Apple is expected to split its next iPhone generation across two release windows, launching premium models this fall while delaying the standard iPhone 18 until early 2027, according to recent statements from key suppliers and consistent industry reporting.

Taiwanese contract manufacturer Pegatron indicated during its second-quarter 2026 earnings call that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models remain on track for a traditional September release. The base iPhone 18, however, is now projected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027. The more affordable iPhone 18e and a second-generation iPhone Air are also expected in that later window.

The reports align with earlier signals from the supply chain. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and outlets including The Information had previously outlined a strategy in which Apple would prioritize its higher-end devices in the fall of 2026. A chairman of Largan Precision, a major supplier of iPhone camera lenses, earlier noted that a significant U.S. customer had postponed a new product launch to the first quarter of 2027, remarks widely interpreted as referring to Apple’s standard models.

Fall 2026 is instead expected to feature the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s first foldable smartphone, frequently referred to in reports as the iPhone Ultra. This would mark a notable departure from the company’s pattern of the past several years, in which standard and Pro models typically debuted together in September.

Supply constraints appear to be a primary factor. Reports cite ongoing shortages of memory chips and other components, along with bottlenecks in semiconductor production. Pegatron executives pointed to customers adjusting shipment schedules amid these limitations. Higher-margin Pro models are being prioritized to maintain the September launch cadence for Apple’s most profitable smartphones while the broader lineup is staggered.

The shift would leave the current iPhone 17 series, including the standard model and earlier Air variant, on the market for an extended period. Buyers seeking a more affordable new iPhone would face a choice between purchasing a Pro model this fall, holding onto existing devices, or waiting until spring 2027. Carriers that traditionally center fourth-quarter upgrade promotions around a full new iPhone lineup may need to adjust marketing and inventory plans accordingly.

Apple has not publicly confirmed the revised schedule. The company typically unveils its annual iPhone generation in early to mid-September, followed by sales beginning later that month. A dual-window approach would separate premium and mainstream offerings more clearly, potentially allowing the company to focus production capacity and marketing resources on the higher-priced devices during the critical holiday quarter.

The foldable model represents a long-anticipated expansion of Apple’s portfolio. Industry observers have tracked development of a folding iPhone for several years, with recent reports suggesting production readiness for a 2026 debut. Pairing it with the Pro series in the fall would give Apple three distinct high-end options while the standard, entry-level and thinner Air models arrive later.

Component allocation challenges are not limited to Apple. Broader industry tightness in advanced memory and packaging capacity has affected multiple smartphone makers. In this environment, directing scarce supply toward models with higher average selling prices is a pragmatic response that protects near-term revenue even as it extends the wait for lower-priced devices.

For consumers, the practical effect is a longer wait for the standard iPhone 18. Those who upgrade annually or rely on carrier financing cycles may find the Pro models more attractive this year, or they may extend the life of current handsets. The spring 2027 window could also create a secondary sales period, potentially smoothing Apple’s revenue cadence beyond the traditional fourth-quarter peak.

The reported strategy continues a gradual evolution in Apple’s product cadence. The company has previously introduced mid-cycle or early-year models such as the iPhone SE and more recent “e” variants. Expanding that approach into a formal separation of Pro and non-Pro generations would represent a more structural change to the annual calendar.

As September approaches, attention will focus on whether Apple confirms the dual timeline at its fall event. Until then, the combination of Pegatron’s earnings comments and earlier supply-chain indications provides the clearest picture yet of a staggered iPhone 18 rollout, with premium devices arriving on schedule and more accessible models deferred into the following year.

Elon Musk has told SpaceX employees that artificial intelligence is poised to become the dominant force in the company’s future, projecting that AI will account for 99 percent of its value within four to five years while already generating substantial and rapidly growing revenue.

In a recent all-hands meeting with staff, the SpaceX chief executive outlined an aggressive shift. “Long-term, probably in four or five years, AI will be 99% of the value of SpaceX. I’d say five years for sure, AI will be 99% the value of SpaceX. And the value of SpaceX will be some astronomical number,” Musk said.

He also forecast a nearer-term milestone. “Definitely our AI revenue will exceed all other space revenue probably in September, like next month,” Musk told employees, adding that the segment “will significantly exceed all other SpaceX revenue in the fourth quarter.”

