Business Beat: Apple Watch, McDonald’s, Sonic Drive-In

Apple Watch pre-orders to begin April 10

Make calls, read email, control music, manage Instagram photos, keep up with your workout, pay for groceries, open your hotel room door. CEO Tim Cook says you can do it all from your wrist with Apple Watch — for 18 hours a day. That’s how long the battery will last on an average day. The device costs $349 for a base model, while a luxury gold version will go for $10,000.

McDonald’s to roll out kale in US

McDonald’s will debut kale as an ingredient in the not-too distant future as the fast-food giant continues its efforts to adapt to changing consumer preferences, according to a recent note from Janney Capital Markets. [CNBC]

ALSO: Lovin’ goes only so far as McDonald’s sales slide again

ALSO: Ex-McDonald’s CEO Thompson joins Northern Trust board [Crain’s]

Sonic Drive-In planning another candy-mix drink

Sugar is a bad word in some circles but that isn’t stopping Sonic from pouring candy into its drinks. Watch for another candy-drink mashup this summer.

Major credit agencies agree to changes sought by consumer advocates

Boeing, Softbank partner on satellite-based communications system

AT&T exhibit marks anniversary of first telephone call

Delta makes some one-way flights easier to get for frequent fliers

Simon Property Group launches $16 billion hostile bid for rival Macerich

Sony Mobile cuts 1,000 jobs at unit in Sweden

GM plans $5 billion stock buyback, averts showdown with hedge funds

US stock indexes climb; GM gains on buyback announcement

Alcoa to buy RTI International in $1.5 billion deal

Airbus sales chief says well placed for further output hikes [Reuters]