Category: Azer News

Apple Inc. is significantly scaling back production of its iPhone Air due to weaker-than-expected demand outside of China, Nikkei Asia reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

In contrast, the tech giant is increasing production orders for other models in the iPhone 17 lineup, driven by what the report described as ‘unexpectedly robust’ demand for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Sources revealed that Apple plans to manufacture between 85 million and 90 million units of its latest iPhone series, with the iPhone Air now accounting for less than 10% of total output.

The iPhone Air – introduced in September as Apple’s ‘thinnest ever’ and ‘most power-efficient’ smartphone – initially generated buzz for its sleek design and lightweight profile. However, it appears the minimalist design hasn’t resonated with global consumers as strongly as anticipated.

Analysts suggest that Apple’s decision to focus more on the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models reflects a shift in consumer priorities – with users increasingly favoring devices that offer high-end performance, advanced camera systems, and AI-driven features over ultra-thin design. The underperformance of the iPhone Air may also hint at saturation in the mid-range smartphone market, where competition from Chinese brands is especially fierce.

A bilateral round table was held in Yerevan on October 21-22, 2025, as a joint initiative by a group of representatives from the expert communities of Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the support of the official structures of both countries.

The Armenian side was represented by Areg Kochinyan, Boris Navasardyan, Naira Sultanyan, Narek Minasyan, and Samvel Meliksetyan.

The Azerbaijani side was represented by Farhad Mammadov, Rusif Huseynov, Ramil Iskandarli, Kamala Mammadova, and Dilara Afandiyeva.

The initiative was aimed at promoting a peace agenda in the spirit of the Joint Declaration adopted on August 8, 2025, in Washington D.C., and became the first meeting of representatives of the civil societies of Armenia and Azerbaijan in this format.

During the meeting, participants addressed a wide range of issues of concern to both societies, including the prospects of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, humanitarian issues, economic and logistical opportunities in the context of normalizing relations, and further confidence building measures. The discussions focused especially on shaping plans and identifying future directions for the group’s joint initiatives.

As part of the visit, the participants met with Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia.

The participants emphasized the importance of engagement of broad social groups, civil society, the expert community, and the media.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the group confirmed readiness to continue joint endeavors aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and achieving sustainable peace in the region.

As part of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Business Forum held in Astana, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (SMBDA /KOBIA) and Kazakhstan’s Foreign Trade Chamber. The agreement focuses on cooperation around Azerbaijan’s ‘SME House’ model, Azernews reports.

The MoU was signed by Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of SMBDA, and Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan.

The agreement outlines collaboration on the potential application of Azerbaijan’s SME House model in Kazakhstan. Under the memorandum, SMBDA will share its experience in establishing and managing SME Houses – a one-stop service centre for entrepreneurs – with the Kazakh side. The cooperation will include organising training programs and visits, offering advisory support for developing the necessary legal framework, adapting SME House services to the needs of Kazakhstan’s small businesses, and exchanging information on support infrastructure, innovative solutions, and digital services for SMEs.

As part of the visit, SMBDA representatives also participated in the 3rd meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Business Council. Speaking at the event, Orkhan Mammadov emphasised that the Council has become a key platform for fostering cooperation, sharing expertise, and exploring partnership opportunities between entrepreneurs of both countries. He reaffirmed SMBDA’s support for such platforms and its commitment to organising business missions, facilitating meetings, and supporting joint projects.

Additionally, SMBDA officials met with Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), at the organisation’s new headquarters in Astana. The meeting focused on Azerbaijan’s activities and upcoming initiatives during its chairmanship of CICA’s Business Council.

Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of CICA for the 2024-2026 period by decision of the CICA Council of Ministers. As part of this role, the Business Council is chaired by SMBDA.

A literary meeting has been held at the F. Kocharli Republic Children’s Library with the participation of renowned children’s writer Gulzar Ibrahimova and students of School No. 1, a General Education Boarding School, Azernews reports.

The event highlighted Gulzar Ibrahimova’s contributions to children’s literature, and a brief presentation was given about her works in the library’s collection.

Following this, the writer presented her literary works written for children and shared her thoughts on the educational significance of their content.

During the meeting, the students became acquainted with the author’s works such as “The Water Fairy and the Fisherman”, “The Adventures of Sirus and Virus”, and “The Golden Fish’s Wish”.

They engaged in a Q and A discussion based on these works. The writer answered the students’ questions and provided detailed information about the themes of her books.

At the conclusion of the event, a library staff member introduced various examples of literature to the children, offering advice on selecting books that align with their interests and how to develop good reading habits.

The event aims to foster children’s interest in literature, develop their reading habits, and support the growth of their creative thinking skills.

Yesterday, an AZAL aircraft landed in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, Azernews reports.

According to reports, the flight carried Azerbaijani experts traveling to Yerevan to participate in a meeting between representatives of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society.

Sputnik Armenia confirmed the information, noting that the special flight from Baku arrived in Yerevan at approximately 16:00.

It should be recalled that the Armenian Center for Security Policy Research earlier announced that roundtable discussions would take place in Yerevan on October 21-22, bringing together representatives from both sides to exchange views and foster dialogue between the two nations.

