Tariffs Push Apple Toward Asia as Alibaba Steps Up Artificial Intelligence Challenge

Rising tariffs are prompting Apple to deepen its supply chain ties with Asia, while Alibaba intensifies its pursuit of Artificial Intelligence dominance against DeepSeek.

US-imposed tariffs are exerting fresh pressure on Apple’s global supply chain strategy, encouraging the tech giant to expand its reliance on Asian manufacturing partners. This shift reflects broader industry moves as companies reassess sourcing logistics and production locations in response to ongoing trade tensions. Notably, suppliers such as Unimicron, which works with Nvidia, Intel, and Apple, are among the industry players adapting to the dynamic regulatory and political environment.

Simultaneously, Chinese technology leaders are accelerating their ambitions in the artificial intelligence chip market. Huawei has reportedly made significant progress in Artificial Intelligence hardware, posing competitive challenges to established global companies. Meanwhile, Alibaba has entered the Artificial Intelligence race more aggressively, setting its sights on rival DeepSeek and aiming to secure a leadership role in regional and international Artificial Intelligence advancements.

As Artificial Intelligence adoption becomes increasingly critical to technological competitiveness, partnerships, supply chains, and intellectual property flows between American and Asian companies are evolving. The interplay between trade barriers and rapid innovation is reshaping the landscape, fostering both regional cooperation and intensified rivalry across the semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence sectors.

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IBM and AMD partner on quantum-centric supercomputing

IBM and AMD announced plans to develop quantum-centric supercomputing architectures that combine quantum computers with high-performance computing to create scalable, open-source platforms. The collaboration leverages IBM´s work on quantum computers and software and AMD´s expertise in high-performance computing and Artificial Intelligence accelerators.

Qualcomm launches Dragonwing Q-6690 with integrated RFID and Artificial Intelligence

Qualcomm announced the Dragonwing Q-6690, billed as the world’s first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID and built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, ultra-wideband and Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The platform is aimed at rugged handhelds, point-of-sale systems and smart kiosks and offers software-configurable feature packs that can be upgraded over the air.

Recent books from the MIT community

A roundup of new titles from the MIT community, including Empire of Artificial Intelligence, a critical look at Sam Altman’s OpenAI, and Data, Systems, and Society, a textbook on harnessing Artificial Intelligence for societal good.

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