Microsoft Invests $30B in UK AI; China Orders Tech Firms to Halt Nvidia AI Chip Purchases
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft invests $30B in UK AI; Google, Nvidia pledge over $40B total.
- China orders tech firms to halt Nvidia AI chip purchases for independence.
- iPhone 17: Always-on display, 48MP camera, A19 chip, $829; Pro from $1099.
- Apple Watch SE 3: $250, S10 chip, Always-On Display, new health features.
- Waymo robotaxis approved for San Francisco airport service after phased rollout.
Top Stories
Microsoft invests $30B in UK AI; Google, Nvidia also pledge.
On September 16-17, 2025, Microsoft announced a £22 billion ($30 billion) investment in UK AI infrastructure through 2028, including a supercomputer. Other American tech companies, including Google, OpenAI and Nvidia, pledged over $40 billion in AI investments during President Trump's visit to Britain.
China orders tech firms to halt Nvidia AI chip purchases.
On September 17, 2025, China directed its tech companies to cease purchasing Nvidia's AI chips to promote domestic semiconductor independence.
iPhone 17 review: Always-on display, 48MP camera, A19 chip.
On September 17, 2025, The Verge reviewed the iPhone 17, noting its always-on display, high-refresh-rate screen, upgraded 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, and A19 processor, priced at $829 with 256 GB of storage.
iPhone 17 Pro/Max: Creator focus, 39-hour battery, from $1099.
On September 17, 2025, The Verge reviewed the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, highlighting their focus on creators, improved battery life (up to 39 hours on the Pro Max), and 48-megapixel cameras, with prices starting at $1099 and $1199 respectively.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: $250, S10 chip, Always-On Display.
On September 16, 2025, ZDNET reviewed the Apple Watch SE 3, highlighting its value at $250, incorporating the S10 chip, Always-On Display, and new health features.
Waymo robotaxis approved for San Francisco airport service.
On September 16, 2025, Waymo received a permit to operate robotaxi services at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), following a phased rollout plan.
Big Tech Insights
Trump extends TikTok deadline 90 days amid US ownership deal.
On September 15, 2025, President Trump extended TikTok's deadline to divest its U.S. assets by 90 days, until December 16. The extension comes amid a potential deal involving a U.S.-based company with majority U.S. ownership.
AI optimism lifts Chinese tech stocks to 2021 highs.
On 2025-09-17, Chinese tech stocks surged to their highest level since 2021, driven by AI optimism, in-house chip developments, and upgrades at Alibaba and Baidu.
House probes Huawei's access to Nvidia's AI tech.
On September 16, 2025, the House Select Committee on China requested information from Futurewei Technologies, a Huawei subsidiary, regarding its shared lease with Nvidia, citing espionage concerns related to U.S. semiconductor and AI technology.
Figure raises $1B, valuing AI robotics firm at $39B.
On September 16, 2025, AI robotics company Figure secured over $1 billion in Series C funding, led by Parkway Venture Capital, valuing the company at $39 billion post money.
Meta creates super PAC to influence California AI elections.
On September 16, 2025, Meta announced the creation of its own state-only super PAC, Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, to influence California elections and protect its AI interests.
Culture Decode
OpenAI adds safety for underage ChatGPT users, age prediction.
On September 16, 2025, OpenAI announced new safety protocols for underage ChatGPT users, including restrictions on suicide discussions and parental controls by the end of September 2025, along with an age prediction system.
Tech Today
Apple releases macOS 26 Tahoe with new 'Liquid Glass' design.
On September 15, 2025, Apple launched macOS 26 Tahoe, featuring a 'Liquid Glass' design and over 45 new features, including a supercharged Spotlight and enhanced Messages.
CNET details premium AI chatbot subscription pricing, $20 to $300 monthly.
On September 17, 2025, CNET published a guide outlining premium subscription costs for major AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, ranging from $20 to $300 monthly.
Pixel 7 owners report battery overheating, swelling issues.
In September 2025, some Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro owners reported battery overheating and swelling, with side panels separating, raising safety concerns.
iOS 26 update causing iPhone overheating; troubleshooting steps.
On September 15, 2025, reports indicated that the iOS 26 update is causing overheating issues in iPhones due to background tasks and compatibility problems.
Java 25 LTS released with compact source files, instance main.
On September 16, 2025, Java 25 LTS was released with features like compact source files and instance main methods to simplify Java development.
YouTube unveils AI tools for creators, including DeepMind's Veo 3.
On September 16, 2025, YouTube announced new AI-powered tools for creators, including Google DeepMind’s Veo 3 for generating video content from text prompts.