Apple is finally nearing the launch of its Apple Intelligence features in China, the world’s largest smartphone market. Regulatory roadblocks forced Apple to partner with Alibaba, as US-based AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are banned. The rollout, delayed by US-China trade tensions, now aims for year-end with iOS 26.1 or 26.2, just in time for the iPhone 17 launch. While US lawmakers warn of national security risks, Apple sees the move as crucial to reviving sluggish Chinese sales. For entrepreneurs, this highlights how geopolitical pressures can reshape product strategy — and why local partnerships are key to global expansion.

Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17, a major upgrade focused on cameras, durability, and performance. The device introduces a new Centre Stage front camera for better selfies and group shots, plus a triple 48MP system including an Ultra Wide lens for sharper, more detailed photos. It features a brighter 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield 2, delivering 3x better scratch resistance. Powered by the A19 chip, it promises faster graphics, AI-ready processing, and all-day battery life. Starting at $799 with 256GB storage, the iPhone 17 arrives in five colours and doubles down on Apple’s push for durability, AI integration, and eco-friendly design.

The global EdTech and Smart Classrooms market is booming, projected to grow from $197B in 2025 to $353B by 2030 at a 12.3% CAGR. Growth is fueled by hybrid learning, government investments, and widespread mobile adoption, especially in emerging markets where smartphones are the gateway to education. K-12 schools lead adoption, using AI-driven adaptive tools, gamification, and smart classroom technologies to boost engagement. Cloud-based solutions dominate, offering scalable, cost-effective access to learning. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with startups like Ruangguru and Unacademy scaling rapidly. For entrepreneurs, the shift highlights vast opportunities in mobile-first, personalised, and cloud-enabled education models.

Lincoln Learning Solutions and Creatium have launched Lincoln AI, one of the first fully vetted, interactive AI learning assistants for K-12 students. Unlike generic AI tools, it’s built on the accredited Lincoln Empowered curriculum, ensuring accuracy and alignment with national standards. The assistant engages students in live, two-way conversations, adapts in real time, and helps personalise lessons in English, social studies, and select STEM subjects. Early trials show a +0.35 effect size in learning gains, particularly for novice learners. For edtech entrepreneurs, this marks a shift toward trusted, curriculum-based AI tools that enhance—not replace—teachers while scaling access to personalised learning.

The 2025 State EdTech Trends Report from SETDA highlights a dramatic shift in K-12 priorities: AI now tops the list of state education technology initiatives, surpassing cybersecurity for the first time. Leaders across 47 states are developing AI guidance, policy frameworks, and training, even as pandemic-era funding dries up, leaving sustainability as the biggest challenge. Other key issues include debates over student device use, gaps in professional learning, and ongoing cybersecurity concerns. For entrepreneurs, the report signals growing demand for AI-powered but trusted, policy-aligned tools—alongside opportunities in professional development, sustainable edtech funding models, and solutions that balance innovation with student well-being.

Lead Bank has raised $70 million in Series B funding, led by ICONIQ and Greycroft, pushing its valuation to $1.47 billion. Since its $56M acquisition in 2022, the bank has redefined itself as a leading banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform, catering to fast-growing FinTechs that demand speed, scalability, and strong compliance. Recent partnerships with Stripe, Visa, and Branch highlight its role in powering digital assets, embedded finance, and workplace payments. With fresh capital, Lead Bank will enhance its technology stack and expand product capabilities, positioning itself as a benchmark for secure, innovative banking in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.

Klarna, the Swedish buy-now-pay-later pioneer, has raised $1.37 billion in its long-awaited U.S. IPO, selling shares at $40 each for a $15.1 billion valuation—far below its $45B peak in 2021 but a major rebound from its $6.7B low in 2022. The offering was oversubscribed 25 times, underscoring strong investor appetite for FinTech despite profitability concerns. Klarna’s losses widened to $52M last quarter, even as revenue climbed to $823M. Analysts say success hinges on balancing growth with profits in a tougher market. Klarna’s strong brand could give it an edge as it joins peers like Chime in testing public markets.

Google has expanded its AI Mode search experience to five new languages: Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese. Powered by its custom Gemini 2.5 model, AI Mode goes beyond translation by tailoring responses with local context and nuanced understanding. The update enables users worldwide to ask complex questions in their preferred language and receive deeper, multimodal answers. This move underscores Google’s ambition to make advanced AI search truly global and relevant to diverse markets. For entrepreneurs, it signals fresh opportunities in localised digital services, AI-powered content, and cross-border user engagement as AI-driven search becomes more accessible.

Google has introduced a Gemini-powered AI system that helps scientists automate the creation of custom research software, dramatically reducing hypothesis testing from months to hours. Unlike traditional coding assistants, this system generates, optimises, and validates empirical software programs designed to maximise a measurable score. Tested across six fields, including genomics, public health, geospatial analysis, and neuroscience, the AI not only produced expert-level solutions but, in many cases, outperformed human-designed methods. For entrepreneurs, this development highlights the emerging market for domain-specific AI research tools, opening opportunities in healthcare, climate tech, and other sectors where speed and scale can redefine innovation.

Tourism in Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa is booming, fueled by rising demand from European and American travellers. Visitors are drawn to Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza and Nile cruises, Morocco’s medinas and luxury riads, and South Africa’s safaris, wine estates, and cultural landmarks. A surge in luxury travel and expanded airline routes is making these destinations even more accessible. For entrepreneurs, this signals opportunities in hospitality, cultural tourism, wellness, and adventure experiences, as global travellers increasingly seek a blend of history, authenticity, and opulence. Africa’s top destinations are fast becoming global tourism powerhouses.

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, will open its first branded stores in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2025. The stores will offer groceries, household essentials, apparel, technology, and locally-sourced products, designed with wide aisles, bright lighting, and a customer-focused layout. Walmart will also leverage digital channels to enhance shopping experiences. The move builds on Walmart’s existing presence in South Africa through Massmart, which operates Game, Makro, and Builder’s. Following its April growth summit connecting suppliers across Africa, Walmart aims to strengthen local partnerships while bringing its global brand and retail expertise to South African consumers.

Ralph Lauren has introduced Ask Ralph, an AI-driven conversational shopping tool that delivers personalised outfit recommendations from its Men’s and Women’s Polo collections. Available on iPhone and Android apps in the U.S., the feature generates shoppable visual layouts based on user prompts, simulating an in-store stylist experience. Developed in partnership with Microsoft and powered by Azure OpenAI, Ask Ralph leverages conversational AI and natural language processing to interpret open-ended queries and provide tailored styling suggestions. The brand plans to expand Ask Ralph to additional collections, platforms, and international markets, offering consumers a new, highly personalised approach to fashion discovery and shopping.

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