• Apple is gearing up to deliver big announcements at WWDC on June 10.
• Apple is expected to reveal more about its AI strategy. 
• Here's what we know about what to expect at WWDC 2024.

Apple's highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off next week, and the tech community is buzzing with expectations and predictions of big announcements.

Analysts and tech experts aren't expecting new hardware, but they've said WWDC will still include major upgrades to operating systems across its ecosystem.

Apple is expected to showcase iOS 18, which Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said is "considered internally to be the biggest upgrade in the device's history." The new operating system is expected to become available in September.

And after recent events by Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI showcasing their AI assistants, all eyes will be on Apple's keynote on June 10 at 1 p.m. ET to deliver equally innovative updates.

OpenAI and Apple have reportedly been discussing a partnership that would bring ChatGPT to iOS, and the details are expected to come out at WWDC. And Siri is expected to get a major AI overhaul.

Some of the other updates include new Vision Pro software, voice memo transcriptions, and more advanced photo editing, Bloomberg reported.

In iOS 18, Apple may add AI assistance for a number of its own apps including Pages and Keynote, and auto-generated playlists will be available on Apple Music, Bloomberg said. But the new operating system likely won't be available until September when the next iPhone comes out.

It's important to note that many of the AI features Apple announces on Monday will require an iPhone 15 Pro or later, per Bloomberg.

Here's what we know about some of the other major announcements expected at WWDC on Monday.

Home Screen

Although small updates to the iPhone home screen have occurred over time, it's reported that iOS 18 will make it much more customizable.

The redesign could make the traditional grid pattern that Apple devices are known for optional. Users would be able to change the color of app icons and arrange them freely .

Siri

Siri is getting an overhaul with Apple's own large language models to power generative AI features, according to Bloomberg.

For years, Siri has been able to do small tasks like calling a contact or setting a reminder at a user's request.

The new, AI-powered Siri is expected to be integrated into Apple apps and perform more specific tasks. For example, you could tell it to edit a photo, organize your Notes app, or delete an email.

Although details about Siri's revamp are expected to be announced next week, its full AI capabilities will likely be available in 2025, Bloomberg reported.

AI-powered emojis

Generative AI has immense capabilities, and one of the ways Apple might use them is making emojis more fun.

The tech giant is reportedly working on genAI, which would allow iOS 18 users to use AI to create emojis for specific situations.

It's not as groundbreaking as an AI virtual assistant, but it sounds better than searching for the right emoji to convey your emotions.

• Tesla board chair argues Musk's leadership is needed at the company right now, in a CNBC interview.
• Musk is the only one who hasn't been paid out for Tesla's "tremendous growth," she said.
• Musk has already threatened to focus on other projects outside Tesla. 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk's controversial pay plan is just a week away from being voted upon.

As the pending vote heats up with advocates on both sides speaking out to sway voters, the situation begs the question: is Musk's leadership essential to Tesla's success?

Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm thinks so — at least for now.

The board chair said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday that Tesla "can exist" without him, but "the right thing for Tesla at this time is for Elon to continue to be at the helm."

The company is at a critical point in terms of building its AI capabilities with the advancement of autonomous vehicles, Tesla's supercomputer Project Dojo, and its development of a humanoid Tesla robot named Optimus. Elon Musk recently said in a post on X that Tesla would spend around $10 billion this year in "combined training and inference AI."

The board chair said "tremendous value" has been created at the EV giant over the last six years, and though the Tesla team was instrumental to it, Musk was at the forefront of that growth.

Delholm said shareholders have profited from the stock growth and customers have benefited from "tremendous innovation." Meanwhile, she said the only person who hasn't been paid is "the leader of the company, Elon."

Musk's pending compensation package, which was struck down by a Delaware judge, depended on the completion of ambitious goals laid out in 2018. It includes a grant of 12 tranches of stock options that are vested when Tesla hits specific goalposts.

When the company hits each target, Musk gets stock equal to 1% of outstanding shares at the time of the grant. Tesla said it reached all 12 milestones by 2023.

But since that pay package was shot down, Musk has openly flirted with paying less attention to Tesla and focusing on his other companies.

Musk said in a post on X in January that he was "uncomfortable" expanding Tesla's AI and robotics development without 25% control of the votes. The Tesla CEO currently has about 13%, according to company filings.

Until then, the CEO said he would "prefer to build products outside of Tesla" — and that's exactly what he's doing.

