Apple remains world’s most valuable brand based on financial performance, influence, premium positioning

Interbrand’s annual report on the world’s most valuable brands sees Apple keep the top slot for the fifth consecutive year, ahead of Google and Microsoft. The top ten brands are rounded out by Coca Cola, Amazon, Samsung, Toyota, Facebook, Mercedes Benz and IBM.

Interbrand assesses the all-in value of a brand by analysing three factors …

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KGI: Initial iPhone 8 sales were not ‘weak’, stable demand at carriers

A new report from KGI rebuts some of the industry pessimism around the launch of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Although it is true that lines were shorter than the usual blockbuster iPhone release, KGI says that opening weekend sales were about half that of last year’s.

Given that many early adopters are waiting for the iPhone X, 50% sales volume is inline with expectations. KGI says they are seeing stable demand from carrier sales.

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Apple just received a fast lane for developing health features that require FDA approval

Apple is among nine technology companies chosen by the United States Food and Drug Administration to test a new pilot program that could allow health products to be developed and released with less delay. This could allow Apple to use the Apple Watch and iPhone for medical uses that would previously require a longer approval process which slows down deployment.

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