Category: Apple

The sales tax holiday period is set for July 18–20, 2025. To benefit from the sales tax exemption during this period, purchases must be made within the designated dates. Additionally, the total sales price of all eligible items cannot exceed $750.

It is important to note that local taxes may still apply. A variety of items qualify for this sales tax exemption. Computers and associated accessories, such as keyboards, mice, and speakers, are exempt provided they are sold together with a CPU, and the total cost does not surpass the $750 limit.

Eligible products include:

– Computers, including Mac computers and iPad models, priced under $750
– Accessories must be purchased alongside a computer, with the total sale remaining under $750. These accessories encompass keyboards, mice, the Apple Pencil, speakers, and monitors. Furthermore, other qualifying items include printers, computer storage media like diskettes and compact disks, as well as Apple and third-party software, as long as it is not for recreational use.

For a comprehensive understanding of the terms and conditions related to the sales tax holiday, please refer to the Alabama Department of Revenue. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific details to ensure that your purchases qualify for the exemption during the holiday period.

Apple has announced the permanent closure of its store located in the Westfield Hornsby shopping mall in Hornsby, Australia, set for October. The company shared this information through a statement directed to the Australian tech news site EFTM. The Hornsby store has been a part of the community since its opening in 2011. The decision to shut down the Hornsby location follows Apple’s strategy to concentrate its retail presence in the area.

The Chatswood Chase store, which has been undergoing renovations for several months, will reopen in October with a completely redesigned layout. This new location will feature an Apple Pickup station for online orders and a dedicated area for “Today at Apple” sessions, enhancing the shopping experience for customers. While Apple has not specified the exact reasons behind the closure of the Hornsby store, it seems apparent that the company is focusing its efforts on the Chatswood store to better serve the North Shore community. Currently, Apple operates six other stores in the Sydney area.

Hornsby will mark at least the fifth Apple Store to close permanently in under two years. This follows the closure of stores in Bristol, England, and Northbrook, Illinois. Additionally, the company shut down its Infinite Loop and Royal Hawaiian locations last year. Despite these closures, Apple continues to expand its retail presence globally, opening new stores in various countries, including the U.S., Spain, and South Korea.

Recently, they relocated their store in Perth to a historic bank building, further demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and enhancing their brand presence.

Apple has officially opened a new retail store at Forrest Place, located in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. This vibrant pedestrianized area is now home to a store situated within a historic building previously belonging to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, at the intersection of Forrest Place and Murray Street. The restoration of the building was meticulously handled by Apple’s retail chief, Deirdre O’Brien, who emphasized that heritage elements like marble tiling, ceilings, and plaster columns were carefully preserved to create a unique shopping experience for customers. The opening of this new location comes after Apple’s nearby Hay Street store closed its doors permanently, following 15 years of operation.

This new flagship store is both larger and more modern, offering an innovative design that integrates seamlessly with the building’s historic character. An exciting feature of the store is the Apple Pickup station, which allows customers to conveniently collect online orders—a first for any Apple location in Australia. While the opening of the store is a significant development for Apple in Australia, there is also a buzz in the tech world about upcoming product releases. Apple is expected to unveil its new Apple TV later this year, along with the anticipated iPhone 17 series, which is rumored to include design changes and upgraded features.

Notably, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also on the horizon, rumored to include satellite connectivity and 5G support, enhancing its functionality. As Apple continues to evolve its offerings, both through new store experiences and innovative products, the excitement surrounding the brand remains strong among consumers and fans alike.

Apple has announced that it will permanently close its Infinite Loop retail store in Cupertino, California, on January 20. This location was significant as it served as Apple’s headquarters from the mid-1990s until 2017, when the company relocated to the Apple Park campus a few miles away. As part of this transition, Apple will offer all employees at the Infinite Loop store the chance to continue their careers within the company. Reports indicate that some employees may be able to relocate to other nearby stores, such as the Apple Park Visitor Center and the Apple Valley Fair store.

An Apple spokesperson expressed gratitude for the years spent serving customers in the Bay Area and emphasized the opportunity for team members to remain with the company. Customers are encouraged to visit nearby locations, the Apple website, or the Apple Store app for their needs. In addition to the Infinite Loop closure, Apple is also shutting down its Royal Hawaiian store in Honolulu on the same day. Despite these closures, Apple remains committed to enhancing the customer experience and has opened new stores in several countries, including the U.S., China, India, South Korea, and the U.K.

