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Globe and Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Buy, Sell or Hold the Apple Stock Post the WWDC25 Announcements?
Apple AAPL, at this year's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), introduced a plethora of updates in its major platforms — iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26 and watchOS 26 — along with a new software design crafted with a new material called Liquid Glass. The translucent material reflects and refracts its surroundings and intelligently adapts between light and dark environments. Liquid Glass makes apps and system experiences more expressive, offering users greater focus on content. At WWDC25, the company announced new Apple Intelligence features like Live Translation, updates to visual intelligence, as well as enhancements to Image Playground and Genmoji. Shortcuts can access Apple Intelligence directly. Developers also get access to the on-device large language model, which is at the core of Apple Intelligence. The latest features are now available for testing and are expected to be generally available this fall with supported devices. Apple is expanding Services with AutoMix and Lyrics Translation features in Apple Music. Sing will allow users to transform their iPhones into a handheld microphone for Apple TV, while preferred routes and visited places in Apple Map make navigation easier for users. Apple Intelligence is now getting added to Apple Wallet, and users can make purchases with Apple Pay. Powered by Apple Intelligence, Apple Wallet can now automatically identify, summarize and display order tracking details from emails sent from merchants or delivery carriers. Meanwhile, Apple Pay expands the ability to pay with rewards and installments to in-store purchases for added flexibility and choice. The latest features and the Liquid Glass software design bode well for Apple's prospects, although Apple Intelligence features lacked the 'wow' factor. Apple continues to play catch-up in the AI domain against the likes of Amazon AMZN, Microsoft MSFT and Alphabet GOOGL. Apple shares have declined 19.1% year to date (YTD), underperforming the Zacks Computer & Technology sector's appreciation of 2.5%. While Microsoft shares have returned 11.8% YTD, Amazon and Alphabet dropped 0.9% and 5.6%, respectively. Apple Stock's YTD Performance So, what should investors do with Apple stock post the WWDC25 announcements? Let's find out. Apple Suffers From Stiff Competition, Sluggish China Sales Apple stock has suffered from U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to levy tariffs on trade partners, including China, Mexico and Canada. China is an important market for Apple as the iPhone maker's manufacturing is primarily concentrated in the country. Higher tariffs negatively impact Apple's China supply chain. The Trump administration's decision to exempt electronic devices like smartphones and computers from reciprocal tariffs provided some relief to Apple. Tariffs are currently expected to have a negative impact of roughly $900 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Apple expects gross margin between 45.5% and 46.5% for the current quarter. In the fiscal second quarter, Apple reported a gross margin of 47.1%. Apple has been suffering from sluggish demand for the iPhone in China amid increasing competition from the likes of Huawei and Xiaomi, as well as the lack of Apple Intelligence. Greater China sales decreased 2.3% year over year in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Can Strong Services Boost Apple's Prospects? Although Apple's business primarily revolves around its flagship iPhone, the Services portfolio has emerged as the company's strong growth driver. In the fiscal second quarter, Services revenues grew 11.6% year over year. Apple now has more than 1 billion paid subscribers across its Services portfolio, more than double what it had four years ago. The expanding content portfolio of Apple TV+, Apple Music and Apple Arcade, as well as the growing user base of Apple Pay, has helped drive subscriber growth. Apple is seeing better iPhone 16 sales in regions where Apple Intelligence is available. Apple expanded the availability of Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 updates in new languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India — and are accessible in nearly all regions around the world. At the end of 2025, Apple Intelligence will be available in eight more languages: Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (traditional) and Vietnamese. AAPL Estimates Show Downward Trend, Shares Overvalued The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Apple's fiscal 2025 earnings has declined by a penny to $7.11 per share over the past 30 days, indicating 5.33% growth from the figure reported in fiscal 2024. The AAPL stock is not so cheap, as the Value Score of D suggests a stretched valuation at this moment. Apple is trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S) of 7.3X compared with the sector's 6.41X, Amazon's 3.19X and Alphabet's 6.39X. However, Microsoft is trading at 11.24X, a significant premium compared with Apple. Price/Sales (F12M) Image Source: Zacks Investment Research AAPL shares are now trading below the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bearish trend. Apple Trades Below 50-day & 200-day SMAs Conclusion Although the Services business has emerged as AAPL's new cash cow, we believe Apple Intelligence's underwhelming performance is a headwind for its product business (iPhone, iPad and Mac). A stretched valuation is a concern for investors. AAPL currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting that it may be wise to wait for a more favorable entry point in the stock. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Apple Inc. (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report
