Core Viewpoint - The iPhone 4S, a model released over a decade ago, has unexpectedly surged in popularity, with sales exceeding 100,000 units in a month at a price of 55 yuan, outperforming many new smartphone models [1][3]. Group 1: Sales and Market Response - The iPhone 4S has become a phenomenon on e-commerce platforms, with sales data indicating over 10,000 units sold in the past month and a total order volume exceeding 100,000 across platforms [1]. - Social media discussions around the iPhone 4S have become prevalent, with topics such as "Is it worth buying an iPhone 4S for 55 yuan?" and "What can the iPhone 4S do?" trending among users [3]. Group 2: Consumer Sentiment and Nostalgia - Consumers are drawn to the iPhone 4S for its nostalgic value, with many recalling classic games and the unique photo quality reminiscent of older CCD cameras [6][16]. - The low price point of 55 yuan has made the iPhone 4S accessible, allowing those who previously hesitated to purchase it to finally acquire it, tapping into a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection [16]. Group 3: Market Trends and Opportunities - The resurgence of interest in the iPhone 4S reflects a broader trend where consumers are shifting from a focus on advanced performance to emotional resonance and simplified functionality [18]. - Experts suggest that this nostalgia-driven demand presents a commercial opportunity for manufacturers to innovate products that incorporate nostalgic designs and meet specific consumer needs [18].

By Lewis Krauskopf NEW YORK, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Stakes are high for earnings reports from U.S. megacap companies this week, as investors seek proof that strong profit growth will lift stocks this year, including evidence that artificial-intelligence investments are paying off. Reports are due from Microsoft, Apple, Facebook parent ​Meta Platforms and Tesla - four of the "Magnificent Seven" megacap companies whose bottom-line results broadly are key drivers of overall U.S. profits. The group is expected ‌ ...

Core Viewpoint - Apple is expected to report its strongest iPhone sales growth in four years, driven by high demand for its premium Pro models and the upcoming rollout of artificial intelligence features [1] Group 1 - The anticipated iPhone sales growth is attributed to robust demand for premium Pro models [1] - The company is preparing to introduce new artificial intelligence features, which may further enhance its product offerings [1]

Core Viewpoint - Germany's highest court in civil law is seeking guidance from the EU's Court of Justice regarding a case brought by investors against the holding company behind Volkswagen, related to the emissions scandal [1] Group 1 - The case involves investors who are pursuing claims against Volkswagen's holding company due to the fallout from the emissions scandal [1] - The decision to seek guidance from the EU's Court of Justice indicates the complexity and significance of the legal issues at stake [1] - This development may have implications for investor rights and corporate accountability within the automotive industry [1]

The tech giant said it receives around 20 requests for BitLocker keys a year and will provide them to governments in response to valid court orders. But companies like Apple and Meta set up their systems so such a privacy violation isn’t possible.https://t.co/dImtk0xEuO https://t.co/PkeobHtEQX ...

Apple's Tim Cook said he is “heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis” and has expressed concerns privately to President Trump following the killing of a man by federal agents there this past weekend, a memo to staff said https://t.co/NuP0qh4eVb ...

郭明錤称，苹果2026年二季度iPhone内存价格涨幅将接近一季度水平，苹果策略明确：利用强大议价能力确保芯片供 应，承担成本压力抢占市场份额，后通过服务业务弥补损失。内存定价已改为按季协商，但苹果计划新款iPhone 18保持 起售价不变，避免提价影响营销。 硬·AI 作者 | 董 静 编辑 | 硬 AI 1月28日，"最懂苹果的分析师"郭明錤在社交平台X上发帖称，苹果能够在供应紧张环境下锁定内存供应协 议，充分展现其强大的议价能力。 天风国际证券分析师郭明錤表示，苹果在2026年第二季度将面临与第一季度相似幅度的内存价格上涨，而 苹果的应对策略十分明确：利用市场混乱确保芯片供应、承担成本压力并抢占市场份额，随后通过服务业 务弥补损失。 这一判断基于三星电子和SK海力士近期成功将供应给苹果的低功耗DRAM价格较上季度提高近一倍的事 实。据 华尔街见闻此前文章提及 ，1月27日，韩国媒体zdnet报道，三星电子一季度LPDDR芯片价格上涨 超过80%，SK海力士涨幅约为100%，苹果作为年出货量约2.5亿部iPhone的关键客户不得不接受这一涨 幅。 他指出："对于大多数非人工智能品牌而言，即便你愿意支付高价 ...

