Today in tech, the industry is seeing a significant shift in market stability due to AI’s rapid integration, alongside major infrastructure moves in Southeast Asia and new product leaks from Apple.
1. Global Software Market Shakeup
A widespread sell-off in software shares hit global markets today, sparked by renewed investor fears over AI-driven disruption. Companies like WiseTech Global, Xero, and Technology One saw sharp declines. Analysts suggest the sell-off isn't due to poor earnings but rather a "re-rating" of the sector as generative AI begins to compress margins and weaken traditional customer lock-in for SaaS products.
2. AI & Infrastructure Boom
- Vietnam’s AI Ambition: Abu Dhabi-based tech group G42 signed a framework agreement with a Vietnamese consortium (including FPT Corporation) to build a national AI infrastructure. The deal, backed by commitments of up to $1 billion, aims to turn Vietnam into a regional AI hub while maintaining national data sovereignty.
- Australia’s AI Surge: A new report from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia revealed that Australia has become the world’s third-largest AI investment destination, trailing only the U.S. and China. This has led to a jump in shares for local data center providers like Goodman Group and NEXTDC.
3. Apple’s Early 2026 Roadmap Leaked
Reports today detailed Apple’s upcoming spring refresh. Key highlights include:
- iPhone 17e: A new "essential" model expected to replace older budget tiers.
- Smarter Siri: An iOS 26.4 beta is slated for late February, introducing "Apple Intelligence" features that give Siri natural conversational abilities and a chatbot-style interface.
- iPad Updates: A 12th-gen entry-level iPad (running the A18 chip) and an 8th-gen iPad Air (running the M4 chip) are expected soon, with the base iPad supporting Apple Intelligence for the first time.
4. Business & IPOs
- Fractal Analytics IPO: The high-profile AI and analytics firm Fractal Analytics opened its IPO today, looking to raise over ₹2,800 crore. Other tech-related IPOs opening today include Aye Finance and Marushika Technology.
- Broadridge Acquisition: Broadridge Financial Solutions reached an agreement to acquire CQG, a major trading solutions provider, to bolster its digital asset and algorithmic trading capabilities.
5. Hardware & Gadgets
- Rising Costs: Consumers are being warned of imminent price hikes for laptops and smartphones. Reports indicate that Samsung is doubling the price of DDR5 memory (RAM) due to high demand from the AI server sector, leading manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo to adjust their 2026 pricing.
- Samsung "Solve for Tomorrow": In Milan, coinciding with the Olympic Winter Games, Samsung appointed 10 global student ambassador teams for its STEM innovation program, focusing on "Sport & Tech" and "Accessibility."
6. Healthcare Tech
GE HealthCare announced it will unveil a new suite of AI-enabled precision care tools at the World Health Expo 2026 in Dubai this week. The innovations focus on cloud-based imaging systems that reduce clinician workload and provide faster, more precise diagnoses.