals in our A-Z directory

The Studio, satirical cringe comedy on Apple TV about floundering film production company Continental Studios, has been praised for its humour, direction and cinematography

Apple TV series The Studio has today broken an Emmy Awards record for wins by a comedy in a season.

The programme picked up 13 awards, including Seth Rogen’s gong for Best Actor in a Comedy Series, at the ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The Studio’s success beats last year’s record for The Bear, which won 11 awards at the Emmys for one season.

Speaking after his win for best comedy actor, Seth, 43, said: “I could not wrap my head around this happening. I’ve never won anything in my life.” Seth co-directs and stars in The Studio, which is a satirical cringe comedy about floundering film production company Continental Studios.

Seth shares the directing Emmy with his longtime collaborator and Studio co-creator Evan Goldberg. In a recent review, Seth is praised highly. It reads: “Rogen has made a lot of very funny stuff over the years, but this is by far the best thing he’s ever done. It’s been said that in order to make an effective satire, you first have to love, or at least care about, the thing you’re mocking.”

READ MORE: Emmys 2025: Seth Rogen’s humble joke as he wins his first Emmy AwardREAD MORE: Myleene Klass and Holly Willoughby sip fizz with famous friends after skipping NTAs

It was a successful night for Apple TV as Britt Lower and Tramell Tillman took trophies for Severance. Britt won best actress in a drama for “Severance” and Tramell won best supporting actor in a drama. It was the first career Emmy for each.

“My first acting coach was tough, y’all,” Tramell, wearing an all-white tuxedo, said from the stage. “But all great mothers are.”

He looked out to his mother in the audience and told her, “You were there for me where no one else was, and no one else would show up.” His win had been widely expected but Lower’s was a surprise in a category where Kathy Bates was considered a heavy favorite, for “Matlock.”

READ MORE: Netflix reveals cast for ‘chaotic’ family drama based on hit novel

Jean Smart won best actress in a comedy for “Hacks” for the fourth time, at 73 extending her own record for the oldest woman ever to win the category. Her castmate and constant scene partner Hannah Einbinder, who had also been nominated for all four seasons but unlike Smart had never won, took best supporting actress in a comedy.

She said she had become committed to a bit where “it was cooler to lose.”

“But this is cool too!” she shouted, then ended her speech by cursing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and saying “Free Palestine!”

Two of the world’s largest companies are Apple (AAPL 1.82%) and Alphabet (GOOG 0.27%) (GOOGL 0.22%). These two companies are currently the third and fourth largest in the world by market cap, so neither is likely to provide market-crushing returns. As a result, investors need to determine if either of them can outperform the market over the long term; otherwise, they aren’t worth owning.

I believe there is a clear better buy between the two right now, and this stock could easily outperform the market over the next five years, while the other may struggle to do so. Which one is it? The answer may surprise you.

Image source: Getty Images.

Both businesses want to maintain the status quo

Both Apple and Alphabet have some of the most recognizable brands on the planet. Apple’s ecosystem is centered around the iPhone, with accessories and laptops to create a leading consumer technology brand. Alphabet is the parent company of many businesses, but its most notable brand is Google. Google is how the vast majority of people access the right content on the internet, although that notion is under distress.

Many investors believe that generative AI could replace Google, although that remains to be seen. Google remains the top search engine used by many, and with its recent integration of AI search overviews, it has also evolved to adapt to this AI-centric view.

Additionally, Alphabet recently won a court case that allowed it to stay in its current state and continue paying Apple for the right to be the default search engine on its iPhones. This helps ensure Alphabet’s status quo is maintained, and is an extremely positive sign for investors.

Apple is thriving on the status quo, as it hasn’t really released a new feature or technology in recent years. That may change at its next release event, but investors will need to see what the market demand is for anything that Apple releases, as it could be a flop.

At their core, Alphabet and Apple are two businesses that want to maintain the status quo while expanding when possible. This doesn’t really distinguish either of them from the other, so we’ll need to examine their finances to determine the true best buy.

Winner: Tie

Alphabet is putting up better growth figures

Since 2023, Apple’s growth has been practically nonexistent. That changed in Q3 FY2025 (ending June 28), when it delivered 10% revenue growth and 12% diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth.

AAPL Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) data by YCharts

Still, that pales in comparison to Alphabet’s growth, which has been far stronger for much longer. In Q2, Alphabet’s revenue rose by 14% and diluted EPS increased by 22%. That continues a long-standing streak of Alphabet outperforming Apple from this standpoint, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that pattern continue.

GOOGL Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) data by YCharts

Alphabet’s faster growth stems from some of its other divisions, such as Google Cloud and Waymo. Both of these have massive upside and provide growth wings that Apple can’t match.

As a result, I think it’s fairly clear that Alphabet has far better growth than Apple.

Winner: Alphabet

Alphabet’s stock is far cheaper

Valuation is another important consideration, as it’s possible that the slower-growing company can be the better investment if it’s priced cheap enough. However, that’s not the case here. Apple’s stock is significantly more expensive than Alphabet’s, despite the latter’s much slower growth.

AAPL PE Ratio data by YCharts

Although they used to trade at a similar price-to-earnings (P/E) price tag, a significant gap has opened up since mid-2024. However, after reviewing the growth charts from above, it’s clear that Alphabet has grown much faster than Apple during this time frame.

As a result, Apple’s stock has become far more expensive than it normally is, while Alphabet is just returning to its usual valuation range. This makes Alphabet a far better buy considering its growth.

Winner: Alphabet