Apple has officially locked in the date for its next major showcase, set for Tuesday, September 9, at the company’s Cupertino headquarters. The September event, a tradition that often defines the year in consumer tech, will once again bring the spotlight to the iPhone, but this year, Apple is hinting at bigger changes than usual. The centerpiece will be the iPhone 17 family, where the spotlight is expected to fall on a new model called the iPhone 17 Air. Apple is positioning it as the thinnest and lightest iPhone it has ever built, with a 6.6-inch screen, a single rear lens, and the company’s in-house C1 modem. In a move that shakes up the lineup, the Air replaces the “Plus” branding entirely. At the higher end, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will introduce a rethought design with a more durable aluminum frame and a bar-shaped rear camera system that stands apart from Apple’s familiar square module. The Pro models, along with the standard iPhone 17, are expected to run on new A19 and A19 Pro chips, with ProMotion displays finally standard across the lineup. The event won’t be limited to phones. Apple’s full watch lineup is getting refreshed simultaneously for the first time in years. Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3 will arrive together, underscoring Apple’s effort to update every tier of its wearable ecosystem. Rumors also point to AirPods Pro 3 adopting a new design, alongside a possible refresh for the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K. Software will have its moment too. Apple is expected to confirm release dates for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, ensuring users know exactly when to expect the new wave of operating system features. The keynote will begin at 10 a.m. Pacific, streamed worldwide on Apple’s website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. All eyes will be on Cupertino as Apple looks to set the tone for its next generation of devices heading into the holiday season.

President Donald Trump announced today a sweeping 100% tariff on imported semiconductors, setting a new tone for U.S. trade policy centered around domestic production. But tech giants with a strong U.S. manufacturing footprint, like Apple, are poised to sidestep the impact. During a press event at the White House, Trump made it clear: companies that have already begun building in the United States or have made formal commitments to do so will not face the tariff. This clause likely protects Apple, which recently expanded its U.S. manufacturing plans to a record $600 billion. CEO Tim Cook was present at the event, underscoring the company’s close coordination with federal policy moves. While Apple’s chips are currently produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the company has increasingly worked to localize key parts of its operations. TSMC itself is constructing a large-scale fabrication facility in Arizona, adding further insulation for Apple as new trade barriers take shape. Trump warned that exemptions won’t be permanent without proof of follow-through. Companies that delay or fail to meet their U.S. production promises may face retroactive penalties. Although no enforcement date was given for the tariffs, the message was clear: tech supply chains that don’t adapt will pay. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign chip dependencies and the geopolitical pressure surrounding advanced manufacturing. For Apple, continued alignment with American industrial goals may not just be a strategic advantage it could be essential to avoiding major cost increases in the years ahead.

A sweeping tariff increase on Indian goods is set to take effect later this month, but Apple’s operations and shipments appear to be insulated from the fallout for now. President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, which doubles the tariff rate on select imports from India to 50 percent starting August 27, is part of a broader push to rebalance trade relationships. However, semiconductors and devices built from them, including iPhones, remain exempt. This exemption is a crucial lifeline for Apple, which has steadily increased its manufacturing footprint in India in recent years. Through partners like Foxconn and Pegatron, Apple now assembles all five iPhone 16 models within the country. These units serve both local demand and are exported internationally, including to the U.S. The decision to keep semiconductors off the tariff list shields Apple’s India-based production from any immediate disruption. But that protection may be temporary. Trump has signaled that exemptions could be reconsidered, with future tariffs on electronics or chip-based products still under discussion. Behind the scenes, Apple is reportedly lobbying to maintain its current exemption status. The company’s broader trade strategy appears to hinge on a combination of manufacturing diversification and large-scale U.S. investment. That includes a $600 billion commitment to American manufacturing announced this year, which may help it stay in favorable standing as policies shift. Despite the uncertainty, Apple’s calculated expansion into India continues to serve as a buffer against global supply chain turbulence and a hedge against the unpredictable nature of trade politics.

One of Apple Park’s most scenic attractions has gone temporarily quiet. The rooftop terrace at the Apple Park Visitor Center is currently off-limits to visitors, as Apple begins work on undisclosed upgrades to the space. The closure is expected to last through the end of August, with the area scheduled to reopen on September 1. Located just across from Apple’s circular headquarters in Cupertino, the rooftop deck is typically a highlight for visitors, offering sweeping views of the campus and its vast, tree-filled landscape. While no details were given on what’s being updated, the company simply cited ongoing “improvements” in its online notice. Despite the terrace closure, the rest of the Visitor Center remains open. Guests can still explore the on-site Apple Store, grab a drink from the café, or view the Mirage art installation, which continues to draw attention for its striking minimalist design. The terrace has become a favorite spot for Apple enthusiasts and tourists alike since the center opened in 2017, providing a unique vantage point to take in the architecture and landscape of one of Silicon Valley’s most iconic campuses. For now, though, that view will have to wait a little longer.

