Browsing: Technology

Apple introduced the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, marking its first foldable iPhone. The device starts at $1,999 in the U.S. and opens to a 7.6-inch inner display. When closed, it uses a 5.4-inch outer screen for standard phone tasks. Apple will open preorders on Oct. 16, with retail availability starting Oct. 23. The launch gives Apple a new iPhone form factor alongside its conventional smartphone lineup.

Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro along with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, showcasing significant updates in camera technology, performance capabilities, and battery life enhancements. The latest models are equipped with a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera boasting a variable aperture, marking a first for the iPhone series. Powered by the new A20 Pro processor and featuring a redesigned thermal system, these phones are available for pre-order starting September 12, with in-store sales beginning September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.

The United States is ramping up its domestic battery manufacturing efforts in an effort to cut reliance on China. However, the deeper challenge lies within the supply chain. China continues to hold a strong position in the supply of battery materials, processing capabilities, and essential manufacturing technologies used globally. While U.S. factories have expanded their capacity, many still depend heavily on imported components and refined minerals. This reliance has brought graphite, cathodes, anodes, and lithium iron phosphate materials into the spotlight of Washington’s strategic battery initiative.

Japan Enhances Fraud Prevention Strategy with AI-Driven Early Detection System TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On September 1, the Consumer Affairs Agency unveiled a new initiative to bolster Japan’s efforts against investment scams through artificial intelligence. This innovative system aims to identify warning signals sooner by scrutinizing consumer complaints for specific language and patterns indicative of fraudulent schemes or failing businesses. It will complement existing keyword searches and enable earlier alerts, investigations, and enforcement actions when complaint data reveal significant risks.

China’s digital industry earned a total of 20.71 trillion yuan in the first half of 2026, with a 13.6% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. The top 10 provincial-level regions generated 17.21 trillion yuan, accounting for 83.1% of the nation’s total revenue. China also saw significant expansion in digital infrastructure, with 5.102 million 5G base stations, 32.86 million 10G PON ports, and 2,247 million 5G RedCap base stations. Manufacturing within the digital sector experienced faster growth, with the electronics industry’s value-added output increasing by 14.8% year-on-year.

UN urges stronger safeguards for children. The Department of Global Communications published the brief ahead of International Youth Day on Aug. 12, highlighting risks linked to data collection, behavioral advertising, and digital systems designed to hold attention. The report emphasizes the need for technology companies and AI developers to incorporate child rights and safety into the design of products and services. Governments worldwide are considering stronger online safety rules for children, but the UN warns that age-based restrictions alone do not address the full range of digital risks.

On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. The launch, designated as H3 Flight No. 9, took place at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center. About 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, confirmed the separation of the satellite. The agency stated that the rocket followed its planned trajectory and successfully inserted QZS-7 into its designated orbit.

Following a ruling that its platforms contributed to a public nuisance, Meta has been ordered by a New Mexico state court to allocate $567 million to a fund dedicated to youth mental health and child safety. Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court announced the decision in Santa Fe after a three-week bench trial. The court found that Facebook and Instagram played a significant role in exacerbating a mental health crisis among young people while neglecting to protect minors from online exploitation.

OpenAI expands ChatGPT Free and Go access with GPT-5.6 Luna and unlimited text chats. (AI-generated image)GPT-5.6 Luna will become the default model for Free and Go accounts during the current rollout week. Unlimited text conversations and the Think button will follow next week. The Think control gives Luna more time to work through harder questions before providing an answer. OpenAI said the unlimited text access remains subject to abuse guardrails. The change applies to text conversations rather than every ChatGPT feature, so separate usage restrictions will continue for tools that require additional processing.

The event aims to gather trade officials, technology policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders. Its core theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” will steer conversations around artificial intelligence and international commerce. The discussions will prioritize policies that broaden access to AI tools and foster more equitable global trade development.