Geeky Gadgets
10-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
WWDC 2025: A Deep Dive into Apple's Next-Gen Software & AI
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 delivered a comprehensive showcase of innovations, emphasizing performance, user experience, and sustainability. From new hardware to refined software updates and eco-conscious initiatives, the event offered a clear vision of Apple's future direction. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most significant announcements in a new video from MacRumors. Watch this video on YouTube. Next-Generation Hardware with Advanced M5 Processors Apple unveiled its latest hardware lineup, headlined by the introduction of the powerful M5 chip. This next-generation processor offers a remarkable 30% performance increase over its predecessor while maintaining greater energy efficiency. The M5 chip powers new MacBook Pro models, which cater to a diverse range of users, from casual consumers to professionals managing resource-intensive tasks such as video editing and machine learning. The hardware announcements also included updates to the Mac lineup, with a focus on enhanced battery life, faster processing speeds, and sustainable design elements. These advancements reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to delivering high-performance devices that align with modern energy efficiency standards. Comprehensive Software Updates Across Platforms Apple introduced significant updates to its operating systems, each designed to improve functionality, enhance user experience, and strengthen integration across devices. These updates aim to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for users within Apple's ecosystem: iOS 19: Features improved multitasking capabilities, advanced customization options, and enhanced privacy tools, making sure a more secure and personalized mobile experience. Features improved multitasking capabilities, advanced customization options, and enhanced privacy tools, making sure a more secure and personalized mobile experience. macOS Monterey 15: Offers refined productivity tools and deeper integration with other Apple devices, allowing users to create seamless workflows across platforms. Offers refined productivity tools and deeper integration with other Apple devices, allowing users to create seamless workflows across platforms. watchOS 12: Focuses on health and fitness, introducing advanced wellness metrics, new tracking features, and improved accessibility for users of all activity levels. Focuses on health and fitness, introducing advanced wellness metrics, new tracking features, and improved accessibility for users of all activity levels. iPadOS 19: Features a redesigned interface and enhanced multitasking tools, tailored specifically for professional users seeking greater efficiency. These updates reinforce Apple's dedication to creating a cohesive ecosystem that prioritizes usability and innovation. Empowering Developers with Innovative Tools WWDC 2025 placed a strong emphasis on supporting developers with advanced tools and resources. Apple introduced new APIs and frameworks designed to simplify the development of applications using augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools enable developers to create more immersive and intelligent apps while streamlining the development process. Additionally, Apple unveiled enhanced diagnostic tools that allow developers to optimize app performance and resolve issues more efficiently. By providing these resources, Apple ensures that developers can deliver high-quality applications that perform consistently across devices, ultimately benefiting end users. AI and Machine Learning Integration Artificial intelligence and machine learning were central themes at WWDC 2025, with Apple showcasing how these technologies are being seamlessly integrated into its ecosystem. The advancements highlighted include: Smarter Siri: Enhanced AI capabilities make Siri more intuitive, responsive, and context-aware, improving its ability to assist users in daily tasks. Enhanced AI capabilities make Siri more intuitive, responsive, and context-aware, improving its ability to assist users in daily tasks. On-Device Machine Learning: Processes data locally on devices, making sure faster performance while maintaining user privacy. Processes data locally on devices, making sure faster performance while maintaining user privacy. Privacy-Focused AI: Reflects Apple's commitment to safeguarding sensitive user data by keeping it secure and private on the device. These innovations demonstrate Apple's ability to harness the power of AI and machine learning while maintaining its strong stance on privacy and security. Seamless Ecosystem Integration Apple continues to refine its ecosystem, offering users an increasingly seamless experience across devices. Features like Universal Control and Handoff have been expanded, allowing users to transition effortlessly between Macs, iPads, and iPhones. For instance, you can start a project on an iPad, edit it on a Mac, and finalize it on an iPhone without any interruptions. This level of integration not only enhances productivity but also reinforces the value of Apple's interconnected ecosystem, making it easier for users to stay connected and efficient across all their devices. Commitment to Sustainability Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Apple's strategy, and WWDC 2025 highlighted several initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. These efforts include: Incorporating 100% recycled materials in key components of new products. in key components of