Despite being hit by US sanctions in 2019, Huawei pushed forward with its ambitious AI chip development, unveiling the Ascend 910—a processor it claimed was the world’s most powerful for AI training. But the US tightened restrictions in 2020, blocking semiconductor sales and throwing a wrench into Huawei’s plans. Now, the company’s ability to keep advancing its silicon strategy is a test of China’s broader tech resilience and AI ambitions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Huawei—it’s a high-stakes showdown over who controls critical tech like AI and semiconductors. If Huawei can keep innovating despite sanctions, it signals China’s growing ability to sidestep US pressure, reshaping the global tech race. If it stumbles, it could slow China’s AI ambitions and reinforce US dominance in cutting-edge chips. Either way, the ripple effects will be huge.

Evercore ISI is doubling down on its bullish stance on IBM, reaffirming an "outperform" rating for the tech giant's stock. The firm seems encouraged by broader sector trends, suggesting IBM is well-positioned to ride positive momentum in the industry.

Apple is reportedly considering a bid for Perplexity, an AI startup seen as a competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT. According to Bloomberg, the tech giant is internally debating whether to acquire the company—a move that could signal Apple's ambitions to deepen its AI capabilities rather than just partner with existing players like OpenAI or Google.

Editor’s Note: Apple's been playing catch-up in the AI race, so scooping up a promising startup like Perplexity could give it a shortcut to more advanced tech. But it’s also a gamble—big acquisitions in AI are risky, and Apple’s usual playbook is building in-house or forming partnerships. If this happens, it could shake up the AI landscape and hint at how serious Apple is about competing with rivals like Google and Microsoft.

Apple bigwigs have reportedly been mulling over the idea of acquiring AI search startup Perplexity, according to Bloomberg. While no formal offer was made, these behind-the-scenes chats suggest Apple’s hunger to beef up its AI game—especially as rivals like Google and OpenAI dominate the conversation.

Editor’s Note: Apple’s been quiet on the AI front compared to its flashier competitors, but this leak hints they’re scouting for ways to catch up. Buying Perplexity—a company trying to reinvent search with AI—could give Apple an edge in smarter Siri upgrades or even a fresh take on web search. It’s a sign the tech arms race isn’t slowing down, and Apple doesn’t want to be left holding last year’s iPhone.