Tech Innovations
Discover breakthrough tech innovations, emerging technologies, smart solutions, and future-driven ideas shaping the digital world.
Nebius Expands AI Capabilities Through New Microsoft and Meta Contracts
Netherlands-based data centre operator Nebius (NBIS.O), opens new tab will leverage recent multi-billion dollar contracts with Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab and Meta to build its business with traditional firms and emerging AI companies that could be future tech titans, its co-founder said.
A $17 billion deal with Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab in September and another $3 billion tie-up with Meta (META.O), opens new tab have helped propel the company’s Nasdaq-listed stock 248% higher this year, pushing its market capitalisation past $25 billion.
The firm is now widening its client base – especially given fears an AI bubble is already underway.
“We are very bullish,” Roman Chernin told Techy Solutions in an interview. He added that ebbs are natural during a technological revolution. The market for supplying companies with access to AI infrastructure could grow ten- or even a hundred-fold. Firms are only beginning to use AI models, which are themselves undergoing rapid advances.
As a smaller player in the booming sector, the firm is preparing for harder times. It is developing high-margin services. It is also cultivating long-term relationships.
“We should be ready (for when) the winter will come,” Chernin said, adding Nebius would then act as a consolidator.
EUROPE’S BIGGEST NEOCLOUD FIRM
Legacy enterprises are just beginning to tap Nebius’ services. These services span sectors like manufacturing, retail, and banking. Pharmaceutical firms and financial institutions, such as hedge funds, are moving faster, Chernin said.
Nebius, which has a partnership with Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab, is Europe’s biggest ‘neocloud’ firm, offering access to the powerful but expensive graphics processing units (GPUs) needed for AI.
It also offers the software needed to use them effectively and to run specialized AI applications, putting it in competition with both traditional data centre operators and U.S. “hyperscalers” like Amazon and Google.
Nebius’ top market by revenue and installed capacity is the United States. But, it also has data centres in Europe. These are located in Britain, Iceland, Finland, and France. It plans to secure 2.5 gigawatts of contracted power for facilities across both regions by the end of 2026, reflecting customer demand.
Capacity sold to European “neocloud” providers rose 211% to 414 megawatts. This increase occurred in the first nine months of 2025 from a year earlier. This is according to real estate services firm CBRE.
MARGIN NOT REVENUE
Chernin said Nebius prioritised margins, not revenue, when negotiating hyperscaler deals.
“We are thinking about it as a system. We signed those (large) deals having in mind that we need to finance the rest,” he said.
Following the Microsoft deal, Nebius raised $4.2 billion through a public share offering and sale of convertible notes.
Nebius’ early client base included AI natives like French model-maker Mistral, U.S. coding specialist Cursor, and German visual AI firm Black Forest – companies poised to become a new generation of large firms, Chernin said.
The company’s growth in 2026 will come from existing digital firms that are early AI adopters, such as customers Shopify, Prosus, and ServiceNow, that have always relied on U.S. cloud services but see advantages in Nebius’s specialised AI offerings, validating the company’s model, he added.
Beyond 2027, the company hopes to supply services to mainstream companies, which Chernin said would do more for European sovereignty than attracting investments in large data centres by U.S. firms.
“Where will Siemens and BMW go when they will need to adopt AI on a large scale?” he said.
“The North Star ambition of Nebius is to exist and be relevant for that market.”
New Amazon–Google Multicloud Service Improves Cloud Performance
Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab and Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab introduced a jointly developed multicloud networking service on Sunday to meet growing demand for reliable connectivity the companies said in a statement, at a time when even brief internet disruptions can cause major outages.
The initiative will enable customers to establish private, high-speed links between the two companies’ computing platforms in minutes instead of weeks.
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The new service is being unveiled a little over a month after an Amazon Web Services outage on October 20 disrupted thousands of websites worldwide, knocking offline some of the internet’s most popular apps, including Snapchat and Reddit. That outage will cost U.S. companies between $500 million and $650 million in losses, according to analytics firm Parametrix.
The new offering combines AWS’ Interconnect–multicloud with Google Cloud’s Cross-Cloud Interconnect, to improve network interoperability, according to announcements by the two cloud providers.
