apple inc.

What do IBM and the ACLU have against Siri? Because every time you use your iPhone's Siri or Dictation functions, what you say gets recorded -- and sent to Apple.

Apple announced that it sold 3 million new iPads over the weekend -- a new record for the tech giant's tablet line.

Everybody's been expecting Apple's third generation iPad to hit the market in March, and come Tuesday, that's exactly what will happen. But before you start camping in front of your local Apple Store, let's answer your five most-burning iPad questions.

Foxconn, the Chinese manufacturer that probably assembled your new iPad, is on the hot seat again this week, reviving discussions about evils of offshoring. But if you think money is the only reason why Apple doesn't make its gadgets closer to home, you're missing the bigger picture.

New CEO Ron Johnson's plan to revamp J.C. Penney is seriously ambitious. No more coupons, almost no more sales, and a complete rethink of the department store model. So why does he think he can pull it off -- and with a chain that has lagged its rivals? Because maybe he can. Here's why:

On the 2012 Interbrand list of the world's most valuable brands, the top seven are the same as in 2011, with Coca-Cola leading the way. Then we get to No. 8. That spot used to be held by wireless phone giant Nokia, but Apple has knocked it down -- way down.

It's hard to imagine two companies more different than Apple and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion: Apple's on top of the world, and RIM has fallen off a cliff. But the RIM of today bears a striking resemblance to the Apple of 1997.

There will never be another Steve Jobs. Apple's iconic co-founder was one of a kind for a host of reasons, but the aspect Apple will miss the most is Jobs the master marketer. Enter Jeff Bezos: The Amazon boss may have they insight to be the tech world's next gadget visionary.

'Tis the season to buy tech products -- almost. If you're looking to upgrade, it's probably best to wait till Black Friday. Computers, high-end smartphones, HDTVs and tablets will see sharp discounts for the holidays.

Apple finds itself in an unfamiliar place this week. The iEverything giant posted quarterly results on Tuesday that missed Wall Street's expectations. That hasn't happened in years. While the iPhone 4S delay was the key culprit, the real story is in these seven key numbers that Apple investors should keep in mind.