As the leader of X, xAI, The Boring Company, and SpaceX, the billionaire has no shortage of projects. News broke on Wednesday that Musk may be building a supercomputer gigafactory for xAI in Memphis. He's also been advancing projects for SpaceX with test launches of Starship.

As concerns arise over Musk's leadership at Tesla, it's worth noting that even Musk himself has said he doesn't plan to be CEO forever, according to a 2021 report from Teslarati.

"Now obviously, nobody is or should be CEO forever," Musk said in a 2020 fourth-quarter earnings call. "So I don't expect to be — like the sheer amount of work required to be CEO of Tesla is insane."

Denholm said ratifying the compensation plan is about Tesla's need for Musk's leadership at this moment.

Tesla is currently valued at about $556 billion. Musk has been with the carmaker for 16 years and took over as CEO in 2008 when the carmaker was close to bankruptcy. Since then, it's become the top EV company worldwide, and its skyrocketing value has generated most of Musk's fortune.

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Fitness trackers do far more today than the rudimentary clip-on wearables Fitbit introduced in 2009. Now, it's like wearing a personal trainer and life coach right on your wrist. The best fitness trackers count steps, recommend workouts, track sleep habits, and motivate you to keep active. Some even double as premium smartwatches.

Among the best fitness trackers on the market, our top pick is the Garmin Epix Gen 2. It tracks a range of activities, offers a battery life of up to a week, and has highly accurate GPS. For a budget pick, we recommend the Fitbit Inspire 3. It's a no-frills but effective wearable with solid battery life and precise tracking for less than $100.

Picking out the right fitness tracker comes down to how you intend to use it. Some may not need the bells and whistles of Garmin's Epix Gen 2, while others looking for a smartwatch may prefer the Apple Watch Series 9. To help, we've compiled the best fitness trackers across seven categories below.

Our top picks for the best fitness trackers

Best overall: Garmin Epix Gen 2 – See at Amazon

Best budget: Fitbit Inspire 3 – See at Amazon

Best Fitbit: Fitbit Sense 2 – See at Amazon

Best smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 9 – See at Amazon

Best for iPhone: Apple Watch Ultra 2 – See at Amazon

Best for Android: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro – See at Amazon

Best training feedback: Garmin Forerunner 745 – See at Amazon

Best overall

When Garmin released the Epix Gen 2 in 2022, I was curious how it'd slot into the brand's lineup alongside the Fenix, a wearable that does just about everything. After wearing the Epix Gen 2 as my daily driver for a month, it became clear it's not only worthy of its own line but also happens to be the best fitness tracker you can buy. 

From a feature standpoint, it has it all. There are the basics, like heart rate monitoring, sleep and step tracking, and advanced features like stress, hydration, and respiration tracking. It also uses Garmin's unique Body Battery function, which can tell how well you rest each day and whether you should push for a PR or take it easy during your next workout.  

In addition, it features an endless list of available activities to track, unique coaching insights and workout tips, recovery time estimates, visual race time predictors, and custom workouts.

But what I've been most impressed about while wearing the Epix Gen 2 is that all these features are legitimately useful. I find myself using so many of them in all facets of my day, too. I use the recovery time estimate to see what workout my body is ready for, the coaching insights for daily inspiration, the race time predictors to adjust my training schedule, and sleep tracking to see how well my body recovers each day.

What's more, the Epix Gen 2 can go upwards of six full days without needing a recharge, even if I'm using things like the built-in GPS each day or wearing it to bed to track my sleep. I've gone on multi-day camping trips and still had more than enough battery left on my trip home. 

Yes, the watch is on the expensive side, starting at $800, but it's the same price as the $800 Apple Watch Ultra 2, a similarly rugged outdoor watch with far weaker battery life. Plus, you're more likely to find a solid deal on the Epix Gen 2 than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. 

Because of its laundry list of available features, it's best used by those who are consistently active and enjoy getting outside. Anyone can buy one, but to get the most value out of it, you want to ensure you're using it as intended. 

Best budget

The Inspire 3 is one of Fitbit's latest wearables that blends advanced health and fitness tracking with a subtle, no-frills design. With features like skin temperature sensing and sleep tracking and a price tag that situates it under $100, the Inspire 3 is a budget fitness tracker that performs like something much more expensive. 

What makes the Inspire 3 an especially great wearable is that it's perfect for people of all fitness levels and skills. Beginners and first-time wearers will find it easy to navigate and it offers plenty of basics such as daily steps taken, calories burned, and several trackable activities. 

