Apple’s Foldable iPhone Enters Mass Production
Multiple sources indicate that Apple’s first foldable iPhone is speeding toward launch. According to NUPIAO, the device has already entered mass production. Foxconn, the leading contract manufacturer, has kicked off large-scale hiring to build up its workforce for the new phone.
On July 7, Foxconn’s Ganzhou plant posted a recruitment notice on its official WeChat account, seeking workers aged 18 to 50 to produce and process precision components for Apple phones. A day earlier, Foxconn’s HR department published a call for temporary workers, covering its A business group in Longhua and Guanlan as well as the Sanwin business group in Longhua. These groups are reportedly involved in assembling the foldable iPhone.
Well-known Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently posted on social media that, based on his latest industry survey, foldable iPhone assembly shipments in the second half of 2026 will reach roughly 7 million to 8 million units. Among them, third-quarter shipments are expected to be between 500,000 and 1 million units, accounting for about 10% of the total.
Trump’s One Sentence Sends Dell Stock Soaring by $10 Billion
U.S. President Trump once again publicly urged Americans to buy Dell computers during a White House event, causing Dell’s stock to surge nearly 10% at one point—this marks the third time recently that Trump has effectively “pumped” the company’s stock.
On Monday Eastern Time, Trump held a “bell-ringing ceremony” in the Oval Office, simultaneously opening the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq to mark the first trading day of the “Trump Account,” a tax-advantaged investment tool for children under 18. During the event, he specifically called on Americans to buy Dell computers, saying, “Go out and buy a Dell computer.” Standing right beside him was Michael Dell, the company’s founder.
At the event, Trump directly expressed his support and praise for Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell, who had previously pledged more than $6 billion to the “Trump Account” program.
During China’s 618 Shopping Festival, Smartphone Sales Dropped 13%—Only Huawei Saw Growth
On July 7, according to Counterpoint Research’s “China Smartphone Weekly Sales Tracker,” smartphone sales in China fell 13% year-over-year during the four-week period covering the 618 shopping festival. The main reason was price hikes driven by rising memory costs, while higher expenses also led to noticeably weaker promotions this year compared to previous ones, further dampening consumer demand that was already sluggish. Except for Huawei, all other major brands saw year-over-year declines.
Samsung’s Operating Profit Surges 18-Fold, Yet Its Stock Plunges
On July 7, Samsung Electronics released its second-quarter 2026 earnings guidance, forecasting sales of approximately 171 trillion won, a staggering 129% year-over-year increase, and operating profit of about 89.4 trillion won, a jaw-dropping 1,810% surge. However, when the Korean stock market opened, Samsung’s shares immediately tumbled, plunging as much as 10% during the session.
Samsung’s long-time rival, SK hynix, also took a heavy hit that day, with its stock slumping as much as 8% and falling over 10% at certain points.
Dragged down by these losses, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) tumbled 8% overall, triggering a circuit breaker that halted trading for 20 minutes.
Synopsys to Stop Selling Some Fab Manufacturing Analysis Software, Shifts Focus to AI Chip Design
On July 7, it was reported that U.S. EDA software giant Synopsys plans to discontinue new versions of some wafer fabrication process control software, redirecting resources to its higher-margin AI chip design business.
Between April and May this year, the company notified more than 10 semiconductor manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Kioxia, and Qorvo, that it would stop updating manufacturing analysis software such as Equipment Engineering System (EES) and Fault Detection and Classification (FDC), and only fulfill existing maintenance obligations going forward.
Synopsys confirmed that it will discontinue certain legacy manufacturing analysis products to focus resources on high-value offerings, while continuing to honor existing contracts and technical support commitments.
IBM Launches New Data Center Systems
On July 7, IBM announced the launch of its new z17 and LinuxONE 5 systems, designed to address data center space and cost constraints. These systems will be officially available on August 12.
Amazon Returns to the U.S. Bond Market, Plans to Raise at Least $25 Billion
On July 7, it was reported that Amazon is returning to the U.S. bond market to raise at least $25 billion for AI infrastructure construction.
According to people familiar with the matter, the company will issue bonds in up to eight tranches, with maturities ranging from 3 to 40 years. The longest portion, bonds maturing in 2066, has initial price guidance of about 145 basis points over U.S. Treasury yields.
Barclays, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley are acting as bookrunners for the offering, the report said. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include debt repayment, acquisitions, and capital expenditures.
