Tech Voices: Apple’s folding iPhone, Scale AI, robotaxis on the move

Seeking Alpha’s daily roundup of remarks and statements that could impact the technology sector.

• Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is planning to launch a folding iPhone next year, according to a key industry analyst.

“Assembly supplier Foxconn (OTCPK:FXCOF) is expected to officially kick off the project in late 3Q25 or early 4Q25. As of now, many component specifications (including the hinge, which has drawn considerable market attention) have yet to be finalized,” said TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a post on X.

Kuo noted that the product, which will feature a Samsung Display and premium pricing, is expected to go into mass production in the latter half of 2026.

• Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Waymo said it has applied for a permit to operate its autonomous robotaxis in New York City with a human at the wheel, given that state law still prohibits the use of completely driverless vehicles.

“While we won’t be in New York full-time yet, we have every intention of bringing our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the city in the future,” Waymo said in an announcement, according to CNBC.

“We’re advocating for a change in state law that would allow for operating a vehicle with no human behind the wheel,” Waymo added.

• Amazon’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Zoox announced it has opened the “first-ever serial production facility for purpose-built robotaxis in the U.S,” capable of producing 10,000 vehicles per year.

“The facility will be utilized for planned growth and robotaxi services at Zoox across multiple markets, starting with Las Vegas, followed by San Francisco, and with additional locations such as Austin and Miami expected to follow in the next few years,” Zoox said in a statement.

“The number of Zoox robotaxis we produce will grow and scale to match the demand of our commercial service as needed,” Zoox added.

• Scale AI doesn’t plan to change direction or wind down following Meta’s (NASDAQ:META) $14.3B investment in the firm, resulting in Meta holding a 49% stake in the company.

“Unlike some other recent tech deals you might have heard about in the AI space, this is not a pivot or a winding down,” Interim CEO Jason Droege said in a company memo, according to CNBC. “Scale remains, unequivocally, an independent company,” he added.