The comments come as SpaceX, now a publicly traded company, reported strong second-quarter results. Total revenue reached $7.8 billion, up 92 percent from the year-earlier period. The AI segment contributed $2.6 billion, representing roughly one-third of the total and growing about 247 percent year over year. Connectivity services, primarily Starlink, generated about $4.3 billion, while traditional space products and launch activities accounted for the remainder.

SpaceX has been expanding its AI-related offerings, which include access to the Grok family of large language models, cloud computing infrastructure and related services. The company has signed significant cloud services agreements, including deals involving Anthropic and Alphabet’s Google. In the second quarter alone, it reported $14.1 billion in contracted cloud sales. Capital expenditures remain elevated, with a large share directed toward building AI compute capacity.

Musk detailed ambitious infrastructure targets. The company currently operates about 1.4 gigawatts of AI compute power and aims to reach 2 gigawatts by the end of 2026, then approximately 10 gigawatts by the end of 2027. “The value per watt is probably going to be 30 to $50, which means if we bring 10 Gigawatts of AI online by the end of next year, it will be 300 to $500 billion a year in revenue,” he said.

In filings related to its public listing, SpaceX estimated a total addressable market of $28.5 trillion across its businesses, with $26.5 trillion attributed to AI. The projection underscores management’s view that compute infrastructure, model services and related software could far outstrip the scale of launch services and satellite internet over time.

The rapid growth in AI revenue has drawn investor attention, yet it also highlights execution risks. Building large-scale data centers and securing power requires massive ongoing investment. Competition in AI infrastructure is intense, with established cloud providers and specialized players vying for the same customers. Concentration risk exists as well; a single customer has accounted for a notable share of recent AI revenue in some periods.

SpaceX’s traditional businesses continue to advance. Starlink remains a leading provider of low-Earth-orbit broadband, and the company maintains its position as a dominant launch provider with reusable rocket technology. Development of the next-generation Starship vehicle proceeds alongside these efforts. Musk has framed AI success as supportive of the broader multiplanetary goals, suggesting that substantial AI cash flows could help fund long-term space ambitions.

Analysts have noted the dual nature of the opportunity and the challenge. Strong top-line growth in AI, if sustained, could support higher valuations even if near-term profitability remains constrained by heavy capital spending. At the same time, the bullish scenario depends on continued robust demand for AI compute, successful scaling of capacity, and the ability to convert contracted revenue into recurring, high-margin streams.

Musk has emphasized the strategic importance of succeeding in both hardware and software aspects of AI. The company is integrating capabilities across its ecosystem, including training models on internal data and expanding enterprise offerings. Whether the ambitious timelines materialize will depend on execution in an industry known for rapid technological change and significant capital intensity.

For investors, the message from the SpaceX leader is clear: the company that transformed access to space now sees its greatest long-term value in artificial intelligence. The coming months will test whether AI revenue can overtake other segments as quickly as projected, while the multiyear horizon will determine if the 99 percent valuation claim becomes reality. In the meantime, SpaceX continues to operate at the intersection of two of the most capital-intensive and transformative industries of the era—space exploration and artificial intelligence—with the balance between them shifting rapidly according to its chief executive.

The Mahindra BE 6 has established itself as one of the more distinctive electric SUVs available in India, combining a bold design, rear-wheel-drive dynamics and competitive real-world range in a segment increasingly crowded with options from both domestic and international brands.

Built on Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO electric platform, the BE 6 is a five-seater coupe-style SUV measuring approximately 4,371 mm in length with a 2,775 mm wheelbase. It is offered primarily with two lithium-iron-phosphate battery packs: a 59 kWh unit and a larger 79 kWh pack. Power is delivered by a single rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor producing 380 Nm of torque across variants. Output stands at roughly 231 horsepower with the smaller battery and climbs to about 286 horsepower with the larger pack. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is claimed at 6.7 seconds in the higher-powered version.

Claimed ARAI ranges reach 556–557 km for the 59 kWh models and up to 682–683 km for the 79 kWh versions. Independent testing has returned more conservative but still competitive real-world figures. One comprehensive road test of the 79 kWh variant recorded an average efficiency of 5.68 km per kWh, translating to a combined city-and-highway range of approximately 449 km. City driving alone yielded around 439–440 km in some evaluations, while highway efficiency held up well under steady speeds. Owners reporting longer-term use have described practical daily ranges in the 400-plus km bracket depending on driving style, climate control use and traffic conditions.