new products. Achieving carbon neutrality across the entire supply chain, aligning with Apple's broader environmental goals. across the entire supply chain, aligning with Apple's broader environmental goals. Designing products for longevity, making sure they remain functional and relevant for years to come. These initiatives are part of Apple's larger mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, demonstrating its dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation. Apple's Vision for the Future WWDC 2025 showcased Apple's unwavering commitment to innovation, user-centric design, and sustainability. From the introduction of powerful new hardware and software updates to the development of advanced tools for developers and eco-friendly practices, the announcements reflect a holistic approach to technology. Whether you are a developer, a professional, or a casual user, Apple's latest advancements aim to enhance your experience while prioritizing privacy, performance, and environmental stewardship. Enhance your knowledge on WWDC 2025 by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: MacRumors Filed Under: Apple, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
WIRED
10-06-2025
- WIRED
The Top New Features in WatchOS 26
Apple's new additions this year include a wrist flick gesture to dismiss a call and a personalized Workout Buddy to tell you when you "crushed it." All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. This year at WWDC 2025, Apple introduced a rather drastic change to its naming conventions. What should be the upcoming WatchOS 12 will now be WatchOS 26 when it launches in the fall, since the company decided to stop labeling its operating systems sequentially and instead name them according to the fiscal year they are released. Every OS now also has a new, overhauled display aesthetic called Liquid Glass, which makes certain apps, icons, buttons and pop-ups look like frosted glass and other features look like raindrops. Other than that though, anticipated Apple Intelligence features to most of its product lineup were small and measured, rather than big and sweeping—but for Apple Watch fans, the fact that there is now Apple Intelligence on your wrist at all might be enough. Here, we walk through some of the new tips and tricks that you will start seeing on your Apple Watch this year. WatchOS 26 will be available for Apple Watches starting from the Series 6 or later. This includes the second-gen Apple Watch SE and all Apple Watch Ultra models. You must also have an iPhone 11 or later that can run the upcoming iOS 26. If you want the Apple Intelligence features, you also need to have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, which includes the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models. You can download WatchOS 26 as a developer beta today, but don't expect it to be perfect. A public beta will roll out next month at and WatchOS 26 will be available as a free software update to compatible Watch models this fall. The Top WatchOS 26 Features Liquid Glass Unfortunately, most of the Liquid Glass redesigns have been optimized for the bigger screens of the Mac, iPhone and the iPad. But hey look, the numerals on the clock face now have a translucent frost! You can also see slight specular highlights around the edges of the buttons when you look closely. Smart Stack—Apple's layered widget system—will also be made from Liquid Glass, so as not to obscure the screen. Workout Buddy Workout Buddy uses all the exercise data accumulated by the Apple Watch—heart rate, pace, distance, et cetera—and uses it to offer personalized, upbeat encouragement ("you crushed it!") during your exercise session. Apple Intelligence analyzes your data to provide these insights and use voice encouragement derived from Fitness+ trainers. It can also mark key moments, like running a mile particularly fast. It's currently available for just a few exercises, like indoor and outdoor walking or running, outdoor cycling, functional and traditional strength training, and HIIT—and yes, you can turn it off if the idea of a cheerleader in your ear is hell for you too. The Workout app itself has also undergone a redesign, with four buttons in the four corners of the watch face to make it easier to tap on each feature. Users can set up music and podcasts within the Workout app, and Apple Music can either select music or provide suggestions for an appropriate playlist. Smart Stack Smart Stack will now incorporate more contextual data, like location and the user's routine, to provide more helpful tips. For example, if you arrive at the gym at your usual time, your Apple Watch may mark your location and slide a workout routine to the top of your Smart Stack. Messages and Notifications If you own a Watch Series 9, Watch Series 10, or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you will now be able to use a new wrist-flick gesture (much like Double Tap) to dismiss notifications or incoming calls, silence timers, and return to the clock face. A machine learning model uses data from the accelerometer and gyroscope to catch the user's wrist movement. The Watch now also supports Live Translation in Messages (again, you will need an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone). If your language is set to English, the watch will now also offer prompts in Messages, like suggesting Apple Cash if the user is asked for a donation. Call Screening and Hold Assist will also come to the phone app on the watch, letting users decide whether to take or decline calls, or ask for more information. As usual, there are new clock faces for you to choose from. And you will finally be able to use the Notes app on the watch, which may be more important to some of us than others.
