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Digital Realty has begun providing colocation infrastructure to Samsung Electronics at its ICN10 facility in Seoul, a deal that highlights how large corporate users in South Korea are seeking more resilient, high-density digital infrastructure as artificial intelligence, cloud services and mission-critical enterprise workloads put heavier demands on power, cooling and connectivity. The announcement was made on March 25 by Digital Realty, which said the arrangement would support Samsung Electronics’ enterprise IT operations from its Seoul site.

The ICN10 facility, located in Sangam-dong in Mapo-gu, has been operating since 2022 and is described by the company as South Korea’s first carrier-neutral data centre. Digital Realty says the building has a maximum IT load of 12 megawatts and around 132,000 square feet of space, with high-density power architecture, network connectivity and the resilience needed for large-scale computing environments. Those specifications matter because enterprise clients are no longer looking only for secure rack space; they increasingly want facilities that can handle denser compute loads without compromising uptime.

For Samsung Electronics, the move points to a practical shift in how even large technology groups manage parts of their own internal infrastructure. Rather than relying exclusively on self-operated facilities, major companies are turning to specialist operators for colocation capacity that can be scaled more quickly and managed to global standards. Digital Realty framed the arrangement as support for a large-scale customer environment in Korea, while emphasising stable, high-performance infrastructure for global enterprises. That wording suggests the deal is less about consumer-facing products and more about the backbone systems that keep a multinational company running across data-intensive operations.

The timing is notable because Seoul’s data-centre market is expanding while facing mounting strain over where future capacity can be built and how it will be powered. Cushman & Wakefield said the Greater Seoul Area reached 533 megawatts of capacity in the first half of 2025, with a further 715 megawatts in the development pipeline, alongside land secured for another 250 megawatts. Its later market update said the second half of 2025 saw double-digit year-on-year growth, while AI demand and tighter power-related rules were reshaping development patterns. That combination of growth and constraint is pushing operators and customers alike to value operational certainty.

South Korea’s broader technology push adds another layer to that demand story. Reuters reported this week that Seoul approved a 250 billion won investment in AI chip startup Rebellions, part of a wider effort to strengthen domestic semiconductor and advanced computing capabilities. Reuters also reported that SK Hynix is pursuing a US listing partly to fund major chipmaking investments tied to rising AI demand. Those moves sit outside the colocation market itself, but they reinforce the same structural point: processing power, data movement and digital infrastructure are becoming more strategically important across the economy.

Digital Realty’s position in Seoul also reflects a larger contest among global and regional operators seeking to capture Asia’s enterprise and cloud demand. Market research and adviser reports point to South Korea as one of the faster-growing data-centre markets in the region, driven by digital-first consumers, cloud adoption and increased enterprise modernisation. JLL’s 2026 outlook said the global data-centre sector could nearly double between 2025 and 2030, while other market estimates show South Korea’s colocation and broader data-centre segments expanding strongly through the decade. Forecasts from commercial research firms should be treated cautiously, but taken together with operator activity and land acquisition trends, they show why Seoul has become a closely watched infrastructure market.

The Samsung agreement may not be transformative in size on its own, yet it carries signalling value. When one of the country’s largest technology groups places enterprise workloads with an external colocation provider, it gives weight to the argument that carrier-neutral, high-density facilities are becoming integral to mainstream corporate IT strategy rather than serving only cloud giants and telecom operators. It also strengthens Digital Realty’s credentials in a market where network diversity, reliability and location all matter.

Questions remain over how quickly South Korea can add capacity in and around Seoul without worsening power bottlenecks or pushing new builds further from the capital’s main concentration of corporate demand. Legal and advisory analyses have pointed to the mismatch between the location of generation capacity and the heavy concentration of data centres around metropolitan Seoul. That tension is likely to shape the next phase of expansion, forcing operators to balance geography, power access and customer proximity more carefully than before.

South Korea’s overseas shipments rose sharply during the first 10 days of March, reflecting strong global appetite for semiconductors and signalling renewed momentum in the country’s export-driven economy.

