New Delhi: US tech giant Apple’s annual sales in India touched a record of nearly $9 billion in FY 2024-25, a report has said. Apple’s devices in the country saw a 13 per cent increase in sales, up from around $8 billion recorded in the previous year, highlighting rising consumer demand, according to a Bloomberg report. The company’s flagship devices, iPhones, dominated the sales in India for FY25, with significant growth in demand for MacBook computers as well. The performance provides an advantage to the US-based company as its global mobile device sales have plateaued. Apple has opened two new stores in Bengaluru and Pune as part of its retail expansion in India this week, anticipating it to be the next key market. Apple is responding to volatile demand and increasing competition in China, its largest overseas market, where sales grew by only 4.4 per cent in the June quarter following two years of declines. In 2024, India ranked as Apple’s fourth-largest market worldwide, following the US, China, and Japan. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source India is also a key player in Apple’s manufacturing strategy. One in five iPhones is now manufactured in India, with Apple expanding production across five factories, including two recently opened plants, Bloomberg reports. The initiative aims to decrease dependence on China for manufacturing. India is also becoming central to Apple’s manufacturing plans, with one in every five iPhones now being produced in the country. India has surpassed China to emerge as the leading supplier of smartphones to the United States, driven by Apple’s relocation of its operations to India. Apple has scaled up its production capacity in India over the last several years and has dedicated most of its export capacity in the country to supply the US market so far in 2025. Earlier this week, the company’s CEO Tim Cook officially announced the opening of two more official retail outlets in Bengaluru’s Hebbal and Pune’s Koregaon Park and said the US tech giant was “thrilled” to continue to bring the best of its technology to customers across India at these two new outlets. Taking to X on Thursday, the Apple CEO wrote: “Say hello to Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru and Apple Koregaon Park in Pune! We are thrilled to continue to bring the best of Apple to customers across India at these two new stores.”

Meta’s New AI-Powered Ad Tools For Festive Season: As the festive shopping season kicks off in India, consumers are turning to AI-powered tools, short-form videos and trusted creators to guide their purchase decisions. To help brands meet consumers where they are, Meta has announced a suite of new updates designed to help marketers brighten their sales campaigns this festive season. This involves launching fresh approaches to boost sales through Reels and creators, providing marketers with deeper insights to enhance their creative diversification strategies, and simplifying the process of directing customers toward festive offers both online and in-store. Marketers turn to video and creators to help tell their brand story, explain their products and reach new customers. This season, Meta is making it easier than ever for marketers to tap creators in their campaigns. So, Meta is introducing more ways to help businesses find the right creators to partner with, including providing more language and region filters to cater to a businesses’ geography, as it onboards more creators globally to Instagram’s creator marketplace. (Also Read: Realme 15T 5G Goes On Sale In India: Check Camera, Display, Battery, Price, And Bank Discount) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Creator Magic In Catalog Ads: Marketers can also tap creators to merchandise their products by combining partnership ads with Advantage+ catalog ads. This now includes the option to add a partnership “intro card” from a new or existing partnership ad onto a catalog carousel ad. Adding further, when advertisers running partnership ads enable the “Show Products” optimization in Advantage+ creative, Meta will automatically turn their single media partnerships ad into a catalog ad if Meta thinks it will increase performance. Advertisers who tested the ‘show products’ optimization in Advantage+ creative with partnership ads saw a 4% higher click-through rate and 3% higher conversions compared to partnership ads without this optimization. Meta’s New Feature For Reels Ads On Facebook And Instagram Video is increasingly important for marketers to connect and engage with potential customers on Meta platforms. To give advertisers more ways to merchandise their products with video, Meta is introducing new features for Reels ads on Facebook and Instagram that help drive product discovery. Let’s have a quick look on the features Unwrap More with Every Facebook Swipe Up Meta is exploring new ways for people to engage with Reels ads and reconsider taking an action by sharing more information about an advertiser, such as details from their page, when a person swipes up. Make Your Instagram Catalog Ads Sparkle With Video Advantage+ catalog ads in carousel format can now deliver catalog product video on Instagram Reels (already available on Facebook Reels). The addition of video to the new scrollable carousel grid format on Instagram Reels is driving improved performance for brands, with a 7% increase in conversion rates on average for advertisers who tested adding video to their Advantage+ catalog campaigns on Instagram Reels compared to images only. Meta’s New Tools For Agencies And Businesses Creative diversification strategies give Meta’s AI-powered ads systems more options to serve the right ad to the right person at the right time. To help, Meta is giving businesses and agencies new tools that can help them use their ad creatives more efficiently. Make Your Creative The Gift That Keeps On Giving Flexible media helps marketers get the most out of their assets by allowing Meta to deliver ads into new placements if the Meta models predict it will help performance. Advertisers that tested this solution saw a 23% increase in conversions, and businesses globally can now tap into these performance gains. Meta’s Creative Insights Meta is introducing creative insights. Advertisers can access creative insights in their performance overview in Ads Reporting or Ads Manager and learn more about what’s working, what’s not and get recommendations to improve. Creative insights will be available to all advertisers globally later this year. Meta’s New Related Media Feature To help advertisers reach new audiences and improve campaign performance, Meta is introducing Related media, a feature that recommends existing media to include in newly created ad sets, to businesses globally. By adding these media suggestions to their new campaigns, advertisers can easily increase the volume and diversity of available creatives, which can help improve performance by reaching new and previously untapped audiences in placements across Meta. In a recent test, advertisers saw a 13% increase in conversion rate for campaigns when using Related media. Meta’s New Tools To Drive Sales Online From Ad To Aisle: Omnichannel ads are now available globally, helping advertisers who sell products online, in-store and in their own app to optimize their ads to drive purchases wherever customers are more likely to buy. Advertisers can now highlight maps and discounts to drive people to nearby stores and apply Meta Advantage+creative generative AI optimizations to Omnichannel ads. In tests, Advertisers using Omnichannel ads have seen a median 15% reduction in total cost per purchase. Meta’s New Offers: Unlock Festive Savings: Ahead of the festive season, Meta is also bringing email sign up offers to more businesses on Facebook, allowing marketers to highlight new customer promotions in exchange for customer email addresses. According to a recent study, ads that used email sign-up offers had an average increase of 4.6x emails submitted over a 14 day period. Marketers can also use ‘highlight your promotions’ to make their more broadly available or seasonal discounts available in ads.

