Apple Aims to Launch Budget-Friendly Mac Laptop

Apple is reportedly developing a new low-cost Mac laptop, marking its first entry into the budget computer market. Aimed at students, businesses, and casual users, the device — code-named J700 — is designed for web browsing, document work, and light media tasks, potentially appealing to iPad buyers who prefer a traditional laptop. Currently in testing and early production, it’s expected to launch in the first half of next year for under $1,000, using an iPhone processor, a smaller LCD screen, and other cost-saving components.

In surprising fashion news, Olivier Rousteing is stepping down as Balmain’s creative director after 14 years, marking the end of one of fashion’s longest and most influential tenures. Joining the house in 2009 and becoming creative director at just 25, Rousteing made history as the first Black designer to lead a major French fashion brand. Details about his next move and the brand’s future creative direction have yet to be announced.

After revealing its exploration of potential sale opportunities last month, Warner Bros. Discovery has reportedly set a deadline of Christmas to make a decision. CEO David Zaslav has stated that WBD is considering multiple options, including selling the entire company, splitting it in half, or offloading specific assets. Paramount Skydance remains heavily interested, having put forth numerous offers that it argues would be more beneficial to shareholders than a split.

Heineken has launched the world’s first Formula 1 season ticket, marking the expansion of its long-term partnership with F1. Announced in São Paulo, where Heineken will become the title sponsor of the Grand Prix again in 2027, the initiative strengthens the brand’s ties with global fans. The exclusive pass grants holders and a guest access to all 24 races worldwide, including travel and accommodation. The first recipient, Brandon Burgess, was chosen for his passion for the sport, with more fans set to have a chance to win the carbon fiber, F1-inspired ticket next year.

Helen Mirren will receive the 2026 Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes, honoring her decades-long career in film and television. CBS will air a new primetime special, Golden Eve, on Jan. 8, 2026, celebrating Mirren and the upcoming Carol Burnett Award honoree. The special is part of “Golden Week,” leading up to the 83rd annual Golden Globes on Jan. 11, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser. Golden Eve will feature retrospectives, unseen footage, and interviews highlighting the honorees’ career moments.

Two of the best women’s college basketball programs in South Carolina and UConn are set to face off in next year’s Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase on Nov. 24 from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, it was announced Wednesday. Dawn Staley and Co. last played in the event in 2023, while Geno Auriemma, Azzi Fudd, and the Huskies are set to tip off in this year’s showcase later this month with games against Michigan and Utah.

Despite bringing in an extra $200 million this fiscal year thanks to Hailey Bieber‘s Rhode line, E.l.f. Beauty‘s full-year revenue is expected to come in below analysts’ expectations, leading to the company’s stock dropping as much as 29% in after-hours trading on Wednesday. E.l.f. acquired Rhode earlier this year in a $1 billion deal, which had an immediate effect with sales increasing 14% to $343.9 million.

Following the end of its eight-year partnership with Delta earlier this year, Lyft has now partnered with United Airlines, allowing riders to get loyalty miles by linking their accounts. Customers can earn between 1 and 4 miles per dollar spent, depending on the ride type, with airport and premium rides earning the most. Rewards don’t stack, and United is offering 1,000 bonus miles to new Lyft users who link their accounts and take two rides within 30 days.

After confirming her participation in the upcoming WTA 250 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, in January, Venus Williams is officially set to kick off her 33rd season in professional tennis. Williams, 45, made her pro debut in 1994 and has competed in at least two WTA events every season since. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion also plans to play in the Australian Open in late January 2026.

Cinemark‘s revenue was down across the board year-over-year in its quarterly report released Wednesday, as questions remain about whether the box office will ever return to peak levels. Total revenue ($857.5 million) was down 7% from the same period last year, while admissions ($427.7 million) and concessions profits ($336.7 million) also declined. Despite a rough October, Cinemark CEO Sean Gamble says the company is “enthusiastic about a strong finish to 2025.”

Image: Courtesy of Apple