Apple News
Apple sees ‘tremendous’ global response to latest iPhones
Apple CEO Tim Cook described the global response to the latest iPhones as “tremendous” during the release of the company’s recent financial results.
In September, the tech giant introduced its thinnest model yet, the iPhone Air, alongside upgraded iPhone 17 variants, driving strong sales.
The company anticipates a record-breaking holiday season, projecting revenue growth of up to 12% compared to the same period last year.
Apple narrowly missed estimates for iPhone sales in its fourth quarter that ended in September, which boss Tim Cook blamed on supply constraints for several iPhone models along with a lag in shipments to China.
Despite that, during a call with analysts Mr Cook said Apple is heading into the holiday season “with our most powerful lineup ever”.
The iPhone Air helped entice customers and boost sales.
If the company meets its sales forecast for the holiday season, it would be Apple’s “best quarter ever”, chief financial officer Kevan Parekh told analysts on Thursday.
Mr Cook stressed that global demand for iPhone 16 and 17 models has been robust, despite constraints that led to the sales miss in the recent quarter.
“We’re not predicting when the supply and demand will balance,” Mr Cook said. “We’re obviously working very hard to achieve that, because we want to get as many of these products out to customers as possible.”
In the Chinese market, he said he “couldn’t be more pleased with how things are going”, citing strong reception to the new iPhone 17.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple will get iPhone supply to better match the strong demand and fiscal Q126 will be a banner quarter!
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Goldman Sachs raises Apple price target to $320 on strong demand
Goldman Sachs hiked its price target on Apple to $320 from $279, while keeping its Buy rating intact, in the wake of the company’s Q4 earnings release.
Apple reported stronger-than-expected earnings per share for the fiscal fourth quarter, with a beat in Services revenue offsetting a miss in iPhone revenue. Goldman Sachs noted that iPhone demand was “very strong” with the revenue miss attributed to supply constraints rather than demand issues.
Apple provided first-quarter revenue growth guidance of 10-12% year-over-year, including double-digit iPhone revenue growth and approximately 14% Services revenue growth. The firm believes Apple is entering a “multi-year upgrade cycle” strengthened by upcoming AI software improvements, potential foldable iPhone introduction in 2026, and continued product ecosystem investments. This projected growth represents a significant acceleration from Apple’s last twelve months revenue growth of 5.97%.
Services revenue grew 15% year-over-year with acceleration across several key categories, which Goldman Sachs views as evidence of a growing iPhone installed base and increasing attachment rates for services like iCloud+, AppleCare, and Apple One.
Gross margins were 47.2% despite $1.1 billion in tariff costs, with Apple guiding for what Goldman Sachs expects to be record gross margins of 47-48% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, reflecting product mix advantages and growing use of in-house technologies.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple surpassing the $100 billion mark in a fiscal fourth quarter is a big milestone!
Here are Apple’s highest revenue totals for each fiscal quarter (all but Q2 2020 occurred this year):
• Q125 (Oct–Dec): $124.3 billion
• Q222 (Jan–Mar): $97.3 billion
• Q325 (Apr–Jun): $94.0 billion
• Q425 (Jul–Sep): $102.5 billion
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Apple shares rise on strong holiday guidance
Apple shares climbed roughly 2% in premarket trading on Friday, buoyed by strong holiday-quarter guidance that signaled a sales recovery driven by the new iPhone 17 lineup, even amid shipping delays to the crucial China market. Although supply issues hampered fourth-quarter results, investor confidence held firm after the September debut of the latest iPhones propelled Apple’s market capitalization above $4 trillion earlier this week, placing it alongside Nvidia and Microsoft.
Reuters:
Amazon and Apple shares are still the worst performers for the year so far among the so-called “Magnificent Seven” group of megacaps, though the e-commerce giant’s stock soared before the bell on Friday on stellar cloud growth in the quarter.
Apple’s stock trades at 33.4 times analysts’ profit expectations, representing a premium to Microsoft’s 31.7 and Meta Platform’s 22.3, according to LSEG data.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple on Thursday announced financial results for its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter ended September 27, 2025. The company posted quarterly revenue of $102.5 billion, up 8 percent year over year. Diluted earnings per share was $1.85, up 13 percent year over year on an adjusted basis.
“Today, Apple is very proud to report a September quarter revenue record of $102.5 billion, including a September quarter revenue record for iPhone and an all-time revenue record for Services,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a statement.
“Our September quarter results capped off a record fiscal year, with revenue reaching $416 billion, as well as double-digit EPS growth,” said Kevan Parekh, Apple’s CFO, in a statement. “And thanks to our very high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, our installed base of active devices also reached a new all-time high across all product categories and geographic segments.”
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MacDailyNews presents live notes from Apple’s Q425 conference call
MacDailyNews presents live notes from Apple’s Q425 Conference Call with analysts starting at 2pm PT / 5pm ET today, October 30, 2025.
This stream is best experienced on an iPhone 7 or later, iPad (5th generation or later), or iPod touch (7th generation) using Safari on iOS 12 or later; or a Mac using Safari on macOS Mojave 10.14 or later. Streaming to your TV requires an AirPlay 2–capable device, or via AirPlay to an Apple TV (2nd generation or later) with the latest Apple TV software or tvOS. Other platforms may also be able to access the stream using recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge (MSE, H.264, and AAC required).
Apple’s live conference call webcast will begin at 2pm PT / 5pm ET here.
Apple today posted record fourth quarter revenue of $102.5 billion, up 8 percent year over year, and quarterly diluted earnings per share of $1.85, up 13 percent year over year.
For the quarter, analysts’ consensus estimates called for Apple to report revenue of $102.24 billion and EPS of $1.77, both of which Apple beat.
Live notes in reverse chronological order:
• AAPL after-hours: $279.00, +7.60 +(2.80%) @ 5:56:40 PM EDT
• End of conference call.
• Parekh: We will likely continue with the hybrid model.
• Q: Will Apple change its hybrid approach in AI?
• Cook: I think that there are many factors that influence purchasing; we don’t have a great in-depth survey yet to what’s fully driving iPhone 127 family sales; I would say that Appel Intelligence is already a factor
• Q: Is AI driving sales?
• Cook: We are creating Apple foundation models and we have several in development. We are open to M&A if it will advance our roadmap
• Q: How is the new Siri going?
• Cook: We don’t get into model demand, but we are thrilled with how the new iPhone lineup has been received?
• Q: iPhone mix?
• Cook: We are continuing to build it out; the server plant just started ROBUST manufacturing in Houston a few weeks ago for servers to go into our data centers
• Q: Apple’s Private Compute Cloud buildout?
• Cook: It’s too early to call the mix – we still have notable supply constraints on several models
• Q: iPhone 17 mix changes vs. prior cycyles?
• Cook: There are opportunties on the App Store with Apple Intelligence for Apple and developers to add features
• Cook: We came out of the Sept. qtr. with significant demand
• Cook: We could have sold more; we are not publicly, at least, estimated the extent of that
• Q: iPhone constraints leaving sales on the table?
