Category Archives: manufacturing

Tokiwair to Join Aircraft Manufacturing, Aiming for First Flight Within Five Years

While Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) are currently treated as experimental aircraft in Japan, they are recognized as practical planes in the United States and other countries. Tokiwair aims to secure approval in the U.S. and conduct its first flight within five years.

Since launching operations in 2024, Tokiwair has continued to post net losses. However, the company is now stepping up efforts to restructure and improve its financial standing.

Starting in October, entrepreneur Takafumi Horie has joined the board of directors to help strengthen management and guide the company toward a more sustainable future.

In an announcement on October 6th, Tokiwair also revealed plans to launch a so-called super app initiative. This platform is designed to link transportation, hospitals, and restaurants across Niigata Prefecture, creating a seamless user experience through a single app.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to shift the airline toward profitability and expand its role in the regional community.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147143.php

Asia shares, gold rise on US shutdown watch

Oil prices declined recently amid expectations of an increase in OPEC production. Market participants anticipate that the organization will boost output, putting downward pressure on crude prices.

Meanwhile, China’s manufacturing activity has contracted for the sixth consecutive month, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector. This persistent slowdown contributes to concerns about the broader economic recovery in the region.

In European markets, Euro Stoxx 50 futures dipped during early trading, reflecting investor caution amid these global economic developments. Traders are closely monitoring how these factors will influence market sentiment moving forward.
https://thewest.com.au/business/asia-shares-gold-rise-on-us-shutdown-watch-c-20187675

Trump imposes 100 pc tariff on imported drugs without US manufacturing base

Former President Donald Trump has clarified the scope of his recent tariff measures, stating that companies that have already begun construction of plants in the U.S. will be exempt from the new pharmaceutical tariffs. In a post, he wrote, “There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump also announced sweeping tariffs on a variety of household products, including imported kitchen cabinets and certain types of furniture, potentially adding to the rising costs in this category seen in recent months. According to CNN, Trump detailed the new tariffs in a Truth Social post, stating:

“We will be imposing a 50 percent Tariff on all Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanities, and associated products, starting October 1st, 2025. Additionally, we will be charging a 30 percent Tariff on Upholstered Furniture.”

These tariffs come amidst a notable increase in furniture prices over the past year. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that overall furniture costs rose 4.7 percent compared to August 2024. Specifically, living room and dining room furniture prices jumped 9.5 percent over the last 12 months.

The surge in furniture prices is closely linked to recent tariff hikes on imports from China and Vietnam, the two largest sources of imported furniture into the U.S. Last year, both countries exported approximately USD 12 billion worth of furniture and fixtures, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department. Notably, furniture prices had generally declined for about two and a half years before these tariffs were introduced.

Trump defended the tariffs, arguing that foreign manufacturers have been oversupplying the U.S. market. He described the large-scale “flooding” of products from other countries as “a very unfair practice,” emphasizing the need to protect U.S. manufacturing for national security and other reasons.

Meanwhile, new tariff rates affecting dozens of countries were introduced in August, following delays that allowed time for trade negotiations. These include:

– 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, with an additional 25 percent penalty for trade related to Russia
– 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods
– 30 percent tariffs on South African goods
– 20 percent tariffs on Vietnamese goods
– 15 percent tariffs on Japanese goods
– 15 percent tariffs on South Korean goods

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion and without prior notice.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/donald-trump-announces-100-per-cent-tariff-on-imported-pharmaceuticals-without-us-based-manufacturing-plants-23595880

iPhone Air gives a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming foldable

**iPhone Air Gives a Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Foldable**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:30 PM*

Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year, might resemble two iPhone Air devices placed side by side. This insight comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.

### Design Speculation: The iPhone Air Prototype

The design of the foldable iPhone has sparked speculation that the iPhone Air may have served as a prototype for Apple’s first foldable device. The thin, sleek look of the iPhone Air could be a precursor to the design language Apple plans to implement in its foldable phone. Reports indicate that the foldable model will feature a titanium chassis, making it a notable technical marvel.

### Manufacturing Insights: Production in China

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting production would start in India, Gurman’s report reveals that Apple will manufacture the foldable iPhone primarily in China, with at least some production continuing there.

### Pricing and Launch Schedule

The foldable iPhone is expected to be priced around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh), with some earlier rumors indicating a price range between $2,100 and $2,300 (₹1.75 lakh to ₹1.91 lakh).

Apple is likely to launch the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 series in the fall of 2026, with an official unveiling anticipated in September. However, similar to previous launches like the iPhone X in 2017, the release could be pushed to October or November.

