tech

Rani Molla10/14/25

Smartphone upgrades grew for Apple and Samsung last quarter

The global smartphone market grew 2.6% in the third quarter, thanks in part to interest in the latest phones from Apple and Samsung, according to new shipment data from market intelligence firm IDC.

“Apple and Samsung posted strong results as their latest devices encouraged consumers to upgrade in the premium segment, while new, affordable AI-enabled smartphones also drove high upgrades in more affordable price categories,” IDC Vice President of Client Devices Francisco Jeronimo said in a press release for the data, which would include roughly half a month of new iPhone sales. “Demand for Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup was robust, with pre-orders surpassing those of the previous generation. At the same time, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 outperformed all earlier foldable models, creating renewed momentum for the foldables segment.”

Here’s the year-over-year growth in third-quarter shipments:

And here’s how the absolute number of shipments compared last quarter:

The “other” bin is made up of dozens of smaller, often regional and low-cost manufacturers.

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After tussle with Pentagon, Anthropic’s $60 billion worth of recent investments might be at risk

The fallout from Anthropic’s dramatic split from the Pentagon is still being measured. For a domestic company to be labeled a “supply-chain risk to national security” by the US defense secretary is unprecedented, as Anthropic noted in a post responding to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s tweet.

Making it even more shocking is the fact that Anthropic appeared to be on track to have one of the largest and most anticipated tech IPOs in American history.

Axios’ Dan Primack writes that the $60 billion in venture capital Anthropic just raised last month could very well be at risk. Primack argues that investors may get cold feet now that the company has run afoul of the Trump administration, and it faces significant uncertainty as the industry waits to see what official acts follow Hegseth’s words.

Anthropic vs. White House puts $60 billion at risk

Anthropic vs. White House puts $60 billion at risk

Making it even more shocking is the fact that Anthropic appeared to be on track to have one of the largest and most anticipated tech IPOs in American history.

Axios’ Dan Primack writes that the $60 billion in venture capital Anthropic just raised last month could very well be at risk. Primack argues that investors may get cold feet now that the company has run afoul of the Trump administration, and it faces significant uncertainty as the industry waits to see what official acts follow Hegseth’s words.

A blow-by-blow catch-up on how Trump vs. Anthropic has unfolded

A consequential week punctuated by war highlights the deep rifts that exist between Silicon Valley and Washington.

Secretary Hegseth And Chairman Caine Hold Pentagon Press Briefing On Iran Strikes

tech

Google may not just power Apple’s Siri — it could host it, too

Apple has asked Google to look into running the upcoming AI Siri on its servers, The Information reports, following a previous agreement for Google’s Gemini model to underpin the new Siri in the first place.

Apple’s reliance on third parties for AI and cloud computing has helped it keep spending lower than its peers. But it also deepens the company’s dependence on rivals for critical AI infrastructure. Apple already relies heavily on Google and Amazon for cloud services. Hosting Siri on Google’s servers would expand that relationship.

Apple has invested in its own AI cloud system, Private Cloud Compute, meant to run sensitive queries on Apple-designed servers. But according to The Information, only about 10% of that capacity is in use, potentially signaling another AI execution problem for Apple.

Apple Discusses Google Hosting New Siri as Need for Cloud Help Grows

Apple Discusses Google Hosting New Siri as Need for Cloud Help Grows

Apple has invested in its own AI cloud system, Private Cloud Compute, meant to run sensitive queries on Apple-designed servers. But according to The Information, only about 10% of that capacity is in use, potentially signaling another AI execution problem for Apple.

tech

Good news: Tesla sales stabilized in Europe. Bad news: Europe’s not buying much.

The good news for Tesla: vehicle sales jumped in February in a number of early-reporting European countries.

The bad news: Europe remains a small market for Tesla, so stabilization there isn’t the boon it would be in bigger markets like the US and China, where its vehicle sales continue to struggle.

For what it’s worth, Tesla has been de-emphasizing vehicle sales as it pivots its ambitions to AI and autonomy.

Tesla regains some market shares around Europe in February, in sign of stabilising sales

Tesla regains some market shares around Europe in February, in sign of stabilising sales

For what it’s worth, Tesla has been de-emphasizing vehicle sales as it pivots its ambitions to AI and autonomy.

vertically challenge

First Snapchat, now TikTok: Instagram has mastered the art of borrowing features

The latest user data suggests its pivot to video with Reels over five years ago has paid off.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Testifies In Social Media Addiction Trial

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