• Cook: In the long run, I am very bullish on the Mac
• Cook: Last year was sort of “The Mother of All Mac Launches,” so this year is a very difficult compare
• Cook: We always like to remind people who buy an iPhone of all of the other things we offer
• Q: iPhone halo effect?
• Cook: We are very encouraged to see U.S. import tariffs moving from 20% to 10% on China; that is included in our outlook
• Cook: Estimate goes from $1.1 to $1.4 billion; it assumes a stable environment
• Q: Tariffs?
• Parekh: We are increasing our AI and product roadmap (R&D) expenditures
• Q: Operating expenses increases to continue?
• Cook: The subsidies do play a favorable role, but they only apply to certain price ranges (several of our products are not eligible)
• Q: China momentum, role smartphone subsidies are playing in that?
• Cook: The advertising category did set a record during the Sept. qtr.
• Q: Sustainability of services growth rates?
• Cook: We are not predicting when supply/demand will balance; we are working very hard to achieve that
• Q: Constrained supply in new iPhones, will you exit Dec. qtr. still supply constarined?
• Cook: Greater China revenue down 4% YoY in Sept. qtr. due to iPhone supply constraints; we expect to return to growth this quarter
• Q: Sept. quarter a bit muted in iPhone in CHina in Sept. qtr.?
• Favorable mix will drive growth
• Parekh: 47-48% gross margin expected in Dec. quarter
• Q: Gross margins for December quarter?
• Cook: We have very strong iPhone demand, it’s not a production ramp issue
• Cook: We ended the quarter supply constrained on several iPhone 17 models
• Cook: We set a Sept. quarter record for upgraders; too early on iPhone 17 to comment on switchers
• Q: iPhone sell through, upgraders vs. switchers?
• Parekh: Not one specific thing, but the portfolio is very broad and strength was broad based
• Q: Services revenue growth, what drove that?
• Parekh: Driven by organic growth
• Q: Why such strong results?
• Cook: Store traffic up significantly YoY and the iPhone 17 family is strong; we will return to growth in Chin in December quarter, powered by iPhone
• Q: iPhone in China in December quarter?
• New products do have a slightly stronger cost structure, which should come down over time
• Parekh: Nothing really to note on memory costs; we have a world class procurement team
• Q: Component costs?
• Cook: I think it’s all about the product lineup. It’s incredibly strong. The design of the Pro sings. The iPhone Air feels so light and thin it feels like it’s going to fly away and the iPhone 17 has goten a lot of formerly Pro features – strongest iPhone lineup ever.
• Q: Why is iPhone 17 having such success?
• Tax rate expected 17%
• $18.1-18.5 billion expected operating expenses
• $1.4 billion tariff-related costs in December quarter
• We expect December quarter revenue to grow 8-10 percent, resulting in our best quarter ever
• 24 billion return to shareholder during quarter
• Net cash $34 billion
• Enterprise: Adoption of Apple products is accelerating in industry
• Double-digit growth YoY in Apple Pay transactions
• Apple set a September quarter record for Apple Watch upgraders
• Apple Watch and Airpods install bases hit new all-time high
• Customer satisfaction for iPad: 98% in the U.S.
• Over half of Mac purchasers were new to the product
• Mac revenue was driven by MacBook Air
• Apple set a September quarter record for iPhone upgraders
• Parekh recaps net sales by category
• $29.7 billion operating cash flow
• CFO Kevan Parekh: Install base of devices have reached another all-time high (no figure given)
• Apple is leading the creation of end-to-end silicon manufacturing in America
• Cook covers Apple’s investments of over $600 billion in advanced manufacturing in America
• Cook touts Apple TV
• Again, Services set an all-time quarterly revenue record of $28.750 billion (vs. $24.972 billion YoY)
• Cook touts new Apple Watches and AirPods.
• Wearables, Home and Accessories: $9.013 billion (vs. $9.042 billion YoY)
• iPad: $6.952 billion (vs. $6.950 billion YoY)
• Mac: $8.726 billion (vs. $7.744 billion YoY)
• iPhone: $49.025 billion (vs. $46.222 billion YoY)
• iPhone 17 Pro offers our best camera system ever and comes in Cosmic Orange
• We expect to release our new version of Siri next year
• When combined with the recently announced MacBook Pro and iPad Pro with the powerhouse M5 chip, we are excited to be sharing our most extraordinary lineup of products as we head into the holiday season
• In addition, we launched the fantastic AirPods Pro 3 and the all-new Apple Watch lineup
• In September, we were thrilled to launch our best iPhone lineup ever, including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air.
• Cook touts Apple A19 Pro – the fastest chip in any smartphone
• Cook: We continue to expand our investment in AI
• Cook enthuses over Liquid Glass and new OS versions
• Cook touts M5 chip
• Cook: We expect Apple’s December quarter to be THE BEST EVER for Apple and THE BEST EVER for iPhone
• Apple hit an all-time record revenue for fiscal year of $416 billion
• Service hit an all-time record at $28.750 billion (vs. $24.972 billion YoY)
• Tim Cook: Good afternoon, everyone.
• AAPL after-hours: $282.85, +11.45, (+4.22%) @ 5:02:22 PM EDT
• Diluted earnings per share was $1.85, up 13 percent year over year
• Apple posted quarterly revenue of $102.5 billion, up 8 percent year over year
• Conference call begins.
• AAPL after-hours: $282.68, +11.28, (+4.16%) @ 4:51:05 PM EDT
• AAPL after-hours: $281.02, +9.62 (+3.54%) @ 4:47:18 PM EDT
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Apple beats The Street on the top and bottom lines
Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter ended September 27, 2025. The company posted quarterly revenue of $102.5 billion, up 8 percent year over year. Diluted earnings per share was $1.85, up 13 percent year over year on an adjusted basis.1
“Today, Apple is very proud to report a September quarter revenue record of $102.5 billion, including a September quarter revenue record for iPhone and an all-time revenue record for Services,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a statement. “In September, we were thrilled to launch our best iPhone lineup ever, including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air. In addition, we launched the fantastic AirPods Pro 3 and the all-new Apple Watch lineup. When combined with the recently announced MacBook Pro and iPad Pro with the powerhouse M5 chip, we are excited to be sharing our most extraordinary lineup of products as we head into the holiday season.”
Net sales by category:
• iPhone: $49.025 billion (vs. $46.222 billion YoY)
• Mac: $8.726 billion (vs. $7.744 billion YoY)
• iPad: $6.952 billion (vs. $6.950 billion YoY)
• Wearables, Home and Accessories: $9.013 billion (vs. $9.042 billion YoY)
• Services: $28.750 billion (vs. $24.972 billion YoY)
“Our September quarter results capped off a record fiscal year, with revenue reaching $416 billion, as well as double-digit EPS growth,” said Kevan Parekh, Apple’s CFO, in a statement. “And thanks to our very high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, our installed base of active devices also reached a new all-time high across all product categories and geographic segments.”
Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per share of the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on November 13, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 10, 2025.