Charging capability is a strong point. The vehicle supports DC fast charging that can take the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes when connected to a suitably powerful charger (up to 140–180 kW depending on the pack). AC home charging with a 7.2 kW or 11 kW wallbox typically requires six to 12 hours for a full charge, making overnight top-ups practical for most users.

On the road, the BE 6 stands out for its rear-wheel-drive layout and suspension tuning. Reviewers have consistently praised the balance between ride comfort and handling composure, noting that the car feels more agile than many of its rivals despite its size and weight. Multiple drive modes and adjustable regenerative braking levels, including single-pedal driving options, allow drivers to tailor the experience. Cabin refinement is generally high, with effective isolation from road and motor noise.

The interior adopts a modern, dual-screen layout featuring a pair of 12.3-inch displays. Higher trims add a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos support, a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera system and Level 2 or Level 2+ advanced driver-assistance features. Safety equipment includes up to seven airbags and a five-star Bharat NCAP rating in tested configurations. Some packaging and ergonomic details, such as rear-seat space and certain control placements, have drawn milder criticism relative to more conventional SUVs.

Pricing has positioned the BE 6 competitively. Earlier variants launched in the range of ₹18.90 lakh to ₹26.90 lakh (ex-showroom), excluding the cost of a home charger. In August 2026, Mahindra introduced Sporteq variants starting at ₹19.45 lakh, expanding battery options in some trims and refining the lineup. On-road prices vary by state incentives, insurance and dealer packages. Lifetime battery warranty coverage for the first private owner has been highlighted as a confidence-building measure.

The BE 6 competes most directly with models such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV and upcoming entrants like the Maruti e Vitara. Its combination of performance, distinctive styling and feature content at the quoted price points has earned broadly positive assessments from road testers, who frequently cite the driving experience and equipment levels as key strengths. Practical limitations around rear passenger space and the learning curve associated with some interface elements remain the most commonly noted drawbacks.

For buyers seeking an electric SUV that prioritizes engagement and modern technology over maximum interior volume, the BE 6 presents a compelling case. Real-world range appears sufficient for typical urban and intercity use when paired with access to charging infrastructure, while the rapid DC charging capability reduces downtime on longer journeys. As India’s electric vehicle market continues to expand, the model underscores Mahindra’s shift toward purpose-built EVs rather than adapted combustion platforms.

Ownership reports from the first months of delivery describe reliable daily performance, strong climate control in hot weather and useful ADAS functionality. Service network maturity and long-term software support will remain important factors as the fleet grows. Overall, the BE 6 has carved a clear identity in a segment where differentiation increasingly matters, offering a blend of performance, technology and value that has resonated with early adopters and reviewers alike.

Google has begun rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 to eligible Pixel devices, delivering bug fixes, a notable security enhancement against call-forwarding fraud, and expanded interface customization options as the company prepares its next quarterly Feature Drop.

The update, released on Aug. 14, arrives as a relatively uncommon Friday software drop for the public beta program. Builds CP41.260731.005.A2 and CP41.260731.005.B1 carry the August 2026 security patch level of Aug. 5 and include Google Play services version 26.26.34. System images and over-the-air updates are available for a wide range of Pixel hardware, including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 10 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet and related variants, along with emulator support.

According to official release notes from Android Developers, the beta addresses two significant stability issues reported by testers. Opening the notification shade and Quick Settings menu previously caused visual corruption and unexpected device restarts. Separately, the Device Health and Support tool had been displaying incorrect warnings about battery capacity degradation. Both problems are resolved in this release.

The most prominent platform change focuses on security. Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 introduces new restrictions designed to harden the system against call-forwarding fraud. The TelephonyManager.sendUssdRequest() API is no longer accessible for call-forwarding codes when an app holds only the CALL_PHONE permission. Background attempts by standard applications to execute such codes are blocked and return a USSD_ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED callback. Users who manually dial call-forwarding codes through the system dialer now encounter an operating-system confirmation dialog before the command proceeds. Non-call-forwarding USSD requests, such as those used for mobile money transfers or account balance checks, remain unaffected.

Beyond the official changelog, the beta expands several user-facing customization features that have drawn attention from early testers. A Quick Settings layout editor allows users to rearrange tiles, including the ability to move the brightness slider and media player controls to more accessible positions. Dynamic Color theming receives broader controls, with a new slider for fine-tuning hue and additional color style options that give greater flexibility over the system’s visual appearance. System blur effects have been extended to the lock screen, applying to shortcuts, the fingerprint indicator and notifications for a more consistent Material design treatment.

