tariffs Archives

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

More bad news for PC gamers as AMD CPU prices could soon soar

AMD is rumored to be planning a price increase for its Ryzen CPUs, with changes expected to take effect at midnight on December 1, 2025. This increase is said to be related to AMD's suppliers and may not immediately affect retail prices. The Ryzen 9000 series and some older AMD CPUs are expected to be impacted. Current prices for models like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D remain low, and consumers are advised to take advantage of existing deals before potential price hikes occur.

Winsage

November 4, 2025

Windows 10 still clinging on after Microsoft pulls support

Microsoft has concluded free support for most versions of Windows 10 as of October 14, while Windows 10 still holds a market share of 41.71 percent compared to Windows 11's 55.18 percent. The adoption of Windows 11 is increasing slowly, and many enterprises using Windows 10 should have enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Factors such as hardware replacement cycles, economic conditions, and tariffs are influencing the pace of migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Microsoft plans to integrate AI services into the Windows environment but has not indicated plans to impose similar hardware compatibility restrictions as seen with Windows 11.

Winsage

October 26, 2025

Microsoft’s decision to axe Windows 10 is driving Apple PC sales growth — users buy Macs instead of AI PCs despite Microsoft’s push for Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, concluding nearly ten years of use. Lenovo saw a 17.4% increase in unit shipments in Q3 2025, while Apple’s Mac shipments grew by 14.9%. Asus and HP reported increases of 14% and 10%, respectively, while Dell's shipments declined by 0.9%, and other PC makers experienced a 3% decrease. The overall PC market grew by 8.1% year-over-year, driven by hardware upgrades for Windows 11 compatibility and inventory stocking due to import tariffs. Despite the introduction of AI PCs, consumer preference remains for traditional models. Intel is raising prices for its Raptor Lake chips in response to demand. Counterpoint predicts an increase in AI PC shipments by 2025, with enterprises investing in AI-capable PCs for future readiness.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Windows Weekly 955: Chewy Indifference

Microsoft has announced new Copilot and AI features for Windows 11, transitioning to Windows.ai. An emergency update was released for Windows 11 to address issues that disabled USB mouse and keyboard support in the Windows Recovery Environment. The Windows Insider Program is evolving with improvements to mobile device settings, File Explorer, and Drag Tray in the Dev and Beta channels, while a revamped Start menu and Copilot Vision integration are set for the Release Preview. Microsoft's annual report highlights three core business segments: Windows, Microsoft 365 Consumer, and Xbox/gaming, with Xbox/gaming having 500 million users but the highest engagement levels. Microsoft plans to launch Copilot for Education in December and integrate Anthropic Claude into Microsoft 365 commercial offerings. The Xbox president indicated that the next console will be "very premium," and new hardware options are available for purchase. The Xbox Development Kit has seen a 33 percent price increase due to U.S. tariffs. Many laptops are now designed to be end-user repairable and upgradeable, allowing users to swap out SSDs and other components.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Trade with Africa not a game of Minecraft

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized the need for a more respectful and goal-oriented approach to international trade with Africa, moving away from a transactional mindset likened to the video game Minecraft. He highlighted the importance of recognizing Africa's developmental needs to address issues like irregular migration. Tuggar noted Nigeria's resilience against U.S. trade tariffs due to its diverse trading partnerships, which have helped it navigate global trade challenges. He called for rich countries to shift their engagement from resource extraction to fostering sustainable development that benefits both Africa and developed nations.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

PC market claws back thanks to Windows 10’s demise

Global PC shipments increased by 8.1 percent year-on-year in Q3 2025, driven by the impending end of support for Windows 10 and strategic inventory adjustments due to evolving U.S. import tariffs. Lenovo's shipments rose by 17.4 percent, HP's by 10.3 percent, Apple’s by 14.9 percent, and Asus reported a 14.1 percent annual increase. Dell experienced a slight decline of 0.9 percent compared to the previous year. The top five vendors now hold nearly three-quarters of the global PC market. Analysts predict a significant transformation in the industry with the introduction of AI-capable PCs starting in 2026, although current demand is primarily influenced by the need to upgrade from Windows 10. AI PCs are currently seen as more of a prestige item, with mass shipments of new AI-centric processors expected to begin in late 2026.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Nigeria warns against ‘Minecraft approach’ in trade with Africa

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, emphasized the country's commitment to "strategic autonomy" in international trade during his speech at the Reuters NEXT Gulf summit in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted Nigeria's diversified trade strategy, which has protected the nation from the negative impacts of U.S. tariffs. Tuggar called for wealthier nations to engage with Africa based on "mutual respect" rather than oversimplified economic relationships. He noted that Nigeria's tariff rate is 15%, lower than South Africa's 30%, and stated that Nigeria will not yield to U.S. pressures regarding third-country migrants. Tuggar pointed out Nigeria's competitive edge due to its large internal market and talent pool, asserting that the country's trade relationships are based on national interests rather than ideological considerations. As of 2024, China is Nigeria's largest trading partner, while the U.S. ranks fifth.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Trade with Africa not a game of Minecraft, says Nigerian minister

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, urged rich nations to change their trade approach with Africa, advocating for relationships based on mutual respect rather than a transactional mindset. He criticized the current trade dynamics, likening them to the video game Minecraft, where resources are extracted without consideration for broader implications. Tuggar emphasized the importance of Africa's development for addressing global challenges like irregular migration and noted that resource-rich countries like Nigeria struggle to diversify their economies. He expressed confidence in Nigeria's resilience against U.S. trade tariffs due to its large internal market and highlighted the Tinubu administration's focus on "strategic autonomy" in trade relations with various countries based on national interests.

Winsage

October 18, 2025

Windows 10 end-of-support boosts global PC shipment growth

Microsoft's end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 has led to an 8.2% increase in global PC shipments in Q3 2025, surpassing 69 million units. North America saw a modest growth of 1.6% year over year due to prior inventory stockpiling. Geopolitical challenges have tempered consumer demand, with many delaying purchases. The AI PC segment is expected to grow to 31% of total shipments in 2025, up from 15% in 2024. Only 39% of surveyed enterprises reported refreshing or upgrading their PCs, and 18% plan to continue using Windows 10 beyond the deadline. The top five PC vendors—Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and ASUS—reported increased shipments, with Lenovo achieving a 16.6% growth rate. Microsoft plans to enhance Windows 11 PCs with AI capabilities, while Apple launched a new MacBook Pro with the M5 chip for AI workflows.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Global PC shipments spike despite tariff-related US slowdown

Global PC shipments reached 69 million units in Q3, marking an 8.2% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to Windows 11 upgrades and the end-of-support cycle for Windows 10. North America saw a modest growth rate of 1.6%, while consumer demand at lower price points remains subdued due to economic challenges. AI PCs are projected to account for 31% of shipments by 2025, up from 15% in 2024. Lenovo leads the market with a 27.8% share, followed by HP at 21.5%, Dell at 14.5%, and Apple at 8.9%. Despite improvements, the market may need new drivers for growth after the initial Windows 11 excitement fades.