Apple will provide live streaming of its Q4 2025 financial results conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. PT on October 30, 2025, at apple.com/investor/earnings-call. The webcast will be available for replay for approximately two weeks thereafter.
Analysts’ consensus called for revenue of $102.24 billion and EPS of $1.77.
MacDailyNews Take: The stock is down in after-hours trading, but the guidance is great, so we expect it to recover once all of the information is digested.
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iPhone’s teenage dominance in America: A pathway to Apple’s sustained growth
In the fiercely competitive world of U.S. smartphones, Apple’s iPhone continues to wield unmatched influence among the youngest users — a trend that’s likely to cement its market supremacy for decades. Recent surveys reveal that a staggering 88% of American teenagers now own an iPhone, up from 85% earlier this year and nearly double the 50% mark seen just over a decade ago. With iPhone satisfaction rates hovering around 98% among this demographic — fueled by seamless integration, privacy features, and social cachet — analysts predict this early loyalty will propel Apple’s overall U.S. market share toward 70% or higher by 2035 as Gen Z and Alpha generations mature into primary consumers.
The numbers paint a clear picture of Apple’s stranglehold on youth. According to Piper Sandler’s latest biannual teen survey, conducted in spring 2025 with over 9,000 respondents aged 13-19, iPhone ownership among U.S. teens reached 88%, while 89% plan to stick with Apple for their next upgrade. This marks a 3% year-over-year increase in ownership and aligns with broader data from Common Sense Media, which shows 95% of K-12 students (ages 5-18) using iPhones as their primary device in school settings.
The “green bubble” stigma in iMessage chats — which Android texts degrade — further reinforces this, with 62% of teens citing peer compatibility as a key reason for choosing iPhone.
Satisfaction plays a pivotal role. Apple’s own metrics, corroborated by independent firms like 451 Research, peg iPhone user happiness at 98% for recent models like the iPhone 16 series, outpacing Android’s 81% average. Teens rave about battery life, camera quality, and the ecosystem’s “stickiness” — from AirPods syncing to Apple Watch integration to FaceTime exclusivity — which fosters habits that endure into adulthood.
Key Teen Smartphone Metrics (U.S., 2025)iPhone Android Ownership Among Teens (13-19) 88% 11% Planned Next Purchase 89% 10% K-12 Market Share 95% 5% Satisfaction Rate 98% 81% Daily Usage (Avg. Hours) 5.6 4.2 Sources: Piper Sandler Teen Survey (Spring 2025); Common Sense Media K-12 Report; ACSI Smartphone Satisfaction Index.
From Schoolyard to Boardroom: How Early Adoption Shapes Futures
As these iPhone-native kids graduate into the workforce — Gen Z (born 1997-2012) fully entering adulthood by 2030 and Gen Alpha (2013-2025) following suit — the ripple effects on Apple’s market position could be profound. Historical patterns show that first-phone loyalty predicts lifelong behavior: Over 90% of iPhone users upgrade within the Apple ecosystem, compared to 70-80% for Android. With 68% of 18-29-year-olds already on iOS in 2025, up from 57% in 2020, the trajectory suggests a self-reinforcing cycle.
Projections from IDC and Counterpoint Research forecast U.S. iPhone shipments growing 3.6% annually through 2030, pushing market share from 62% today to 68-72% by decade’s end. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s cultural. iPhone’s premium pricing ($1,031 average in North America) aligns with rising household incomes among younger demographics, where 79% of Gen Z smartphone users favor Apple. Social factors, like the 41% of teens who say they’d feel “excluded” without an iPhone, amplify this, turning devices into status symbols that persist through college and careers.
Globally, Android’s 75% dominance tempers U.S.-centric optimism, but domestically, Apple’s youth fortress looks impenetrable.
If current trends hold, Apple’s teenage tidal wave could add $50-100 billion in annual U.S. revenue by 2035 through sustained upgrades and services like Apple One. For investors and wannabes like Samsung (stuck at 24% U.S. share), the message is clear: Win the kids, or watch the future slip away. As one Piper Sandler analyst put it, “This isn’t a market share — it’s a moat.”
With iPhones now as ubiquitous in American classrooms as textbooks, the next generation isn’t just buying phones; they’re buying into a lifetime with Apple.
MacDailyNews Take: And the iPhone has a proven halo effect, meaning more good news for Apple as these young iPhone owners buy Apple Watches, Macs, iPads, etc., and subscribe to Apple Music, Apple TV, iCloud storage, and more!
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Lionel Messi: Clubs more spending freedom for Major League Soccer to grow
Lionel Messi, soccer’s greatest play of all time, has some ideas for growing Major League Soccer, the league he recently signed on to play for through 2028 with Inter Miami.
“Every team should have the opportunity to bring in players and sign whoever each team wants without limitations or rules for players to bring them in,” Messi said in an interview, conducted in Spanish and released Monday, with NBC Nightly News, when asked what he would do if he was the league’s commissioner for a day.
Reuters:
“I don’t think that today all teams in the United States, all clubs, have the power to do that (sign without limitations), and I think that if they were given the freedom, many more important players would come and help the growth of the United States,” Messi said.
Messi himself has profited heftily from his relationship with the league. He holds a minority ownership stake with Inter Miami and profits from revenue-sharing deals with Apple, MLS’ media-rights holder, and Adidas, the league’s apparel provider.
However, his $20.44 million salary is more than double that of Miami teammate Sergio Busquets, the third-highest salary in the league at about $8.8 million, highlighting the financial issue Messi wants the league to address. The MLS Players Association released its salary data list on Wednesday, with LAFC’s Son Heung-Min second in salary at a guaranteed compensation of $11.2 million.
“I think that growing soccer in the United States is possible,” said Messi, 38. “I think there are still big changes to be made so that teams can continue to grow, but I think there is a very important foundation in place where teams are prepared and want that growth, and I think it’s time to do it.”
MacDailyNews Take: What a gift that we get at least three more years to watch Lionel Messi play!
Note: Inter Miami is up 1-0 on Nashville SC in their first-round, best-of-three series of the MLS Cup playoffs. A win Saturday for Inter Miami would take the team to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
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Nvidia’s Huang joins Apple, other tech titans funding President Trump’s new White House State Ballroom
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a personal donation to fund the construction of President Donald Trump’s White House State Ballroom, joining other tech leaders in supporting the initiative. Huang’s net worth was estimated at $120 billion in May. Demolition crews have begun tearing down the East Wing to accommodate the new ballroom, which Trump estimates will cost around $300 million.
The White House complex has always lacked a dedicated large-scale ballroom. Formal events like state dinners, receptions, and balls were instead hosted in a combination of indoor rooms within the Executive Residence and temporary outdoor setups such as tents erected on the grassy South Lawn capable of holding 300–600 seated guests, depending on tent size (often 10,000–20,000 square feet). The cost of the tent setup was $1 million or more per event for assembly, teardown, and rentals. The tents were stored off-site and assembled by event crews.
Courtney Rozen and Stephen Nellis for Reuters:
“I’m delighted to be part of it,” he told reporters in Washington on Tuesday.