Seasoned fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Inspire 3's advanced health features, including the new skin temperature sensor and in-depth sleep tracker. It's not as comprehensive as our top pick, but the Inspire 3 still offers tons of useful features. It's also compatible with a range of the best Inspire 3 bands. 

The watch isn't perfect, though. During our tests, we noted that the lack of built-in GPS may tarnish the experience for more hardcore athletes who don't always want to work out with their phones. GPS syncing was quick when we brought our phone along, but it wasn't always ideal. The other major drawback is its lack of downloadable apps. 

Even when we factor those cons, we still feel the Inspire 3 is an excellent fitness tracker that punches above its weight. It's the best fitness tracker for those on a budget, beginners, or first-time fitness tracker users. It's even an adequate overall wearable for fitness veterans who seek an inexpensive, no-frills experience.  

Read our Fitbit Inspire 3 review.

Best Fitbit

The best Fitbit overall, the Fitbit Sense 2 is our favorite fitness tracker in Fitbit's lineup and satisfies just about everything you look for in a quality active wearable. 

It offers a wide variety of trackable activities and catalogs tons of unique insights into your sleep habits and fitness data while also monitoring your stress and menstrual cycles. It even has a built-in GPS and a battery that lasts around five days on a single charge. 

We found the watch lived up to those ambitious expectations at almost every turn. It was highly accurate during workouts, both in terms of GPS syncing and the data it tracked. Its health insights were easy to access and actionable, and the battery life was superb. 

It's also an incredibly easy watch to navigate. The swipe controls are simple and intuitive and offer enough customization to make the experience personal. 

But the biggest highlight of the Sense 2 is its advanced health and wellness tools. There's a skin temperature sensor (similar to the Inspire 3 above), the ability to get heart rhythm (ECG) readings, and the aforementioned stress tracker, which monitors stress levels in real time.

The watch doesn't come without a few drawbacks, though. The most apparent is that it's just not that impressive of a smartwatch. Even though Fitbit calls it a smartwatch, it struggles to fit the bill because it doesn't offer third-party app support and doesn't allow access to tools like Google Assistant (even though Google is its parent company). There's also no ability to store or play music. 

Unless you need a fitness tracker that doubles as a premium smartwatch, don't let those missing features preclude you from considering the Sense 2. Outside those cons, it offers a great fitness tracking experience. Plus, it's still an adequate smartwatch with call, text, app, and email notifications. It's just not the ideal smartwatch. 

Read our Fitbit Sense 2 review.

Best smartwatch

The Apple Watch Series 9 doesn't represent a huge upgrade over the prior-generation Series 8, but it remains the best fitness-tracking smartwatch you can buy. Thanks to its new S9 processor, the Series 9 functions faster than any Apple Watch before it, which greatly impacts the wearable's overall performance. Navigating the interface is smooth, as is opening any of its apps or starting a workout. 

As a fitness tracker, the Series line has always been one of the best on the market, offering a wide variety of trackable activities and accurate GPS. It's also a highly motivating watch thanks to Apple's gamification, which pushes users to close their fitness rings each day. These rings consist of burned calories (called the Move goal), minutes active (called the Exercise goal), and how many hours each day you've stood up and moved around (called the Stand goal). 

Although the Series 9 debuted without significant new fitness tracking features, it's still a highly refined version of the Apple Watches before it and offers the best Series line experience to date for smartwatch capability in terms of its new software and hardware. 

Hardware-wise, the Series 9 debuted the S9 chip, which impacts how the watch functions overall. It allows for fast navigation of the interface and a boost in the watch's performance. The difference may not be noticeable to wearers of the Series 8 or Series 7, but users of older models will appreciate the uptick in speed. 

The S9 is also a major player regarding the Series 9's software updates, most notably led by the new double tap gesture. Now, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to interact with the central button in an app. For instance, this can answer or hang up a phone call or snooze an alarm. It's a unique new feature powered by the latest chipset. 

Other new software features, like the Smart Stack display and redesigned apps, are also great additions. However, these come packaged in the new WatchOS 10 operating system (compatible with Series 4 and newer).

There are also new cycling and hiking tracking features in WatchOS 10, including compatibility with Bluetooth cycling accessories, an updated Compass app, and new topographical map data. 

So, while the Series 9 isn't a revolutionary update over the Series 8, it's still the best smartwatch for fitness tracking, especially for iOS users. 

Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.

Best for iPhone

Although the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does many of the same things as the Series 9 above, it offers a few more advanced activity tracking features that make it the best pure fitness tracker for iPhone users. These features include a brighter screen, which is great for use in bright, sunny conditions, water resistance down to 100m, a wider range of altitudes, and a longer-lasting battery. The Series 9 offers 18 hours of battery life, while the Ultra 2 is rated at 36 hours. 