Tecno Pova Slim 5G Price In India: Tecno has launched the world’s slimmest and lightest 5G smartphone with a 3D curved design in India. The newly-launched smartphone has a slim body measuring 5.95 mm and weighing 156 grams. The launch is positioned as part of Tecno’s “3B” philosophy, which the brand defines as Best Signal, Best Design, and Best AI.  The POVA Slim 5G comes with three colour options: Sky Blue, Slim White, and Cool Black. Notably, the device runs on HiOS 15, based on Android 15. The device is a bit thicker than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge at 5.8mm, though it weighs 163 grams. The device features Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, MIL-STD 810H certification, and an IP64 rating, proving its slim design doesn’t compromise durability. World’s First Dynamic Mood Light Design And Ella AI  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The smartphone features the world’s first Dynamic Mood Light Design, a unique innovation where the phone illuminates dynamically to respond to calls, notifications, and even user moods. The device comes with Ella AI, TECNO’s smart assistant with Indian language support, built to simplify daily tasks. Features like AI Call Assistant, AI Writing, AI Image Editing, Circle to Search, and Privacy Blurring make it more intuitive and personalised, combining productivity, entertainment, and safety for Indian users. Tecno Pova Slim 5G Specifications It features a 6.78-inch 1.5K 3D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, backed by Military Grade MIL-STD 810H certification and an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance. Under the hood, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 processor built on a 6nm process, paired with an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. (Also Read: Lost Your Smartphone? How To Trace It Via IMEI Number On CEIR Portal In India) On the photography front, it houses a dual rear camera setup comprising a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP secondary lens, with support for 2K video recording, while the front gets a 13MP camera for selfies and video calls. The phone is powered by a 5,160mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging support.  Tecno Pova Slim 5G Price In India And Availability Tecno POVA Slim 5G comes in a single 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model priced at Rs 19,999, and will be available exclusively on Flipkart starting September 8. 