Preliminary customs data released in Seoul showed exports climbed 55.6 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier. The jump was led primarily by robust semiconductor demand, reinforcing the technology sector’s role as the backbone of the country’s trade performance and a key barometer for global electronics markets.

The early-month figures indicate shipments reached about $18 billion during the 10-day period, while imports also increased, lifting overall trade activity. Officials said the growth was supported by sustained demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence servers, data centres and high-performance computing systems.

Semiconductors remained the dominant driver. Chip exports surged as technology companies expanded orders for advanced memory products and high-bandwidth chips required for generative AI infrastructure. South Korea hosts two of the world’s largest memory chipmakers, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, whose production capacity places the country at the centre of global supply chains for dynamic random-access memory and NAND flash.

Strong demand from the United States and China contributed significantly to the export expansion. Electronics manufacturers in both markets have increased purchases of memory chips and advanced components as artificial intelligence applications, cloud computing platforms and next-generation consumer devices accelerate data processing requirements.

Industry analysts say the sharp rise in early-month shipments reflects a broader recovery in the global semiconductor cycle after a downturn that affected the industry in 2023. Chip prices have firmed as inventories declined and new demand from AI-focused hardware reshaped procurement strategies across the technology sector.

Trade officials in Seoul noted that semiconductors accounted for a large share of the growth during the first 10 days of March. Automotive shipments, petrochemical products and machinery also contributed to export activity, though their gains were more moderate compared with the surge in chip sales.

The semiconductor boom has become a defining feature of South Korea’s export structure. Memory chips alone represent roughly one fifth of the country’s overseas shipments in typical years, meaning fluctuations in global technology demand can quickly influence trade balances and economic growth.

Government economic planners have closely monitored export performance following a prolonged period of volatility in global trade. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain adjustments and shifts in consumer electronics demand have created uneven patterns in the technology sector. Yet the current rise in shipments suggests the industry is entering a new phase of expansion driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Artificial intelligence computing has reshaped the semiconductor landscape, requiring larger volumes of advanced memory chips capable of handling massive data workloads. Companies building AI servers and graphics processors rely heavily on high-bandwidth memory, a specialised product where South Korean manufacturers hold technological advantages.

SK hynix has emerged as a major supplier of such components to global technology companies developing AI hardware. Samsung Electronics has also increased investment in next-generation memory technologies, seeking to expand its share of the rapidly growing market.

Export growth during the early days of March also reflects the continuing strength of South Korea’s manufacturing ecosystem. The country’s industrial clusters integrate chip fabrication, electronics assembly and advanced materials production, enabling manufacturers to respond quickly to surging global demand.

Trade analysts caution that early-month figures can fluctuate because of shipping schedules and the number of working days. Nonetheless, the scale of the increase highlights the powerful influence of semiconductor demand on the country’s export trajectory.

Data from previous months already pointed to an improving outlook for chip shipments. Global technology spending has accelerated as companies race to deploy artificial intelligence models, expand cloud infrastructure and develop advanced consumer devices that incorporate machine learning capabilities.

Demand for high-capacity memory modules and advanced storage solutions has therefore increased across multiple sectors, including data centres, autonomous vehicles and mobile electronics. South Korea’s manufacturers supply a significant portion of these components, giving the country a strategic role in the global digital economy.

Trade patterns also reflect evolving supply chains. Electronics companies have diversified sourcing strategies in response to geopolitical uncertainty, but memory chip production remains heavily concentrated in East Asia due to the specialised infrastructure required for fabrication plants.

South Korea has sought to reinforce its position through large-scale investment in semiconductor research and manufacturing capacity. Authorities have promoted development of semiconductor clusters, expanded tax incentives for chipmakers and encouraged collaboration between industry and research institutions.

Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.