The company has also expanded its online presence to Chile and Vietnam. While the store will be closing, the office space at the Infinite Loop campus will continue to be utilized by Apple’s corporate employees. The main building’s atrium is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to be completed by early 2024. Originally opened in 1993 as The Company Store, the Infinite Loop location underwent renovations in 2015 to transform it into a more conventional Apple retail space.

Although it featured popular products such as the iPhone and Mac, it remained one of the smaller Apple stores and did not offer Genius Bar appointments or special sessions. Over the years, it has become a destination for Apple enthusiasts, although it has been eclipsed by the more expansive Apple Park Visitor Center, which features a wider selection of merchandise and customer amenities.

Apple has announced that it will permanently close its Northbrook Court location in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook on April 26 at 7 PM. The company made this decision as part of its response to evolving redevelopment plans at the mall, which has seen a decline in major retailers over recent years. In a message on the store’s website, Apple expressed gratitude to the Northbrook community, stating, “Thank you Northbrook. We’re still here for you.” Customers are encouraged to visit other nearby facilities or shop online at apple.com.

The Northbrook store has been a part of the community since its opening in 2005 and expanded to a larger space within the mall in 2017. Although the closure is a loss for local customers, Apple has reassured that affected employees will be able to continue their employment with the company at other locations. The store’s closure highlights larger issues facing Northbrook Court, which has struggled with vacancies, including the recent departure of Lululemon. For those in Northbrook seeking Apple services post-closure, the nearest location will be at the Westfield Old Orchard mall.

While the Northbrook store is closing, Apple has also opened several new retail outlets globally, including recent ones at the Miami Worldcenter and a planned location in Downtown Detroit. This move reflects Apple’s ongoing strategy to focus on providing exceptional customer experiences while adapting to market changes. Despite the closure of some stores, the company remains committed to its customers through various channels.

Apple has announced the permanent closure of its retail store located in the heart of Bristol, England. The store, which has served the community for over 15 years, is set to close on Saturday, August 9, 2025, due to redevelopment plans at the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre and the adjacent Bristol Shopping Quarter. There are currently no plans for a replacement store. The proposed redevelopment includes reconfiguring the retail space along Philadelphia Street, where the Apple store is situated.

The plans involve a mix of residential buildings, medical facilities, restaurants, and other developments. The area has already been experiencing increasing vacancy rates, and some years ago, a large movie theater in Cabot Circus also closed its doors. In a statement to MacRumors, Apple reassured that employees affected by the store’s closure will have the opportunity to continue their roles within the company. They emphasized their commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences and expressed gratitude for the support from the Bristol community over the years.

Apple’s Bristol store originally opened in 2008, initially known as Apple Cabot Circus. The two-story retail space featured a classic design, with the ground floor dedicated to product sales and the upper floor housing Genius Bar appointments and Today at Apple creative sessions. Besides the Bristol location, Apple operates two other stores in the vicinity: Apple Cribbs Causeway and Apple SouthGate in Bath. While the company is closing several stores in other regions, it continues to expand its retail footprint globally, including recent openings in Miami, the Los Angeles area, and plans for new stores in China, Spain, Malaysia, and Downtown Detroit.

Visit our Apple Stores to experience the best of what we offer. Shop for our latest products while receiving expert advice from our knowledgeable staff. Take advantage of exclusive carrier promotions available directly at our stores. If you’re considering a new iPhone, these special offers can help you save significantly, providing deals that you won’t find elsewhere.

If you have an eligible device, consider trading it in for instant credit towards your new purchase. This trade-in program allows you to maximize your investment while upgrading to the latest technology. For added convenience, you can buy online and select a time to pick up your new iPhone in-store. Once you have your device, you’ll be able to transfer everything from your old phone seamlessly.

We also provide temporary access to all the iCloud storage you need, ensuring a smooth transition to your new device.

