"Hey Siri" support and possibly wireless charging case alongside AirPower charging mat.
TAG Heuer Sales Director Patrick Pruniaux Joins Apple in Run-Up to iWatch Launch [Updated]
Apple appears to have made another important iWatch-related hire as the device's rumored debut approaches, with CNBC reporting that the company has poached the sales director of luxury watch brand TAG Heuer.
The hiring was revealed by Jean-Claude Biver, head of Jewelry and Watches at TAG Heuer's parent company LVMH. Biver had claimed earlier this year that Apple had been trying to hire some of his employees but at that point none of them had agreed to join Apple.
Sixth-generation iPod nano in watch mode
With Apple reportedly looking toward an October introduction for the iWatch, the company is building a formidable team with experience in the fashion industry.
At the top of that list is new retail chief Angela Ahrendts, who officially joined the company two months ago from Burberry. In another high-profile move, Apple last year hired Paul Deneve, CEO of French luxury label Yves Saint Laurent. Deneve reports directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook and is working on "special projects" for the company, with most speculation centering around the iWatch.
Update: TAG Heuer confirmed to MacRumors that Patrick Pruniaux is the employee who left for Apple. Pruniaux's former position was Vice President Global Sales & Retail.
The hiring was revealed by Jean-Claude Biver, head of Jewelry and Watches at TAG Heuer's parent company LVMH. Biver had claimed earlier this year that Apple had been trying to hire some of his employees but at that point none of them had agreed to join Apple.
Biver said the watchmaker's sales director left as recently as last week, "to take a contract with Apple" in order to launch the iWatch. LVMH owns Swiss watchmakers TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. [...]
Biver said he was happy for the employee as the new role represents a great opportunity for him.
"If it had been a direct competitor, I would have felt a bit betrayed, but if he goes to Apple I think it is a great experience for him," he said.
With Apple reportedly looking toward an October introduction for the iWatch, the company is building a formidable team with experience in the fashion industry.
At the top of that list is new retail chief Angela Ahrendts, who officially joined the company two months ago from Burberry. In another high-profile move, Apple last year hired Paul Deneve, CEO of French luxury label Yves Saint Laurent. Deneve reports directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook and is working on "special projects" for the company, with most speculation centering around the iWatch.
Update: TAG Heuer confirmed to MacRumors that Patrick Pruniaux is the employee who left for Apple. Pruniaux's former position was Vice President Global Sales & Retail.
Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
[ 445 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
58 months ago
It would be hilarious if the iWatch was a huge trolling campaign by Apple and they're actually not planning on releasing anything remotely similar.
58 months ago
How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?
This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.
Lol to anyone who thinks Apple or wearables will take over the luxury watch segment.
----------
It's going to be massive; massive in price that is. The common iPhone customer won't be able to afford/justify it.
We don't know that, but I think it's safe to say it won't be a clone of the current crop of smart watches (i.e. notifications on your wrist).
58 months ago
The iWatch team is like the avengers of fashion industry... Wow they're going all in. Iwatch will be massive
58 months ago
It would be hilarious if the iWatch was a huge trolling campaign by Apple and they're actually not planning on releasing anything remotely similar.
It would be hilarious if someone didn't bring this up every time there is an iWatch rumour article.
58 months ago
How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?
This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.
I'm not sure if you're familiar with TAG, but trust me on this, NOONE is going to be torn in choosing between the 2. Completely different ball game , target audience, price point and features :)
58 months ago
It really seems like Apple understands that the iWatch will have to be equal parts technology, medical, and jewlery to become the next blockbuster. Looking forward to see if they found the sweetspot!
58 months ago
"If it had been a direct competitor, I would have felt a bit betrayed, but if he goes to Apple I think it is a great experience for him," he said.
How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?
This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.
58 months ago
It's going to be massive; massive in price that is. The common iPhone customer won't be able to afford/justify it.
Not a chance, Apple is not a pure luxury brand. Even if there is an incredibly high-end version, there will be 'affordable' models also, that's beyond doubt. You don't get a 600 billion dollar market cap by charging £2000 for a fitness band/watch.
58 months ago
How is it that people still misunderstand the fact that when Apple aims at a new product segment, they ARE the competition and usually take over that segment?!?!?
This just shows how out of touch this hiring manager was that said this.
If you believe the iWatch is going to be a mechanical self-winding luxury watch I think you're the one who is out of touch....
[ Read All Comments ]
Apple this week released iTunes 12.8.1 for OS X Yosemite up to macOS High Sierra. The minor update resolves an issue that prevented iTunes from streaming media to third-party AirPlay speakers, and...
Earlier this month, we told you about an auction for a Steve Jobs business card listing him as Chairman of the Board at Apple Computer. The business card features Apple's classic rainbow logo and...
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Speck to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an iPhone case bundle for the iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, X, or 8/8 Plus that comes with a Presidio...
Best Buy today kicked off a new three-day sale that will last all weekend and end on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. CT. The sale is full of great last-minute gift ideas for the holidays, and Best Buy still...
Satechi today announced that three of its USB-C hubs are now available to pre-order in a gold color that resembles the finish of the latest MacBook Air.
Slim USB-C Multi-Port Adapter V2 -...
Apple is reportedly looking to shift production of older iPhones to Taiwanese supplier Pegatron in an effort to avoid losing billions in revenue as a result of its patent dispute with Qualcomm.
...
In macOS, transparency – or more properly, translucency – is a visual effect many apps use to create a sense of depth by hinting at content residing in the background.
An example of...
Commonwealth Bank (CBA) today announced that next month it will become the second of Australia's "Big Four" banks to support Apple Pay, ceding to customer demand after a multi-year...