IMEI Tracker Online For Lost Mobile: Losing a smartphone can be a stressful experience, especially when it contains important personal data, contacts, and financial details. In India, one of the most effective ways to track a lost or stolen device is by using its unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This 15-digit code is assigned to every mobile handset and helps authorities and telecom operators identify and block the device from being misused. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also introduced a centralized system to make the process simpler for users. In this article, we will explain how you can trace your lost mobile phone in India by its IMEI number using the CEIR portal.  What Is IMEI Number? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source An International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is a unique 15-digit code that acts as a digital fingerprint for your mobile phone. Every mobile device in the world, including smartphones and some satellite phones, has its own unique IMEI number. This number is tied to the device itself, not your SIM card, which means the IMEI remains the same even if you switch carriers or phone numbers. How To Trace Your Lost Mobile Phone By IMEI Number In India Find Your IMEI Number If you don’t already have your phone’s 15-digit IMEI number, you can find it on the original box or the purchase receipt. For Android users, the IMEI may be saved in your Google Dashboard, and for iPhone users, it can be found in your iCloud account. Dual SIM phones will have two IMEI numbers. Get Duplicate SIM Card Immediately contact your mobile service provider and request a duplicate SIM card for your lost number. An active number is necessary to receive updates and verification codes during the tracing process. Register On The CEIR Portal Visit the official Indian government portal for blocking and tracing lost phones, the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) at ceir.gov.in. Select the option for “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile”.  File Police Report (FIR) The first and most crucial step is to file a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station. Provide them with all the details of your lost phone, including the IMEI number, brand, and model. This official report is required to proceed with blocking and tracing your device. (Also Read: Over 2 Crore Fraudulent Phone Connections Blocked, Spoof Calls Down By 97%: DoT Secretary) Submit the Blocking Request On the CEIR portal, you will need to fill out a form with your mobile number, the phone’s IMEI number(s), the FIR details, and upload a copy of the police report. You will also need to provide an alternate number for communication. Once submitted, you’ll receive a Request ID to track your case. Tracking And Recovery After you submit the request, your phone’s IMEI will be blacklisted across all Indian telecom networks, making it unusable with any SIM card. If anyone attempts to use your phone, the system will trace its location and alert the authorities. The police will then work to recover the device and will contact you once it is found. 

Google Photos Cutout Stickers: Google Photos has launched a new cutout tool on iOS, enabling users to quickly turn photos into stickers. Much like Apple’s Visual Look Up, it allows you to isolate a person, pet, or object from an image within seconds. For now, the feature is limited to iOS, while Android users will have to wait for a broader rollout. Meanwhile, like Samsung and OnePlus gallery apps or third-party tools such as Fotor and Remove.bg can be used for manual cutouts. The feature offers a quick way to extract subjects from photos and turn them into stickers for chats or social posts. With this cutout tool, users can craft fun, personalised reactions straight from their own pictures. While Apple’s Photos app adds creative touches like outlines and stylised effects, Google’s version keeps things minimal but practical. (Also Read: Lost Your Smartphone? How To Trace It Via IMEI Number On CEIR Portal In India) How To Use Instant Google Photos Cutout Stickers Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Step 1: Open Google Photos on your iPhone or iPad and select any photo. Step 2: Press and hold the person, pet, or object you want to isolate; the app will create a cutout automatically. Step 3: Tap Copy to place the cutout on your clipboard, then paste it wherever you like. Step 4: You can tap Share to send it directly as a sticker in chats and social apps. 

OnePlus Pad 3 Android Tablet Price In India: OnePlus has officially revealed the price of its latest Android tablet, the OnePlus Pad 3, in India. The company confirmed that the tablet will be available for purchase starting September 5 across both online and offline platforms. As a launch offer, buyers between September 5 and 7 will receive the OnePlus Stylo 2 and the OnePlus Pad 3 Folio Case, together worth Rs 7,198, at no additional cost. OnePlus Pad 3 Specifications The device features a 13.2-inch 3.4K IPS LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 900 nits peak brightness, and a 540Hz touch sampling rate. It comes with an eight-speaker setup for an immersive multimedia experience and is powered by the top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The tablet offers up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, along with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. It is backed by a massive 12,140mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging support, the device runs on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. For photography, the OnePlus Pad 3 is equipped with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera for selfies and video calls. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a USB Type-C port, while security is managed through face unlock for added convenience. The device is powered by a massive 12,140mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting usage with quick top-ups. (Also Read: iPhone 16e Gets Massive Discount On THIS Platform Ahead Of iPhone 17 India Launch; Check Camera, Display And Other Features) OnePlus Pad 3 Price In India And Sale Offers The OnePlus Pad 3 is priced at Rs 47,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant and Rs 52,999 for the 16GB RAM + 512GB model. The Sales begin on September 5 across Amazon, Flipkart, OnePlus’ official website, and offline retail stores. As part of the launch offers, buyers can avail a Rs 5,000 discount on select credit cards, effectively bringing the prices down to Rs 42,999 and Rs 47,999, respectively.