Cargo transportation along the East-West corridor has increased by 90% since 2022, according to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

As reported by Azernews, Jeyhun Bayramov made the statement during a joint press conference with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

The minister emphasized that transport and communications remain among the key priorities on Azerbaijan’s national agenda. In this context, both sides discussed the development of the Middle Corridor during their meeting.

“We also discussed a promising initiative – the TRIPP project – which includes a 42-kilometer section and is expected to enable the transport of up to 15 million tons of cargo annually,” Bayramov added.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov departed for a working visit to Georgia on October 21 to participate in the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, Azernews reports.

The forum’s opening session is currently taking place at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater, with the participation of Prime Minister Ali Asadov and other high-level representatives from various countries.

From October 31 to November 2, the project – which unites art, culture, and ecology – will be held under the organization of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The festival’s official website, www.bakuartweekend.az, is now active, offering visitors access to the full event program.

According to Azernews, the three-day festival will feature more than 40 events held across various locations throughout Baku.

Online registration on the website is mandatory for participation and is now open. Each registered participant will receive a QR code via email. Volunteers from the Regional Development Public Union (RIIB), one of the main supporters of the festival, will assist during the event by checking QR codes and guiding participants.

Parents whose children will join the special entertainment program designed for kids are also required to complete registration.

All festival activities are free of charge.

For additional information and inquiries, please contact: info@bakuartweekend.az

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the decision to lift restrictions on the transit of goods through Azerbaijan toward Armenia, Azernews reports.

Pashinyan made the remarks during his speech at the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.

‘In order to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond, based on the principle of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and jurisdiction of states, we proceed from principles that provide for unhindered communication between the main part of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as mutual benefits for the international and internal transit of the Republic of Armenia,’ Pashinyan said.

The Armenian Prime Minister acknowledged Baku’s step as an important development.

‘President Ilham Aliyev recently announced the lifting of transit restrictions on goods passing through the territory of Azerbaijan in the direction of Armenia. This is an extremely important statement, and I would like to express my deep gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for this decision and welcome this statement,’ he noted.

It should be recalled that on October 21, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in a joint press statement with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, highlighted that Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had been in place since the occupation.

‘I must also say that Azerbaijan has lifted restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that have existed since the occupation. The first such transit was a cargo of grain from Kazakhstan to Armenia. I think this is also a good indicator that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia exists not only on paper, but also in practice,’ President Ilham Aliyev stated.

A press conference has been held at Baku Dost Center regarding the results of the competition organized within the framework of the “Special Scholarship Program in Culture and Creative Industries”, Azernews reports.

During the conference, Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova stated that systematic and substantial efforts in the field of culture and creative industries started with the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated 2022. This decree approved the Social-Economic Development Strategy for 2022-2026, where key targets for this sector, such as ensuring dynamic development, strengthening export potential, and setting result indicators, were outlined.

Saadat Yusifova said that the main priorities in applying these trends in Azerbaijan include ensuring sustainable development, strengthening human capital, and increasing export opportunities. In this regard, the number of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises is planned to increase by 5 percent, the share of culture and creative industries in GDP is expected to reach 10 percent, and export figures are projected to rise by 10 percent. The main objective is to increase the number of participants in international cooperation platforms by 10 percent.

She also noted that the action plan for the strategy includes the creation of certification programs and a special scholarship program for studying abroad, tailored to the demands of modern, competitive creative fields. The Ministry of Culture is the main implementing body in this regard. It is planned that 1,000 individuals from the cultural and creative industries will have their skills enhanced and certified, while 60 individuals will study abroad. The creation of special educational programs is also one of the priority areas.

Saadat Yusifova outlined that these initiatives aim to contribute to the sustainable development of the sector and strengthen Azerbaijan’s position in international markets.

“By the decision of the Ministry’s Collegium, the Special Scholarship Program in Culture and Creative Industries has been approved. This program aims to train professional personnel in creative fields, promote specialization, and develop innovative approaches. Within the program, support is provided to young people in areas such as theater, design, architecture, the gaming industry, audiovisual arts, performance, and creative technologies,” she added.

Currently, 44 scholarship recipients are studying at 33 higher education institutions in 16 countries.

The Deputy Culture Minister stated that the global economy is increasingly based on creativity, knowledge, and innovation.

“Culture and creative industries have now become not only a cultural sector but also one of the most dynamic and profitable areas of the economy. The key to the development of this sector is human capital – the formation of skilled, forward-thinking, and entrepreneurial individuals,” she said.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of entrepreneurial entities in this field.

According to statistical data, the number of such entities was 21,022 in 2022, 22,024 in 2023, 22,852 in 2024, and reached 23,990 in the first half of 2025.

A video showing the names of the winners of the scholarship program was then presented.

Later, the Advisor to the Culture Minister Jesaret Valehov, mentioned that any Azerbaijani citizen wishing to study abroad can apply for the “Special Scholarship Program in Culture and Creative Industries.”

He explained that applications are carefully reviewed and the process is organized by a special commission.

“The process is carried out transparently and under camera surveillance. The evaluation is done anonymously,” he added.

Finally, the names of the winners were announced, and journalists’ questions were answered.