Tech news digest for Sunday, August 23, 2026

Apple Unveils Foldable iPhone and Retail Store Revamps

Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone next month, marking a significant addition to its smartphone lineup. In tandem with this release, the company is implementing major changes to its retail stores to accommodate new home products, including the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K.

• Retail changes will include rearranging sections and adding accessory bays to better showcase the new home devices.

We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is an intimate coming-of-age horror film

Jane Schoenbrun's film, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, revisits the unsettling experience of growing up in a digital age through the lens of horror. The story follows Casey, a lonely girl who participates in the World’s Fair Challenge, a ritual that involves self-inflicted harm and the sharing of her experiences online. Unlike typical coming-of-age narratives, the film avoids sexual themes, instead focusing on Casey's quest for connection in an increasingly isolating world. The film's voyeuristic elements are heightened by her interactions with JLB, a middle-aged man who expresses concern for her safety, adding layers of discomfort to the narrative. We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is available to stream on platforms like Criterion Channel, Kanopy, and Hoopla.

• The film premiered at Sundance 2021 and has gained critical acclaim.
• The film features a voyeuristic relationship between Casey and a middle-aged man named JLB.

Is it legal to train AI models on copyrighted books? It’s complicated

The legality of training AI models on copyrighted books is under scrutiny, highlighted by Judge William Alsup's ruling that Anthropic's AI training was lawful despite a $1.5 billion penalty for using pirated materials. This case exemplifies the complex intersection of copyright law and AI technology, as many authors unknowingly contribute to AI development. Legal experts note that the outdated nature of copyright law, last revised in 1976, complicates the courts' ability to address these emerging issues, particularly around fair use and transformative use in AI training.

• Copyright law has not been updated since 1976, complicating legal interpretations for AI training.
• Fair use in AI hinges on whether the use is 'transformative' and not directly competitive with original works.

Report: Apple launching updated iMac with M6 chip and new colors later this year

Apple is preparing to launch a refreshed iMac equipped with the new M6 chip and updated color options, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This marks the first iMac update in two years, having skipped the M2 and M5 chip families. The new model is expected to be available before the end of 2026, coinciding with a significant fall for Apple's Mac lineup, which will also include overhauled MacBook Pro models and potentially a refreshed Mac mini. While details on the new colors remain vague, the iMac's design is anticipated to evolve from the previous palette introduced with the M4 refresh in 2024.

• The new iMac will feature the M6 chip, the first based on a 2nm process.
• New color options will be introduced, although specific changes have not been detailed.

Meta Trial: How Social Media Lawsuits Threaten Big Tech

The trial against Meta, initiated by California and other states, centers on allegations that the company deliberately designs its platforms to foster addiction among users. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside other state attorneys, presented opening arguments on August 18, 2026, in Oakland. The lawsuit claims that these practices have detrimental effects on mental health, raising concerns about the responsibilities of social media companies. Meta contends that user engagement is not inherently harmful, setting the stage for a pivotal legal battle that could influence future regulations in the tech industry.

Memory shortage reportedly drives Nvidia AI server prices up about 15 percent

Nvidia AI server prices are expected to rise by over 15% due to an ongoing memory shortage, as reported by Bloomberg. This increase primarily affects systems with Nvidia's Vera Rubin and Grace Blackwell chips, driven by escalating DRAM costs from major suppliers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. The price hikes will impact shipments scheduled for early 2027, with contract manufacturers already notifying clients such as Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. Despite developing their own chips, these companies remain heavily reliant on Nvidia, which poses a challenge as they invest billions into AI infrastructure while facing significant market pressures.

• Nvidia's price increases highlight tensions between AI investment and supplier reliance.

Alibaba to Raise $10 Billion by Selling Shares for AI Expansion

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is set to raise approximately HK$80 billion ($10 billion) by selling 710 million shares at HK$112.7 each, marking a 3.6% discount from its last closing price. This strategic move aims to strengthen Alibaba's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global artificial intelligence sector. The company's substantial investment in AI has already reached $10 billion this year, contributing to a dramatic 75% drop in profits, highlighting the financial stakes involved in this expansion.

• This fundraising effort aims to bolster Alibaba's position in the global AI market.
• The company has already spent $10 billion on AI-related initiatives this year.