Apple Reveals iPhone 16 Lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, New AirPods
Apple kicked off the week by unveiling a new lineup of electronics that boasts some impressive updates it hopes will motivate consumers to upgrade. The company celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Apple Watch by introducing the 10th iteration of the device on Monday. Not only is it the “biggest wearable display” it’s ever put in a watch, but it is also the thinnest Apple Watch ever. Headphones also got an upgrade, with the AirPods 4 being made available with or without noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro 2 helping protect hearing, and the AirPods Max coming in brand new colors and USB-C charging capabilities. The keynote closed with the reveal of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. New features include longer battery life, more powerful mics, better cameras, increased screen sizes, and more.
CJ Stroud Joins Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts on Jordan Brand’s NFL Roster
CJ Stroud is the newest athlete to secure a multi-year footwear and apparel deal with Jordan Brand, joining the likes of Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts as ambassadors for Michael Jordan‘s iconic sportswear company. Boardroom’s latest Cover Story star opened up about the career move and revealed talks have been ongoing for the last five years. “Building a team and combining my team with the Jordan Brand will make my experience more intimate and successful in the long run,” the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year said.
Eminem to Kick Off the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards
Eminem is set to open the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, the company shared via Instagram on Monday. An eight-time nominee this year, Eminem’s performance at the VMAS will mark the televised debut of this 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), which dropped in July. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, while the lead single “Houdini” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other performers include Katy Perry, Anitta, Karol G, LL Cool J, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and more. Hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, the VMAs will air live from UBS Arena in New York on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. ET.
US Open Draws More than 1 Million Attendees for First Time Ever
For the first time in tournament history, the US Open welcomed more than 1 million fans to watch some of the world’s best tennis players. The final Grand Slam of the year recorded a total of 1,048,669 fans over its full three weeks, translating to an 8% jump compared to last year. One contributing factor to the record attendance was the first-ever seven-day US Open Fan Week ahead of the main draw, which alone saw more than 219,000 attendees. The festivities included a number of brand activations each day and night and marked a 37% increase compared to 2023.
Netflix Expands Sports Storytelling with Aaron Rodgers, Red Sox Projects
Aaron Rodgers is the subject of a new Netflix docuseries titled Aaron Rodgers: Enigma. The three-episode project will premiere on Dec. 17 and plans to follow the New York Jets quarterback’s return from a torn Achilles in addition to an inside look at Rodgers’ life away from the field. The streaming platform also announced Monday that the docuseries covering the Boston Red Sox’s comeback win against the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS will premiere on Oct. 23. Viewers can expect interviews from Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, and Kevin Millar, as well as members of the team’s coaching staff who contributed to the Red Sox’s success.
Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Kristen Wiig Among 2024 Emmy Awards Presenters
The Television Academy announced the list of presenters for this year’s 76th Emmy Awards on Monday. Among the talent will be many of this year’s nominees, including Only Murders in the Building trio Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin, as well as other nominees like Kristen Wiig, Jean Smart, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Matt Bomer, Lily Gladstone, and Christine Baranski. Past Oscar winners Kathy Bates and Viola Davis will also serve as presenters, as well as Colin Farrell and Reba McEntire. Hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy, the ceremony will broadcast live on ABC on Sept. 15 from the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
Givenchy Names Sarah Burton as Next Creative Director
French fashion house Givenchy named Sarah Burton as its next Creative Director, effective immediately. Before joining Givenchy, Burton spent her entire 26-year professional career at Alexander McQueen, joining right after graduation and leading the womenswear division after just three years. Burton is just the second female Creative Director in Givenchy’s 72-year history; Clare Waight Keller occupied the role from 2017 to 2020 and was recently appointed the Creative Director of Uniqlo.
Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball is Moving to Nashville
Officials for Athletes Unlimited confirmed Monday plans to play its fourth professional women’s basketball season in Nashville, beginning Feb. 5 and running through March 2. AU Pro Basketball‘s inaugural season was in Las Vegas in 2022, while the 2023 and 2024 seasons saw athletes competing in Dallas. All 24 games will be played at Municipal Auditorium, but roster details, game dates, and times will be announced at a later date.