MEF Mobile News Weekly Wrap

Apple and Google Restore TikTok After Trump Halts Divestment Enforcement

Apple and Google restored TikTok to their app stores after Trump paused enforcement of a forced divestment law, preventing major disruption to the mobile ecosystem.

According to Bloomberg, the move followed assurances in a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi that a ban wouldn’t immediately be enforced.

With 170 million U.S. users, TikTok drives app store engagement, in-app spending, and mobile ads, making its return critical for Apple’s and Google’s revenue streams.

A ban would have weakened Apple’s content-driven ecosystem and challenged Google’s ad model, while also pushing users toward alternative distribution methods, especially on Android.

Trump, now active on TikTok, is exploring deals with Oracle, Microsoft, or a U.S. sovereign wealth fund.

If no resolution is reached by April, uncertainty over platform policies and regulatory risks will continue shaping the mobile landscape.

Apple Racing to Launch Mobile AI in China with Alibaba and Baidu – Bloomberg

Apple is rushing to launch mobile AI in China by mid-year, relying on Alibaba and Baidu to comply with strict regulations, Bloomberg reports citing people with knowledge of the U.S. tech giant plans.

To regain lost iPhone sales, it’s adapting its AI models with Alibaba handling censorship and updates.

China’s government can direct content changes, and imported iPhones won’t access local AI.

Apple may also need a state-approved cloud partner.

Alibaba’s Chairman confirmed the partnership, saying Apple wants to use their AI to power its devices.

It’s a delicate balancing act between innovation and compliance.

Apple Set to Unveil New iPhone on Feb 19 – Bloomberg

Apple CEO Tim Cook teased in post on X a February 19 product launch, with Bloomberg reporting it involves a new entry-level iPhone.  

According to the news agency, the device will resemble the iPhone 14, feature Face ID, a larger screen, and Apple's A18 chip—20% faster than its predecessor.

It may also debut Apple's in-house modem, replacing Qualcomm’s.  

The new iPhone is expected to be pricier than the SE due to upgraded features, possibly signaling a rebrand. Apple’s smartphone revenue remained flat at $69.1 billion in fiscal Q1 2025.

Ericsson: Telecom on Cusp of Innovation Boom with Open Networks & AI

Ericsson CTO Erik Ekudden believes the telecom industry is on the brink of a major innovation wave, driven by advances in programmable networks and APIs, Application Programming Interface solutions.

At its pre-Mobile World Congress 25 briefing, Ericsson highlighted its efforts in fixed wireless access, 5G enterprise, Extended Reality, and AI-powered networks, while pushing for open networks.

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) will start the first week of March in Barcelona, Spain.

The company unveiled new energy-efficient MIMO — the wireless communication technology that uses at both the transmitter and receiver — and 5G radio products, aiming to lead with 130 radio offerings in 2025.

Ericsson is also spearheading Aduna, a platform bringing together operators and partners like Google Cloud to create an industry-wide API ecosystem, unlocking more value across sectors.