Amazon, Apple and Google are among the technology companies also supporting the construction. Nvidia on Wednesday became the first company to reach $5 trillion in market value. The company is at the center of the global AI industry.
The construction of the new White House State Ballroom is being entirely funded through private donations, including contributions from tech leaders like Huang, as well as companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Lockheed Marti, among others.
The funds are being managed by the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit partnered with the National Park Service, and are tax-deductible for donors. Trump has personally pledged funds from his own wealth (estimated at over $7 billion), and as of late October 2025, no federal appropriations are involved.
MacDailyNews Take: Nvidia’s Huang did not appear on the White House’s public donor list released last week:
• Altria Group, Inc.
• Amazon
• Apple
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Caterpillar, Inc.
• Coinbase
• Comcast Corporation
• J. Pepe and Emilia Fanjul
• Hard Rock International
• Google
• HP Inc.
• Lockheed Martin
• Meta Platforms
• Micron Technology
• Microsoft
• NextEra Energy, Inc.
• Palantir Technologies Inc.
• Ripple
• Reynolds American
• T-Mobile
• Tether America
• Union Pacific Railroad
• Adelson Family Foundation
• Stefan E. Brodie
• Betty Wold Johnson Foundation
• Charles and Marissa Cascarilla
• Edward and Shari Glazer
• Harold Hamm
• Benjamin Leon Jr.
• The Lutnick Family
• The Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Foundation
• Stephen A. Schwarzman
• Konstantin Sokolov
• Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher
• Paolo Tiramani
• Cameron Winklevoss
• Tyler Winklevoss
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Deck the halls this holiday season with Apple TV
Apple TV celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with an expansive lineup of programming for the whole family, including the all-new holiday special “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock,” premiering on December 5, and beloved Peanuts classics “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” streaming for free on November 15 and November 16, and on December 13 and December 14, respectively. Plus, just in time for the holidays, catch the premiere of action-comedy sequel “The Family Plan 2” on November 21 and the global streaming debut of Apple’s record-breaking blockbuster hit “F1 The Movie” on December 12.
The holiday cheer continues on Apple TV this year as viewers can discover and rewatch festive Apple Original specials now streaming, including BAFTA Award-winning “The Velveteen Rabbit,” based on the iconic children’s classic; “Hannah Waddingham: Home For Christmas,” featuring the Emmy Award-winning “Ted Lasso” star; hit musical comedy “Spirited,” starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer; “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” starring the Queen of Christmas; Academy Award-winning special “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; and “A Carpool Karaoke Christmas,” the holiday event from multi-Emmy Award-winning “Carpool Karaoke: The Series.”
Viewers are also invited to stream a variety of Apple TV specials and holiday episodes from celebrated series including “Frog and Toad: Christmas Eve”; “Sago Mini Friends: New Year’s Steve”; “Eva the Owlet: Eva’s Moon Wish”; “Shape Island: The Winter Blues”; “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown”; “Interrupting Chicken: A Chicken Carol Holiday Special”; “Pretzel and the Puppies: Merry Muttgomery!”; “The Snoopy Show: Happiness is the Gift of Giving” Holiday Collection; and “Fraggle Rock: Night of the Lights.”
More details on Apple TV’s 2025 holiday offering is below (in chronological order):
Stream for free Saturday, November 15 to Sunday, November 16
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
Celebrating 50 years of this Peanuts classic, Peppermint Patty invites everyone to Charlie Brown’s for Thanksgiving, even though he’s going to see his grandmother. Snoopy decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal with help from his friends.
Premieres Friday, November 21 on Apple TV
“The Family Plan 2”
In “The Family Plan 2,” it’s the holiday season and Dan (Mark Wahlberg) has planned the perfect vacation for his wife Jessica (Michelle Monaghan) and their kids to celebrate overseas — until a mysterious figure from his past (Kit Harington) shows up with unfinished business. An international game of cat-and-mouse ensues as Dan and his family battle, bicker and bond their way through a series of bank heists, holiday hijinks and car chases amid scenic European terrain.
Premieres Friday, December 5 on Apple TV
The Fraggles are back for an all-new holiday special on Apple TV.
“The First Snow of Fraggle Rock”
The Fraggles eagerly await the start of the holidays — but when only a single snowflake arrives and Gobo has writer’s block, the season is thrown off course. The special also features internet sensation Lele Pons in a cameo role including a musical performance of “Our Melody” alongside Gobo. A journey to Outer Space leads to unexpected musical inspiration, while back at the Gorgs’ castle, Junior is overwhelmed by the surprise arrival of a baby sister. Together, the Fraggles and Gorgs learn that the most meaningful moments aren’t perfect — they’re unique, like snowflakes. From the Jim Henson Company, “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock” is executive produced by Lisa Henson, Halle Stanford, John Tartaglia, Matt Fusfeld, Alex Cuthbertson, Arnon Milchan and Yariv Milchan. Dave Goelz and Karen Prell co-executive produce. Harvey Mason Jr. serves as the executive music producer. The special is produced by Chris Plourde.
Premieres Friday, December 12 on Apple TV
“F1 The Movie”
Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition — and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.
Stream for free Saturday, December 13 to Sunday, December 14
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
In this beloved Peanuts special, feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the gang’s holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the “perfect” tree and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Now Streaming on Apple TV
Apple Original special “The Velveteen Rabbit”
“The Velveteen Rabbit”
Based on the treasured, classic children’s book by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit” celebrates the magic of unconditional love. When seven-year-old William receives a new favorite toy for Christmas, he discovers a lifelong friend and unlocks a world of magic. The 40-minute special from Apple TV and produced by Magic Light Pictures introduces Phoenix Laroche (“The Royal Nanny”) starring as William alongside an all-star cast including the voices of Alex Lawther (“Andor”) as the Velveteen Rabbit, Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown,” “Harry Potter”) as Wise Horse, Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”) as Playroom Fairy, Bethany Antonia (“House of the Dragon”) as Female Rabbit, Lois Chimimba (“Still Up”) as Car, Paterson Joseph (“Vigil”) as King, Clive Rowe (“So Awkward”) as Lion, Nathaniel Parker (“The Inspector Lynley Mysteries”) as Male Rabbit, Tilly Vosburgh (“Inside Man”) as Momo and Samantha Colley (“Genius”) as Mother. Magic Light Pictures co-founder Martin Pope (Academy Award-nominated “The Gruffalo” and BAFTA and International Emmy Award-winning “Revolting Rhymes”) produces with a screenplay by Tom Bidwell, creator of the BAFTA and International Emmy Award-nominated “My Mad Fat Diary” and the Academy Award-nominated short “Wish 143.”
“Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas”
In the musical event, Emmy-winning star Hannah Waddingham rings in the holidays as she welcomes special guests for a musical extravaganza at the London Coliseum. The special was recorded live in front of an audience, and audiences around the world will be able to join Waddingham in celebrating her favorite time of year on Apple TV as she performs festive classics accompanied by a spectacular big band. “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas” is produced by Done+Dusted (“Beauty and The Beast: A 30th Celebration,” John Legend’s “A Legendary Christmas With John and Chrissy,” “The Little Mermaid Live!,” London Olympic opening and closing ceremonies), the same team behind Apple’s hit “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special.” Executive producers are Waddingham, Katy Mullan, Moira Ross, Raj Kapoor and Nick Todisco. The holiday special is directed by BAFTA Award winner Hamish Hamilton (Academy Awards, Grammys, Super Bowl halftime show, London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies).
“Spirited”
Each Christmas Eve, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) turns the tables on his ghostly host until Present finds himself reexamining his own past, present and future. For the first time, “A Christmas Carol” is told from the perspective of the ghosts in this hilarious musical twist on the classic Dickens tale. From director Sean Anders (“Daddy’s Home,” “Instant Family”), and written by Anders and John Morris, with original songs by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”) and production numbers choreographed by Chloe Arnold (“The Late Late Show with James Corden”), this modern retelling is a sweet and spicy holiday treat.
“Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special”
“Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special”
Faced with a holiday cheer crisis, the North Pole knows there’s only one person who can save the day: Santa’s great friend Mariah Carey. The Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, creates a fabulous and star-studded spectacular to make the whole world merry! The special lineup also includes guest superstars Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland and Mykal-Michelle Harris. Extra special appearances are also made by Carey’s twins, Moroccan and Monroe.
Apple Original Film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”
A story of kindness, friendship, courage and hope for viewers of all ages in a heartwarming, classically animated Academy Award-winning film based on Charlie Mackesy’s book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.” The poignant and heartfelt journey follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse traveling together in the boy’s search for home. The film, featuring Mackesy’s distinctive illustrations brought to life in full color with beautiful hand-drawn animation, stars BAFTA Award winner Tom Hollander (“The Night Manager”) as The Mole, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Idris Elba (“Luther”) as The Fox, Golden Globe Award winner Gabriel Byrne (“All Things Bright and Beautiful”) as The Horse, and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll as The Boy. Matthew Freud presents a Charlie Mackesy film, produced by Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee Cara Speller (“Love, Death & Robots,” “Pear Cider and Cigarettes,” “Rocket & Groot”) of NoneMore Productions and Emmy Award winner J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella of Bad Robot Productions. Directed by Peter Baynton (“The Tiger Who Came to Tea”) and Mackesy, the film is adapted from the original book in collaboration with Jon Croker (“Paddington 2”). The film is executive produced by Jony Ive and Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”). Original score by composer Isobel Waller-Bridge, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted by Geoff Alexander.
“A Carpool Karaoke Christmas”
Corden passes the keys to Lowe, a fellow interviewer and trusted voice amongst today’s top artists, as he jumps into the driver’s seat in this festive installment of “Carpool Karaoke: The Series,” featuring Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and Chappell Roan singing along to Christmas classics, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” along with their signature songs, such as Lady Gaga’s chart-topping “Die With A Smile,” Dua Lipa’s number one hit “Houdini” and Chappell Roan’s breakout hit “Good Luck, Babe!” As a holiday treat, Zane Lowe and Lady Gaga debuted a special version of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” on Apple Music and all major music platforms.
“Frog and Toad” — ‘Christmas Eve’
In “Christmas Eve,” Frog and Toad are looking forward to spending the winter holiday together, but a last-minute errand into town sidetracks Frog, causing Toad to wonder if his best friend will make it home in time. An Apple TV original series based on the beloved book series by Arnold Lobel, “Frog and Toad” are not at all alike. Frog likes new adventures. Toad likes the comforts of home. Yet despite their differences, Frog and Toad are always there for each other — as best friends should be. The talented voice cast includes Academy Award winner Nat Faxon (“Our Flag Means Death,” “The Connors”) and Emmy Award nominee Kevin Michael Richardson (“The Simpsons,” “Family Guy”) as Frog and Toad, as well as appearances by Ron Funches (“Trolls”), Fortune Feimster (“Good Fortune”), Cole Escola (“At Home With Amy Sedaris”), Aparna Nancherla (“The Great North”), John Hodgman (“Up Here”), Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted”), Stephen Tobolowsky (“The Goldbergs”), Emmy Award nominee Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants”), Selene Luna (“Coco,” “Mayans M.C.”), Emmy Award nominee Margaret Cho (“Fire Island”) and Betsy Sodaro (“Duncanville,” “Tiny Toons”).
“Shape Island” — The Winter Blues
“Shape Island” — ‘The Winter Blues’
“Shape Island,” the acclaimed stop-motion series for kids and families based on the internationally bestselling trilogy of Shapes picture books written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, is back on December 1 with an all-new holiday special titled “The Winter Blues.” The chilly season leaves Square feeling sad, so Circle and Triangle try to cheer him up by creating a new holiday: Yeti Night. The clever, funny and inspiring stop-motion animated series from Apple TV takes place on a charming island and invites viewers to join serious Square, intrepid Circle and tricky Triangle on their silly adventures as they dig up some fun, search for answers and build on their friendship — all while learning how to navigate each other’s differences. “Shape Island” shows kids that friendship can take many shapes. The series features the beloved familiar voices of Gideon Adlon (“Blockers”), Scott Adsit (“30 Rock”), Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”), and Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted”). “Shape Island” was co-created by Barnett and Klassen, who serve as executive producers alongside Bix Pix Entertainment’s Emmy Award-winning Kelli Bixler and Drew Hodges. Ryan Pequin serves as co-executive producer and head writer.
“The Snoopy Show” — ‘Happiness Is Holiday Traditions’
In ‘Happiness Is Holiday Traditions,’ Snoopy searches for the perfect tree topper; Woodstock gets trapped in a window display; and Snoopy and Woodstock visit Spike for Christmas. An Apple TV original series from Peanuts and WildBrain, “The Snoopy Show” gives the world’s most iconic dog his close-up and dives into new adventures with the happy-dancing, high-flying, big-dreaming beagle, who’s joined by best friend Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Josh Scherba, Anne Loi, Stephanie Betts, Paige Braddock, Craig Schulz and Mark Evestaff serve as executive producers. Alex Galatis serves as executive story editor.
Jamie Erlicht (Apple Head of Worldwide Video), Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Octavia Spencer and Zack Van Amburg (Apple Head of Worldwide Video) attend the Apple Original Films premiere of “Spirited” at Alice Tully Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
“Spirited” Sing-Along
Starting December 1, a sing-along version of the holiday hit musical comedy, “Spirited,” starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer, will be available on Apple TV. This sing-along version of the “instant Christmas classic” allows audiences to belt out fan favorite tunes composed by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”) such as “Good Afternoon” and “Bringin’ Back Christmas.”
“Spirited — The Making of Spirited”
Go behind-the-scenes in “The Making of Spirited,” featuring never-before-seen rehearsal footage starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer. Since its debut, “Spirited,” now streaming globally on Apple TV, has received wide acclaim and has been hailed as “an instant Christmas classic” that is “hugely entertaining” with “show-stopping numbers reminiscent of the golden age of movie musicals.”