“This collaboration between AWS and Google Cloud represents a fundamental shift in multicloud connectivity,” said Robert Kennedy, vice president of network services at AWS.
Rob Enns, vice president and general manager of cloud networking at Google Cloud, said the joint network is intended to make it easier for customers to move data and applications between clouds.
Salesforce (CRM.N), opens new tab is among the early users of the new approach, Google Cloud said in a statement.
AWS provides computing power, data storage and other digital services to companies, governments and individuals and is the world’s largest cloud provider, followed by Microsoft’s (MSFT.O), opens new tab Azure and Google Cloud.
Tech companies including Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon are investing billions to build infrastructure that can handle surging internet traffic with the growing demands of artificial intelligence, as the need for computing power to support these services accelerates.
Amazon’s cloud business delivered robust growth in the third quarter, generating $33 billion in revenue; more than double that of Google’s $15.16 billion.
Redmi Note 15, Redmi Note 15 Pro, Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Launched
US Black Friday 2024 Sets New Record With $11.8 Billion in Online Sales — Adobe Analytics
Nov 29 (Techy Solutions) – AI-powered shopping tools helped drive a surge in U.S. online spending on Black Friday, as shoppers bypassed crowded stores and turned to chatbots to compare prices and secure discounts amid concerns about tariff-driven price hikes.
U.S. shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion online, up 9.1% from 2024 on the year’s biggest shopping day, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks 1 trillion visits that shoppers make to online retail websites.
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The holiday shopping season arrives amid tighter budgets, unemployment nearing a four-year high, U.S. consumer confidence sagging to a seven-month low and price tags that have shoppers watching every dollar.
Online shopping demand increased as consumers showed savviness in the holiday season, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which noted a 10.4% growth in e-commerce sales on Black Friday, compared to an in-store sales growth of 1.7% in 2024.
The AI-driven traffic to U.S. retail sites soared 805% compared to last year, Adobe said, when artificial intelligence tools such as Walmart’s Sparky or Amazon’s Rufus had not yet been launched.
“Consumers are using new tools to get to what they need faster,” said Suzy Davidkhanian, an analyst at eMarketer. “Gift giving can be stressful, and LLMs (large language models) make the discovery process feel quicker and more guided.”
Hot sellers on Black Friday included LEGO sets, Pokemon cards, gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, and products ranging from Apple AirPods to KitchenAid mixers.
AI AGENTS INFLUENCED $14.2 BILLION IN ONLINE SALES GLOBALLY
Globally, AI and agents influenced $14.2 billion in online sales on Black Friday, of which $3 billion came from the U.S. alone, according to software firm Salesforce.
Salesforce, whose data includes non-discretionary items like groceries, reported that U.S. consumers had spent $18 billion online on Black Friday purchases, up 3% from a year ago, with luxury apparel and accessories among the most popular categories.
Although U.S. consumers spent more this Black Friday compared to last year, price increases hampered online demand, according to Salesforce, with shoppers purchasing fewer items at checkout compared to last year.
Discount rates also remained flat when compared to 2024, with AI helping shoppers discover the best deals, and an increase in the price tags made deeper discounts difficult for retailers.
Promotions and discounts may not feel as sharp as last year due to higher product costs driven by inflation and tariffs, according to Davidkhanian, and the final price doesn’t feel as compelling to shoppers.
The combination of higher prices and flat discounts means the real value of Black Friday bargains has slipped for consumers, according to Michael Ashley Schulman, the Chief Investment Officer at Running Point.
Order volumes fell 1% as average selling prices rose 7%. Consumers also purchased fewer items at checkout, with units per transaction falling 2% on a year-over-year basis, Salesforce said.
“There are two things driving up the average selling price in the United States,” said Caila Schwartz, director of consumer insights at Salesforce.
“The first is absolutely the impact of tariffs, especially on those discretionary categories where we’ve seen a lot of growth in selling price. The other is the fact that we’re seeing a much stronger higher-income earner than average-income earner, evidenced by the strength in the luxury category,” she added.
The spending surge sets the stage for an even bigger Cyber Monday, projected to drive $14.2 billion in sales, up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis and the largest online shopping day of the year, Adobe said. Electronics are expected to see the deepest discounts on Cyber Monday, reaching 30% off list prices, along with strong deals on apparel and computers, Adobe said.
