Apple Watch Import Ban, Intel’s Foundry Business, and OpenAI’s Valuation 12/26/23
Dec 26, 2023
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Apple has been banned from importing and selling the latest line of Apple Watches in the U.S. due to a patent dispute. Intel is receiving several billion dollars to build a new chip factory. OpenAI is reportedly in talks to raise a fresh round of funding at a valuation of $100 billion or more.
Apple has been banned from selling certain Apple Watch models in the US due to a patent dispute, potentially impacting a small portion of their revenue.
Intel has secured $3.2 billion to expand its chip facility in Israel and aims to invest up to $100 billion in building the world's largest chip-making complex in Ohio, demonstrating its commitment to reclaiming chip manufacturing leadership.
Deep dives
Apple Watch Sales Banned in the US Due to Patent Dispute
The US Trade Representative Office has upheld the International Trade Commission's decision to ban the sale of certain Apple Watch models in the US, following a patent dispute with Massimo. Apple is working to make changes to the Apple Watch to comply with the patents and hopes to resume selling soon. The ban, if sustained, is estimated to impact less than 2% of Apple's revenue for the March quarter, resulting in a loss of around $135 million in weekly sales. Apple may need to seek a license or make a deal with Massimo to continue using the technology in the future.
Intel Receives Government Support to Expand Chip Facility in Israel
Intel has secured $3.2 billion from the Israeli government to expand its advanced chip facility in Israel, driving the company's stock price up. This investment is part of Intel's broader plan, which includes investing up to $100 billion in building the world's largest chip-making complex in Ohio and establishing two plants in Germany. Intel aims to regain its manufacturing chip leadership, and while some analysts remain skeptical, the company claims to be on track to deliver five new chip processes in four years. Intel's foundry business has generated $311 million in revenue in Q3, driving its growth.
Open AI in Talks for $100 Billion Valuation, Raises Questions About Competition
Open AI is reportedly in discussions to raise funds at a valuation of at least $100 billion, making it the second most valuable US startup. The company, known for its AI language model GPT, has seen its valuation skyrocket. With the raised capital, Open AI aims to invest in costly infrastructure, including chips and servers, to support its operations. The company may be looking to become less reliant on established microchip and server providers, potentially intensifying competition in the semiconductor industry. However, the impact of competition on established names like NVIDIA and AMD may still be years away.
A trio of topics for today’s podcast - Apple has now been banned from importing and selling the latest line of Apple Watches in the U.S., stemming from a patent dispute over the blood-oxygen sensors in the devices. Intel is getting several billion dollars to build a new chip factory. And OpenAI is reportedly in talks to raise a fresh round of funding at a valuation of $100 billion or more.
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