“Sago Mini Friends” — ‘New Year’s Steve’
In an all-new holiday special titled ‘New Year’s Steve,’ Harvey makes a wish to stay awake until midnight when a firefly swoops in to help — and kickstarts a scavenger hunt for the whole crew. The series is an adorable nod to gratitude, featuring Harvey, a floppy-eared dog and his best friends, Jinja the cat, Jack the rabbit and Robin the bird. Along with a unique cast of residents as colorful as their own whimsical world, the four friends play, explore, imagine and celebrate daily in their joyful town of Sagoville. In each episode, Harvey and all his friends express their true thankfulness for all things big and small, through optimism, kindness, preschool-friendly humor and unforgettable original songs! “Sago Mini Friends” is executive produced by Daytime Emmy Award nominees Jennifer Dodge (“PAW Patrol”), Ronnen Harary (“PAW Patrol”), Tone Thyne (“Wonder Pets!”) and Dustin Ferrer (“Esme & Roy”). Daytime Emmy Award nominees Laura Clunie (“PAW Patrol”) and Toni Stevens (“PAW Patrol”) serve as co-executive producers, with Chad Hicks (“Kingdom Force”) as series director. The series is produced by Daytime Emmy Award-nominated Spin Master Entertainment (“PAW Patrol”) and animated by 9 Story Media Group’s Emmy Award-winning studio Brown Bag Films. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside and an expert in the science of happiness, serves as the gratitude expert on the series through Apple TV’s changemakers initiative.
“Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tales”
Celebrate the merriest time of the year with the Peanuts gang. Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and Sally each star in a collection of Christmastime tales from the original Peanuts comic strips.
“Eva the Owlet” Holiday Special — ‘Eva’s Moon Wish’
“Eva the Owlet,” the animated series based on the New York Times bestselling Scholastic book series “Owl Diaries” by award-winning author Rebecca Elliott, stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her diary along the way! In ‘Eva’s Moon Wish,’ Treetopington celebrates a special holiday and Eva helps a lost oriole look for his family — and learns the true meaning of community.
Since its first publication, “Owl Diaries” has had eight foreign language translations and 11 million copies in print. Produced by award-winning Scholastic Entertainment (“Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Goosebumps,” “The Magic School Bus”) with production services and 4K animation by 9 Story Media Group’s Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated studio Brown Bag Films in Dublin and Bali (“Doc McStuffins,” “Vampirina,” “Octonauts”), “Eva the Owlet” voice talent includes Vivienne Rutherford (“Eureka!,” “9-1-1: Lone Star”) as the titular character Eva, Jessica DiCicco (“The Loud House,” “Puppy Dog Pals”) as Eva’s mom, Dino Andrade (“The Loud House,” “We Baby Bears”) as Eva’s dad and more. “Eva the Owlet” is executive produced by Scholastic Entertainment’s Peabody and Daytime Emmy Award-winning team, including Iole Lucchese, Caitlin Friedman and Jef Kaminsky. Head series writers and Daytime Emmy Award nominees Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White serve as co-executive producers, and Daytime Emmy Award nominee Damien O’Connor serves as supervising director. The late Dr. John F. Evans, a writing clinician, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach at Duke Integrative Medicine, and the Founder and Executive Director of Wellness & Writing Connections, LLC, served as the expressive writing expert on the series through Apple TV’s changemakers initiative.
“Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” — ‘Night of the Lights’
Jim Henson’s fun-loving and musical Fraggles — Gobo, Red, Wembley, Mokey, Boober and new Fraggle friends — have returned in “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” ‘Night of the Lights’ holiday special for all-new adventures about the magic that happens when we celebrate and care for our interconnected world. It’s the Night of the Lights, the most Fraggily holiday of the year, and the Rock is filled with songs and cheer. When Jamdolin (voiced by Emmy Award nominee Daveed Diggs, “Hamilton”) encourages Wembley to make a special wish, the Fraggles head out on an adventure to find the brightest light and, maybe, the true meaning of the holiday.
“Get Rolling With Otis” — ‘A Winter’s Cow Tale’
In a special episode, ‘A Winter’s Cow Tale,’ it’s Christmas Day and Rosalie is due to have her baby. Daisy can’t wait to be a big sister, but she’s disappointed when she can’t decorate the tree with her mama. Otis rolls into action to help Daisy decorate the tree and when the snow builds up too high, he plows his way through the snow, so that Daisy can meet her new baby sister. Based on the popular books by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Loren Long, this animated adventure series from 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films welcomes young viewers to Long Hill Dairy Farm, home to Otis the Tractor (voiced by Griffin Robert Faulkner) and all his friends. Otis may be little, but he has a big heart. Whenever he sees a friend in need, he hits the brakes, asks how they’re feeling and rolls into action to help! The series is executive produced by Vince Commisso, Wendy Harris, author Long, Darragh O’Connell, Angela C. Santomero and Jane Startz.
“Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” — ‘Jack’s Snow Globe Cafe’
In ‘Jack’s Snow Globe Cafe,’ when a snowstorm postpones the winter gazebo lighting, Jack and friends make the most of the moment with a “kindness cascade” at the café. Fan favorite series, “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” is co-created and executive produced by Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “Wreck-It Ralph” franchise) and Angela C. Santomero (“Blue’s Clues,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”). Jack is one of Clover Grove’s most thoughtful and caring residents, greeting everyone with kindness and humor. His ability to spread compassion, creativity and imagination inspires everyone in town to do the same.
“I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown”
All Rerun wants from Santa is a dog, but his mother won’t let him have one. Spending time with Snoopy provides the perfect pick-me-up. But when Snoopy gets too busy to play with Rerun, they call in a substitute — Snoopy’s brother, Spike.
“Interrupting Chicken” — ‘A Chicken Carol’
In the holiday special, ‘A Chicken Carol,’ Ebenezer Wolf decides to cancel the holidays, so Piper teams up with the Three Little Pigs and some ghostly friends to change his mind. This animated preschool series, which debuts globally on Apple TV on November 18, is based upon “Interrupting Chicken,” the 2011 Caldecott Honor Award-winning book series written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein and introduces children to the joy of storytelling. It starts with a young little chicken named Piper who has a habit of interrupting storytime! Every time Piper hears a story, she can’t help but jump in, ask questions and let her imagination run wild as she tries to fill in details, guess what happens next or insert herself in the middle of the action to help save the day. In partnership with Mercury Filmworks, “Interrupting Chicken” is executive produced by Ron Holsey, Ezra Stein, Loris Kramer Lunsford, Clint Eland and Chantal Ling, and stars the voice talents of Sterling K. Brown. Dr. Lucy Calkins serves as a reading and writing expert through the Apple TV changemaker initiative.
“It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown”
“It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown” is a collection of Christmas-themed vignettes, including: Charlie Brown tries to sell wreaths; Peppermint Patty worries about her Christmas book report; Charlie Brown tries to buy gloves for Peggy Jean; and the gang is in a Christmas play, where Sally worries about her single line and Peppermint Patty plays a sheep. “It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown” is created and written by Charles M. Schulz. It is executive produced by Lee Mendelson with Bill Melendez serving as director and producer.
