Apple says its App Store helped generate $1.3T in billings and sales, most without a commission

(via TechCrunch)

Apple reported that its App Store facilitated $1.3 trillion in billings and sales in 2024, with 90% of that total not involving a commission to Apple. Digital goods and services reached $131 billion, in-app advertising brought in $150 billion, and physical goods and services topped $1 trillion. The Apple-funded study also noted significant growth in global spending and mobile payments since 2019, emphasizing the App Store's broader economic impact.

Brand Insights → Apple is using this moment to remind people that the App Store is more than just a way for them to make money, it's a major driver of the global economy. By highlighting that 90% of the $1.3 trillion in sales didn’t earn them a commission, Apple positions itself as a supporter of developers, not just a gatekeeper. This is smart brand strategy, especially as Apple faces legal and public pressure around its control of the platform. The message is clear: Apple fuels growth, it doesn’t just profit from it.

Procter & Gamble to Cut 7,000 Jobs

(via The Wall Street Journal)

Procter & Gamble announced it will cut 7,000 nonmanufacturing jobs globally over the next two years as part of a reorganization to streamline roles and teams. The company also plans to reduce its product portfolio by exiting certain categories and divesting smaller brands. This comes after a decline in quarterly sales, a lowered sales forecast, and rising pressure from tariffs and increased competition.

Brand Insights → Procter & Gamble is making a big shift, cutting 7,000 jobs and narrowing its focus to fewer, stronger brands. From a brand strategy view, this move helps P&G protect its identity as a leader in essential, high-performing products rather than spreading itself too thin. By trimming its portfolio and reorganizing its team structure, the company is trying to stay agile in a tough market. The message to the public is clear: P&G is prioritizing focus and resilience over size or tradition.

Tesla stock plunges 14% as Trump and Elon Musk break up. Here’s what the numbers show

(via Quartz)

Tesla stock fell 14% on Thursday and over 20% in the past week, with trading volume surging to 275 million shares—suggesting institutional investors may be behind the selloff. The downturn followed negative headlines about Elon Musk’s behavior and political stance, which initially triggered retail investor panic. Tesla’s long-standing retail popularity and relatively low institutional ownership make it more vulnerable to shifts in sentiment and headline-driven volatility compared to other major tech stocks.

Brand Insights → Tesla’s brand has always been closely tied to Elon Musk, so when his personal image takes a hit, the company feels it fast. This week’s stock plunge shows how risky that connection can be, investors reacted not just to business news, but to Musk’s political moves and public behavior. Strategically, it exposes the challenge of building a brand around a polarizing figure. While this approach creates loyalty and attention, it also means Tesla’s reputation can swing wildly with every headline involving Musk.

Rivian

Rivian takes the spotlight this week, not for building more electric vehicles, but for making EV charging smarter, faster, and easier to understand. The company rolled out a major software update (version 2025.18) that completely overhauls its Energy app, giving drivers a deeper, more intuitive look into how their vehicles use energy. Think of it like a fitness tracker for your car’s battery.

The app now includes two tabs, “Charging” and “Energy Monitor”, that break down real-time power flow, from how much juice is going into your battery to where it’s being used, like climate control or accessories. A standout new feature called “Trip Target” tells drivers exactly when their battery has enough charge for a planned trip, cutting down on wasted charging time.

On top of that, Rivian introduced on-demand battery preconditioning for faster charging and improved its fast-charging speeds—adding up to 15% range in just 15 minutes for some models. Looking ahead, they’re working on Smart Charging to reduce electricity costs and bidirectional charging to let your car power your home or devices.

In a world where EV charging can still be confusing and unreliable, Rivian is leading by simplifying the experience. That’s what makes them the brand of the week.

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