#Apple

Apple has seen a wave of senior departures, including its AI chief John Giannandrea, its lead corporate lawyer, and the Vision Pro software architect, while chip‑design SVP Johny Srouji hinted at leaving but remains. The exits come as Apple’s AI initiatives lag behind expectations, prompting deeper ties with Google and Anthropic. Analysts view 2026 as pivotal, with rumored AI‑focused devices, a foldable iPhone, and a 50th‑anniversary showcase, even as the company faces antitrust scrutiny. The turnover may signal a strategic reset toward a stronger AI‑driven ecosystem.

Apple’s head of user‑interface design, Alan Dye, is leaving the iPhone maker to head a new creative studio at Meta, merging design, fashion and technology. Apple CEO Tim Cook announced veteran designer Stephen Lemay will succeed Dye, emphasizing that design remains a core strength. Dye, who joined Apple in 2006 and helped launch the “Liquid Glass” UI and the 2017 swipe‑up gesture, moves amid Meta’s aggressive push into AR/VR hardware, including Quest headsets and smart glasses. The hire highlights the growing competition for design talent and the belief that superior UI will be decisive in future consumer tech.

IDC projects Apple will ship a record 247.4 million iPhones in 2025, a 6 % YoY rise driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17, especially in China where shipments could jump 17 % in Q4. The surge may enable Apple to out‑ship Samsung for the first time in 14 years and boost services revenue via new AI‑centric features. Supply‑chain partners Foxconn and Pegatron have expanded capacity, though a possible delay of the iPhone 18 could trim 2026 volumes.

Intel shares surged after analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo predicted Intel could ship a low‑end “M” processor to Apple as early as Q2‑Q3 2027, contingent on Intel delivering its process design kit in early 2026. While Apple remains heavily reliant on TSMC and the expected order volume is modest, the potential deal would validate Intel’s U.S. foundry push and could open higher‑volume, higher‑value business. Despite a brief pull‑back in pre‑market trading, the outlook highlights Intel’s strategic shift toward competing with Asian foundries and diversifying Apple’s supply chain.

Apple has challenged the Delhi High Court on the Competition Commission of India’s method of calculating antitrust fines, arguing that using global turnover is unconstitutional and could impose a $38 billion penalty. The CCI is probing Apple’s mandatory in‑app purchase system after complaints from Indian startups and Match Group. Despite regulatory pressure, Apple shipped a record 5 million iPhones in Q3 2025 and aims for 15 million annual sales, while expanding Indian exports to $12.8 billion. The case highlights regulatory risk, potential changes to commission fees, and the strategic shift of Apple’s supply chain to India.

Apple and Broadcom stocks surged to new intraday highs as strong product demand fuels AI‑related growth. Apple is projected to outsell Samsung in 2025, shipping about 243 million iPhones and capturing 19.4% of the global market, a rebound driven by the iPhone 17 and a return to a $4 trillion market cap. While its AI strategy remains vague, Apple’s 2 billion‑device ecosystem offers monetization potential. Broadcom, boosted by a Goldman Sachs target‑price raise, expects AI revenue to jump 128% YoY in FY2026, supported by its role in Google’s TPUs and prospective Meta adoption. Both firms are well positioned to benefit from accelerating AI adoption.

Counterpoint Research predicts Apple will surpass Samsung as the top global smartphone vendor in 2025, a position Samsung has held for 14 years. Fueled by strong demand for the iPhone 17 series and a significant upgrade cycle, Apple is projected to ship 243 million units, capturing 19.4% of the market. Samsung faces increasing competition in lower-tier segments. Counterpoint forecasts Apple’s dominance will continue through 2029, driven by a thriving second-hand iPhone market, less severe trade tariffs, and future product expansions, including an entry-level iPhone and potential foldable devices.

Masimo (MASI) won a U.S. District Court case against Apple, with a jury confirming the validity of Masimo’s Patent No. 10,433,776 and finding Apple infringed upon it. Masimo was awarded $634 million in damages. The patent covers light-based pulse oximetry technology. Masimo expressed satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of protecting their intellectual property. Analysts suggest this verdict could set a precedent for licensing agreements in the wearable health technology sector.

Apple announced a “Mini Apps Partner Program,” potentially reducing App Store commission fees to 15% for developers who deeply integrate with Apple’s technology, including user purchase history and in-app transactions. This initiative, allowing mini-apps built with web technologies, occurs amidst regulatory pressure to reduce App Store control. While prohibiting alternative app stores, Apple increasingly embraces mini-apps within its ecosystem, requiring developers to provide detailed information for review, ensuring oversight and platform control.

Apple removed gay dating apps Blued and Finka from its Chinese iOS App Store following directives from China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC). Apple cited compliance with local laws, stating the apps were already unavailable elsewhere. A lighter version of Blued remains. This follows the 2022 removal of Grindr and stricter app regulations in China, including mandatory registration and licensing. The CAC also requested the removal of WhatsApp and Threads in April 2024. This action reflects increased scrutiny of LGBTQ content and the challenges multinational corporations face in navigating diverse regulatory landscapes.