These extra features make the Ultra 2 the best Apple Watch for advanced users like athletes, especially those who need the extra battery life. For instance, the Ultra 2 could comfortably make it through something like a marathon or even a multi-day backpacking trip. 

The Ultra 2 also now features an array of watersports features aimed at freedivers, scuba divers, wakeboarders, and kitesurfers. Its built-in Depth app can log diving sessions, GPS data, water temperature information, and time spent underwater. These features are certainly on the niche side, but they're an example of Apple's intent to aim the Ultra 2 at a subset of potential wearers.

Like the Series 9, the Ultra 2 also features the new S9 chipset and the useful double-tap gesture, which can be used to snooze alarms or answer a phone call, among other things. The new chipset is particularly impressive in how fast it navigates the interface and opens apps. Ultra 1 users may not notice a difference, but it is apparent for anyone coming over from a Series 6 or older. 

Beyond those new features, the Ultra 2 is nearly identical to the original Ultra. It features a durable design, premium smartwatch functionality, and highly accurate GPS tracking. iPhone users who want a highly capable fitness tracker that seamlessly integrates into the Apple ecosystem should strongly consider the Ultra 2. 

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.

Best for Android

The competition for the best Android smartwatch is stiff as both Samsung and Google offer premium wearables worthy of the title. However, when it comes to tracking fitness, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the clear choice. We recognize that the newer Galaxy Watch 6 is available, but it can't beat the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, especially when the latter has a price cut from being a previous-generation model. 

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro aims to be a fitness and adventure version of the standard non-Pro models (like the Apple Watch Ultra to the standard Series models) with extended battery life and a titanium build. It has advanced health and fitness features and uses the WearOS operating system, which delivers a fluid, intuitive user experience. 

For the fitness-focused crowd, the Watch 5 Pro is an exceptional activity tracker. During our tests, we found the watch to be highly accurate in terms of how quickly it synced its built-in GPS and how well it tracked activities like runs, bike rides, and hikes. It's also compatible with a variety of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch bands, like canvas options for something more durable or nylon straps for working out. 

There's even a track-back function that leaves digital breadcrumbs, so you know your exact path on a hike. We do wish this was available for more activities (it's only compatible with hikes and, oddly enough, bike rides), but perhaps this will be an update in the next release.

Those looking for a smartwatch will also appreciate how well the Watch 5 Pro functions. The Google Play Store offers many downloadable apps, and navigating the watch is incredibly easy. You can even customize the watch face and its displayed data to fit how you prefer to use it. Additionally, all notifications from emails, texts, apps, and phone calls are simple to interact with.

But perhaps the Watch 5 Pro's best feature is its expanded health tracking offering. It has comprehensive sleep tracking that charts your nightly sleep habits and a body composition scanner that tracks your muscle mass percentage, body fat, and water weight. 

It's worth pointing out that the Watch 5 Pro experience is more fully capable when using a Samsung phone. While it does work on something like the Google Pixel, a few features are missing, including the heart rhythm tracker (i.e., the ECG app). We also found some syncing issues when we initially set up the watch. 

Despite those drawbacks, however, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the best fitness tracker for Android users (and our top overall pick of the best Android smartwatches currently available). It functions incredibly well as a smartwatch, offers a wide variety of fitness-tracking capabilities, and provides tons of unique and actionable health insights.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review.

Best for training feedback

Garmin has long-made highly advanced fitness trackers that serve the needs of hardcore athletes. The Forerunner 745 brings that in-depth approach to a wider audience, providing highly valuable fitness insight and feedback to anyone, regardless of how active they are. 

The beauty of this watch rests in the advanced data it provides. During workouts, the 745 displays everything from time active and heart rate to distance covered and pace. Each of these is highly useful if you're interval training or aiming for a certain time on a run or bike ride. It's also quite easy to customize this screen so you have exactly the features you want when you want it. 

Though that in-the-moment data is great, what the watch offers after the activity (or between workouts) is even better. It provides challenging workout recommendations that adapt to your output, the ideal amount of rest you need between activities (which is highly important), and customized training plans. Neither of these is just tacked on, too, and I found myself gravitating toward them more and more as I tested the watch, even though I've always preferred my own custom workouts to anything pre-written for me. 

