The iPhone Duo's $1,999 price tag is the main target of mockery, with brands like Duolingo and Samsung joining in. It's a risky start for Apple's foldable era, and the backlash could shape consumer expectations.
technologyFriday, September 11, 2026
Apple's foldable flop, Google's Finnish nuclear bet
Today's tech news is split between Apple's awkward entry into foldables and Google's massive bet on Finnish nuclear power for AI. The foldable iPhone Duo is getting roasted for its price, while Google's €13 billion investment signals a serious commitment to clean energy for data centers. Meanwhile, Anthropic's report on Chinese labs routing requests to Claude adds a layer of intrigue to the AI race.
Apple's Foldable Gamble
Apple finally entered the foldable market, but the reception is less than stellar, with critics and social media mocking the iPhone Duo's price and design.
The Series 12 brings back ceramic cases and tweaks health sensors, but the core experience is largely unchanged. It's a solid incremental update, not a must-have for Series 11 owners.
AirPods 5's standard ANC at a lower price point makes the AirPods 4 obsolete for most buyers. The IP57 rating and stem-swipe controls are meaningful upgrades, not just spec bumps.
AI's Energy and Data Footprint
The AI boom's insatiable appetite for power and data is shaping corporate strategy, from Google's nuclear pact to Anthropic's accusations against Chinese labs.
Google's €13B Finnish investment, including buying half a nuclear plant's output, is a clear signal that AI's energy demands are driving unprecedented corporate commitments to clean power. This could set a template for other tech giants.
Anthropic's claim that Chinese labs routed 35 million requests to Claude suggests a widespread pattern of using rival models to train their own. This is a direct shot at the integrity of China's AI development, and it raises serious IP concerns.
Regulation and Consumer Backlash
Governments and consumers are pushing back against tech overreach, from California's new child safety laws to Grindr's data-sharing settlement.
California's new laws restricting algorithms and autoplay for kids, plus specific rules for chatbots, mark a significant state-level push to regulate AI interactions with minors. It's a move that could influence federal policy.
Grindr's £26M settlement over HIV data sharing, without admitting liability, highlights the ongoing legal risks for apps handling sensitive health data. The two-installment payment structure suggests a carefully negotiated compromise.
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