After fourteen years of operation, the Apple Store at Hornsby Westfield will close its doors this October. The company has decided not to renew the lease on the store located in Sydney’s North, marking the end of an era for the local community. This closure will coincide with the reopening of the Chatswood Chase Apple Store, which is currently undergoing renovations.

Apple has expressed excitement about the updated store, stating, “We’re thrilled to reopen Apple Chatswood Chase in October with a completely redesigned store offering customers on the North Shore new ways to shop, discover and get service for Apple’s incredible line-up of products.” The revamped Chatswood location will feature a team of over 120 employees, an express pick-up zone for online orders, and free workshops known as Today at Apple sessions to help customers maximize the use of their devices. While the Hornsby store will officially close, Apple reassured customers that it will remain open until October 2025. All team members will have opportunities to transfer to the Chatswood location or other nearby stores.

The Chatswood Chase store is expected to serve a significant portion of the North Shore and Central Coast regions, with nearby alternatives such as Charlestown in Newcastle and Castle Hill for Hornsby residents. In other news, Apple’s retail presence in Australia has seen growth with the recent opening of an impressive store in Perth City, located in the former Commonwealth Bank Building. This newly established store combines historical architectural features with modern design, offering a unique shopping experience.

Following the closure of Hornsby, there will still be 21 Apple Stores across Australia, ensuring customers continue to have access to Apple products and services.

Research firm LightShed Partners has suggested that Apple consider replacing Tim Cook as CEO, although a change is not expected to happen in the immediate future. Analysts Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone stated in a recent note to clients that “Apple now needs a product-focused CEO, not one centered on logistics.”

Apple’s stock performance has been notably underwhelming in comparison to competitors like Microsoft and Meta this year. Shares have decreased by 16%, whereas shares for Meta and Microsoft have increased by 25% and 19%, respectively.

The analysts expressed concern that Apple’s failure to keep pace with advancements in artificial intelligence could significantly hinder the company’s growth and long-term viability. Despite this year’s decline in Apple’s share price, it is important to recognize the company’s overall performance under Cook’s leadership, which has seen a rise of over 1,400% since he took the helm, compared to a 430% gain for the S&P 500.

The discussion about leadership comes as Apple prepares for a transition with the departure of Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, who is being succeeded by Sabih Khan. Williams was considered a potential successor to Cook, but now senior vice president John Ternus is viewed as the frontrunner.

LightShed acknowledges Cook’s effectiveness but argues that in light of Williams’ exit, “it’s time for more disruptive change, not less.” However, indications suggest that Cook is not going anywhere soon.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted a lack of a clear successor ready to take over, as well as the absence of any internal signs pointing to Cook’s departure. The board of directors, which remains loyal to Cook, is not pushing for a change in leadership, cementing his position despite the current challenges Apple faces.

Moreover, Cook could potentially expand his influence at Apple by stepping into the role of chairman in the future. As the company looks to navigate its current struggles, executives like services chief Eddy Cue have cautioned that Apple must adapt to avoid becoming obsolete like BlackBerry or Nokia.

Apple is reportedly set to unveil a next-generation external monitor, possibly a successor to the Studio Display, in early 2026. This information comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who indicates that this new monitor, codenamed J427, will debut alongside the anticipated M5 chip Macs. Gurman previously noted that Apple was intensifying efforts to develop a new Studio Display for 2026, but his latest report provides a more specific launch timeframe. Interestingly, he avoids calling it a new Studio Display, leaving open the possibility that the updated monitor may carry a different name.

Additionally, Gurman had mentioned another model, also in development under the codename J527. This hints that Apple could be working on two distinct monitors or a single model with varying specifications or screen sizes. There is speculation that one of these could be a new version of the high-end Pro Display XDR, which has not seen an update since its release in 2019. Though specifics about new features or enhancements for the Studio Display’s successor have not been disclosed, display analyst Ross Young mentioned that a 27-inch monitor with mini-LED backlighting is on Apple’s agenda.

This technology promises improved brightness and contrast compared to the current Studio Display, which uses standard LED backlighting. For context, the Studio Display, launched in March 2022 alongside the Mac Studio, boasts a 5K resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 600 nits of brightness, a built-in camera and speakers, as well as various connectivity options, starting at a price of $1,599. As anticipation builds, many are eager to see how Apple will innovate in its next generation of monitors.