Business
Ahead of iPhone 15 launch, Apple copes with China challenge
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Apple on Tuesday is expected to unveil a new iPhone 15 lineup as questions about market access in China and competition hang over the world’s most valuable listed company.
The iPhone made up more than half of Apple’s $394.3 billion in sales last year, but it faces new challenges with selling in China, the Cupertino, California firm’s third-largest market.
Apple’s latest phones are expected to have new charging ports, titanium cases and cameras, but their debut at its Apple Park headquarters at 10 a.m. PT (1700 GMT) will come as the Chinese government has expanded some restrictions on using iPhones.
Apple will also have to grapple with competition from Huawei Technologies, which was its top rival in China’s premium smartphone market until U.S. export controls ruined Huawei’s phone business in 2019. Last week, Huawei started selling the Mate 60 Pro, a high-end phone that uses Chinese-made chips that some U.S. lawmakers believe were manufactured in violation of U.S. trade curbs.
Huawei wants to gain an edge on Apple with add-on features like satellite calling that relies on China’s government-backed network. Apple’s current iPhone lineup includes satellite capabilities, though they are meant only for emergency situations.
Apple on Tuesday is likely to focus on its new product lineup. By far the biggest change for most Apple customers will be a switch from Apple’s propriety “Lightning” charging cables to USB-C, a standard that Apple already uses on its laptops and some high-end iPads.
Apple was forced into the change by European regulations, but analysts believe that the company will position the change as an upgrade, taking advantage of faster data speeds that can transfer high-quality videos made with iPhones.
Analysts are also expecting a new “periscope” camera technology that could give phones better zoom capabilities and titanium cases, as well as upgraded chips. Such “periscope” lenses can use mirrors or prisms to get a longer lens without having to make the camera module much larger.
The biggest question of the day will be whether Apple reserves those features for a new top-end device and makes smaller upgrades to its cheaper models.
“Just like we saw people who aren’t Ultra athletes buy the Apple Watch Ultra, we’re going to see a bunch of people buy this even if they aren’t camera or photography enthusiasts, just because they like the latest and greatest,” said Ben Bajarin, chief executive and principal analyst of Creative Strategies. “That by itself creates that buzz and momentum and allure to the top end.”
Apple is expected to increase the average price per phone sold to boost its revenue, but the question is whether it does that by raising prices across the board or just on premium versions. The global smartphone market has slumped from shipping 294.5 million total phones to 268 million in the second quarter, but Apple’s shipments declined the least of any major smartphone maker, dropping from 46.5 million phones to 45.3 million, according to data from Counterpoint Research.
“The truth of the matter is, we’re in a very down smartphone market,” said Bob O’Donnell, head of TECHnalysis Research.
O’Donnell said he will also be on the lookout for any hints about Apple’s plans with what is known as generative artificial intelligence, the technology trend behind applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s “Copilot” assistant technologies for its Office software.
Analysts have repeatedly prodded Apple about its plans for such technology but the company has given few hints so far, other than Chief Executive Tim Cook’s comments in July that the company’s secret work on the technology is driving up its research spending.
“Will Apple tease an advanced form of Siri? That would be something that would generate some excitement,” O’Donnell said.
Vanessa Kirby made a striking appearance at Sarah Burton’s highly anticipated inaugural Givenchy runway show for Fall 2025, embodying the essence of the designer’s vision. As a longtime admirer of Burton’s work, the Fantastic Four: First Steps star was eager to witness the debut collection in Paris.
“I really wanted to be here in Paris for Sarah’s first show,” Kirby expressed with enthusiasm. “Sarah has been my favorite designer for years. I absolutely love everything she does—I think she’s a master. She designs clothes truly for women—always extraordinary, feline, and structured in a way that makes you feel so empowered.”
Having collaborated with Burton throughout her tenure at Alexander McQueen, Kirby’s presence at the show was a testament to their ongoing creative synergy. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble with sharp shoulders and a plunging V-neck, Kirby’s outfit embodied Burton’s signature aesthetic: a balance of strength and femininity. “The dress we chose felt very classic—the shape felt architectural and strong, but also daytime and relaxed,” she noted.
Following the intimate runway presentation, Kirby joined an exclusive gathering of fashion and film’s elite at a celebratory dinner honoring Burton’s Givenchy debut. Among the attendees were Rooney Mara, Gwendoline Christie, Raye, Alex Consani, and Yseult, all raising a toast to the designer’s new chapter.
Reflecting on the experience, Kirby shared her admiration for the energy of Paris Fashion Week. “I associate Paris with the amazing shows that happen every year. The shows themselves feel like a real reveal—seeing what Sarah has been working on for months for her first Givenchy collection. Everyone was so excited to see her vision.”
With Burton’s Givenchy era now officially underway, Kirby’s presence at the event was a fitting tribute to the designer’s ability to craft powerful, empowering fashion for the modern woman.
Paris Fashion Week is in full swing, and Zoey Deutch was among the stars braving traffic and freezing temperatures to attend the highly anticipated Chloé show on Thursday. The event, held at the Tennis Club de Paris, marked creative director Chemena Kamali’s celebration of “soft strength.”
Behind the Scenes: Zoey’s Getting-Ready Process
Before stepping out, Deutch gave ELLE an exclusive look at her transformation into the perfect Chloé-girl—a balance of effortlessness and elegance.
Makeup by Hung Vanngo: Soft, fluffy brown lashes and a rosy blush moment for a natural glow.
Hair by Rebekah Forecast: With her pixie cut growing out, she opted for a loose, undone bun to complement the look.
Accessories: Unable to pick just one statement piece, Deutch embraced gold and seashell accessories, layering a necklace, statement earrings, and rings for a playful yet sophisticated vibe.
The Chloé Aesthetic: Feminine & Free-Spirited
Zoey’s look perfectly embodied Chloé’s signature effortless femininity—a blend of soft, undone beauty and refined details. Despite the cold and the Parisian traffic, she arrived at the show looking polished yet relaxed, proving that true style is all about confidence and comfort.
Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2025 show was a glamorous throwback to 1960s Paris, with big bouffant hair and bold, smoky eyes dominating the runway. The iconic French-girl aesthetic was on full display, blending vintage inspiration with modern edge.
The Makeup: Statement Eyes & Subtle Rebellion
Rabanne Beauty’s creative director, Diane Kendal, crafted a striking yet effortless makeup look that channeled icons like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve. Models wore slightly winged, waterline eyeliner and taupe-hued smoky eyeshadow, smudged across the lids and under the eyes for a soft but dramatic effect.
Kendal, known for pushing beauty boundaries, chose to highlight natural skin while focusing on bold eye makeup—a subtle rebellion against the typical all-over glam seen on high-fashion runways. This “done-yet-undone” style perfectly complemented Rabanne’s flamboyant fabrics, sparkles, and sequins.
Hair: The Return of the Bouffant
Fluffy, voluminous bouffants were the crowning statement of the show. The models’ teased, combed-back hair added a touch of vintage glamour, reinforcing the collection’s nostalgic yet playfully modern feel.
Rabanne’s Beauty Revolution
Rabanne Beauty continues to redefine makeup with gender-neutral, statement-making products. The runway featured some of its standout offerings, including:
Shimmer Bomb – An all-over glitter spray for an extra dose of Rabanne’s signature glitz.
Top Coat Mascara – A silver and gold formula that gave lashes a tinsel-like effect.
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