Its tracking accuracy is also highly precise, and I found it similar to that of Suunto's 7 and the Apple Watch Series 6. It syncs with GPS rather quickly and consistently produces similar metrics (for distance and pace), regardless of whether I cycle or run. 

If there were something to nitpick about the Forerunner 745, it'd be its clunky menu system. Like most Garmin watches, the OS isn't exactly intuitive, though it does get easier the more you use it (as would anything). It's not enough to be a dealbreaker, especially considering how much this watch does that's superior to most fitness trackers currently available.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 745 review.

How we test fitness trackers

Each of the best fitness trackers in this guide underwent a series of tests to determine their performance in four categories: fit and comfort, tracking accuracy, features, and value.

Here's how we considered each category while testing:

Fit and comfort: If a fitness tracker isn't comfortable or doesn't fit well, you're far less likely to want to wear it — and if you don't wear it often, what's the point? Wearable brands know this, so many of the best fitness trackers have bands that not only stay comfortable for long periods but won't chafe or become bothersome while you sweat. When testing, I looked at everything from how they felt when I put them on to if I noticed any discomfort during short or long workouts. 

Tracking accuracy: Testing for accuracy isn't always easy. You can wear two different watches and get different GPS readings, pace data, and so on. So, instead of using a second tracker to test a wearable's accuracy, I'd map out how far an exact mile was from my house before running it a few times wearing the same watch. The trackers we recommend all produced results no more than .1 miles off. 

Features: This category is mostly straightforward: Does a tracker have any supplemental features outside tracking steps, calories burned, or heart rate? These could be anything from extra activities it's capable of logging to the ability to act like a smartwatch and get smartphone notifications, etc. Trackers aren't defined by their added features, but it's a nice touch and something that can separate a good tracker from a great one. 

Value: The value of a fitness tracker isn't just its sticker price but also how valuable it is from a function standpoint. Does it have the features you need? Will it track and compile the data you want it to? Can it serve as something that benefits your fitness? When shopping to find a tracker's true value, these are all questions you want to consider. Value becomes more of a subjective category when viewed that way, but when testing, I judged how well each tracker held up across the above categories against how much they cost.

What to look for when shopping

Those looking for a device dedicated to tracking daily activity, workouts, and sleep have a vast number of choices, even without including members of the smartwatch family. Here's what to consider:

Comfort and design: Since you'll wear the tracker daily (even to bed for sleep tracking), comfort is a high priority. If it's not comfortable, you won't want to wear it. The same goes for design. If you have a small wrist, you may want a tracker with a sleek, understated look. Fitness trackers come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that suits your style.

Features: If you're looking for a no-frills fitness tracker, one that only tracks steps and your sleep habits may suffice. However, if you work out often or want insight into how your activity impacts your overall health, a more advanced tracker with a heart rate monitor or built-in GPS may be the one for you.

You should also consider the types of workouts you like to do. For example, if you're a swimmer, waterproofing is a must. If you're just starting a new fitness routine, a device that coaches you and gives you goals to work toward may provide the extra motivation you need.

App experience: Most fitness trackers are designed to work in tandem with your smartphone, syncing the data collected with a downloaded application, which allows you to gain even more insight into your health and save the information collected to track your progress over time.

Unfortunately, not all companion apps are effective, and you may find some experiences you prefer over others. It's important to choose a fitness tracker that gives you a good app experience. Easy navigation and compatibility with your phone's operating system are a must.

FAQs

Are fitness trackers worth wearing?

Yes, so long as you use the tracker and the data it collects to inform your fitness goals. You should understand what a fitness tracker offers and opt for one that provides insight into your needs.

For instance, if you just need something to motivate you to increase your daily activity, you shouldn't buy a full-featured watch like the Coros Apex or Suutno 7. Something like an Apple Watch or Fitbit's Versa 3 would be better suited to your lifestyle.

Although there's nothing wrong with wearing a fitness tracker to only keep tabs on your daily steps or calories burned, that information it accrues can be vital for anyone who wants to develop a daily, weekly, or monthly fitness routine.

The term "worth," as it applies to fitness wearables, is relative to how exactly that information is used and who is using it. You first need to decide how you intend to use a fitness watch to determine how worthwhile it can be. 

What does a fitness tracker do?

The best fitness trackers monitor and accrue a variety of activity data, such as the number of steps a wearer takes each day, how many calories they've burned, and the flights of stairs they've climbed, among many others.

Basic fitness trackers often offer tracking for just those listed above, while more advanced wearables and fitness smartwatches provide a slew of advanced features such as workout tracking (running, cycling, weight lifting, etc.), heartbeat monitoring, smartphone notifications, and more. 

