Apple Forecasts Strong Holiday Quarter as iPhone 17 Demand Surges

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e CEO Tim Cook announced forecasts for the company’s upcoming holiday quarter that surpass Wall Street expectations, driven by robust demand for the new iPhone 17 lineup despite ongoing supply challenges. Cook expects iPhone sales to grow by double digits year-over-year and total revenue to rise between 10% and 12% in Apple’s fiscal first quarter of 2026.

The company’s previous quarter saw iPhone sales fall short of projections due to shipping delays and supply constraints, particularly in China, where the launch of the ultra-thin iPhone Air was delayed. However, the shortfall was offset by strong sales in other product categories, such as AirPods featuring AI-powered translation capabilities.

Apple’s quarterly revenue reached $102.47 billion with profits of $1.85 per share, beating Wall Street’s expectations. Shares rose 3.7% in after-hours trading following the announcement.

Cook said supply constraints on several iPhone 17 models persist, but the company is working rapidly to fulfill orders. “It’s a good problem to have,” he remarked, emphasizing Apple’s confidence in returning to growth in China during the next quarter.

The company’s broader strategy focuses on integrating advanced AI features into its ecosystem. While rivals have surged ahead in AI, Cook confirmed that Apple is making “good progress” on major Siri upgrades expected next year. With its new iPhone Air, enhanced Pro models, and strong holiday demand, Apple is poised for one of its most profitable quarters yet.

Nvidia to Supply Over 260,000 Blackwell AI Chips to South Korea

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Nvidia, the U.S. semiconductor leader, announced it will deliver more than 260,000 of its latest Blackwell AI chips to South Korea’s government and major conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and Naver. The move solidifies South Korea’s position as an emerging artificial intelligence powerhouse in Asia.

The agreement follows a meeting between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, and leading business figures on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju. While the deal’s value and delivery schedule were not disclosed, Huang highlighted that just as Korea has led in producing ships, cars, and semiconductors, it can now “export intelligence” to the world through AI.

South Korea’s government plans to use over 50,000 of the chips to enhance its AI infrastructure, while Samsung, SK Group, and Hyundai will each deploy up to 50,000 chips in smart factories and autonomous systems. Internet giant Naver will purchase 60,000 chips to boost its computing power for projects like the National AI Computing Center.

Amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions that have restricted Nvidia’s access to the Chinese AI chip market, the company is expanding its footprint in alternative markets such as South Korea. The partnership reinforces Nvidia’s role in driving global AI advancement, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, robotics, and autonomous driving.

Nissan and Monolith Expand AI Collaboration to Speed Up Car Development

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Nissan has expanded its partnership with UK software company Monolith to accelerate car development using artificial intelligence. The collaboration aims to reduce the need for physical testing by applying AI-driven data analysis, significantly shortening the time it takes for new models to reach the market.

The renewed partnership follows the successful use of Monolith’s AI to cut testing time for chassis bolt tightening on the new electric Nissan Leaf — a process that will now be applied to upcoming European models as well.

Emma Deutsch, Director of Customer-Oriented Engineering and Test Operations at Nissan Technical Centre Europe, noted that Chinese automakers can develop a new model in just 18 months, adding, “We’ve got to get vehicles to market quicker.” By applying Monolith’s AI to physical test data collected since the 1992 launch of the Nissan Micra, the company managed to shorten bolt-tightening tests from six months to five, with a goal to cut them further to three months.

Nissan is now working with Monolith on additional projects to reduce testing times for tyres and batteries. These AI applications could help Nissan reduce overall vehicle testing by 20%. Monolith’s recent acquisition by AI data centre operator Coreweave is expected to further enhance R&D efficiency in the automotive sector.