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RetailTech

Centre Issues ‘Severe’ Warning To Apple Users Over Multiple Vulnerabilities


SUMMARY

The affected software includes iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.6 and 16.7.9 and Safari versions prior to 17.6

The Vulnerabilities could allow attackers to access sensitive information present on devices, executive arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, cause denial of service and perform spoofing attacks

Apple has set a new June quarter revenue record in India, driven by robust sales of Macbooks

The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued ‘severe’ warning to Apple users about multiple vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive data, and allow hackers to take control of devices and disrupt services.

The central agency flagged these vulnerabilities in Apple software, including iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.6 and 16.7.9, macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.6, macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.6.8, macOS Monterey versions prior to 12.7.6, watchOS versions prior to 10.6, tvOS versions prior to 17.6, visionOS versions prior to 1.3, and Safari versions prior to 17.6.

The CERT-In advisory on August 2 read, “Multiple issues had been reported in Apple’s products which could allow attackers to access sensitive information present on devices, executive arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, cause denial of service and perform spoofing attacks.”

Amid the notice issued Apple users have been advised to update their devices with the latest versions.

Apple has set a new June quarter revenue record in India, driven by robust sales of Macbooks, according to top executives.

“We […] set quarterly revenue records in more than two dozen countries and regions, including Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, the UK, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand,” Apple CEO Tim Cook had said during the firm’s Q3 FY24 earnings call.

Apple posted a 5% year-on-year jump in its revenue at $85.8 Bn for the fiscal 2024 third quarter ended June 29.

Apple is also reportedly looking to start manufacturing iPhone Pro and Pro Max models in the country, starting with iPhone 16 series, as early as this fiscal year, with Foxconn handling the production.

Beyond iPhones, Apple is also mulling over manufacturing another flagship device iPad through Foxconn.

The tech giant also intends to begin AirPods production in India early next year, with efforts to boost production of components for AirPod wireless charging cases through US-based contract manufacturer Jabil in Pune.

Apple aims to manufacture 25% of all its iPhones in India over the next 3-4 years, up from the current 14%. 





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by Vivek Kumar

A renewed sense of pride in homegrown brands is shaping the way consumers in cities and towns make purchasing decisions. Over half of respondents say they prefer shopping from homegrown and small business brands, citing accessibility, relatable stories, and authentic value as key reasons for their loyalty. Rukam Capital, a venture capital firm backing early-stage consumer brands, unveils this in a comprehensive study mapping the evolving behavior, preferences, and purchase drivers of Indian shoppers. India’s consumer economy is poised to become the second largest by 2030. Rukam Capital’s report- “Aspirations of New India- How Consumers Select, Shop, and Shape Brand Connections’”  aims to showcase the evolving trends in the market that in turn helps brands, startups, and investors to adapt to the evolving mindset of Indian consumers. The research captures the spirit of an India that is young, aspirational, and global in outlook yet deeply conscious of sustainability, authenticity, and community.  It further highlights that consumers have begun expressing clear willingness to pay a premium for local brands that excel in quality and champion social causes, further underscoring the appeal of startups driving community  upliftment. Commenting on the insights, Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner, Rukam Capital, said, “The Indian consumers are no longer passive participants in shaping trends, the market is evolving and is being pillared through affordability, aspirations and a digital sophistication. India is telling us that it is not just about what a brand sells, but how it makes them feel connected, understood, and valued. This shift is forcing even the most traditional categories to reinvent themselves beyond just seasonal triggers, whether that’s through healthier alternatives, transparent communication, or community-driven engagement. For founders, it’s a reminder that building loyalty in India now goes far beyond discounts; it’s about creating meaning in everyday consumption.” Key takeaways from the report-‘Aspirations of New India: How Consumers Select, Shop, and Shape Brand Connections’: From local to loved – homegrown brands are winning hearts of Indian consumers  Digital, dynamic and dialect are driving media habits of Indian consumers  Celebrity or influencers – who is catalyzing brand discovery and purchase decisions  Purchase drivers and deterrents for the value conscious Indian consumers  Indian consumers embrace heritage and health during festivities  Category & Channel Differentiation Discovery, Engagement & Gaming Social media responsiveness wins loyalty – 67% prefer brands that actively engage online. A new influence is also taking center stage – in-game advertisement. That was once pure entertainment has now become a powerful driver of shopping behavior The report also highlights the categories driving growth today.  Health and wellness, kitchen appliances, food and beverages, fashion accessories, and pet care are emerging as strong segments. Across categories, ease of availability, word of mouth, and strong customer service continue to be the top purchase drivers. The survey was conducted in collaboration with YouGov, with over 5000 respondents residing in 18 states to map the evolving consumer landscape of the country, representing both urban and semi-urban population.

by INC42

In today’s hyperconnected consumer landscape, FMCG brands are no longer just competing for shelf space; they are competing for attention, trust, and relevance in a vibrant digital ecosystem. The exciting shift we are witnessing is that consumers, especially digital-first millennials and Gen Z, are becoming more discerning. This marks a powerful opportunity for brands as authenticity emerged as the most valuable currency in FMCG marketing. One thing I’ve found as a cofounder is that the small moments often become the biggest touchpoints of… Source link

by Vivek Kumar

Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) today released its Global Retailer Technology Survey, which found that India’s major retailers are fully invested in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to make operations more efficient. Almost all (96%) in-country retailers said they are using AI, with plans to either expand in the near future or maintain current usage of the technology, as compared to 85% globally.  The survey also highlights how Indian retailers are using AI, from smarter inventory and demand forecasting to enhanced customer service and optimized last-mile delivery. “Retailers are looking to AI to better understand what their customers want and how to best meet their needs in a constantly changing market,” said Ritwij Kulkarni, General Manager, Industrial Automation, Honeywell India. “In a country as large and diverse as India, AI has tremendous potential to create hyper-personalized customer experiences and optimize the flow of retail goods throughout the supply chain so they reach shoppers in the most efficient way.”  Other advanced technologies are making a significant impact on the retail landscape in India, with a majority of retailers already invested in machine and camera vision (CV) technologies (68%) and optical character recognition (OCR) (64%). While less common overall, augmented reality (AR) is also gaining traction, in use by 39% of surveyed Indian retailers.  OCR can significantly speed up retail workflows when replenishing the shelf inventory or identifying mislabeled prices by quickly reading labels and other product information. CV can help mitigate the growing challenge with retail shrinkage, while AR can help shoppers or employees visualize a product in a space.  While the results showed overall continued momentum for AI, Indian retailers expressed some concerns about its adoption.  Honeywell’s Global Retailer Technology Survey focused on large retailers throughout the U.S., Europe, Latin America, India and the Middle East and how they are using advanced technologies throughout their operations, including AI, automation, augmented reality, machine vision and sensors. Indian retailers participating in the survey had a minimum annual revenue of $10 million USD. Methodology Honeywell commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct the Global Honeywell Retailer Technology Survey in May 2025. This Omnibus survey polled 450 executives at large retailers about their use of AI and other technologies via an email invitation and online survey. The following markets are represented in survey data: the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, India, United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The threshold of “large” retailer varied by country, ranging from a minimum annual revenue of $100 million in the U.S. to minimum annual revenue of $5 million in the UAE and KSA.