A native App Lock feature is also present in the build, enabling users to secure individual applications behind biometric or PIN authentication without relying solely on third-party solutions. These interface refinements continue Google’s pattern of using quarterly platform releases to introduce polished quality-of-life improvements that later ship more widely as Feature Drops.

Android 17 itself reached stable release earlier in 2026. Quarterly Platform Releases, or QPRs, deliver incremental updates to both the open-source Android Open Source Project and to Pixel devices. QPR2 is positioned as the December Feature Drop for the current generation of software. Beta 3 represents the most substantial update in the current QPR2 cycle to date, combining stability work with visible interface enhancements.

Eligible devices already enrolled in the Android Beta Program should receive the update automatically as an over-the-air download. Users who prefer to install the software manually can download factory images or OTA packages from the Android Developers site. As with all beta software, the build is intended for testing and may contain remaining issues. Google continues to solicit feedback through the issue tracker and the public beta community.

The security hardening reflects ongoing industry efforts to close common vectors for social-engineering and automated fraud. Call-forwarding scams have long exploited USSD codes and background API access. By requiring elevated permissions or explicit user confirmation, the system aims to reduce the success rate of such attacks without disrupting legitimate carrier or banking services.

Customization options in the beta align with broader trends in mobile software toward greater personalization of the system interface. The ability to rearrange Quick Settings and refine color themes gives Pixel owners more control over daily interactions, while expanded blur effects reinforce visual continuity across the lock screen and notification surfaces.

Google has not published a firm date for the final public release of Android 17 QPR2, though quarterly Feature Drops have historically arrived in the final month of each quarter. Beta testing is expected to continue with additional builds that refine the new features and address any regressions introduced in the current package.

For developers, the update includes a minor SDK release with no planned behavior changes that would require extensive compatibility work. The focus remains on platform stability and user experience refinements rather than major API surface alterations.

Pixel owners participating in the beta program can expect the update to appear in the coming days, depending on the staged rollout schedule. Those who wish to leave the beta program and return to the latest stable public build can typically do so without a full device wipe, provided they have not yet installed the new software or follow the official opt-out guidance carefully.

The release underscores Google’s dual approach of delivering security-focused platform improvements alongside the visual and interactive refinements that distinguish the Pixel software experience. As testing continues, the features introduced in Beta 3 will help determine the final shape of the December Feature Drop for Android 17.

Get ahead of the market by subscribing to Seeking Alpha’s Wall Street Week Ahead, a preview of key events scheduled for the coming week. The newsletter keeps you informed of the biggest stories set to make headlines, including upcoming IPOs, investor days, earnings reports, and conference presentations.

Wall Street’s major market averages were muted on Friday after the S&P 500 notched another record high in the previous session. On the economic calendar, U.S. retail sales dipped 0.6% M/M to $763.6B in July from the previous month’s 0.2% growth to $768.1B.

The economic calendar will continue to remain largely muted for the next week, barring a few important events. Leading them is the FOMC’s minutes of the meeting, releasing on Wednesday. The Philadelphia Fed’s manufacturing index for August and initial jobless claims data are due on Thursday. S&P Global’s PMI data for August is due on Friday.

Alibaba (BABA), Walmart (WMT), Home Depot (HD), and Baidu (BIDU) are among the firms reporting their earnings next week.

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Earnings spotlight: Tuesday: BHP Group (BHP), Home Depot, Baidu. See the full earnings calendar.

Earnings spotlight: Wednesday: Target (TGT), Lowe’s (LOW). See the full earnings calendar.

Earnings spotlight: Thursday: Walmart, Alibaba. See the full earnings calendar.

Volatility watch: Amazon (AMZN) and Mercury Systems (MRCY) have seen options volatility increase over the last week. The most overbought stocks per their 14-day relative strength index include SMJ International (SMJF), Hercules Metals (BADEF), and Varex Imaging (VREX). The most oversold stocks per their 14-day Relative Strength Index include Arko (ARKO) and Emergent Bio (EBS). Short interest is elevated again on Sphere Entertainment (SPHR) and Xponential Fitness (XPOF).

Dividend watch: Companies that have an ex-dividend date coming next week include ConocoPhillips (COP), Chevron (CVX), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Microsoft (MSFT).

IPO watch: IPOs expected to price during the