Tech

Apple Faces Potential iPhone Price Hike Amid China Tariffs

Published

2 months ago

March 8, 2025

Apple, the tech giant known for its iconic iPhone, may soon be forced to increase prices on its flagship product due to recent tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. As the trade tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate, Apple finds itself at the center of a complex economic situation that could impact consumers and the company’s bottom line.

Tariff Impact and Price Increase Estimates

Bank of America analysts suggest that Apple might need to raise iPhone prices by approximately 9% to offset the effects of the new tariffs. This estimate is based on a 10% tariff being applied to imports from China, where a significant portion of Apple’s manufacturing takes place. Morningstar reports that about 70% of iPhones are produced in China, while S&P Global data indicates this figure could reach 90% by 2025.

The potential price hike comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has increased tariffs on Chinese products from 10% to 20%, in addition to existing duties. This move puts considerable pressure on Apple’s extensive supply network within China and could affect product sales in Greater China, which accounted for 17% of Apple’s revenue last year.

Apple’s Mitigation Strategies

Facing these challenges, Apple is exploring several strategies to mitigate the impact of the tariffs:

Seeking Exemptions: CEO Tim Cook has previously secured exemptions from tariffs during Trump’s earlier term and is attempting to do so again.
U.S. Investment: Apple has pledged a multibillion-dollar investment in U.S. projects and plans to hire 20,000 people over the next four years, partly to gain favor for tariff exemptions.

Supply Chain Diversification: The company has been working to shift some production out of China. For instance, Apple has moved some iPhone production to India and plans to begin producing AirPods there as well.
Absorbing Costs: Apple may choose to absorb some of the tariff costs to remain competitive. The company recently announced a $100 price cut on its new MacBook Air M4 compared to the M3 launch price, despite the tariffs taking effect.

Consumer Impact and Market Implications

If Apple decides to raise prices, it could have significant implications for consumers and the company’s market position. iPhone prices in the U.S. haven’t increased since 2020, except for the Pro Max model. Analysts suggest that if gradual price hikes occur, Apple’s best-performing regions and products, like the iPhone, will likely see increases first.

The situation remains fluid, with Apple carefully weighing its options. As Dipan Chatterjee, an analyst, noted, “Apple is currently trying to sort this all out,” and consumers may encounter “mixed signals” as the situation unfolds.

Looking Ahead

As the trade landscape continues to evolve, Apple’s response to these tariffs will be closely watched by investors, consumers, and industry analysts alike. The company’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its market position and consumer loyalty will be crucial in the coming months.

While the potential for price increases looms, Apple’s track record of innovation and strategic planning suggests that the company will explore all available options to mitigate the impact on its customers and its business. As the situation develops, consumers and investors alike will be keen to see how Apple balances its pricing strategy with its commitment to delivering high-quality products in an increasingly complex global market.

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Tech

How to Get a Google AI Certificate for Free

Published

5 days ago

April 23, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and Google is helping learners worldwide gain AI skills through free courses, skill badges, and limited-time certification opportunities. Here’s how you can earn a Google AI credential at no cost—and what to expect from each program.

Step 1: Earn Free Skill Badges

Google’s Cloud Skills Boost platform offers short, free courses that award digital skill badges upon completion. These badges validate your expertise in specific AI topics and can be shared on LinkedIn or resumes.

Top free courses:

Introduction to Generative AI: A 45-minute primer on GenAI basics and Google’s tools.
Introduction to Large Language Models: Learn how LLMs work and their real-world applications.
Responsible AI: Explore ethics and Google’s AI principles.
Generative AI Fundamentals: Complete the three courses above and pass a quiz to earn a cumulative skill badge.

Why it matters: Skill badges demonstrate competency to employers and require no payment.

Step 2: Use Free Credits for Hands-On Labs

Join the Google Cloud Innovators program to get 35 free monthly credits for AI labs, including:

Image Generation with Vertex AI: Build diffusion models.
Gemini for Workspace: Use AI for productivity tasks.

