Global Scans · GAFA et al · Weekly Summary

• [New] Amazon has announced a projected $200 billion capital expenditure plan for 2026, aiming to capitalize on seminal opportunities in artificial intelligence, custom silicon, and its Amazon Leo satellite network. Fiduciary Tech
• [New] Expect a multi-phase release of Apple's new AI features in 2026, with the potential for new / upgraded Apple Intelligence features mid-year and then a complete overhaul of Siri this fall. 24/7 Wall St.
• [New] Apple is overhauling its 2026 iPhone launch strategy, prioritizing a fall release for its first foldable iPhone (iPhone Fold) and the high-end iPhone 18 Pro models, while delaying the standard iPhone 18 until 2027. BigGo Finance
• [New] Apple's iPhone 17 series is expected to arrive in its usual September window, but with dramatically expanded AI capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence. WebProNews
• [New] Amazon Pharmacy will expand same-day delivery to nearly 4,500 U.S. cities and towns, intensifying competitive pressure in retail pharmacy and recurring-services reach. Stock Titan
• [New] Samsung's trade-in push suggests it expects intense competitive pressure in 2026, especially as Apple, Google, and Chinese OEMs race to control the assistant layer between users and their apps. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] Arianespace Ariane 64: Amazon Leo from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana Amazon Leo is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon. KeepTrack
• [New] Google (which has a significant ownership stake in SpaceX) has announced a space AI effort called Project Suncatcher, which will launch prototype vehicles in 2027. TechCrunch
• [New] Apple Intelligence, Google's Gemini integration across the Pixel lineup, and various AI initiatives from Chinese manufacturers mean that Samsung will need to demonstrate clear, tangible advantages to justify its premium positioning. WebProNews
• [New] Spotify is already tapping into AI potentials to optimize user experience, a move that could align with the likes of tech giants like Netflix and Amazon. Timothy Sykes
• [New] In 2026, Seattle-based Amazon plans to ramp up its capex to a staggering $200 billion. Benzinga
• [New] Meta, Apple and other Big Tech firms are expected to ramp up their spending on artificial intelligence in 2026. WSLS 10
• [New] Amazon, for example, said late Thursday it expects to spend $200 billion on investments in 2026 to take advantage of seminal opportunities like AI, chips, robotics, and low earth orbit satellites. Marietta Times
• [New] Apple is expected to release the next-generation Siri voice assistant that will behave more like Gemini and ChatGPT. BGR
• [New] The TPU has allowed Google to catch up to its competition in generative AI throughout 2025, and could be the reason why it leads in 2026. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google, Meta, and Oracle are expected to spend roughly $602 billion in 2026. ServerLIFT
• [New] Google will bring Personal Intelligence features to Chrome in the coming months, after launching Personal Intelligence in Gemini and Google Search. AOL
• [New] Amazon forecast first-quarter operating income of between $16.5 billion and $21.5 billion, baking in roughly $1 billion related in part to higher costs at its high-speed satellite internet business, Leo. Classic Rock 103.5 WIMZ | Knoxville, TN
• [New] Google has said social engagement is not a direct ranking factor, but social activity can indirectly help SEO by increasing reach, brand searches, and link / mention opportunities. BusinessKrafts
• [New] Sentra secures sensitive data across Google Cloud, Google Workspace, and AI-driven environments with accuracy, scale, and control - going beyond visibility to actively reduce data risk. Sentra
• [New] Amazon plans to roll out AI tools within its MGM Studio to streamline film and television production. MarketingProfs

Last updated: 15 February 2026