Co-developed with Italian automotive and design legend Pininfarina, NOTE 60 Ultra’s design is driven by an emotion-led aesthetic inspired by super cars. Beneath its bold design lies a fully realized flagship experience, integrating breakthrough in-house innovations with best-in-class partner technologies. A professional-grade 200MP ultra-high-definition imaging system, built-in multi-country satellite communication connectivity, and immersive audio precision-tuned by SOUND BY JBL come together to challenge expectations in the premium segment.

Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina

In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.

Drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic philosophy and pioneering spirit of high-performance sports cars, Infinix, in partnership with Pininfarina, takes a radical departure in sculpting a flagship. What stands out immediately is what’s missing: the camera bump. As premium handsets adopt larger sensors, they often sacrifice form with increasingly protruding camera modules.

True to the sports car heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra introduces a fully integrated, single-body rear: the Aluminum Unibody Design. At the heart of this craftsmanship is the World’s 1st Uni-Chassis Cam Module, formed a single, continuous sheet of CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS VICTUS that virtually conceals the presence of the camera. Much like a supercar sculpted for low-drag, the rear design maintains a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. This also ensures a natural in-hand feel and unobtrusively slips into any pocket, while reinforcing the phone’s durability and structural integrity.

Paying homage to Italian cultural and racing heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra arrives in four striking colorways: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver. Each hue draws inspiration from the most iconic scenes and legends of Italy’s motorsport and cultural history, capturing the spirit of speed, lifestyle, and emotional beauty.

Just as a supercar announces its ignition through sound and light, NOTE 60 Ultra mirrors the ritual. A Floating Taillight signature spans the rear, illuminating as the device powers on. And as a final nod to automotive heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra features an Active Matrix Display reminiscent of a supercar dashboard at startup. Concealed within the rear surface, the hidden display lights up to reveal notifications, expressive icons, or a pixel-style virtual companion.

Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging

Although discreet at first glance, Infinix makes no concessions on camera performance and earmarks a new era for Infinix’s imaging capability. Delivering performance on par with industry-leading standards, Infinix’s Dual Flagship Imaging Architecture marks several brand-first breakthroughs and improvements across three dimensions, reinforcing its position as a signature offering.

Under the hood, it’s clear that NOTE 60 Ultra refuses to settle for less. Discreetly integrated within the Uni-Chassis Cam Module is a powerful triple-camera array. Anchored by a next-generation 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor, NOTE 60 Ultra delivers ultra-high-definition clarity. And ensuring flagship-grade versatility across focal lengths, the phone is complemented by a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112° ultra-wide lens.

However, hardware alone does not define the full experience. For the first time, Infinix supports the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture. Powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine, Infinix’s advanced system delivers a superior dynamic range, ideal for true-to-life photos of bright lights at night or breathtaking sunset scenes.

The result is exceptional resolution that sets a higher bar for precise framing in daylight or after dark, while faithfully preserving details often lost in standard photography. Whether exploring daytime cityscapes or distant horizons, NOTE 60 Ultra excels with its advanced optical‑to‑digital zoom performance. Crisp, detailed shots are captured across a versatile zoom range, from a 2× optical crop and native 3.5× optical zoom to a 7× lossless digital zoom, extending up to 100× for extreme distances.

Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage

Beyond what meets the eye, NOTE 60 Ultra carries a more subtle capability designed to accompany the user’s ambition, as far as and wherever the road leads. NOTE 60 Ultra is the first¹ to introduce dual-way satellite calling with expansive global coverage across a far greater number of countries¹. Powered by two-way messaging and calling beyond traditional terrestrial networks, NOTE 60 Ultra offers an added peace of mind whether navigating remote terrain beyond cellular coverage or facing large-scale network disruptions. The device bridges regional connectivity gaps to maintain communication and enables emergency location sharing when it matters most.

Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience

NOTE 60 Ultra combines category-leading performance and enduring power to support multi-sensory entertainment without interruption. Complementing this, its latest user experience delivers forward-looking innovations and AI-driven optimizations, making it more accessible and seamless for everyday use.

