Apple

India extends import management system for IT hardware until Dec 31, 2024, with new import approvals required from Jan 1, 2025, to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Synex Medical, founded by Ben Nashman, aims to develop a portable MRI for non-invasive glucose testing, raising $21.8 million in Series A funding. The prototype, currently toaster-sized, uses MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to track glucose and other molecules. Despite challenges, Nashman's vision is to create a device small enough for personal use, revolutionizing diabetes care and predictive medicine.

Apple's new iPhone, Watch, and AirPods models feature AI and health tech advancements, including FDA-approved sleep apnea detection and OTC hearing aid software. Analysts rate AAPL stock as a 'Moderate Buy' with an upside potential of 8.3%.

Protesters, including current and former Apple employees, demanded Apple stop sourcing cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to dangerous conditions, child labor, and human rights violations. They also called for Apple to address the ongoing war in Gaza. The protests, organized by Apples Against Apartheid, took place in 10 countries, with the largest turnout in Berlin.

Tech giants unveiled key products at 2024 conferences: Apple's iPhone 16 with 48MP camera, iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max with A18 Pro chip; Apple Watch Series 10 with larger screen, thinner body, and sleep apnea detection; AirPods 4 with USB-C charging and H2 chip. Google introduced Pixel 8a, Pixel Slate, and Wear OS 5. Microsoft showcased Copilot+ PCs and new Surface devices. Mobile World Congress featured Nothing Phone (2a), Xiaomi SU7, and Samsung's Galaxy Ring. CES highlighted Hyundai's eVTOL, Pivotal's personal aircraft, and LG's transparent OLED TV.

The iPhone 16 lacks promised AI features at launch, with Apple's AI suite, Apple Intelligence, rolling out in phases starting October, initially in U.S. English only. Features like visual search and Image Playground are planned for November, with additional language support in 2025. Apple's focus on privacy may attract buyers, but the delayed AI rollout could impact sales and user upgrade decisions.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 feature FDA-approved hearing aid software for mild to moderate hearing loss, offering a self-fitting strategy via iOS HealthKit and a user-friendly hearing test.

Apple's iPhone 16 lineup, including iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, is now available with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence. Key features include faster Wi-Fi 7, A18/A18 Pro processors, and a new Camera Control button. The Pro models offer enhanced camera systems and 4K video at 120fps. iOS 18 introduces AI-driven features like text composition, translation, and image creation. Apple also released the Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and updates to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max.

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 with hearing aid feature approved by FDA for mild to moderate hearing impairment.

Google Messages with RCS features rolls out on iPhone with iOS 18; Samsung introduces Galaxy F05 in India; Amazfit launches T-Rex 3 smartwatch in India; Apple halts iPadOS 18 update for M4-powered iPad Pro; Snapchat redesigns with new AI tools; Nothing announces new product launch on September 24; Apple adds wireless firmware recovery for iPhone 16; Samsung to launch rollable smartphone; Google expands cross-device sharing; Instagram introduces safety features for young users; BlackRock and Microsoft partner on AI infrastructure; Neuralink's vision implant gets FDA 'breakthrough device' designation.