Some trackers even have compatible smartphone apps that centralize the data they collect, allowing users to chart their progress over time via a dashboard or activity calendar. 

What are the pros and cons of fitness trackers?

Deciding whether a fitness tracker's pros outweigh its cons ultimately comes down to how you intend to use it. It can be extremely beneficial if you plan to be routinely active and use the data it collects to develop and maintain a fitness routine. 

However, if you never look at the data amassed or buy a watch with too many features you'll never use, it will surely become an expensive digital timepiece that tracks fitness data for no reason. 

Fitness trackers can offer deep insight into one's health profile but can also be expensive. It's important to figure out how you want to use the watch before buying one and research which watch is best for your lifestyle and goals. 

• Tesla board chair discussed what could happen if Elon Musk's pay package is rejected.
• Robyn Denholm said a new plan could cost an extra $25 billion worth of stock-based compensation.
• She said she doesn't expect Musk to sue Tesla, but it's a possibility.

The vote for Elon Musk's hotly debated $55 billion pay package is next week.

The compensation plan, originally put into place in 2018, was struck down earlier this year by a Delaware judge who said the billionaire had undue influence over the board because of close ties to some of its members.

Tesla is now putting Musk's pay package to a shareholder vote on June 13 in an effort to reinstate it. So what will happen if it isn't approved?

Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday that there are multiple possibilities. The board has considered options such as creating a new pay plan — but she said that could end up costing shareholders more.

Denholm argued that the compensation tied to the 2018 pay package, which was worth an estimated $2.3 billion in stock-based compensation charges at the time, had already been paid out. Rejecting the plan wouldn't change that.

But if the shareholders overturn the 2018 pay plan, and Tesla were to craft a new plan with the same stock grants, they would cost around $25 billion worth of stock-based compensation today.

When asked if whether Elon Musk could ultimately sue Tesla if shareholders reject ratification, Denholm said it was "possible," but she didn't know how probable it would be.

"Well, the good part about the legal system in the US is anybody can sue anybody," Denholm said. But Denholm said at this point, it wasn't something that Musk had brought up to the board.

The Tesla board chair said while there may be other options, they would lead to increased costs or decreased motivation from Musk.

Denholm said the CEO has worked incredibly hard over the last six years to lead the company to "transformative growth." While shareholders and customers have both benefited, Musk himself hasn't received compensation.

"Ratifying the plan is the best option," Denholm said. "Clearly, if it doesn't pass, then there are other alternatives, but none of them are as good from a shareholder perspective as actually ratifying the plan."

There's also no guarantee that the pay plan will survive even if shareholders do ratify it on June 13. The Delaware court system could rule that it's still invalid.

Denholm said if that were to happen, it would be "detrimental" to shareholders, which is another reason she said they were fighting so hard to get it ratified.

"Well that is possible," she said. "But quite frankly, if you sit back, that is actually quite detrimental from a shareholder policy perspective."

"Shareholder votes have been pretty sacrosanct from a Delaware law perspective, from a corporate America perspective, from a legal system," she said.

Advocates for and against ratifying Musk's pay package have been ramping up their arguments in recent weeks. Several investment firms urged shareholders to vote against it, most recently the CEO of the California Public Employees' Retirement System.

Meanwhile, Tesla's board and prominent shareholders like Ron Baron have been actively campaigning for its approval, arguing that it is fair and necessary to keep the CEO's focus on Tesla.

Musk does not earn a salary and his compensation relies on the company's performance with specific metrics defined in 2018.

The executive pay plan involves a 10-year grant of 12 tranches of stock options that are vested when Tesla hits specific milestones. Once the company hits each target, Musk gets stock equal to 1% of outstanding shares at the time of the grant. Tesla said it hit all 12 goalposts as of 2023.

• Switzerland flew fighter jets from a highway for the first time in more than 30 years.
• It's part of the country's effort to practice decentralization of its air power.
• "The war in Ukraine demonstrates the urgency of the situation," Switzerland said.

A European country watching the war in Ukraine just operated its fighter jets off a highway for the first time in more than three decades, following similar missions carried out by NATO militaries as they increasingly look for better ways to protect their aircraft.

On Wednesday, four Swiss F/A-18 fighter jets took off from and landed seven times on a highway in the western part of the country. The exercise, which examined whether the combat aircraft were suitable for operations from improvised sites, occurred "successfully and without incident," Switzerland's government said.

