Tobias

Apple’s latest earnings report shows a rebound in iPhone sales in China, driving a 4.35% revenue increase in the Greater China region. CEO Tim Cook noted iPhone users in China are at an all-time high, crediting government subsidies. Apple also touts strong sales for Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch. The MacBook Air is reportedly the best-selling notebook and the Mac Mini the top desktop in China, with iPhone holding the top three smartphone spots.

A 14-year-old girl in Anhui gained popularity on Douyin for selling beach toys. Her father documented her 25-day entrepreneurial venture, which generated over 2,000 yuan. While initial success drew praise, increased competition led to a decline in sales, prompting her to plan to discontinue the business soon. Commenters highlighted the value of her experience in fostering independent thinking, social skills, and understanding the value of labor beyond traditional education.

Apple’s fiscal Q3 2025 saw a revenue boost due to accelerated device purchases driven by consumer anxiety over potential tariffs, contributing one percentage point to the company’s 10% year-over-year revenue growth. Initial tariff announcements led to speculation about significant iPhone price increases, prompting consumers to buy early. Apple absorbed $800 million in tariff expenses in the June quarter and anticipates $1.1 billion in the September quarter, potentially leading to a $50 price increase for the iPhone 17 series models.

Chinese retailer Pang Dong Lai has refuted online claims falsely attributed to them regarding job losses resulting from e-commerce decline. The company stated they never released content suggesting “If e-commerce collapses, 5 million people will lose their jobs.” They urged the public to verify information and avoid misinformation. Pang Dong Lai reported strong first-half sales of RMB 11.707 billion. Founder Yu Donglai announced ambitious 2025 targets focused on profits and employee compensation, indicating a commitment to talent retention.

A tech company employee, Li, exploited his position as account manager for a beer company’s marketing campaign to embezzle 6.5 million yuan ($900,000 USD). Li manipulated the system to generate fake winning QR codes, which he and his associates redeemed. The scheme, lasting over a year, was discovered after an audit revealed unusually high prize payouts. Li was found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to six years in prison with a 100,000 yuan fine.

A couple in Chongqing was detained for posing as Meituan delivery drivers and running a street-level begging scam. They falsely claimed to need money for their son’s surgery. Meituan confirmed the man had briefly registered as a rider in 2019 but deactivated his account in 2023. He purchased a uniform online to exploit public sympathy. Meituan warned against impersonating riders and highlighted its support programs for legitimate riders, including financial assistance for critical illnesses.

Microsoft has joined the $4 Trillion Club, becoming the second company after Nvidia to reach this valuation. Shares surged 8% following a strong Fiscal Year 2025 Q4 earnings report. Microsoft reported a Q4 revenue of $76.44 billion, up 18% year-over-year, driven by AI-powered cloud services. Full-year revenue reached $281.724 billion, a 15% increase. Analysts are optimistic, with Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase raising their price targets. Nvidia first achieved the $4 trillion milestone earlier in July.

Chinese consumers are increasingly criticizing restaurants for alleged “double standards,” using fresh ingredients for dine-in customers but cheaper, frozen substitutes for takeout orders. The Jiangsu Provincial Consumer Rights Protection Committee (JSCRPC) argues this differential treatment violates consumer rights to fair dealing and transparent information. Key concerns include ingredient quality discrepancies, smaller takeout portions, and inflated delivery prices. The JSCRPC emphasizes that consumers deserve consistent quality regardless of consumption method, and experts warn against exploiting informational asymmetry, raising issues of transparency and ethical practices in the food delivery sector.

Didi Chuxing has launched “Four-Wheel Errand,” a luggage transfer service utilizing its private car fleet. Aimed at easing travel burdens, the service facilitates seamless luggage transportation, targeting vacationing families and business travelers. Didi is partnering with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), piloting the service at over 300 Holiday Inn Express hotels in Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities, with plans to expand to other IHG brands and transportation hubs. This move expands Didi’s service offerings and caters to the tourism sector’s needs, offering a “travel light” experience.

In Anshan, China, a man’s unlocked Toyota was entered by three minors who stole the keys and subsequently his Mercedes-Benz. The abandoned Mercedes was recovered 100km away after running out of fuel. Two suspects, ages 13 and 14, have been apprehended. Due to their age, they may not face criminal charges, but the owner’s negligence in securing his vehicle could lead to partial liability. Insurance coverage is complicated by the owner’s negligence and legal limitations regarding minors’ responsibilities. The guardians may be responsible for compensation and care.