00:00As investors navigate an increasingly uncertain market environment,
00:04corporate earnings and company updates remain key indicators of business health and future prospects.
00:10Here's a round-up of the latest corporate developments from overnight
00:14that could help shape your investment decisions today.
00:18Apple said it will replace a small number of iPhone Duo units affected by display issues.
00:24Just days after launching its first foldable smartphone,
00:27the company acknowledged reports of cracks and lines appearing on the inner screen
00:32near the device's central hinge and advised affected users to contact AppleCare for replacement.
00:38The foldable iPhone began shipping last week and saw strong demand,
00:42with initial online orders selling out within minutes.
00:45However, social media posts over the weekend highlighted display problems,
00:49prompting Apple to respond quickly and offer replacements for impacted devices.
00:54Research firm iV6 suggested the issue may be linked to stress around a display cable near the hinge mechanism.
01:01Although Apple has not confirmed the cause,
01:04industry analysts said Apple's swift response could help contain concerns,
01:08drawing comparisons with Samsung's handling of early Galaxy Fold issues in 2019.
01:17Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees,
01:21or more than a quarter of its global workforce as the technology giant seeks to contain costs
01:27while continuing to invest heavily in artificial intelligence AI.
01:30The program covers employees across several divisions,
01:34including AI, co-pilot, Xbox, finance and human resources.
01:38The move comes as Microsoft ramps up spending on an AI infrastructure,
01:43with the company forecasting US$175 billion in capital exponential for 2026.
01:50The software giant had a global workforce of about 223,000 employees as of June 2026,
01:57and has already undertaken other workforce reductions measures this year.
02:02Microsoft said the buyout program is voluntary and aimed at helping employees
02:06who may be considering leaving the company while allowing business units to adjust
02:11to changing operational needs.
02:13Eligible employees in selected teams in the US, Canada, the UK and India
02:17will receive details of the offer.
02:21Antropic has moved closer to what could become one of the largest IPOs in history,
02:27revealing explosive revenue growth but also substantial losses
02:30as investors closely scrutinize the economics of the artificial intelligence AI sector.
02:35The company reported revenue growth of 1,368% year-on-year
02:41and three months ended June 30th, highlighting strong demand for its AI products and services.
02:47Despite the rapid growth, Antropic reported a net loss of $80.7 billion in the first half of 2026.
02:55Although its operating loss narrowed and adjusted operating income turned positive,
02:59the company also warned that future revenue growth could slow and outline risks
03:04related to AI safety, security and potential misuse of its technology.
03:10Antropic's IPO is widely seen as a key test for investors' confidence in the AI industries,
03:16as markets assess whether massive spending on AI infrastructure can generate sustainable returns.
03:21The company, whose customers include more than half of the Fortune 500,
03:25is expected to list on NASDAQ under the ticket end.
