Daily Recap: Tech — 14 August 2026

Today’s tech news turns on control: governments, platforms and companies all try to set the rules for fast-moving digital markets. Courts limit one attempt to police social media, while major firms redraw AI and mobility strategies around China, Europe and the race to scale new t...

Apple is training a proprietary large language model for the China market with support from Alibaba, signaling a more tailored approach to bringing generative AI features to its devices there. The move suggests Apple is adapting its AI strategy to China’s regulatory and commercial environment rather than relying only on outside models.

Uber and Pony.ai expand their robotaxi partnership with a plan to deploy more than 2,000 autonomous taxis across Europe. The effort builds on their existing service in Zagreb and points to a broader push to move robotaxis from limited pilots toward larger commercial fleets in multiple cities.

Microsoft is scaling back its operations in China while keeping a presence in the country, balancing retreat with continued investment. The decision reflects regulatory and business pressures, but also continued demand tied to artificial intelligence, which still makes China an important market for global technology companies.

France’s Constitutional Council strikes down a law that would have barred children under 15 from using social media, ruling that the measure violates constitutional protections. The decision ends the push for a blanket age-based ban and hands a setback to President Emmanuel Macron, who had supported the restriction.

SpaceX completes a $60 billion acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor in a major bet on artificial intelligence. The purchase expands Elon Musk’s reach in the AI sector and positions SpaceX more directly against leading companies developing advanced models and software tools.

Apple classifies the iPhone X as obsolete, ending certain forms of official parts and service support for the device. The change closes a chapter for the phone that introduced a new design era for the iPhone and now moves owners further toward third-party repair or replacement options.

Black Mirror director Ally Pankiw says she rejected an offer to work on HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, citing concerns about transphobia. In messages she shared publicly, she responds in blunt terms to an inquiry about joining the project, turning the exchange into a visible industry statement.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag denies rumors that he traveled to Davao City to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, saying the operation there targets a steel plant. The denial aims to shut down online speculation as the law enforcement raid proceeds without connection to the senator.