iPhone 16e Price Cut In India: The Apple iPhone 17 series is already creating a buzz in India after the Cupertino-based tech giant announced its official launch date. Scheduled for September 9, the much-awaited premium smartphone is drawing attention not only for its features but also for the deals available online. Ahead of the launch, the iPhone 16e (Black, 128 GB variant) is listed with attractive discounts on leading e-commerce platforms, making it a tempting choice for buyers. With prices around Rs 50,000, the iPhone is becoming a top choice for people planning an upgrade. Apple’s brand value, stylish design, and attractive pricing are driving strong interest among buyers. iPhone 16e Gets Massive Discount In India Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The smartphone is listed on Amazon at Rs 51,499, down from its original price of Rs 59,900. Consumers can opt for EMI plans starting at Rs 2,485, with No Cost EMI options also available. Under the exchange offer, customers can get up to Rs 33,050 off, while the price without exchange remains Rs 51,499. Adding further, users paying with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Cards can avail cashback of up to Rs 1,544 as Amazon Pay Balance, along with savings of up to Rs 2,318.91 on EMI interest through No Cost EMI offers. This brings the total savings to a solid Rs 8,401. iPhone 16e Specifications The premium smartphone boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, housed in a sleek aluminium design and equipped with Face ID for secure access. It is powered by Apple’s A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. The device also features a customisable Action Button that allows quick access to various functions. (Also Read: Realme 15T 5G India Launch Date Officially Confirmed; Check Expected Camera, Battery, Display, Price And Other Features) The iPhone 16e comes in two matte finishes, black and white, and offers three storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. For photography, it comes with a 48-megapixel main camera offering 2x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel front camera designed for selfies, video calls, and social media content. The smartphone is IP68 certified, making it resistant to dust and water, and it supports several Apple Intelligence features for a smarter user experience. 

WhatsApp And Apple Security Update: WhatsApp and Apple have released an important security update to fix a ‘Zero-Click Vulnerability’ found on their platforms. This serious flaw allowed hackers to break into a user’s device without any action, such as clicking a link or opening a file. Unlike regular cyberattacks, this one could be carried out remotely, making it far more dangerous. However, WhatsApp has fixed a security bug in its app for iPhones and Macs that hackers used to access specific users’ devices. WhatsApp’s CVE-2025-43300 Bug According to a security advisory from WhatsApp, a bug identified as CVE-2025-43300 may have been used in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting specific users. This vulnerability was present in several versions of the platform, including WhatsApp for iOS before version 2.25.21.73, WhatsApp Business for iOS prior to version 2.25.21.78, and WhatsApp for Mac before version 2.25.21.78. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The flaw was part of a “zero-click” exploit, meaning attackers could compromise a device without any action from the user. This was achieved by combining the WhatsApp vulnerability with a separate flaw in Apple’s operating system. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, confirmed that the bug was patched a few weeks ago and that fewer than 200 affected users were notified of the potential breach. (Also Read: Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale In India: Samsung Galaxy S24 And iPhone 16 May Get Major Price Cuts; Check Expected Discounts And Bank Offers) Apple’s CVE-2025-55177 Bug In a related development, Apple also addressed a critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-43300. The company stated that this flaw could allow for memory corruption if a device processed a malicious image file. This bug was reportedly not exploited in isolation. Instead, it was chained with a separate WhatsApp vulnerability (CVE-2025-55177) to create a powerful “zero-click” exploit. This combined attack was used in sophisticated spyware campaigns targeting specific individuals, particularly iPhone users. Apple acknowledged being aware of reports that this vulnerability was actively used in “an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals” to install spyware and steal data from their devices. iPhone And Android Users Are Targeted According to Donncha O Cearbhaill, head of Amnesty International’s Security Lab, the recent exploit was part of an advanced spyware campaign. He revealed that initial investigations covering the last 90 days indicated that both iPhone and Android users were targeted. The victims of this campaign reportedly included a significant number of activists and members of civil society. Zero-click attacks are considered among the most dangerous threats in the cyber world because they require no user interaction to succeed. Unlike common phishing or malware attacks, where a person must click a link or open a file, a zero-click exploit allows hackers to infiltrate a system and steal data remotely. This makes them exceptionally difficult to defend against, as users have no preventive measures to take and are often completely unaware that their device has been compromised. Most Dangerous Threats in the Cyber World  To keep your devices safe, you need to act now. It’s important to immediately update both WhatsApp and your iPhone/iPad to the newest versions. These updates include the fixes for the security problems. Even though this specific bug is fixed, it’s still smart to be careful online. Don’t click on strange links or open files you don’t trust. A good habit is to always install security updates as soon as they are available to protect yourself from new threats.