“Pretzel and the Puppies” — ‘Merry Muttgomery!’
In ‘Merry Muttgomery!,’ when a heavy snowfall jeopardizes the annual holiday festival, the pups find unique ways to celebrate with all the snowed-in dogs in the city. Based on the beloved canine from the classic book “Pretzel” by award-winning authors Margret and H.A. Rey, creators of “Curious George,” the original series follows a modern dog family led by stay-at-home dad Pretzel, his five adorable Dachshund puppies and mom Greta, the mayor of Muttgomery. Together, the Doxies are always sniffing out ways to “make their bark” on their doggie hometown and make it a better place for their four-legged friends and neighbors. Pretzel and Greta encourage their pups to try to solve their own problems, often reminding them to “Get those PAWS UP!” whenever they face a challenge. Voice talent includes Mark Duplass, Nasim Pedrad and many more. Hailing from HarperCollins Productions and animated by House of Cool and Saturday Animation, the series is executive produced by Caroline Fraser, Ricardo Curtis, Wes Lui and Steve Altiere. Jennifer Contrucci co-executive produces. Dr. Tony Wagner serves as the play, passion and purpose expert through the Apple TV changemaker initiative.
“The Snoopy Show” — ‘Happiness Is the Gift of Giving’
In ‘Happiness Is the Gift of Giving,’ Snoopy adapts a Christmas poem to help Sally sleep, Charlie Brown makes gifts for his pals and Snoopy finds waiting to open his presents a challenge. An Apple TV original series from Peanuts and WildBrain, “The Snoopy Show” gives the world’s most iconic dog his close-up and dives into new adventures with the happy-dancing, high-flying, big-dreaming beagle, who’s joined by best friend Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Josh Scherba, Anne Loi, Stephanie Betts, Paige Braddock, Craig Schulz and Mark Evestaff serve as executive producers. Alex Galatis serves as story editor.
“Stillwater” — ‘The Way Home’
In ‘The Way Home,’ while helping Stillwater make treats to celebrate the winter solstice festival, the kids learn he plans to share some with a neighbor they’re wary of. Recognized with a Peabody Award for Excellence in Storytelling and for work that encourages empathy, “Stillwater” is a beautiful and engaging series for kids and families. It highlights mindfulness and has charmed young viewers with its tales of friendship while providing kids with a new perspective of the world around them. The series centers on siblings Karl, Addy and Michael, who encounter everyday challenges – big and small – which sometimes feel insurmountable. Fortunately for these three, they have Stillwater, a wise panda, as their next-door neighbor. Through his example, stories and gentle humor, Stillwater gives the children a deeper understanding of their feelings and tools to face their own day-to-day challenges. “Stillwater” is based on the Scholastic book series Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth and is produced by Gaumont and Scholastic Entertainment. The series is executive produced by Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan, Terry Kalagian, Iole Lucchese, Caitlin Friedman, Jef Kaminsky and Rob Hoegee, and features the voice talents of James Sie, Eva Ariel Binder, Tucker Chandler and Judah Mackey.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 638 wins and 2,850 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
MacDailyNews Take: You know, because Apple TV “has no content.”
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Apple likely to provide favorable guide for holiday quarter growth – Gene Munster
Apple’s stock is poised for a lift as longtime Apple analyst Gene Munster anticipates a robust December quarter guide that could underscore sustained iPhone growth. After a prolonged period of stagnation, the device’s performance has rebounded sharply, setting the stage for accelerated growth through 2025. This resurgence, Munster writes, is driven by strategic pull-forwards and favorable market signals, positioning Apple to exceed consensus forecasts and likely reward investors.
Gene Munster for GeneMunster.com:
I expect the favorable December guide to be a positive for shares of AAPL.
Taking a step back, the iPhone is on a roll. Beginning in the December quarter of 2022 through March of 2025, growth had been mostly flat, averaging a 0.5% y/y decline. In June, however, it sprang back to life, rising 13%, aided in part by a couple of percentage points of growth (Deepwater estimates) from customers pulling forward purchases ahead of potential U.S. tariffs. Cook noted that roughly 1% of the company’s overall 10% growth came from this pull-forward effect.
For the September quarter, the Street now expects 9% y/y iPhone growth, up from roughly 6–7% just after the prior quarter’s report. A closer look at estimate revisions shows most of the change occurred in the first three weeks of September. Since then, iPhone-related news has continued to be positive, even though analysts have not materially adjusted the consensus. Notable indicators including JD.com comments from China, improved lead times across the board, and third-party data from Counterpoint, suggest September will be a strong quarter.
I believe the recent positive developments have raised the bar for this print. My guess is the whisper number is around 10% growth.
For the December quarter, Street expectations call for 6% growth, which I sense aligns with buy-side expectations. I expect iPhone commentary on the earnings call for December will indicate growth above 6%, closer to 8%.
MacDailyNews Take: The future looks bright, and growing brighter, for Apple shareholders!
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U.S. judge decertifies Apple app store class action
A U.S. federal judge decertified on Monday a class action lawsuit involving tens of millions of Apple customers who accused the company of monopolizing the iPhone app market by prohibiting purchases outside its App Store, which they claimed drove up prices.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, reversed her February 2024 ruling that had certified the class, allowing Apple account holders who spent $10 or more on apps or in-app content over the previous 17 years to sue collectively.
Jonathan Stempel for Reuters:
In decertifying the class, Rogers said the plaintiffs failed to provide a model “capable of reliably showing classwide injury and damages in one stroke” by matching Apple accounts to consumers, while limiting the number of “unharmed” consumers in the class.
She ruled after an expert hired by Cupertino, California-based Apple found “alarming” errors in the plaintiffs’ model.
These included one that named plaintiff Robert Pepper and supposed claimant “Rob Pepper” were different people despite sharing home addresses and credit card information. They also included the lumping together of more than 40,000 payment records for people whose first name was “Kim,” but who otherwise had nothing in common.
Mark Rifkin, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in an email “we are of course disappointed” with the decision, and are reviewing their next legal steps to protect consumers “harmed by Apple’s unlawful App Store monopoly.”
Apple said it was pleased with the decision, and that it invests “significantly” to make the App Store “a safe and trusted place for users to discover apps and a great business opportunity for developers.”
MacDailyNews Take: Time to start looking for the next ambulance, Rifkin.
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Apple seeks to end Apple Pay trade secrets lawsuit
Apple urged a U.S. federal judge to dismiss a racketeering lawsuit filed by a company that accused Apple of stealing its technology to develop the profitable mobile wallet Apple Pay.
In a filing submitted Monday night in Atlanta federal court, Apple argued that if the case was not dismissed, it should be transferred to a Texas judge who recently dismissed Fintiv’s related patent case.
