EDA vendors including Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA, along with simulation software maker Ansys, began rolling out AI-enhanced design tools in the early 2020s using machine learning and reinforcement learning to optimize floorplans, placement, routing, and verification. Architect Labs recently said it produced a chip design developed almost entirely by AI, which the report calls an industry first, while generative AI increasingly assists engineers writing RTL code and emerging agentic systems can run EDA tools with less human oversight.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-29
Intel has been granted a U.S. patent describing a method to embed MicroLED-equipped dies inside glass chip substrates, connected via Through-Glass-Vias for power and signaling. The design uses laser etching, copper electroplating, and silicon nitride bonding layers to integrate RGB-emitting dies into packaging, according to TrendForce. Intel's filing cites diagnostic testing and customizable surface lighting as potential applications.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-29
Synopsys introduced AgentEngineer, a set of AI agents built on its Autopilot Platform aimed at automating chip design tasks across six areas including verification, implementation, and analog/mixed-signal design. The company says over 50 customer engagements are underway and plans general availability by the end of 2026, following earlier agentic AI demonstrations with Nvidia and Microsoft at DAC in July.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-28
Tom's Hardware is offering free access to its Premium AI Chip Design Week coverage from September 28 to October 2, available to anyone who creates a free account. The lineup includes an interview with OpenAI hardware lead Richard Ho about Jalapeño, the company's AI-designed inference ASIC unveiled at Hot Chips 2026, plus reports on AI's role in EDA tools and future AI-assisted chip design.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-28
A leak from Aaron Perris indicates Apple's upcoming iPad mini refresh will include an A20 Pro chip and thinner bezels, alongside previously reported OLED display and water-resistant design. A commentator argues the device should also adopt the split-screen with picture-in-picture multitasking feature seen on the iPhone Duo.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-27
The Brick device blocks distracting apps via an NFC chip that users tap to start and stop blocking sessions, but this functionality can be replicated using blank NFC tags costing about a dollar or printed QR codes. Free apps such as Foqos for iOS, built by developer Ali Waseem, let users configure app-blocking profiles tied to NFC tags, QR codes, barcodes, or daily schedules, and can prevent users from disabling the block by deleting the app.
wired.com
· 2026-09-27
A week of hands-on use with the Apple Watch Series 12 highlights improvements in battery life and charging speed, attributed to the new S11 chip. The reviewer notes the watch now lasts through a full day and night of sleep tracking without needing a mid-day charge, and gains 12 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging, per Apple. A new step-counter complication was also found exclusive to Series 12 despite step data being available on older models.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-26
Apple's upcoming macOS 27, codenamed Golden Gate, will only run on Apple silicon Macs, cutting off every Intel-based MacBook. The cutoff includes 2020 MacBooks except for the M1 chip versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, meaning most MacBooks from 2021 onward remain supported. Users can check their chip type via the Apple menu's 'About This Mac' option.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-26
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White certified a class of banks and credit unions that issued Apple Pay-enabled cards and paid transaction fees to Apple, allowing them to jointly pursue a 2022 lawsuit. The judge also rejected Apple's bid to strike expert testimony plaintiffs say demonstrates Apple's monopoly over mobile wallets. The suit claims Apple has collected up to $1 billion a year by requiring card issuers to pay 0.15% on credit transactions and half a cent on debit transactions while blocking rival wallets from the iPhone's NFC chip.
macrumors.com
· 2026-09-26
Code found by MacRumors inside Apple software reveals details of an unreleased iPad mini, including a product icon showing a moved camera and a speaker cutout resembling the iPhone. The code also indicates the device will use the A20 Pro chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro, replacing the A17 Pro in the current model.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-09-25
Details and images found in Apple's own code by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris suggest Apple is preparing a HomePod mini 2 in new muted color options, an iPad mini 8 with a repositioned front camera and A20 Pro chip, and an updated Apple TV 4K that looks similar to its predecessor. The leak follows Apple's recent launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone Duo.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-25
Piper Sandler's research note says eight major US tech firms are evaluating Intel's upcoming 14A chip manufacturing process. None has committed to production contracts yet, but the firm says Intel needs to land an anchor customer by late 2026 or early 2027 ahead of a planned 2028 manufacturing ramp.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-25
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