President Donald Trump is signaling a major shift in semiconductor policy as speculation grows around an upcoming tariff on imported chips. While no formal announcement has been made, Trump has indicated that new trade measures targeting semiconductors could arrive within days. Speaking during a televised interview, he cited a $300 billion chip plant investment in Arizona, widely believed to refer to TSMC, the world’s largest chip manufacturer and a key Apple supplier. Though Trump didn’t mention the company by name, his remarks closely align with TSMC’s high-profile Arizona expansion. As of earlier this year, the company had committed roughly $165 billion to its U.S. operations, including multiple advanced chip fabs. It remains unclear whether the president’s $300 billion figure includes past investments or represents a future pledge. The potential tariff, which Trump framed as distinct from broader import fees on other materials, is part of an ongoing effort to localize production of critical technologies. His comments implied that chips and semiconductors would fall under their own category, separate from the 15% blanket tariffs applied elsewhere, and could carry steeper rates, similar to the 50% levies on steel and aluminum. Apple, which relies on TSMC for all of its A and M series processors, is already feeling the weight of existing trade restrictions. The company has projected that its cumulative tariff expenses will reach $2 billion by September. If new chip-focused tariffs materialize, production costs for devices like the upcoming iPhone 17 could rise further unless exemptions are granted. Trump’s repeated emphasis on domestic production underscores the administration’s broader push to secure high-tech manufacturing within the U.S. With TSMC accelerating its Arizona buildout and companies like Apple investing billions in stateside infrastructure, the race to re-anchor the semiconductor supply chain appears to be entering a new phase.

Apple is launching a massive new manufacturing initiative aimed at reshaping how its products are built—with the United States at the center of that vision. CEO Tim Cook met with former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office today to discuss the company’s expanded commitment, which now totals $600 billion over four years. At the heart of this move is the launch of the American Manufacturing Program (AMP), a national effort by Apple to fuel innovation, production, and job creation within the United States. As part of this initiative, Apple is deepening its ties with Corning, investing $2.5 billion to supercharge the production of smartphone glass at a new advanced facility in Kentucky. According to Apple, this will soon make the U.S. the sole source of all cover glass used in iPhones and Apple Watches globally. The two companies are also opening a new Apple-Corning Innovation Center, which will focus on pioneering advanced materials and novel production methods, pushing the boundaries of how Apple devices are designed and built. But Apple isn’t stopping at glass. Through AMP, the company is collaborating with 10 major suppliers across semiconductors, components, and materials, including GlobalFoundries, Broadcom, Samsung, Amkor, and Texas Instruments. These partnerships aim to accelerate domestic manufacturing capabilities in critical tech sectors that have historically been outsourced. The announcement marks a significant acceleration from Apple’s earlier pledge of $500 billion in U.S. investments. While the original commitment focused broadly on infrastructure and operations, AMP represents a strategic shift toward scaling domestic production and reducing dependency on international supply chains. Apple says AMP is designed not just to meet today’s manufacturing needs, but to lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs in American technology.

In a bold move to highlight its lead in AI integration, Google has launched a new ad campaign teasing Apple over the repeated delays of its next-gen Siri experience. The campaign arrives just weeks ahead of Google’s anticipated Pixel 10 reveal and leverages consumer frustration around Apple’s postponed rollout of Apple Intelligence. The ad playfully criticizes Apple’s failure to ship its promised AI-powered Siri features with the iPhone 16 lineup, despite having used them as a key marketing point during WWDC 2024. Those capabilities, once touted as a defining feature of Apple’s new generation of devices, are now pushed to spring 2026, an entire year behind schedule. Apple’s delay hasn’t gone unnoticed. The setback sparked backlash from consumers and even prompted legal scrutiny over misleading advertising. Meanwhile, Google is seizing the moment, positioning the Pixel 10 series as a ready-now alternative for users tired of waiting. While Apple continues refining its AI framework, Google is expected to showcase a full suite of on-device AI features with the Pixel 10 lineup later this month, continuing its momentum from previous Pixel launches. The timing of Google’s ad underscores a growing rivalry, with both companies betting big on AI as the future of smartphones, but only one has it on tap today.

A high-stakes internal breach has rocked TSMC, with several individuals now in custody for allegedly trying to steal confidential data tied to the company’s next-generation 2-nanometer chip process technology expected to power Apple’s A20 chip in the iPhone 18. Taiwanese authorities have arrested three suspects, including a current engineer and a former staff member, after TSMC detected irregular access activity within systems linked to its most advanced semiconductor development. The breach involved attempts to extract critical design and production information from the company's 2nm node project. The stolen data pertains to a major technological leap in chip architecture, where TSMC plans to transition from FinFET to nanosheet transistors. This shift is projected to offer substantial improvements in both speed and power efficiency, forming the foundation of Apple’s upcoming custom silicon. TSMC, the exclusive chipmaker for Apple’s iPhone processors, quickly responded by tightening internal controls and escalating the matter to authorities. As global demand for advanced nodes intensifies, the case underscores the growing threat of corporate espionage in the race to dominate next-gen semiconductor manufacturing.

