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Apple event 2023: In a first, buyers may get India-assembled iPhone 15 on Day 1

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For the first time, the new iPhone model you buy on the launch day could be made in India.

People stand outside an Apple store(AFP)
People stand outside an Apple store(AFP)

Apple Inc. plans to make the India-built iPhone 15 available in the South Asian country and some other regions on the global sales debut day, people familiar with the matter said. While the vast majority of iPhone 15s will come from China, that would be the first time a latest generation, India-assembled device is available on the first day of sale, they said, asking not to be identified as the matter is private.

It would also underscore India’s growing production prowess, and reflect a significant departure from Apple’s previous strategy of selling mostly Chinese-made new devices to frenzied customers across the world. The new iPhone 15 is expected to go on sale in the days or weeks after its unveiling, slated for 10 a.m. California time on Tuesday.

Cupertino, California-based Apple began iPhone 15 production at supplier Foxconn Technology Group’s factory in southern Tamil Nadu state last month. That move was yet another effort by the US tech giant to further narrow the gap between its India operations and its main manufacturing bases in China.

Slight delays with the India-built device could occur because of unforeseen logistics bottlenecks, the people said. Apple representatives didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Apple is set to introduce the iPhone 15, updated watches and AirPods at a gala event at its US headquarters. Sales of new products begin typically around 10 days after the unveiling.

Before the iPhone 14, Apple assembled just a fraction of its global output in India, which lagged behind China production by six to nine months. That delay was drastically reduced last year to just weeks, and Apple has increased the proportion of iPhones it assembles in India to reach 7% at the end of March.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s financial incentives to boost local manufacturing and Apple’s strategy to look beyond China amid a Washington-Beijing trade war have helped India become increasingly important to the iPhone maker’s diversification drive.

The iPhone 15 is expected to be the biggest update to the device in three years. It will include upgrades to the camera system across the range, and the Pro models will gain an improved 3-nanometer processor. The new lineup is critical to reviving flagging sales. Apple in August reported its third straight quarter of declining sales, weighed down by tepid consumer demand in key markets like the US, China and Europe.

Other Apple suppliers in India — Pegatron Corp. and a Wistron Corp. factory that is soon being acquired by the Tata Group — will also likely soon assemble the iPhone 15, Bloomberg News has reported.

Apple, which opened its first India stores this year, views the fast-growing market as both a retail opportunity and an important production base for its gadgets in the longer term. In the quarter through June, iPhone sales in India grew at a double-digit rate to a new high, Apple said without revealing precise numbers.

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Business

Biden’s Hollywood Break-Up: Celebrities Say It’s Time for a Change

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As President Joe Biden nears the halfway mark of his term, a noticeable shift is occurring within Hollywood’s elite. Once a stronghold of Democratic support, a growing number of celebrities are voicing their discontent with the current administration and calling for a change in leadership.

The Growing Discontent

Policy Disagreements:Many celebrities have expressed frustration over Biden’s handling of key issues such as climate change, healthcare, and immigration. Despite campaign promises, some feel that progress has been too slow or insufficient.

Environmental advocates, in particular, have been vocal about their disappointment with the administration’s compromises on climate policy, arguing that urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis.

Cultural and Social Issues:Hollywood’s progressive base has criticized Biden for not taking a stronger stance on social justice issues. High-profile figures in the entertainment industry have called for more aggressive reforms on policing, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Supreme Court’s recent decisions on reproductive rights have also fueled discontent, with many feeling that the administration should have taken more decisive action to protect these rights.

Economic Concerns:Celebrities have highlighted economic disparities and the administration’s handling of the post-pandemic recovery. Rising inflation and economic instability have led some to question Biden’s economic policies and their impact on everyday Americans.

The entertainment industry itself has faced challenges, including strikes and disputes over working conditions, which some feel have not been adequately addressed by the administration.

Calls for Change New Leadership:Prominent figures in Hollywood are advocating for new leadership within the Democratic Party, suggesting that fresh faces and ideas are needed to address the current political and social climate.

Some celebrities have even hinted at support for potential challengers within the party who might better align with their progressive values and vision for the future.

Increased Activism:The dissatisfaction has led to increased political activism among celebrities, with many using their platforms to mobilize fans and encourage voter participation. Grassroots campaigns and advocacy efforts are gaining momentum as celebrities push for change.

Social media has become a powerful tool for these efforts, allowing celebrities to reach wide audiences and galvanize support for various causes and candidates.

Impact on Upcoming Elections

Influence on Voters:Hollywood celebrities have long held sway over public opinion, and their shift in support could influence voters, especially younger demographics who look up to these figures.The growing call for change may lead to a more dynamic and competitive Democratic primary, potentially reshaping the party’s platform and priorities.

Republican Opportunities:The discontent within Hollywood could also present opportunities for Republican candidates to appeal to disillusioned voters. By addressing key issues and presenting viable alternatives, Republicans may seek to capitalize on the divide within the Democratic base.

