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Microsoft Signs $9.7 Billion Cloud Deal with IREN to Boost AI Computing Power

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Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion cloud computing deal with U.S.-based data center operator IREN to expand its artificial intelligence infrastructure and ease ongoing computing bottlenecks. The agreement, which includes access to Nvidia’s powerful GB300 chips, underscores the growing global demand for AI processing capacity.

Shares of IREN surged nearly 25% to a record high following the announcement before settling up around 10%. Dell Technologies, which will supply Nvidia’s advanced chips and related equipment to IREN, also gained about 1%. Under the five-year agreement, Microsoft will use roughly $5.8 billion worth of IREN’s computing hardware and infrastructure capacity.

The deal allows Microsoft to scale its AI operations without immediately building new data centers or acquiring additional power resources — key hurdles that have limited the company’s ability to meet soaring demand for applications like ChatGPT and Copilot. The approach also helps reduce heavy capital spending on rapidly depreciating hardware as newer processors enter the market.

IREN operates data centers across North America with a total capacity of 2,910 megawatts. The Nvidia chips will be deployed in phases through 2026 at the company’s 750-megawatt facility in Childress, Texas, which will include liquid-cooled centers providing 200 megawatts of new IT capacity.

The deal follows Microsoft’s recent $17.4 billion agreement with AI cloud provider Nebius and reflects the company’s strategy to leverage “neocloud” partners such as IREN and CoreWeave to expand capacity. IREN said Microsoft’s prepayment will help fund its $5.8 billion Dell contract, though the deal could be canceled if deadlines are missed.

Apple Shares Rise as Strong Holiday iPhone Sales Forecast Eases Supply Concerns

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Apple shares climbed about 2% in premarket trading on Friday after the company’s upbeat holiday quarter forecast reassured investors that strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup is driving a sales rebound despite ongoing supply delays in China.

The company’s latest projections, announced earlier this week, helped ease concerns about production bottlenecks that had weighed on fourth-quarter performance. The optimism pushed Apple’s market capitalization back above $4 trillion, placing it alongside tech giants Nvidia and Microsoft in the exclusive multi-trillion-dollar club.

Investors also took comfort in Apple’s measured approach to integrating artificial intelligence, with analysts noting that the company’s strategy emphasizes precision over speed. “When you’re really big like Apple, you don’t have to move fast — sometimes you just have to get it right eventually,” said Eric Clark, Chief Investment Officer at Accuvest.

Despite its rally, Apple remains one of the weaker performers among the “Magnificent Seven” group of mega-cap tech stocks this year, trailing Nvidia and Microsoft but showing resilience amid global supply headwinds.

According to LSEG data, Apple’s stock trades at 33.4 times analysts’ earnings forecasts, above Microsoft’s 31.7 and Meta’s 22.3, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s long-term innovation and profitability.

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.