At physical stores, however, the bargain-chasing was relatively on Black Friday, with some shoppers saying they feared overspending amid persistent inflation, trade-driven uncertainty, and a soft labor market.
Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru and Siddharth Cavale in New York
NEW iPhone 17 features
Here are some of the major new features (and also practical implications) of the iPhone 17 simplified so you can easily understand whether they matter for you.
What’s new
- A larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display (up from 6.1″) and now supports ProMotion up to 120 Hz — meaning smoother scrolling, animations, and generally more responsive feel. MacRumors+2MacRumors+2
- Displays now have a tougher front glass “Ceramic Shield 2” with about 3× better scratch resistance than previous model. Apple
- Rear camera system: all 48 MP sensors (for the base model) for both main and ultra-wide. That means much higher resolution, improved detail and flexibility. Apple+1
- Front (“selfie”) camera: new 18 MP square sensor, improved field of view so you can take landscape or portrait selfies while holding phone vertically (less rotating) + better video and group shots. MacRumors+1
- A brand new chip: the A19, built on 3-nm process, better CPU/GPU/Neural Engine — more power efficiency, better performance, and more capability for on-device AI (for features like live translation etc.). Apple+1
- Better battery life and faster charging: Apple claims up to ~30 hours of video playback for the base model. Also fast-charging to ~50% in ~20 minutes with a 40 W charger. MacRumors
- Improved wireless/connectivity: new Apple-designed “N1” networking chip supports WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread (smart-home protocol) in the iPhone 17 series. The Verge
- Bigger base storage: starts at 256 GB instead of the lower previous base. Apple
What does it mean for you & should you care
- If you use your phone a lot for gaming, smooth visuals, or scrolling (social media, websites) the 120 Hz display will feel noticeably better compared to 60 Hz.
- If you take photos/videos, especially ultra-wide or self-subs/selfies, the upgraded cameras will give better resolution and more flexibility.
- If you keep your phone for many years, the tougher glass + more efficient chip + bigger storage mean the iPhone 17 is more future-proof.
- If you travel or connect a lot (WiFi, hotspot) the upgraded connectivity helps — though you’ll need compatible routers/devices to fully benefit.
- On the flip side: if you’re using an iPhone 16 or even a few generations back, you’ll see larger jump; but if you have very recent phone (say iPhone 16 with 120Hz already), some upgrades might feel incremental.
Things to check/ask before purchase
- Confirm charger: to reach those fast-charging numbers you’ll need a 40 W or higher compatible power adapter (sold separately) for best speeds.
- Check whether your carrier/network in Uganda supports the newer connectivity tech (WiFi 7, Thread) — many accessories still work fine with older versions.
- Consider cost vs benefit: if you’re mainly using basic features (calls, WhatsApp, browsing) you might not feel every upgrade immediately.
- Accessories & case fit: because of new camera sensors/size/weight, older cases may not fit perfectly.
- Long-term software updates: Apple tends to support many years, so buying newer model gives you longer lifespan.
MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air uses the same battery type as the phone itself
Apple has introduced a new twist to its accessory lineup with the MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air. It’s not just another portable charger. What makes it special is that this MagSafe pack actually uses the same battery type as the iPhone Air itself. That means better efficiency, smoother integration, and smarter charging compared to traditional power banks.
A Shared Battery Chemistry
The MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air is built with lithium-ion cells identical to those inside the iPhone Air. Instead of relying on a generic third-party pack, Apple engineered the battery to match the phone’s chemistry. This allows for:
- Optimized charging speeds – The pack delivers power at the most efficient voltage for the iPhone Air.
- Longer overall battery health – Matching battery types helps reduce heat and stress while charging.
- More reliable performance – Your iPhone and the MagSafe pack “communicate” in real time to balance charging.
Smarter Integration with iOS
Since the MagSafe Battery speaks the same “language” as the iPhone Air’s internal battery, it works seamlessly with iOS. When attached, the phone shows a clear battery status indicator for both the iPhone and the MagSafe pack. This transparency makes it easier to know exactly how much power you have left.