Khaleej Times
10-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
6 coolest new iPhone features in iOS 26 and 8 more you might miss
Apple has officially unveiled iOS 26 for iPhones, and it's easily one of the most visually striking and AI-integrated updates yet. With a redesigned interface powered by Liquid Glass, smarter system-wide Apple Intelligence features, and quality-of-life upgrades across apps like Messages, Phone, and CarPlay — iOS 26 looks like a massive transformation. Here's a look at the most standout features you'll want to try first, followed by everything else coming to iPhones later this year. Standout Features in iOS 26 1. Liquid Glass design Apple introduces a new design language called Liquid Glass, which brings dynamic translucency and light refraction to the system UI. It makes app icons, widgets, and controls feel more alive and interactive. The Lock and Home Screens also become more customisable, with fluid time placement, 3D-style wallpapers, and clearer widgets. 2. Apple Intelligence goes system-wide Apple's privacy-focused AI engine now powers real-time features like: Live Translation in Messages, Phone, and FaceTime — translating audio/text instantly on-device. Visual Intelligence that understands what's on your screen and lets you search, translate, or take action using ChatGPT, Google, or Etsy. Contextual Actions, like suggesting a calendar event when you view a date or automatically summarising order details from emails. 3. Genmoji & Image Playground Users can now create custom emoji by mixing existing ones with prompts, or generate unique images for conversations. Think of it as Apple's creative spin on stickers, emoji, and AI art. 4. Call screening & hold assist Spam and unknown calls are less intrusive now. A new Call Screening feature gathers caller info before you decide whether to pick up. Meanwhile, Hold Assist monitors those long customer service lines and notifies you the moment a live agent comes on. 5. Messages get smarter and more social Aside from smarter sorting of unknown senders, users can now: Add custom backgrounds to chats Create and vote on polls (suggested by AI!) See typing indicators in group chats Send, receive, and request Apple Cash within conversations 6. Apple Music Smarts: AI-Driven Audio Delight Apple Music gets a serious upgrade with: AutoMix, which uses AI to create seamless, DJ-style transitions between songs Lyrics Translation & Pronunciation, perfect for learning and singing along to music in foreign languages Smarter discovery features that learn your taste and mood better over time All the other iOS 26 features worth knowing Apple Games A new app called Apple Games gives you a unified space to track achievements, discover new titles, monitor progress, and join in-game events. It's also the new home for Apple Arcade. CarPlay upgrades New compact call view Pinned messages, Tapbacks, and widgets CarPlay Ultra: A unified Apple interface across the car's screens Apple Music Smarts AutoMix DJ-like transitions using AI Lyrics Translation & Pronunciation to help you sing in any language Apple Maps & Visited Places A Visited Places feature keeps a secure, encrypted record of places you've been — handy for foodies, travelers, and memory-keepers Smarter commute suggestions and real-time delay alerts Wallet + Travel enhancements Pay with instalments and rewards using Apple Pay Smarter boarding passes with Live Activities and Maps/Finder integration for navigating airports and tracking baggage AirPods Become Remote Shutter Tools Press and hold AirPods stem to remotely take a photo or video Studio-quality audio recording support for AirPods Pro 2 and newer models Parental Control & Safety Easier creation of Child Accounts Enhanced protections in Communication Safety, App Store, and FaceTime (like blurring sensitive visuals in Shared Albums) Privacy & Accessibility Boosts Full fingerprinting protection in Safari by default Accessibility Reader for customized reading support A new Braille Access interface and updates to Personal Voice and Live Listen Availability These are all the features that are coming to iOS 26. Later, we'll provide another rundown of features that will be available and applicable to UAE users. New software features will be available this fall as a free software update for iPhone 11 and later. The Apple Intelligence features require supported devices, which include all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Geeky Gadgets
10-06-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26: Apple's Grand Vision for the Future of iPhone
Apple's iOS 26 introduces a groundbreaking update that combines a visually stunning redesign with advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. The new operating system enhances the iPhone experience by offering a more expressive interface, seamless functionality, and smarter tools to help users stay connected and productive. With features like Liquid Glass design, Live Translation, and enhanced app integrations, iOS 26 is set to redefine how users interact with their devices. The update builds upon the success of previous iOS versions, bringing a fresh perspective to the familiar iPhone interface. By leveraging the power of Apple's innovative hardware and software advancements, iOS 26 delivers a more intuitive and personalized user experience. The redesigned apps, widgets, and navigation elements not only look visually appealing but also improve usability and efficiency. Liquid Glass Design: A Visual Marvel One of the standout features of iOS 26 is its Liquid Glass design, which brings a translucent, dynamic aesthetic to the iPhone interface. This innovative material reflects and refracts surroundings, creating a vibrant and immersive experience across app icons, widgets, and navigation. The Lock Screen and Home Screen are now more customizable, with 3D spatial effects and adaptive time displays that make wallpapers