Browsing: Technology

The iPhone 18 Pro combines new camera controls, longer battery life and Apple’s A20 Pro chip. The biggest camera change is a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, allowing users to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and white balance directly inside the Camera app. The A20 Pro chip uses a 2-nanometer process and combines a six-core CPU with a seven-core GPU, delivering up to 40% higher sustained performance. Battery capacity increases, with the iPhone 18 Pro rated for up to 36 hours of video playback. iOS 27 brings Siri AI to the new Pro models, with support for multiple languages planned.

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, showcasing enhancements in camera technology, battery capacity, and processing capabilities. Both models incorporate the latest A20 Pro chip and a redesigned vapor chamber for consistent high performance. Additionally, Apple introduced a smaller Dynamic Island and new camera controls tailored for professional users. Preorders will open on September 12, with sales commencing on September 18 across over 65 countries and regions.

Graphite, cathodes and anodes remain central to U.S. battery supply chain security. According to the International Energy Agency, China was responsible for over 80% of worldwide battery cell manufacturing in 2025. It also produced about 85% of cathode active material and more than 90% of anode active material. These elements are at the heart of lithium-ion battery manufacturing for electric vehicles and energy storage. The International Energy Agency further identified China as the primary hub for lithium iron phosphate batteries, known as LFP batteries. Throughout 2025, U.S. battery manufacturing capacity saw rapid growth as companies launched or upgraded new facilities. Nonetheless, domestic factories continue to depend heavily on imported or processed materials from abroad. Natural graphite exemplifies this dependence, with the U.S. reporting complete net import reliance for natural graphite in 2025. China remained a key supplier, and Chinese processors continued to dominate the production of battery-grade graphite used in conventional lithium-ion anodes. Deeper supply chain issues persist around critical materials The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated new funding to bolster the domestic supply chain segments that remain underdeveloped. In August 2026, the department announced $500 million dedicated to seven projects focused on critical minerals, batteries, and recycling. These initiatives include domestic material processing, recovery from used batteries, and research into alternative anode materials. The DOE stated that the funding aims to enhance U.S. capacity across multiple stages of battery manufacturing. In addition,

Japan Announces Expansion of AI-Driven Measures to Combat Investment Fraud TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – The Consumer Affairs Agency of Japan revealed on September 1 plans to broaden its efforts against investment scams by deploying artificial intelligence to detect early warning signals within consumer complaints. This initiative is incorporated into a broader anti-fraud strategy. The AI system will scrutinize language used in complaints, solicitation behaviors, and similarities with previous cases, aiming to identify potentially harmful schemes and struggling companies sooner by utilizing data already gathered from consumers nationwide.

During the initial six months of 2026, China’s digital industry achieved a total revenue of 20.71 trillion yuan, reflecting a 13.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, overall profits surged by 19.3%, reaching 1.79 trillion yuan. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology noted an industry profit margin of 8.6%, which is 0.7 percentage points higher than the previous year. These figures encompass key sectors within China’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

United Nations officials are emphasizing the necessity for enhanced safeguarding measures for children and young people as digital platforms fundamentally alter how they access information. An upcoming UN issue brief underscores the dangers associated with disinformation, hate speech, harassment, artificial intelligence, and online systems driven by attention. It also raises alarm over issues related to personal data, behavioral advertising, and algorithmic content dissemination. The document stresses that younger internet users require stronger protections to ensure they can still benefit from education, communication, and civic participation online.

Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. The launch, designated as H3 Flight No. 9, took place from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time. JAXA reported that the rocket maintained its planned trajectory throughout the entire mission. About 29 minutes after liftoff, the satellite separated and entered its designated orbit. Michibiki No. 7 expands Japan’s QZSS satellite navigation network.

On Thursday, a New Mexico state court ordered Meta to contribute $567 million to a dedicated youth mental health fund after ruling that the company’s platforms served as a public nuisance. Presiding Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe issued this decision following a three-week bench trial. The court found that Facebook and Instagram played a significant role in a youth mental health crisis and did not adequately protect minors from online dangers and exploitation.

OpenAI is expanding access to ChatGPT by offering Free and Go users unlimited text interactions with GPT-5.6 Luna. The company indicated that this change will take effect next week and will be subject to safeguards to prevent misuse. During the current rollout, GPT-5.6 Luna is also becoming the default model for these accounts. Additionally, free users will get a Think button, enabling the system to dedicate more time to complex questions before generating a response.

Under the theme, “AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress,” the discussions will center on artificial intelligence and its impact on international commerce. The agenda emphasizes developing policies that broaden access to AI tools and promote more inclusive global trade. Geneva talks will examine how AI can lower trade costs and widen digital market access. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will welcome attendees to the event. A ministerial dialogue will explore the rising significance of artificial intelligence as a key trade policy issue. The program will also feature a keynote speech and a panel discussion with representatives from the private sector. Topics will include digital services, intellectual property, technical standards, and the involvement of developing economies in AI-related value chains. These sessions aim to connect technology policy with the practical needs of cross-border business activities.