Tech News: Major Developments in AI, Chips, and Hardware

In today’s technology briefing, significant developments highlight ongoing shifts in the tech landscape, from government actions in Europe to major corporate partnerships. Here’s an overview of the latest news shaping the industry.

Netherlands Takes Over Chinese-Owned Chipmaker Nexperia

The Dutch government has invoked the Goods Availability Act to assume control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker, amid concerns over potential threats to Europe’s automotive chip supply. The company has been placed under temporary external management for a year, with its chairman suspended and major changes to assets or personnel frozen. Wingtech Technology, Nexperia’s parent company, condemned the takeover as “excessive intervention,” leading to a maximum 10% drop in its stock during trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

This move marks a significant escalation in European efforts to secure its semiconductor supply chain, reflecting growing geopolitical tensions impacting the tech industry.

OpenAI and Broadcom Sign Multibillion-Dollar Chip Deal

OpenAI has entered a partnership with Broadcom to develop custom AI chips and network systems, amounting to a 10-gigawatt power requirement—equivalent to the electricity consumption of a large city. This collaboration will enable OpenAI to directly integrate insights gained from developing advanced AI models into specialized hardware.

Deployment of these AI accelerators and networking systems is slated for the second half of 2026, following Broadcom’s announcement of securing a new $10 billion customer. This partnership emphasizes the increasing importance of hardware in delivering cutting-edge AI solutions.

Apple Readies Launch of M5 iPads and MacBooks

Apple is gearing up for a stealth launch of new devices, including a M5 iPad Pro and a refreshed Vision Pro, rumored to feature speed enhancements. A 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M5 chip is also expected, although models with more advanced M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations are anticipated only next year.

In a notable shift from tradition, Apple plans to announce these products quietly via press releases rather than a formal launch event, signaling a potential shift in the company’s marketing strategy.

Slack Upgrades Slackbot to AI Assistant

In a strategic upgrade, Slack is transforming its Slackbot into a personalized AI assistant that leverages workspace-specific data to enhance user experience. This revamped tool will utilize natural language capabilities to search for documents, organize project plans, and even assist in creating social media campaigns. By integrating with applications like Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar, Slack aims to bolster productivity while ensuring customer data remains secure within its virtual private cloud framework.

Meta Hires AI Expert Amid AI Push

Meta continues to strengthen its AI team by hiring Andrew Tulloch, a co-founder of Thinking Machines. Tulloch’s return comes after significant roles at Meta and OpenAI and aligns with the company’s broader strategy to attract top talent from industry competitors. This recruitment follows the recent launch of Tinker, a product from Thinking Machines aimed at fine-tuning language models.

This move reflects Meta’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in AI technology, particularly within its Superintelligence Labs division.

Apple Discontinues Clips App After Seven Years

In another notable development, Apple has officially discontinued its Clips app, removing it from the App Store and halting future software updates. Although existing users can continue using the app on current iOS versions, Apple recommends exporting any created videos for preservation. The decision follows a decline in the app’s popularity over the years, signaling a shift towards more relevant tools in Apple’s software ecosystem.

Conclusion: Navigating a Transformative Tech Landscape

The recent actions and partnerships across the tech industry underline a transformative period shaped by geopolitical influences, competitive dynamics, and evolving consumer expectations. The Netherlands’ intervention in the semiconductor market reflects a broader trend of governments seeking to secure critical industries, while corporate collaborations like that of OpenAI and Broadcom highlight the growing intersection of hardware and AI. As these developments unfold, they will significantly influence the future landscape of technology and its myriad applications, setting the stage for innovation and competition in the years to come.