Jonathan Stempel for Reuters:
Fintiv, based in Austin, Texas, accused Apple of misappropriating technology for Apple Pay that it had once sought to license from CorFire, a Georgia company that Fintiv bought in 2014.
Fintiv said the racketeering arose from Apple’s use of Apple Pay to generate fees for credit card issuers such as Bank of America, Capital One, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, and the payment networks American Express, Mastercard and Visa.
In seeking a dismissal, Apple said Fintiv waited too long to pursue most of its federal and state claims, having known the underlying facts since 2014, and failed to show a pattern of racketeering.
“The court should reject Fintiv’s attempt to revive its failed patent case in a new district with no connection to the facts,” Apple said.
Absent a dismissal, Apple said the case should be sent to U.S. District Judge Alan Albright in Waco, Texas, to promote efficiency, because he has spent nearly seven years overseeing the underlying dispute and is familiar with the facts and law.
MacDailyNews Take: Ah, the swiftly turning wheels of justice!
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President Trump says ‘Too-Late’ Powell will be out in ‘a few months’
President Donald Trump reiterated his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Tuesday during a dinner with business leaders in Tokyo attended by Apple’s Tim Cook, Salesforce’s Marc Benioff, and Softbank’s Masayoshi Son.
Trump dined with chief executive officers including Salesforce Inc.’s Marc Benioff, Toshiba Corp.’s Taro Shimada, and Rakuten Group Inc.’s Hiroshi Mikitani as he looked to tout Japanese investment in the US and wrapped his visit to Tokyo.
OpenAI Inc. co-founder Greg Brockman, Honda Motor Co. President Toshihiro Mibe and Anduril Industries Inc. founder Palmer Luckey were also among the guests at the dinner at the home of US Ambassador to Japan George Glass.
The event came as the White House announced a new series of pledged economic investments in the US. Under a trade framework reached earlier that year, Trump lowered and capped tariffs on Japanese goods in exchange for a pledge for Japan to fund $550 billion in US projects.
MacDailyNews Take: The sooner Powell is gone, the better.
On interest rates, Powell was way late to hike, then didn’t go nearly high enough, and then started cutting too early. Three strikes and you ought to be out. – MacDailyNews, November 15, 2024
Now Powell is too late to cut. Four strikes and counting.
Receipts:
In July 2023, the Fed stopped raising rates too soon. – MacDailyNews, July 2, 2024
A premature rate cut by the Fed is of higher probability in an election year. – MacDailyNews, April 2, 2024
As we wrote in February 2023, “When certain quarters, including the Fed, delude themselves and others that ‘inflation is transitory’ and waste at least a year before doing a mere portion of what is necessary* (interest rate hikes), the price will be paid for being delusional and late.”
‘Tis best to get a handle on inflation, if you know how, while you still can. – MacDailyNews, May 11, 2021
Stop the misguided crusade against domestic energy production and profligate federal spending and inflation will be stopped dead in its tracks. It’s not difficult. – MacDailyNews, May 11, 2022
For new generations, sometimes tough lessons have to be retaught and learned the hard way. As we go through this, remember: It’s always darkest before the dawn. – MacDailyNews, July 14, 2022
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New Apple TV series ‘Pluribus’ is ‘as big as modern TV gets’ – NYT
“Pluribus” is the highly anticipated drama hailing from writer and director Vince Gilligan, the creator of “Breaking Bad” and co-creator of “Better Call Saul.” Starring Rhea Seehorn, who earned two Emmy nominations for her acclaimed performance in “Better Call Saul,” the nine-episode drama series will make its global debut on Apple TV with its first two episodes on Friday, November 7, 2025, followed by new episodes every Friday through December 26th.
Already picked up by Apple in a two-season order, “Pluribus” is a genre-bending original in which the most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.
Austin Considine for The New York Times:
The new show, Gilligan’s first to debut in a decade, is in many ways as big as modern TV gets: high-budget, high-concept, a deep character study that combines science fiction, philosophy and sociopolitical allegory…
[T]he lead character, Carol, [is] a successful author and chronic malcontent played by Rhea Seehorn. One day, Carol finds, for reasons hard to describe because of Apple’s extensive spoiler list, that almost everyone on Earth but her is happy. All conflict has vanished, self-loathing too. A mysterious signal from outer space has created a kind of utopia, fulfilling the wishes of countless dreamers since the dawn of humanity. This makes Carol, suddenly and literally, the unhappiest person on Earth.
And yet she prefers that to the alternative.
“I think about ‘Brave New World,’” Seehorn said later at a soundstage in downtown Albuquerque. “I think about even ‘Fahrenheit 451’ and Neil Postman’s essays in his book ‘Amusing Ourselves to Death,’ when he talks about the real threat is that we would come to love our oppressors instead of revolting — that everybody was just happy.”
“The twist on this one is that there is no twist,” as Gilligan put it. The question soon becomes not whether the protagonist will fulfill some great desire — she can have anything she wants — but whether her misery, as an expression of her free will, is worth defending.
MacDailyNews Take: As we wrote last week of Pluribus, it has “big potential” to quickly become Apple TV’s next Severance-like mega hit!
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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
The post New Apple TV series ‘Pluribus’ is ‘as big as modern TV gets’ – NYT appeared first on MacDailyNews.
Apple likely to release four new ‘pro’ apps for iPad soon
Apple appears to be gearing up to bring Pixelmator Pro, Compressor, Motion, and MainStage to the iPad, as evidenced by new App Store IDs discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Currently, all four apps are exclusive to the Mac.
Joe Rossignol for MacRumors:
A quick overview of each app:
• Pixelmator Pro: Professional image editing app acquired by Apple earlier this year
• Compressor: Final Cut Pro companion app for compressing audio and video files
• Motion: Final Cut Pro companion app for creating 2D/3D titles, transitions, and effects
• MainStage: Logic Pro companion app for live performances
Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro have been available on select iPad models since May 2023, but Apple’s companion apps have remained limited to the Mac.
MacDailyNews Take: It’ll be great to have these app available for iPadOS, too. Of course, Photomator – Apple’s stripped-down version of Pixelmator Pro – is an easy-to-use photo editor that’s already available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro. More info about Apple’s Photomator 3.4 here.
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iPhone 17 demand is accelerating in China, Jefferies says
According to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, iPhone demand in China is rebounding, with growth in the world’s second-largest economy accelerating — a shift that overturns the firm’s prior pessimistic forecast.
Sam Boughedda for Investing.com:
Jefferies stated that “industry checks suggest growth in China has accelerated.”
The firm estimated that “for the first five weeks since iPhone 17 shipment started, total iPhone unit growth reached 19% year over year,” a figure it described as “very impressive” and one that “continues to challenge our negative view on AAPL.”
China and Hong Kong “show the strongest demand among the six markets we track,” [Lee added].
MacDailyNews Take: Starting at just $799, iPhone 17 offers a tremendous value that is actually pretty insane. Imagine, the original iPhone, sporting a 3.5-inch 320×480 LCD, a 2MP single rear camera, and a whopping 8GB storage retailed for $599 at launch in 2007 (we know, we paid it)!
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