MOFCOM Department of Foreign Trade deputy director He Shaojun said at a State Council Information Office briefing on the 28th that, according to customs statistics, China’s exports of industrial robots and 3D printers rose 18.6% and 109.3% YoY in 1H, respectively, making AI-related products a new export calling card.

Apple has rolled out Apple Upgrade in the US, offering device leases via Klarna. Terms: iPhone and Apple Watch 12–24 months; Mac and iPad 24–36 months, matching typical replacement/use cycles. Leasing lowers the monthly payment barrier and embeds return, renewal or upgrade options at term, which could convert irregular upgrade demand into a more predictable update cadence. Lower monthly fees do not necessarily reduce total ownership cost; long-term holders may be no better off than with interest-free instalments. Whether the plan shortens upgrade cycles depends on adoption, end‑of‑term upgrade conversion and sustained renewal rates. Only repeated re‑enrolment would let Apple shift hardware from one‑off sales toward a steadier replacement-driven revenue pattern.

U.S. President Trump said he will use Iranian funds to pay for losses in the Strait of Hormuz.