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Feb 26, 10:03
Samsung pushes Galaxy S26 output despite chipflation headwinds
On February 26, 2026, Samsung Electronics officially launched its latest flagship Galaxy S26 smartphone series alongside the new Galaxy Buds4 wireless earbuds, signaling a renewed push to broaden AI adoption while navigating rising semiconductor costs. The Galaxy S26 lineup includes three models: the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, all set to go on sale globally in early March, with Taiwan among the first-wave markets. In Taiwan, the S26 will support eSIM for the first time while retaining dual physical SIM slots, offering users more flexible mobile data options.
Meta is reviving its smartwatch ambitions as part of a broader push to define the next era of AI-powered consumer hardware, setting up a fresh competitive battle with rivals including Apple and Google. According to The Information, Meta plans to release its first smartwatch, code-named "Malibu 2," in 2026. The device will feature health-tracking capabilities and a built-in Meta AI assistant. This revival comes after the company abandoned an earlier smartwatch project in 2022 amid cost-cutting at its Reality Labs hardware division.

Apple is laying the groundwork for a new generation of wearable devices built around what it calls Visual Intelligence, signaling a deeper push into AI-driven hardware, according to Bloomberg. CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly highlighted the technology in earnings calls and internal meetings, suggesting it will anchor Apple's next major product category, following the Apple Watch and Vision Pro.

Vietnam has granted Starlink an operating licence to provide satellite internet services in the country, clearing the way for the SpaceX subsidiary to deploy ground infrastructure and serve up to 600,000 user terminals during an initial rollout phase.

RISC-V gains traction in automotive and industrial markets despite ecosystem risks, while India's tech landscape sees heightened AI, semiconductor and smartphone activity—from Phison Electronics CEO Khein-seng Pua meeting Narendra Modi and Anthropic's trademark dispute, to Xiaomi's premium push, the launch of PRITVI-ACE by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, expanded deep tech support, and an arbitration case between Wingtech Technology and Luxshare Precision

Industry analysts indicate that Samsung Electronics' non-memory division is expected to return to profitability in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a full-year turnaround projected for 2027.
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is stepping up its premium push in India even as a global surge in memory prices threatens to erode margins across the handset industry, prompting brands to rethink product positioning, component choices, and pricing strategies in 2026.

Chinese smartphone vendors continue to expand global shipments, supported by competitive pricing, sustained research investment, and overseas growth.

Cisco Systems forecast quarterly gross margins below market expectations, citing higher memory chip costs. The weaker margin outlook overshadowed stronger-than-expected results and sent shares down about 7% in extended trading.

Taiwan's largest telecom operators reported double-digit and mid-single-digit revenue growth in January 2026, driven by expanding ICT and non-mobile businesses alongside steady 5G adoption and improved mobile service metrics. The results point to shifting revenue composition and targeted capex moves for the year.

Samsung Display (SDC) is reviewing additional investment to expand production capacity for foldable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels intended for Apple's first foldable iPhone, as Apple prepares to launch the device in the fall of 2026 and advances plans for subsequent models, according to industry sources.

On February 10, 2025, Cisco introduced a new 102.4 terabits-per-second (Tbps) switching chip and a series of data center systems designed to support large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) networks beyond traditional hyperscale operators.