A Lightweight Solution for the iPhone Air
The iPhone Air was designed to be thin and ultra-light, and the MagSafe Battery follows that philosophy. The pack is slimmer than typical MagSafe accessories because it uses the same battery type. It is more comfortable to carry while still offering hours of extra power.
Future-Proof Charging
Apple is aligning the accessory with the phone’s battery technology. This alignment signals a future where iPhone batteries and MagSafe packs can evolve together. Users won’t have to worry about mismatched performance or compatibility issues.
Final Thoughts
The MagSafe Battery for iPhone Air isn’t just a convenient extra. It’s a natural extension of the phone’s own battery system. By using the same type of lithium-ion cells, Apple has made charging smarter, safer, and more efficient. For iPhone Air owners, it’s the perfect travel companion. It feels less like an add-on and more like part of the phone itself.
Related Post: How to Launch a Successful AI Startup: Essential Steps, Tools, and Strategies for 2025
How to Change the iPhone 17 Control Button
- Open Settings
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Find “Control Button” or “Action Button”
- Scroll down and tap on Control Button (Apple may still call it Action Button in some regions).
- Choose a Function
- You’ll see a list of actions you can assign, such as:
- Silent Mode
- Camera (quick open)
- Flashlight
- Voice Memo
- Translate
- Magnifier
- Shortcut (run any Shortcut you’ve set up — e.g., open WhatsApp, start a workout, send an automatic text)
- Accessibility features (like AssistiveTouch, Zoom, etc.)
- You’ll see a list of actions you can assign, such as:
- Test the Button
- Once set, press the Control Button on the side of your iPhone 17 to try out the new function.
- Optional – Create Custom Shortcuts
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Build a shortcut (like “turn on Wi-Fi, open Notes, and start dictation”).
- Go back to the Control Button settings and assign that shortcut.
- Now your button can do almost anything you want.
✅ Tip: If the button isn’t responding, make sure Settings > Accessibility > Side Button doesn’t have conflicting features enabled.
iPhone Fold Expected to Spark Big 2026 Upgrade Cycle
There are many credible rumors and reports. They suggest the “iPhone Fold” will kick off a major upgrade cycle for Apple. This will start around 2026. Here’s a breakdown of what people are expecting, what kinds of evidence there is, and what the risks are. If you like, I can also estimate how this will play out for users (including in Uganda).
What we do know / what rumours are saying
These are the main points that are consistent or repeated among rumors and analyst reports:
| Detail | What’s being said |
|---|---|
| Launch timing | A number of sources expect Apple to release the foldable iPhone in late 2026 (around September), possibly alongside the Pro/Pro Max models of iPhone 18. Apple World Today+4Tom’s Guide+4AppleInsider+4 |
| Production ramp | Initial production expected to start with a “mini pilot line” (for testing) in Taiwan, then mass production later. Volumes at first will be limited. Hindustan Times+3AppleInsider+3Tom’s Guide+3 |
| Design specs & features | – Book-style foldable format (like Galaxy Z Fold) rather than a flip/clamshell style. Tom’s Guide+3Hindustan Times+3Apple World Today+3 – Inner display size approx 7.7-8.0 in; outer (when folded) ~5.5-5.6 in. AppleInsider+3Tom’s Guide+3Apple World Today+3 – Thickness ~9-9.5 mm folded; when unfolded maybe ~4.5-4.8 mm. Hindustan Times+1 – Some rumours suggest Touch ID might return (e.g. in a side button) because Face ID hardware might struggle in the foldable form factor. Hindustan Times+1 |
| Pricing & market positioning | High-end / premium device. Price estimates in the range of US$1,800-$2,500 for the first generation. Apple World Today+2Hindustan Times+2 It likely won’t sell as many units at first compared to the standard line, but will help raise attention (and possibly average selling price) and pull upgrade demand forward. AppleInsider+2Tom’s Guide+2 |
| Effect on Apple’s release schedule | Apple might shift some launches. E.g. Pro / premium + foldables in the fall; “standard” models possibly delayed or pushed to spring 2027. MacRumors+2mint+2 The iPhone Fold could act as a catalyst to “reset” or accelerate the upgrade cycle. Stocktwits+3MacRumors+3AppleInsider+3 |