It marked the first time since 1991 that the Swiss air force has operated from a highway. During the Cold War, aircraft in Europe trained to operate from non-traditional airstrips and improvised runways to reduce vulnerability. Switzerland said that it was "necessary" to restart such practices as it looks to keep pace with Europe's rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics, sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"The Swiss Army is adapting to the evolving security situation and future threats," Switzerland said. "The war in Ukraine demonstrates the urgency of the situation."

The exercise this week reflects a push by Switzerland's military to strengthen its air-defense capabilities through the concept of decentralization, which means distributing troops and equipment beyond fixed locations, the Swiss government said in a statement.

Switzerland currently has combat aircraft stationed at three air bases around the country. To reduce their vulnerability to long-range strikes, the air force is focusing on disaggregating and using improvised runways to conduct operations. The effort includes pilots and group forces managing security and logistics.

Switzerland, which is neutral, is the latest country to push its aviation forces to train on non-traditional airstrips as a way to practice force dispersal. NATO allies and partners have been working on flexible solutions for years to ensure that their combat aircraft can still operate freely without having to be dependent on fixed bases that are vulnerable to enemy strikes.

These activities have involved a range of aircraft. In September, for instance, Norway landed F-35 stealth fighter jets on a highway for the first time during a training exercise with Finnish F-18 aircraft. The fighter aircraft were quickly refueled while their engines were running — a tactic known as hot-pit refueling — before they took off again.

"This is a milestone. Not only for the Norwegian Air Force, but also for the Nordic countries, and for NATO," Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Maj. Gen. Rolf Folland said in a press statement at the time.

"This demonstrates our ability to execute a concept of dispersal," he added. "Being able to use small airfields — and now motorways —  increases our survivability in war."

The US military has been operating its military aircraft on highways and other unconventional runways for a while as part of its Agile Combat Employment doctrine, a post-Cold War operational scheme of maneuver that seeks to make American airpower more versatile in the event of a great-power conflict.

Demonstrating this capability, the US has, over the past few years, landed A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes on a Michigan highway, MC-130J Commando II supply planes on a Wyoming highway, and MQ-9 Reaper drones on dirt patches in Texas. They've also conducted exercises in Europe.

Switzerland, meanwhile, has said that it will continue to train on decentralization, but it doesn't have any further tests planned for the near future.

• Rivian unveiled its updated R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV with more power and range on Thursday.
• The revised R1T and R1S look similar to the outgoing generation but feature major internal updates.
• The dual-motor, second-generation Rivian R1T and R1S are on sale now. 

Rivian unveiled an updated second generation of its flagship R1T electric pickup truck and R1S SUV on Thursday, featuring a host of technical improvements and two new powertrain options with more power and range.

Based on Rivian's estimated performance figures, versions of the second-generation R1 platform now boast faster acceleration and substantially more range than Tesla's Cybertruck.

With that said the R1's external styling, which launched in 2021, remains largely unchanged.

"We continue to evolve our flagship R1 vehicles, offering quality and performance without compromise," said RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO and founder. "Our revamped R1S and R1T push the technical boundaries further, creating our most capable products to date."

The updated R1 follows the launch of Rivian's upcoming R2 and R3 SUVs in March. In April, Rivian temporarily paused production to retool its Normal, Illinois factory ahead of the arrival of new models and amid lower demand for EVs.

New powertrain options lead the updates to the R1.

The existing all-wheel-drive R1 dual-motor remains unchanged, with the 665 horsepower Performance variant capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.4 seconds.

However, the big news is the upgraded Quad-Motor and the introduction of an all-new Tri-Motor powertrain.

The second-generation quad-motor now boasts a whopping 1,025 horsepower, up from 835 horsepower.

According to Rivian, the R1T Quad-Motor in launch mode can now do 0-60mph in less than 2.5 seconds, besting the Tesla Cybertruck's claimed 0-60mph time of 2.6 seconds.

The R1T Quad-Motor can also run the ¼ mile in just 10.5 seconds.

This is thanks to the nearly 1,200 lb-ft of torque on tap when launch mode is engaged.

Bridging the gap between the monstrously powerful quad-motor and the more budget-friendly dual-motor is the new tri-motor.

The tri-motor, which is equipped with one motor up front and two on the rear axle, packs 850 horsepower. Rivian claims the Tri-Motor R1T pickup can do 0-60mph in a brisk 2.9 seconds while also delivering an estimated 380 miles in range.

