Apple could save 'hundreds of billions' of dollars if it makes a metal play, analyst says

Apple could potentially save hundreds of billions of dollars over the next two to three years if the tech giant secures cobalt supplies, an analyst told CNBC on Thursday. Daniel Ives, chief strategy officer and head of technology research at GBH Insights, said it makes sense for Apple to try and secure cobalt supply given the rapid increase in the price of the resource over the last year-and-a-half.

Google just launched another answer to Apple Pay

google launched its latest answer to Apple Pay on Tuesday. It's called Google Pay and replaces Android Pay, a previous solution that let Android users buy goods with their smartphones. It's also Google's answer to Apple Pay Cash. Google Pay follows several failed attempts by Google to launch a widespread payment platform. The company introduced Google Wallet several years ago before folding it and launching Android Pay. Google Pay combines features from both

Employees at Apple's New Headquarters Keep Crashing Into the Glass Walls

The centerpiece of Apple’s new headquarters is a massive, ring-shaped office overflowing with panes of glass, a testament to the company’s famed design-obsessed aesthetic. There’s been one hiccup since it opened last year: Apple employees keep smacking into the glass. Surrounding the Cupertino, Calif.-based building are 45-foot tall curved panels of safety glass.

Apple Trails Samsung in Smartphone Market—And Won't Catch Up in 2018

Apple might make billions on the sale of its smartphones every year, but Samsung still reigns supreme in sales. Samsung ended 2017 with 21.9% market share in the worldwide smartphone market, according to new data released on Tuesday by researcher TrendForce. Samsung shipped more than 310 million units during the period, according to TrendForce.

Apple and Android are destroying the Swiss Watch industry

In Q4 2017 – essentially during the last holiday season – market research firm Canalysfound that more people bought Apple watches than Swiss watches. Two million more, to be exact. Brian Heater has more data but this news is quite problematic for the folks eating Coquilles St-Jacques on the slopes of the Jura mountains.

Apple addresses iOS source code leak, says it appears to be tied to three-year-old software

Earlier this week, iOS source code showed up on GitHub, raising concerns that hackers could find a way to comb the material for vulnerabilities. Apple has confirmed with TechCrunch that the code appears to be real, but adds that it’s tied to old software. 

Apple’s HomePod pre-orders sell out ahead of launch

The HomePod was never preordained to be a blockbuster for Apple. Sure, the smart speaker has received overwhelmingly positive marks for sound quality, but the product is a bit late to the game, after both Amazon and Google have launched major offensives. The company also got dinged for its relatively limited Siri functionality at launch.

Chip stocks are at risk because Apple made too many iPhones: Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley believes Apple's poor iPhone sales results and rising inventory levels are bad news for the industry's chip suppliers. The smartphone maker reported weaker-than-expected December-quarter iPhone unit sales Thursday. The company also gave a lower-than-expected revenue forecast for the March quarter.

Here's what reviewers are saying about HomePod, Apple's new smart speaker

Reviews of the HomePod — Apple's new $350 Siri-powered smart speaker — are out, and they're mixed. Reviewers appreciate the device's audio quality but note that the device is only for people already invested in Apple's ecosystem, such as those who already own an iPhone, iPad, Mac or other Apple device. It's not for Android users or folks who prefer music services such as Spotify over Apple Music.