Why it could spur a big upgrade cycle
Here are reasons why this might lead to a strong wave of upgrades:
- Novelty & Form-Factor Shift
Foldable phones are still niche. They represent a major change in how people can use a phone. Users get a bigger screen. There is more multitasking. It offers hybrid phone/tablet functionality. If Apple creates a good hinge and ensures good durability, many users may want to upgrade. They might be simply seeking tight integration to experience that. - Premium Appeal & Marketing Pull
Apple often benefits from flagship devices that generate buzz. A foldable iPhone would almost certainly receive a strong marketing push. That often increases visibility and demand for the rest of their lineup. People get interested and then maybe opt for a “more affordable” device but still upgrade. - Stalled Upgrades / Innovation Lulls
Some reports say the incremental improvements in recent iPhones aren’t strong enough. Many users do not feel compelled to upgrade. A foldable introduces a more significant improvement. That could overcome upgrade hesitation. MacRumors+1 - Market Trends in Foldables
Foldables are forecasted to grow fast (double-digit growth). Apple entering could bring more legitimacy and scale, which could lower costs over time and improve availability. MacRumors+1
Risks / What Could Go Wrong
There are reasons why the foldable iPhone might not unleash a huge upgrade boom. The upgrade cycle could be more modest.
- High price & limited supply: Early units will likely be expensive, quantities limited, and possibly with supply chain constraints. That means only a subset of Apple’s customers will adopt initially. Investors.com+2Apple World Today+2
- Durability concerns: Foldables (even from leading manufacturers) still suffer from concerns like hinge wear, screen crease, durability, etc. If Apple has missteps, that could slow adoption.
- Comfort & use case: Not everyone needs or wants a foldable. For many, a good “flat” iPhone is sufficient. Battery life, weight, and thickness are trade-offs that could deter some buyers.
- Competition from Android / rivals: Samsung, Huawei, etc., already have foldable models. Cost, features, and value from those may compete. Apple may need to show something distinct.
What “Huge Upgrade Cycle” Look Like
Putting together what I’ve seen, if things go well:
- Apple could see iPhone unit sales increase in 2026 vs. 2025, possibly by ~10% or more. There are reports of suppliers being told to expect a 10% increase in orders. AppleInsider
- The foldable iPhone could be ~3-5 million units in 2026 (first year) rising into tens of millions by 2027. Hindustan Times+1
- The presence of a high-profile premium device might pull upgrade cycles forward. People who might have waited another year may upgrade in 2026.
- Average selling price (ASP) might increase for Apple, which improves margins.
My Take
I think the evidence points strongly toward the iPhone Fold being one of the anchors of Apple’s 2026 strategy, and yes, it probably will spur an upgrade wave — though perhaps not as massive as some more exuberant forecasts suggest (i.e. not every iPhone user will upgrade just because of the Fold). But for tech-savvy customers, early adopters, and those interested in productivity / multimedia, it could be compelling enough.
Related Post: US Black Friday 2024 Sets New Record With $11.8 Billion in Online Sales — Adobe
Apple breaks records in China with high iPhone 17 preorders
What the Reports Say
Preorder numbers for Apple’s iPhone 17 series in China have already surpassed those of the iPhone 16 series. This happened within the first minute after preorders opened on JD.com. The demand is so high. Apple’s official Chinese online store experienced crashes. Some models got sold-out or went “out of stock” quickly. One of the most popular configurations is the iPhone 17 with 256 GB storage. Regarding physical store logistics, all time-slots for in-store pick-ups in Shanghai filled up swiftly. The iPhone 17 Pro Max time-slots were reserved very quickly. The slots were fully booked within ~20 minutes. Also, in Guangzhou customers would have to wait until mid-October for some models. The iPhone Air model cannot be preordered in China yet. This is due to regulatory issues tied to its eSIM-only design.