In Conserve Mode, which disengages the rear axle motors until additional traction is needed, Rivian says the R1T Tri-Motor can stretch its range up to 410 miles, substantially more than the Cybertruck's maximum claimed range of 340 miles.

Rivian has also redesigned its larger-capacity battery packs with efficient packaging which are easier to produce and service.

The updated Max battery pack can deliver ranges up to 420 miles, while the revised Larger battery pack can reach 330 miles.

The base, Standard, battery pack now boasts lithium iron phosphate chemistry and, according to Rivian, can deliver up to 270 miles of the EPA estimated range.

As for charging, the R1 can quickly add up to 140 miles of range in as little as 20 minutes. The R1 is compatible with all major public high-speed charging networks, including Rivian's Adventure Network and Tesla's Superchargers.

The second-generation Rivian R1T and R1S are on sale now.

The base Dual-Motor R1T pickup with 270 miles of range starts at $69,900, while the base R1S SUV with the same range starts at $75,900.

The Tri-Motor variant is set to arrive later this summer with the R1T starting at $99,900 and the R1S at $105,900.

A quad-motor is expected to follow at a later time, but specific timing has not been announced.

• CEOs in the S&P 500 made almost 200 times what their average worker did in 2023.
• CEO compensation had been trending downward before a 12.6% increase in 2023.
• Broadcom CEO Hock Tan was the highest-paid CEO in 2023 at $161.8 million.

Good news for all you CEOs out there: You're likely making way more money than your average employee.

The median salary for CEOs in the S&P 500 — which tracks the performance of the top 500 companies on US stock exchanges — was almost 200 times the average worker in 2023, according to a new study from Equilar and The Associated Press.

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan was the highest-earning CEO in 2023. His compensation totaled $161.8 million, Equilar said. Tan is the only CEO in the study to receive a compensation package of nine figures.

Fair Isaac Corporation CEO William Lansing, the second-highest earner listed, made $66.3 million last year. Apple's Tim Cook came in third on the list, making $63.2 million. And Netflix's Ted Sarandos checked in at fifth with almost $50 million.

The average American worker at S&P 500 companies, meanwhile, earns an average of about $80,000, the study found. Mercifully, that is a 5.2% increase from 2022.

Eye-popping CEO pay packages have become a symbol of inequality in the United States and a target of ire for organized workers. The Hollywood writer's strike last year attacked Disney CEO Bob Iger for making more than 500 times the median salary of a Disney employee. Iger's pay package totaled $27 million, according to his 2022 contract.

CEO pay has skyrocketed over the past 40 years, Business Insider previously reported. An average CEO in 1978 made about 31 times what their average worker made. In 2020, the average CEO made 346 times what their average worker made.

That staggering gap had been narrowing in recent years. In 2022, CEO pay in the S&P 500 decreased by 9%, according to the AFL-CIO.

But in 2023, it ticked back up. Median total compensation for S&P CEOs totaled $16.3 million last year, a 12.6% increase from the previous year, Equilar says. Stock rewards comprised about 70% of their compensation, according to the report.

• A D-Day veteran and Ukraine's president Zelenskyy shared a moment at the 80th anniversary event in Normandy.
• The veteran called Zelenskyy a "savior of the people" and told him he prays for him.
• Western leaders on Thursday commemorated the monumental 1944 amphibious invasion. 

At an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, a veteran shared a moment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A video captured the two hugging and talking, with the veteran calling Zelenskyy "the savior of the people" and telling him he prays for him amid the third year of Russia's brutal war in Ukraine.

In the video, shared online during Thursday's anniversary event in Normandy, France, the veteran and Zelenskyy shook hands and shared a hug.

"You're the savior of the people," the veteran said, telling Zelenskyy it brings tears to his eyes. The Ukrainian president responded: "No, no, you saved Europe."

The two then held hands for a moment and continued talking, each calling the other a hero. The veteran then told Zelenskyy, "I pray for you," while the crowd cheered on.

It was a powerful moment at the anniversary event at Omaha Beach, where 80 years earlier American troops rushed ashore to confront Nazi Germany, their compatriots and allies hitting other beaches at great cost.

In addition to Zelenskyy, Thursday's event was attended by Western leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden.

In a speech talking about the fateful events of June 6, 1944, Macron referenced the war in Ukraine and thanked Ukrainians for their bravery, telling them: "We are here and won't back away."

Biden made similar remarks. "In their generation, in their hour of trial, the Allied forces of D-Day did their duty," he said to dozens of World War II veterans at the Normandy American Cemetery. "Now the question for us is, in our hour of trial, will we do ours?"