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Report Shows TSMC Hitting Demand Maximum

William Attardi on March 24, 2026

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is reportedly reaching its limit for supply chain demand, creating bottlenecks for the first time in the company’s history. As demand if AI chips grows, the company that once thought it would never hit capacity is now falling behind. In a report in Reuters, the strain is forcing TSMC to build more facilities by the end of next year. TSMC announced it was struggling with demand earlier this year, as the AI infrastructure grow at a rapid pace. The company is continuing its partnerships with Nvidia and Apple. Business News Today – tEDmag

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Set for 2026 as Hinge Suppliers Compete

William Attardi on August 26, 2025

Apple is expected to launch its first foldable smartphone in 2026, and competition among potential component suppliers is already intensifying. According to Patently Apple, which cited a well-known analyst, Samsung Display is likely to supply a crease-free display solution for the device. The internal hinge, according to the report, plays a crucial role in minimizing screen creases when the device is unfolded. TrendForce’s latest investigations reveal that the anticipated launch of Apple’s first foldable device in the second half of 2026 is expected to lift foldable phone penetration from 1.6% in 2025 to over 3% in 2027. According to TrendForce, the global foldable hinge market is projected to reach US$1.2 billion in 2025, with hinges currently accounting for about 5–8% of the BOM cost per device. [News] Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Set for 2026 as Hinge Suppliers Compete – LEDinside

Trump Sets 100% Chip Tariffs Unless Firms Invest in U.S.

William Attardi on August 7, 2025

President Trump said he would impose roughly 100% tariffs on all chips coming into the U.S. but exempt tech companies that have promised to manufacture domestically, a big win for Apple and other electronics firms worried about new trade challenges. Trump’s announcement came at an event trumpeting a new $100 billion investment pledge from Apple. The company has increased its commitments in the U.S. but stopped short of moving iPhone production to the U.S. as Trump wants. The company’s $100 billion promise adds to a $500 billion, four-year commitment Apple made in February that repackaged much of Apple’s existing spending plans in the U.S. Nearly every major tech firm has promised to put more into their U.S. operations, resulting in over $2 trillion in new pledges in the past seven months. f16AjRmObp1pmp4xDQAH-WSJNewsPaper-8-7-2025.pdf

Apple Just Gave This Rare-Earth Company $500m

William Attardi on July 16, 2025

 It’s been a long time since an expensive magnet has been able to sport a “Made in America” sticker, but recent massive investments in one private company could change all that. Apple announced yesterday that it would commit to a $500 million deal with the only US-based rare-earth producer, MP Materials.  The company was founded in 2017 to bring production back to Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine in Southeast California, about 50 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada, which is the second largest rare-earth mine in the world—and the only one operational in the US.  MP Materials’ stock has skyrocketed almost 500% since going public in 2020. Morning Brew crew@morningbrew.com

Apple Will Spend More Than $500 Billion in the U.S. Over the Next Four Years

William Attardi on February 24, 2025

Today, Apple supports more than 2.9 million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturers, and developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy. As part of its new U.S. investments, Apple teams and facilities to expand in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington, and hire 20,000 people.

  • Opening a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston
  • Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund
  • Growing R&D Investments Across the U.S.
  • Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit

Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years – Apple

Interesting: The Three Pillars of Independence of an Organization

The 3 Pillars of Independence most commonly refers to a framework from the UK voluntary sector (specifically promoted by organizations like Bond and the Directory of Social Change). It is a toolkit for assessing and maintaining the independence of charities, NGOs, or civil society organizations.

The Three Pillars are:

  1. Independent of Party Politics – The organization (or regulator) must remain free from bias or influence by any political party or the government of the day. Decisions should be impartial, not favoring one political side.
  2. Independent of Populism – It should not be swayed by popular public opinion, media-driven campaigns, or transient public pressure, especially on controversial or unpopular causes.
  3. Independent of the Press – Freedom from media influence or pressure, ensuring decisions are based on evidence and law rather than headlines or public narratives.

This toolkit was created to monitor potential political encroachment on charitable regulation and to ensure charities can operate without undue external interference.

 

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