Why It’s Happening
Several factors likely contributing to this strong demand:
Feature Improvements & Value Proposition The base iPhone 17 is reported to have some upgrades that make it more attractive (e.g. more storage, possibly improved display technology, etc.), which may have reduced the threshold for many buyers. Pent-up Demand Many users may have held off upgrading due to global chip shortages, inflation, competition, and maybe delays. They are now ready to upgrade, especially with something that feels like a true upgrade. Brand Strength & Loyalty Apple has strong brand prestige in China. Even amid rising competition from domestic brands, many consumers still prefer Apple for its ecosystem, design, reliability, resale value, etc. The “premium” status helps. Marketing & Retail Execution Apple and its retail partners like JD.com seem to have done a good job with hype, availability (as much as possible), logistics of preorders and store-pickups. Also, seeing models go out of stock quickly may feed into urgency for buyers (“get it now before it’s gone”). Regulatory Hiccups with Certain Models The delay of iPhone Air means fewer models to choose from, which may concentrate demand on the available models. Less fragmentation could drive up preorder numbers for the models that are available.
Potential Implications
Strong Early Revenue Good preorder numbers translate to solid early sales and cash flow, which helps Apple in its quarterly numbers, especially in a big market like China. Signal to Competitors This sends a message that Apple still matters in China. It shows that Apple can still compete aggressively despite challenges from local brands and regulatory issues. Regulatory Spotlight The issues around eSIM and approval for certain models (e.g. iPhone Air delay) show Apple still has to navigate Chinese telecom regulation carefully. Any delays can affect sales, public perception, and comparisons with local phones. Supply Chain & Inventory Stress Demand is outpacing supply right away. There might be more shortages. Longer wait times and possibly disappointed customers could result. Managing supply constraints will be important. Potential for Price & Feature Arms Race Local competitors may respond by stepping up specs, cutting prices or offering better terms (trade-ins, financing) to try and win back market share from Apple.
If you want, I can pull up specific numbers of how many preorders, the revenue estimates, and compare with previous years to see how significant the jump is. Do you want that deeper dig.
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Effective Fixes for Apple Logo Freeze Issue | Quick Solutions to Unfreeze Your iPhone
Your iPhone or iPad may get stuck on the Apple logo. This is the white or black screen with the Apple logo. It usually means the device is having trouble starting up. Here are step-by-step solutions you can try, starting from the simplest:
1. Force Restart
This doesn’t erase data it just forces the device to restart.
iPhone 8 or later (including iPhone X–15): Quickly press and release Volume Up. Then, quickly press and release Volume Down. Hold the Side button until the Apple logo disappears and then reappears. iPhone 7 / 7 Plus: Hold Volume Down and Power (Side) button together. Do this until the screen goes off. Wait until the Apple logo comes back. iPhone 6s or earlier / iPad with Home button: Hold Home + Power together until restart.
2. Charge the Device
Sometimes the freeze is caused by low battery. Plug into a wall charger (not just a computer USB port) for at least 30 minutes, then try restarting again.
3. Update or Restore with Recovery Mode
If a force restart doesn’t work, use a computer with Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows):
Connect your iPhone to the computer. Enter Recovery Mode. Perform the same steps as a force restart. Keep holding the last button until the Recovery Mode screen appears and shows a cable and computer icon. On your computer, choose: Update (tries to reinstall iOS without deleting data). If Update fails, choose Restore (erases all data and installs a fresh iOS).
4. Use DFU Mode (Last Resort)
DFU = Device Firmware Update. It wipes everything and reinstalls iOS at the deepest level. Useful if the software is badly corrupted. Steps vary slightly by model (want me to walk you through this for your exact iPhone model?).
See also:What Should I do If iPhone wont Turn on Stuck on Apple Logo?
When to Seek Help
If the phone keeps looping on the Apple logo even after restore/DFU. If there’s physical damage (like after a drop or water exposure). If you can’t get into Recovery/DFU. 👉 In these cases, it’s likely hardware-related (logic board, NAND, etc.), and you should visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center.
Related Post: Apple deepens its ties to a Kentucky plant that produces cover glass for iPhone and Apple Watch
New Apple-Corning Innovation Center & $2.5B Investment Boost Kentucky Jobs
Apple is deepening its partnership with Corning Inc. at their Harrodsburg, Kentucky plant. It will become the exclusive global supplier of the cover glass. The cover glass serves as the front protective glass for all iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple is committing US$2.5 billion for this project. Production capacity at the Harrodsburg plant will be tripled. Additionally, the workforce will increase by about 50%, going from ~350 to ~500 employees. The goal is to have all the cover glass exclusively manufactured there by the end of 2026. This includes glass for iPhone and Apple Watch.