Stay tuned as Apple gears up to introduce what could be its most innovative iPhone yet.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-s-foldable-iphone-could-closely-resemble-iphone-air-design/story

iPhone Air gives a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming foldable

**iPhone Air Gives a Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Foldable**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:30 PM*

Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year, might resemble two iPhone Airs placed side by side. This intriguing insight comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter. The design is said to be a technical marvel, featuring a premium titanium chassis.

### Design Speculation: iPhone Air as a Prototype?

The sleek and thin design of the iPhone Air has sparked speculation that Apple may have used it as a prototype for its first foldable phone. Observers suggest that the lightweight, elegant look of the iPhone Air could hint at the aesthetic direction Apple is taking with its upcoming foldable device.

### Manufacturing Insights: Production to Begin in China

Contrary to earlier reports that production would start in India, Gurman’s report indicates that Apple will be manufacturing the foldable iPhone primarily in China, with at least some production occurring there. This aligns with Apple’s continued reliance on China-based supply chains for its flagship products.

### Price and Launch Timeline

The foldable iPhone is expected to start at a price of around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh), though earlier reports suggested a price range between $2,100 and $2,300 (₹1.75 lakh to ₹1.91 lakh).

Apple plans to launch the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 series, likely in September 2026. However, the launch could be slightly delayed to October or November, following a pattern similar to past releases like the iPhone X in 2017.

Stay tuned as we get closer to Apple’s next big innovation!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-s-foldable-iphone-could-closely-resemble-iphone-air-design/story

iPhone Air gives a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming foldable

**iPhone Air Gives a Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Foldable**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:30 PM*

Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year, could resemble two iPhone Air models placed side by side. This intriguing design insight was shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest *Power On* newsletter, suggesting the device will be a technical marvel featuring a titanium chassis.

**Design Speculation: Is the iPhone Air a Prototype for the Foldable?**

The sleek and thin profile of the iPhone Air has sparked speculation that Apple might have developed it as a prototype or a design precursor for its first-ever foldable iPhone. The concept hints at a future device combining portability with a larger screen experience, encapsulated in a premium, lightweight design.

**Manufacturing Insights: Made in China**

Contrary to earlier reports indicating production would start in India, Gurman’s report suggests that the foldable iPhone will primarily be manufactured in China. However, there will likely be “at least” some production happening in India.

Regarding pricing, the foldable iPhone is expected to launch with a starting price around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh). Previous rumors placed the price slightly higher, in the range of $2,100 to $2,300 (roughly ₹1.75 lakh to ₹1.91 lakh).

**Launch Timeline: Fall 2026**

Apple’s foldable iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone Fold, is projected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series next fall, making September 2026 the most probable timeframe for its official unveiling. However, the launch window could shift to October or November, following patterns set by past iPhone releases such as the iPhone X in 2017.

As Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation, the foldable iPhone could mark a significant milestone in the company’s product lineup, blending cutting-edge design with enhanced functionality. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-s-foldable-iphone-could-closely-resemble-iphone-air-design/story

Apple renews lease, expands office space in Mumbai’s BKC

**Apple Renews Lease, Expands Office Space in Mumbai’s BKC**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 19, 2025, 01:31 PM*

**Overview**

Tech giant Apple has renewed and expanded its office lease at Maker Maxity, a prominent commercial tower located in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). This move underscores Apple’s growing business operations in India and its commitment to strengthening its presence in the country’s financial capital.

**Lease Expansion Details**

Apple now occupies five floors at Maker Maxity. The renewed lease covers office units on the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th floors of the building. Additionally, the company has signed a new lease agreement for the entire 10th floor, including the terrace area.

In total, Apple’s leased area in the building has expanded to 37,549 square feet across these five floors.

**Rental Agreement and Terms**

According to the lease agreement, Apple will pay a monthly rent of ₹2.55 crore starting June 2026. This rate translates to ₹660 per square foot per month. The lease term is set for 55 months with an annual rental escalation of 4%.

Apple has also paid a security deposit of ₹22.76 crore to the lessor, Agni Commex LLP, as part of the deal.

**Strategic Growth in India**

Apple’s expansion in Mumbai is part of its broader strategy to increase its footprint in India. Over the past two years, the company has opened two company-owned retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi.

In line with its global supply-chain diversification strategy, Apple has also been strengthening manufacturing partnerships within the country.

**Growing Presence Across India**

Beyond Mumbai and Delhi, Apple recently launched a third exclusive retail store in Bengaluru and plans to open additional outlets in Pune, Noida, and Borivali.

On the corporate front, the company maintains a large office in Bengaluru, has leased over 64,000 square feet in Hyderabad, and operates offices in Gurugram and Mumbai.

Apple’s lease renewal and expansion at Maker Maxity signify the company’s continued confidence and long-term commitment to the Indian market as it deepens its operational and retail footprint across the country.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/apple-strengthens-mumbai-presence-with-lease-renewal-new-floor/story