Conclusion

The evolving relationship between Hollywood and the Biden administration highlights the complexities of political alliances and the changing landscape of American politics. As celebrities increasingly voice their desire for change, their influence could play a significant role in shaping the future of the Democratic Party and the broader political discourse in the United States.

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Business

The Shift from Celebrity Endorsements to Influencer Marketing

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In recent years, the marketing landscape has witnessed a significant shift from traditional celebrity endorsements to influencer marketing. This evolution is driven by changes in consumer behavior, the rise of social media, and the need for more authentic and relatable brand connections.

Why the Shift is Happening

Authenticity and Relatability:Consumers increasingly seek genuine and relatable recommendations. Influencers, who often share personal stories and experiences, provide a sense of authenticity that traditional celebrity endorsements sometimes lack.

Influencers typically have a niche audience that trusts their opinions, making their endorsements feel more like personal recommendations than paid promotions.

Engagement and Interaction:Influencers engage directly with their followers through comments, likes, and direct messages, creating a two-way interaction. This engagement fosters a sense of community and trust.

Celebrities, while having large followings, often maintain a more distant relationship with their audience, which can reduce the perceived authenticity of their endorsements.

Targeted Reach:Brands can leverage influencers to reach specific demographics and niches. Influencers often cater to particular interests, allowing brands to target their marketing efforts more precisely.

Celebrity endorsements, on the other hand, tend to have a broader reach but may not effectively target specific audience segments.

Cost-Effectiveness:Working with influencers, especially micro-influencers (those with smaller, highly engaged followings), can be more cost-effective than high-profile celebrity endorsements.

Brands can collaborate with multiple influencers to achieve a wide reach at a lower cost compared to a single celebrity endorsement deal.

Content Diversity:Influencers create a variety of content formats, including videos, stories, and blog posts, offering brands multiple ways to connect with their audience. This diverse content can be more engaging and shareable.

Celebrity endorsements are often limited to traditional advertising formats, which may not resonate as effectively with modern, digital-savvy consumers.

Examples of Influencer Marketing Success

Fashion and Beauty:Brands like Glossier and Fashion Nova have leveraged influencers to build their brands. Influencers’ reviews, tutorials, and unboxing videos have driven significant brand awareness and sales.

Travel and Lifestyle:Companies like Airbnb and GoPro collaborate with travel influencers to showcase their products in real-life scenarios. Influencer-generated content highlights authentic travel experiences and inspires followers.

Fitness and Wellness:Fitness brands such as Gymshark have grown exponentially by partnering with fitness influencers who demonstrate the use of their products, share workout routines, and motivate their followers.

Conclusion

The shift from celebrity endorsements to influencer marketing reflects a broader trend towards authenticity, engagement, and targeted reach in the digital age. While celebrities still hold significant influence, the rise of social media has democratized marketing, allowing influencers to build strong, loyal communities. Brands that adapt to this shift and leverage the power of influencer marketing can create more meaningful connections with their audience, ultimately driving greater brand loyalty and success.

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Virat Kohli Surpasses Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh to Become King of Celebrity Brand Value

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In the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity endorsements and brand associations, Virat Kohli has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh to become the king of celebrity brand value in India. This accomplishment underscores Kohli’s unparalleled popularity and influence, extending beyond the cricket field to a dominant presence in the advertising and branding world.

How Celebrity Brand Value is CalculatedCelebrity brand value is a metric that evaluates the monetary worth a celebrity brings to a brand through their endorsements. The calculation of this value involves several factors:

Marketability and Endorsement Deals: The number and nature of endorsement deals a celebrity secures play a crucial role. Higher and more lucrative deals increase the brand value.

Public Perception and Popularity: Surveys and market research assess the celebrity’s popularity, likability, and public perception. Positive sentiment and a strong fan base contribute significantly to brand value.

Media Presence and Visibility: The frequency and nature of a celebrity’s appearances in media, including social media, television, and print, impact their brand value. Greater visibility often translates to higher brand value.

Social Media Influence: In today’s digital age, a celebrity’s social media presence and engagement are vital. High follower counts and interaction rates boost brand value.

Impact on Sales and Brand Image: The effectiveness of a celebrity in driving sales and enhancing a brand’s image is a direct indicator of their brand value. Brands track the performance of campaigns featuring the celebrity to gauge this impact.

Longevity and Consistency: The duration of a celebrity’s relevance and their ability to maintain consistent performance over time contribute to their overall brand value.

Virat Kohli’s ascent to the top is a testament to his exceptional marketability, vast popularity, and strategic brand associations. His strong social media presence, consistent performance as a cricketer, and charismatic personality have all played pivotal roles in elevating his brand value. By surpassing established Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh, Kohli has solidified his position as a leading figure in both sports and brand endorsements, showcasing the growing influence of athletes in the world of celebrity branding.

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