Mac OS Ken A Lunar New Year Sale and Apple's Lobbying Spend Jumps - MOSK: 01.23.2026
Jan 23, 2026
Apple kicks off the Lunar New Year with limited device discounts in China, raising questions about stock availability. A massive increase in U.S. lobbying spend reflects Apple's push against new legislation. Design leadership shifts as John Ternus takes the helm, potentially eyeing a future leading role. Excitingly, Apple secures six Oscar nominations, including a surprise Best Picture nod. Meanwhile, a controversial bill in Utah pushing for a preferred Android OS faces criticism. A new Apple Store opens in Santa Rosa, marking a fresh chapter for the retail giant.
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Limited Lunar Year Discounts
- Apple runs Lunar New Year promotions annually despite media framing them as "rare" discounts.
- The promotions are offered in extremely limited quantities, making the impact symbolic rather than broad-based.
App Store Search Ads Expand
- Apple will add more ads inside App Store search results starting March 3rd in the UK and Japan with global rollout by month-end.
- This expands ad placements beyond the single currently shown ad and affects App Store discovery.
Apple's Lobbying Spike In 2025
- Apple's federal lobbying hit a record ~ $10 million in 2025, a 27.9% year-over-year increase per filings.
- Much of the lobbying ties to App Store-related legislation and platform rules under consideration.