Limitation: While credits cover labs, full certifications (e.g., Machine Learning Engineer) require paid exams.

Step 3: Watch for Limited-Time Free Programs

Google occasionally partners with platforms like Coursera or Kaggle to offer free certification pathways:

GenAI Intensive (2025): A 5-day live course with labs and a capstone project (certification details pending).
Coursera Financial Aid: Apply for assistance to waive fees for courses like Google AI Essentials ($49).

Step 4: Access Free AI Modules in Career Certificates

Google’s Career Certificates (e.g., Data Analytics, Cybersecurity) now include AI training modules. Audit these courses for free during Coursera’s 7-day trial or partial enrollment.

Key Considerations

Skill Badges vs. Certifications: Badges validate skills; full certifications require paid exams.
Platform Differences: Free content is on Google’s platforms; paid certificates are hosted on Coursera.

Bottom Line: Start Today

Beginners: Enroll in Introduction to Generative AI.
Developers: Use Innovator credits for Vertex AI labs.
Career Builders: Pair skill badges with Google Career Certificates.

By leveraging Google’s free resources, you can build AI expertise and enhance your career—without spending a dime.

Additional Resources:

Google Cloud AI Training: Full Course List
Coursera Financial Aid: Application Guide
AI Ethics Primer: Responsible AI Practices

This structured approach ensures you maximize Google’s offerings while staying within a $0 budget.

Tech

The AI Social Network You Didn’t See Coming

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

In a world dominated by likes and follower counts, two Yale juniors are flipping the script. Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, both 21-year-old Black founders, just raised $3.1 million in 14 days to launch Series—an AI-powered platform they call the “anti-Facebook.” Forget vanity metrics: this startup focuses on real connections by matching users through an AI agent that acts like a personal networking concierge.

Why Traditional Social Media Is Broken

Johnson and Hargrow noticed a glaring flaw in platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram: they prioritize performative posts over genuine relationships. “Social media is great for broadcasting, but it doesn’t help you meet the right people at the right time,” Johnson told Business Insider. Their solution? An AI “friend” that texts users to understand their goals—whether they need a mentor, investor, or co-founder—and then scours the network for matches.

How Series Works

Text Your AI Friend: Users chat via SMS or iMessage with an AI agent (like “Stevie” or “Oliver”) to specify what they’re looking for.
AI Does the Heavy Lifting: The AI analyzes user needs and searches the network for compatible connections, such as a Stanford student seeking a tech collaborator or a founder hunting for seed funding.
Meet Your Match: Introductions happen asynchronously, so users connect only when both parties are ready—no more waiting for Friday rollouts.

In its first week, Series facilitated 20,000 messages, proving that Gen Z is hungry for tools that prioritize substance over self-promotion.

The Founders’ Unlikely Journey

Standing at 6’5”, Johnson and Hargrow joke about being “a direct foil to the Harvard story” (a nod to Facebook’s origins). But their path wasn’t easy. As Black students in Yale’s entrepreneurship scene, they faced assumptions—from being mistaken for athletes to battling the “spray and pray” networking culture.

Their breakthrough came after a “million-dollar dinner” with investor Anne Lee Skates, who became their lead backer.The duo’s podcast, The Founder Series, gave them unique insights: “Success often hinges on engineered luck,” Hargrow said. “We’re building that luck into the system”.

What’s Next?

Series is expanding to Stanford, MIT, and other campuses, aiming to become the go-to network for student entrepreneurs. With Reddit CEO Steve Huffman and GPTZero’s Edward Tian as angel investors, the platform is poised to redefine how Gen Z builds professional relationships.

In a digital age obsessed with clout, Johnson and Hargrow’s mission is clear: “Forget your likes. Focus on who you are and what you can bring to the table”.

Business

The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW

Published

2 months ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

How to Find More Free Events

SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
Eventbrite: Browse listings for unofficial SXSW events, many of which are free or low-cost.

Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!