Core Viewpoint - Nvidia plans to collaborate with Intel on the Feynman architecture platform expected to launch in 2028, adopting a "low-volume, low-tier, non-core" strategy in this partnership, reflecting a shift in supply chain strategy among US tech giants due to political and supply chain pressures [2][3][6]. Group 1: Nvidia and Intel Collaboration - Nvidia's Feynman architecture will involve collaboration with Intel, with core GPU chips still being manufactured by TSMC, while I/O chips will utilize Intel's 18A or the anticipated 14A process, depending on yield conditions [3][6]. - The collaboration is part of a broader trend among US tech companies to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on TSMC, driven by political pressures and supply chain resilience considerations [3][4][10]. Group 2: Impact on TSMC - Despite some orders being diverted to Intel, industry analysts believe this shift will benefit TSMC by alleviating monopoly concerns and political pressures, while TSMC remains confident in securing high-end chip orders [4][10]. - TSMC is expected to maintain a dominant position in high-end chip manufacturing, as the orders moving to Intel are primarily non-core, allowing TSMC to strengthen its bargaining power and supply capabilities in the future [10]. Group 3: Other Companies Involved - Other major companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, AWS, Qualcomm, Broadcom, AMD, and Tesla are also in discussions with Intel for potential collaborations, indicating a significant shift in the semiconductor landscape [2][3][8]. - Apple's renewed partnership with Intel for entry-level M-series processors is driven by the need to mitigate manufacturing risks and respond to US manufacturing goals and tariff impacts [8].

Core Insights - OpenAI CEO Sam Altman showcased his use of the iPhone Air during a Q&A session, indicating a personal endorsement of the product [1] - The iPhone Air has seen a significant price drop of over 2000 yuan, marking a record decline for a new iPhone model, which deviates from Apple's traditional gradual price reduction strategy [1] - Analysts suggest that the drastic price cut is primarily aimed at clearing inventory rather than stimulating overall sales, as the iPhone Air has struggled in the high-end market due to design compromises [1] Company and Product Performance - The iPhone Air, marketed as "the lightest and thinnest" iPhone, has faced poor sales performance since its launch, failing to meet expectations [1] - The product's design limitations, such as compromised battery life and exclusive eSIM support, have hindered its competitiveness in the premium smartphone market [1] - Reports of customers receiving devices with a battery production date of July 2025 have raised concerns about the iPhone Air being inventory stock, although Apple customer service has denied these claims [1][2] Customer Service Response - Apple customer service clarified that products are not manufactured based on prior orders, leading to potential discrepancies in production dates [2] - The service emphasized that electronic products do not have expiration dates like food items, and the timing of product dispatch does not correlate with price reductions [2]

Core Viewpoint - Investors have recently shifted focus to niche stocks as skepticism grows regarding the returns on investments made by the Magnificent Seven tech giants in artificial intelligence development [1][12]. Group 1: Performance of the Magnificent Seven - The Magnificent Seven tech giants, including Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla, have led the stock market for the past three years, but their performance has declined since the end of 2025 [1][12]. - Alphabet and Amazon are the only stocks among the Magnificent Seven that have seen gains, with Alphabet rising nearly 20% during the recent downturn [2][12]. - The Magnificent Seven index is currently trading at 28 times profits expected over the next 12 months, which is below previous peaks and in line with the average over the past decade [10][13]. Group 2: Investment Shifts and Market Reactions - Traders have increasingly invested in companies benefiting from Big Tech's spending, such as Sandisk, which is up over 130%, Micron Technology, which has risen 76%, and Western Digital, which has gained 67% since the Magnificent Seven index peaked [3][12]. - The upcoming earnings reports from Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, Apple, Alphabet, and Nvidia are expected to provide insights into the health of various tech sectors, with a projected profit growth of 20% for the fourth quarter, the slowest since early 2023 [4][6][12]. Group 3: Capital Expenditures and Growth Expectations - Major tech companies are expected to spend approximately USD 475 billion on capital expenditures in 2026, significantly up from USD 230 billion in 2024, raising investor expectations for returns on these investments [7][12]. - Microsoft’s Azure revenue rose 39% in its fiscal first quarter, with expectations of 36% growth in the second quarter, highlighting the demand for cloud services driven by AI [7][12]. - Companies that fail to meet growth targets may face significant market penalties, as seen with Meta Platforms, which experienced an 11% drop in stock price following a projection of increased capital expenditures without clear profit pathways [8][12]. Group 4: Comparative Earnings Growth - The 493 companies in the S&P 500 not included in the Magnificent Seven are projected to deliver only 8% earnings growth in the fourth quarter, significantly slower than the expected growth from the tech giants [9][12]. - Nvidia shares have increased by 1,184% since the end of 2022, yet are priced at 24 times anticipated profits, slightly above the S&P 500's multiple of 22, indicating that the stocks are not historically expensive [10][13]. Group 5: Market Sentiment and Future Outlook - Investors are awaiting signs of growth from the Magnificent Seven, with the current earnings season viewed as a critical milestone for assessing progress [11][13]. - The sentiment in the market has shifted to a "show-me story," where investors demand tangible results from Big Tech's investments in AI and other technologies [4][12].