Besides, the Harrodsburg facility will be fully devoted to Apple’s needs for this component. Contrarily, they will also open a joint Innovation Center at the plant. Engineers and scientists from Apple and Corning will work together on advanced material development. They will also collaborate on process R&D. Corning Inc. announced plans to triple production capacity at its Harrodsburg plant. Comparatively, it will increase the workforce there by 50%. This move deepens its relationship with Apple that began when the original iPhone launched in 2007. The Harrodsburg plant made the glass for those first iPhones.
Apple’s $2.5 Billion Investment Makes Kentucky Plant the Hub for iPhone and Apple Watch Glass Production
Emphatically, Apple has put its vast financial muscle behind the project, announcing recently it was making a $2.5 billion commitment. This will enable Corning to produce all the cover glass for the iPhone and Apple Watch. By and large, Production will take place at Corning’s plant in Harrodsburg, a central Kentucky town of more than 9,000 residents.
It is part of a massive commitment announced by the tech company last month. They plan to increase their investment in American manufacturing. This initiative won bipartisan praise from both Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
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Generally, Corning executives and selected employees spoke to reporters at the plant on Friday. Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the Harrodsburg factory earlier in the day but did not participate in the media event.
“We are transforming the plant once again. We are combining Corning and Apple’s expertise. This combination allows us to produce 100% of the cover glass for the iPhone. It also produces the cover glass for the Apple Watch,” Corning Chief Operating Officer Hal Nelson said Friday. “Together, we are building a next-generation U.S. manufacturing platform to deliver … high-performance materials for Apple’s iconic products.”
Cook said last month in a news release that the teamwork between Apple and Corning will result in the largest production line ever created for smartphone glass. It will be the most advanced.
“Thanks to the power of American manufacturing, any customer anywhere in the world who buys a new iPhone will have precision glass. American manufacturing ensures this quality. This precision glass is made right here in Kentucky. The same applies to those who purchase an Apple Watch,” he said.
Since Apple is deepening its partnership with Corning Inc. by the end of 2026, the Harrodsburg plant will manufacture all the cover glass for the iPhone. It will also produce the cover glass for the Apple Watch. Nelson said this on Friday. Corning’s Kentucky plant will be totally devoted to manufacturing for Apple, Corning said.
Markedly, Apple’s $2.5 billion commitment for the production, Corning said the details are “proprietary” to the two companies. The commitment will include revenue, technology and development teams, and “new advanced manufacturing process development,” Corning said.
Corning is based in Corning, New York. The company says its markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, and display products. It is also involved in the automotive, solar, semiconductor, and life sciences sectors.
Concerning backing up Apple’s financial commitment with its own investment, Corning said it continually invests in its facilities. Corning will also “continue to invest what we need to support Apple.”
See related posts: If you see an error when you update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
Apple and Kentucky Plant to Launch Innovation Center, Boosting Jobs and Community Growth
With an eye toward the future, the two companies will open an innovation center at the Kentucky plant. This center will bring together scientists and engineers for world-class research and development, Nelson said.
The Harrodsburg plant currently has nearly 350 employees. The workforce is expected to rise to at least 500 due to the Apple announcement, Corning said.
Longtime plant employee Tommy Shirley said the factory had “ups and downs” through the years. However, the deepening ties with Apple will be a “huge shot in the arm” for plant workers and the community.
“We’ve prayed for this,” he told reporters. “We wanted stability for our employees. We wanted expansion.”
Shirley, a maintenance worker, has deep family ties to the plant. His grandfather helped build the factory in 1952. His father started working there in 1964, and Tommy Shirley followed in his footsteps starting in 1989. He brimmed with pride Friday while talking about the Harrodsburg plant’s connection to Apple.
“The products that we make, they impact people’s lives all over the world,” he said. “Nobody can get by without a phone anymore. … We’re going to make devices right here in my hometown. These devices are going to affect people’s lives all over the world.”
