The Core: Apple; TLDR (June 26)

Last week was defined by Apple price increases. Next week we can look forward to more from Europe and the Back to School promo. Here’s the news today taken from my Substack service. Please subscribe to the Substack for your daily news headlines, and more unique pieces in future.

Tim Cook meets EU Monday

EU Technology Commissioner Henna Virkkunen will ‌hold ⁠a ⁠video call with Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook ⁠on Monday, no details confirmed.

Apple to achieve record share in Mac, iPhone, iPad, in 2026

“It will become increasingly difficult for competitors to make an Apple user switch to their operating system.”

Forget the Apple tax, this is the AI tax

It was pleasant to enjoy a few weeks when the dream of a sub-$500 Mac came true.

While prices rises hurt now, analyst thinks future hikes may be avoided

Apple had to raise prices for this memory wave of cost increases….they ripped the band-aid off and we view this as the right move for margins @CNBCClosingBell 🍎📱🏆📺👇 https://t.co/otsL8BuNyQ

— Dan Ives (@DivesTech) June 25, 2026

MacBook Neo hits Apple’s refurb store

Means you can buy second hand models from the original $599 starting price.

Apple AI Tax hits supplier IPO

Chinese Apple supplier Lingyi iTech fell 4.6% on today’s Hong Kong IPO. Tech shares fell across Asia as investors considered tech price increases.

TSMC is having a good AI transition

TSMC saw 41% YoY revenue growth in Q1 2026 thanks to AI

China may rescue us from AI taxation

Apple could turn to Chinese memory makers amid AI-driven supply shortage

Micron’s gross margin was 84.9% last quarter. How’s your AI tax going?

Those defending Micron are basically relying on the argument that Apple was mean to Micron in the past so Micron can be mean to Apple now.

1) Apple may be the one going publicly after the “memory guys,” but the entire Big Tech apparatus backs Apple’s arguments. And more… https://t.co/bvftGt8Xkt

— Neil Cybart (@neilcybart) June 26, 2026

iPhone Ultra 2 details slip!

Leaker confirms Apple has confirmed iPhone Ultra 2, while iPhone Air 3 decision pending. Book-style smartphones will boost segment, analyst says.

Siri AI sets URL limits

Apple will prevent Siri AI making summaries of webpages using a URL.

Tata Electronics tightens internal controls after breach

Hires forensics  expert and actively works with Apple security team following serious hack.

Camp Snoopy Season Two hits Apple TV

13 episodes of escapism, because you probably need it.

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