Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone Duo and Qualcomm Secures AWS Deal
Apple launched its first foldable device at US$1,999, while Qualcomm secured a US$4 billion warrant deal with Amazon for data center chips.
Apple introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, priced at US$1,999. The device marks a structural shift in the company's product strategy. Qualcomm simultaneously announced a major partnership with Amazon Web Services. The agreement involves warrants worth approximately US$4 billion. These moves define the week's key market developments.
Apple Splits Launch Cadence For First Time
Apple revealed the iPhone 18 Pro alongside the new foldable model. The standard iPhone 18 was not part of this September launch. Analysts expect the mainstream model to appear at a separate spring event. This marks the first time in seven years that Apple has divided its release cycle. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at US$1,199, a US$100 increase over the previous generation.
The new C2 modem in the iPhone Duo is 50% faster than its predecessor. It also consumes 15% less energy. Bank of America noted that price-sensitive buyers may wait for the cheaper model. This could alter revenue distribution across quarters. The strategic split aims to smooth out sales peaks and troughs.
Qualcomm Secures Billion Dollar AWS Partnership
Qualcomm issued warrants to Amazon for 25 million shares. The exercise price is set at US$161.26 per share. The total value of the warrant deal is roughly US$4 billion. The warrants vest in tranches based on commercial milestones. They expire on 3 September 2036.
The deal is tied to the purchase of up to US$60 billion in server chips. Qualcomm aims to challenge Nvidia in the AI chip market. The company targets US$15 billion in data center revenue by fiscal 2029. Bank of America projects the broader CPU market will grow from US$27 billion to US$60 billion between 2025 and 2030. Qualcomm shares rose 3% following the announcement.
Sembcorp Exits Philippine Solar Acquisition
Sembcorp Industries terminated its S$105 million deal to acquire Puente Al Sol. The target was a solar farm developer in the Philippines. The company cited prevailing market conditions as a primary reason. Evolving strategic priorities also drove the decision. Mapletree Logistics Trust issued its first offshore renminbi bond. This move signals a shift in local corporate financing strategies.
These events highlight a week of significant corporate actions. Global tech giants adjusted their product and partnership strategies. Local firms recalibrated their investment portfolios. The market absorbed these changes with mixed reactions. Investors now watch for the next steps in these strategic shifts.