come alive. Additionally, apps like Safari, Photos, and Camera have been redesigned for a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. The Liquid Glass design adds depth and dimensionality to the iPhone's interface, making it feel more tactile and responsive. The translucent effect allows users to see a hint of their wallpaper or background through the app icons and widgets, creating a cohesive and visually striking appearance. The redesigned apps also feature more intuitive layouts and gestures, making it easier for users to navigate and access their favorite features. Smarter Tools with Apple Intelligence iOS 26 takes intelligence to the next level with features like Live Translation, which enables real-time text and audio translations directly within Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. Visual intelligence allows users to interact with content on their screen, such as searching for similar images or adding events to their calendar with a single tap. The new Genmoji and Image Playground tools also provide creative ways to personalize conversations and content. These advancements are powered by on-device AI models, ensuring privacy and offline functionality. Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 leverages the company's expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence to deliver more proactive and context-aware features. Live Translation, for example, breaks down language barriers by providing instant translations during conversations or while browsing the web. The visual intelligence capabilities make it easier for users to find and interact with relevant information, saving time and effort. Enhanced App Integrations and Ecosystem iOS 26 further strengthens the integration between Apple's apps and services, creating a more seamless and interconnected ecosystem. The update introduces deeper integration with iCloud, allowing users to access their files, photos, and documents across all their Apple devices with ease. The new SharePlay feature in FaceTime enables users to watch movies, listen to music, or share their screens with friends and family in real-time. The update also brings improvements to popular apps like Apple Music, with personalized playlists and recommendations based on user preferences. The Apple Maps app receives an upgrade with more detailed maps, indoor navigation, and AR walking directions. These enhancements demonstrate Apple's commitment to creating a cohesive and user-centric ecosystem that simplifies and enriches the iPhone experience. Availability iOS 26 will be available as a free software update for compatible iPhone models later this year. Users can check their device compatibility through Apple's official website or the Settings app on their iPhone. Developers can already access the updated APIs to integrate Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence features into their apps, ensuring a seamless transition for users. The free availability of iOS 26 ensures that a wide range of iPhone users can benefit from the latest features and improvements. By providing developers with early access to the updated APIs, Apple encourages the creation of innovative and engaging apps that leverage the capabilities of iOS 26, further expanding the iPhone's functionality and appeal. Specifications Liquid Glass Design: Translucent material for app icons, widgets, and navigation; 3D spatial effects on Lock Screen wallpapers. Translucent material for app icons, widgets, and navigation; 3D spatial effects on Lock Screen wallpapers. Live Translation: Real-time text and audio translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone; powered by on-device AI models. Real-time text and audio translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone; powered by on-device AI models. Visual Intelligence: Screen content recognition for searches, calendar event suggestions, and product discovery. Screen content recognition for searches, calendar event suggestions, and product discovery. Genmoji and Image Playground: Tools for creating custom emojis and personalized conversation backgrounds. Tools for creating custom emojis and personalized conversation backgrounds. Redesigned Apps: Streamlined layouts for Safari, Photos, Camera, Apple Music, and more. Streamlined layouts for Safari, Photos, Camera, Apple Music, and more. Availability: Free update for compatible iPhone models; developer access to updated APIs. Explore More Features Beyond the core updates, iOS 26 introduces enhancements to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet, making everyday tasks more convenient and enjoyable. For gamers, the new Apple Games app offers a centralized hub for discovering and playing games. Additionally, advanced accessibility features and parental controls ensure that iOS 26 caters to a wide range of users. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual user, iOS 26 has something to elevate your iPhone experience. The update also brings improvements to Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, with more natural language processing and contextual understanding. Siri can now provide more personalized recommendations and suggestions based on user behavior and preferences. The enhanced Spotlight search functionality makes it easier to find apps, contacts, documents, and more across the device. iOS 26 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Apple's mobile operating system. By combining a stunning visual redesign with intelligent features and enhanced app integrations, Apple aims to deliver a smarter, more intuitive, and more engaging iPhone experience. As users explore the new features and capabilities of iOS 26, they will discover a more personalized and efficient way to interact with their devices, making the iPhone an even more indispensable tool in their daily lives. Source Apple Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
