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Jul 13, 15:28
Trump admin reportedly urged Apple to procure chips from Intel in exchange for dropping tariffs

Reports have emerged that Apple may have managed to avoid 100% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, partly by agreeing to partner with Intel to manufacture its chips. While Apple could benefit from expanding its chip suppliers, the episode also shows the power of Intel's government backing as the US seeks to reshore its semiconductor industry.

The rapid expansion of AI servers and large language models (LLMs) is driving unprecedented demand for data center computing, making high-speed interconnect technologies one of the next major battlegrounds in AI infrastructure.

Agentic AI is putting new pressure on enterprise networks and cybersecurity infrastructure as companies accelerate internal deployment, with Cisco and Foundry warning that more than 70% of enterprises see their current networks as unprepared for future AI demand.

China marked a major step in rocket reusability on July 10, 2026, after successfully recovering the first-stage booster of its Long March 10B rocket following an orbital launch mission.

Shipments of smartwatches with edge AI features leaped 70% in the first quarter of 2026, with Apple overwhelmingly leading the charge, according to Counterpoint Research. This market is taking off as health-focused users gain access to deeper insights through AI advancements, and as brands lean on wearables to offset weak smartphone sales.

As the global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite industry enters a new phase of rapid expansion, Taiwan faces a pivotal opportunity to move beyond its traditional role as a component supplier. By developing satellite terminals, strengthening systems integration and expanding service capabilities, the country could secure a larger share of one of the world's fastest-growing communications markets, according to Yi-Cheng Lin, associate vice president of the Network Technology Group at Chunghwa Telecom.

India's decision to clear a smartphone-manufacturing joint venture between Dixon Technologies and Vivo Mobile India could reset how the country handles Chinese capital in its fast-growing electronics sector, signaling that Beijing-linked investment can pass New Delhi's tightened scrutiny when it is structured under local majority control.

Two Chinese technology players will use the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), running July 17-20 in Shanghai, to present what each bills as the world's first AI agent smartphone—a device whose on-device AI operates apps on the user's behalf rather than merely answering questions.

D-Link Corporation has secured supply-chain access to SpaceX and won a separate 4G fixed wireless access order in Germany, underscoring demand for its networking gear across the sensitive aerospace and telecom sectors. The wins could extend the company's global footprint, while highlighting how security, compliance, and resilient connectivity are shaping procurement decisions worldwide.

Samsung Electronics' mobile business has shown signs of improving demand in recent months, prompting the company to increase production of several smartphone models. However, rising component costs and intensifying competition continue to weigh on profitability, highlighting the challenges facing the world's largest Android smartphone vendor.

Planet Technology's latest sales update points to continued demand in networking hardware, cybersecurity, and AI-ready infrastructure, themes with implications for banks, factories, utilities, and transport operators worldwide. The company is also watching the fast-growing low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite market, underscoring how enterprise connectivity and security trends are reshaping global technology investment.
Samsung Electronics is reportedly set to expand use of its in-house mobile application processor, Exynos 2700, across the Galaxy S27 flagship series slated for 2027. Money Today and KBench, citing industry sources, reported that Samsung plans to equip most Galaxy S27 standard, Plus, and Pro models in most markets with Exynos 2700, while using Qualcomm Snapdragon chips for the US market. The top-end Ultra model, however, is still likely to use Snapdragon across the board.