Apple’s next wave of hardware reveals is fast approaching, with reliable sources in the German telecom industry hinting at a major event on September 9. Though Apple has yet to confirm the date, the tech giant’s consistent mid-September pattern suggests that its upcoming iPhone 17 lineup will headline a packed keynote. Anticipation is especially high this year as Apple prepares to introduce the iPhone 17 Air, a rumored redesign expected to take the place of the Plus model. Alongside it, the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max are expected to bring modest hardware upgrades, with a continued focus on camera, performance, and design refinement. The event could also mark the return of the Apple Watch Ultra after a two-year pause, with a new third-generation model possibly sharing the stage with the Series 11 and a revamped Apple Watch SE. Meanwhile, speculation is mounting around the next generation of AirPods Pro, which may debut with subtle design changes and new health features. Pre-orders for the new iPhones are likely to open on September 12, followed by a global release on September 19. With official invitations expected to arrive in early September, all eyes are now on Cupertino as Apple prepares to close out the year with one of its biggest launches yet.

Apple is experimenting with a new AI-powered assistant within its Support app, quietly rolling out early access to a small group of iPhone users. The feature, currently labeled as a preview, introduces a built-in chat system designed to offer faster, automated help with Apple devices and services. The tool, named Support Assistant, appears as a new chat icon within the app’s interface. Users granted access can initiate a conversation with the assistant to get troubleshooting tips, guidance on device functionality, and help with service-related inquiries. The assistant is strictly focused on support topics and won’t engage in broader questions about Apple’s future plans or unreleased products. Apple notes that the feature is still experimental and may provide incomplete or incorrect answers, encouraging users to double-check any critical advice. If the chatbot falls short, users can still transfer the session to a live support representative for additional help. There’s no word yet on when the feature will expand to all users, and Apple hasn’t shared a timeline for a full rollout. Still, the test signals a growing push to incorporate conversational AI into everyday support experiences across Apple’s platforms.

Apple is officially bringing its online retail presence to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion. For the first time, customers in the Kingdom can now shop directly from Apple’s official online store, gaining access to the same shopping experience, product availability, and services offered in other major markets. The launch reflects Apple’s effort to strengthen its footprint in a country where the iPhone already dominates smartphone sales, accounting for nearly half of the market despite previously relying on third-party resellers. Until now, Saudi customers turned to authorized retailers for Apple devices and support, often with limited product options compared to Apple’s own channels. With today’s rollout, residents can order the full lineup of Apple products, from the latest iPhone and iPad models to Macs, Apple Watch, and accessories, all backed by Apple’s standard services such as trade-in options, installment plans, and direct technical support. The move not only simplifies purchasing but also brings Saudi Arabia in line with neighboring regions where Apple operates its own online presence. Apple isn’t stopping at e-commerce. The company is also preparing to bring physical Apple Stores to the country, with its first flagship locations planned for 2026. Among them is a planned showcase store at Diriyah, designed to serve as a cultural and retail centerpiece. These stores will feature Apple’s latest retail concepts, aiming to create immersive spaces for product demos, Today at Apple sessions, and hands-on experiences. The timing underscores Apple’s broader strategy of expanding into emerging and fast-growing markets, especially in the Middle East where demand for premium devices continues to surge. For Saudi customers, the online store represents both convenience and the beginning of a deeper Apple ecosystem, as the company positions itself to compete not just in sales, but in shaping the customer experience throughout the region.

Image Credit: Apple Insider Apple is preparing to step into the foldable phone market, with insiders pointing to 2026 as the year its first device in the category will arrive. While the company has kept official details under wraps, research from TrendForce indicates that Apple’s design will center on a dual-screen format, featuring a 7.8-inch internal panel paired with a 5.5-inch external display. Multiple analysts, including long-time Apple supply chain tracker Ming-Chi Kuo, have echoed these dimensions, suggesting they are part of the company’s current prototype testing. Unlike competitors that rushed foldables to market, Apple appears to be taking extra time to refine its approach, focusing on durability and usability rather than simply matching specs. Reports indicate Apple is working on a hinge system reinforced by a laser-drilled metal substrate beneath the display. This structural innovation is said to minimize stress during repeated folding and could all but erase the center crease common in existing foldables, offering a cleaner, uninterrupted viewing experience. Camera and authentication features are also shaping up differently compared to today’s iPhones. Current expectations point toward two rear cameras, a single front-facing camera, and a Touch ID sensor built into the power button, with Apple opting not to integrate Face ID into this first-generation foldable to save internal space and reduce display cutouts. Apple’s measured entry contrasts sharply with Samsung, whose Galaxy Z Fold line has dominated the segment for years, with the latest model boasting an 8-inch inner screen and a 6.5-inch outer panel. Apple’s slightly smaller sizing hints at a strategy centered on comfort and pocketability rather than competing purely on screen real estate. The device is expected to debut as a distinct product line rather than replacing the traditional iPhone, offering Apple a new way to engage early adopters and premium buyers while testing how iOS can be adapted to a dual-display form factor. As production plans move forward over the coming year, Apple’s first foldable could become one of its most ambitious hardware launches to date, positioning the company to reshape the high-end smartphone landscape in the second half of the decade.