Impressively, Infinix debuted the Proprietary Battery Self-Healing Technology. Despite featuring a massive 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery within a slim, lightweight frame, NOTE 60 Ultra is engineered to restore up to 1%² of battery health every 200 charge cycles. Complementing this breakthrough, NOTE 60 Ultra supports wired 100W All-Around Fast Charge and 50W wireless charging, achieving a full charge from 1% to 100%² in only 48 minutes through a wired connection.

Even with a massive battery, Infinix pulls out all the stops to optimize for both speed and energy management. Featuring a 4nm all-big-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset together with Infinix’s self-developed performance engine, NOTE 60 Ultra achieves up to 25%² faster multitasking, accelerated app responsiveness, and sustained smoothness.

NOTE 60 Ultra excels in its class with a captivating, 1.5K Ultra HDR cinematic display. Delivering fluid 144Hz responsiveness and exceptional 4500-nit peak brightness, visuals remain vibrant across most lighting conditions. Even in motion, intelligent predictive stabilization minimizes motion sickness, whether watching a film or playing games from within a car. And just as a high-performance vehicle demands calibrated acoustics, NOTE 60 Ultra doesn’t settle for less. It delivers high-fidelity audio through a stereo system with SOUND BY JBL, completing a truly compelling entertainment experience.

The NOTE 60 Ultra’s optimized performance enables its intelligent AI features to run fluidly and efficiently with minimal battery drain. Its integrated AI ecosystem focuses on practical daily-enhancing functions, including real-time vitals tracking via Advanced Health Monitor, personalized file organization and an adaptive AI-powered knowledge base, all evolving with user preferences. These AI capabilities are seamlessly woven into GlowSpace, a new interface debuting on XOS 16.³ Powered by Android 16, GlowSpace introduces a fully reimagined UI centered on fluid motion and luminous details that animate with every interaction.

Through co-engineering with leading technology and innovation partners, Infinix has aligned NOTE 60 Ultra around a unified vision of excellence. The outcome is a benchmark-setting flagship defined not by spectacle, but by deeply integrated and purposeful engineering, inside-out.

Product availability

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.

It will be available in two variants: 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, with built-in eSIM⁴.

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a deluxe gift box with automotive-inspired display stand design. A Supercar-Inspired MagCharge Base in Zinc Alloy, a Kevlar-Pattern MagPad, a Custom Kevlar MagCase, and a Track-Edition SIM Ejector Pin are included in the gift box.

Disclaimer

¹As of launch, this device is the first commercially available smartphone to support two‑way satellite calling across multiple countries. Feature availability, supported regions and coverage are subject to local certification, network deployment and market conditions.

²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.

³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.

⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.

Hashtag: #Infinix

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.

Co-developed with Italian automotive and design legend Pininfarina, NOTE 60 Ultra’s design is driven by an emotion-led aesthetic inspired by super cars. Beneath its bold design lies a fully realized flagship experience, integrating breakthrough in-house innovations with best-in-class partner technologies. A professional-grade 200MP ultra-high-definition imaging system, built-in multi-country satellite communication connectivity, and immersive audio precision-tuned by SOUND BY JBL come together to challenge expectations in the premium segment.

Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina

In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.

Drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic philosophy and pioneering spirit of high-performance sports cars, Infinix, in partnership with Pininfarina, takes a radical departure in sculpting a flagship. What stands out immediately is what’s missing: the camera bump. As premium handsets adopt larger sensors, they often sacrifice form with increasingly protruding camera modules.

True to the sports car heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra introduces a fully integrated, single-body rear: the Aluminum Unibody Design. At the heart of this craftsmanship is the World’s 1st Uni-Chassis Cam Module, formed a single, continuous sheet of CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS VICTUS that virtually conceals the presence of the camera. Much like a supercar sculpted for low-drag, the rear design maintains a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. This also ensures a natural in-hand feel and unobtrusively slips into any pocket, while reinforcing the phone’s durability and structural integrity.

Paying homage to Italian cultural and racing heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra arrives in four striking colorways: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver. Each hue draws inspiration from the most iconic scenes and legends of Italy’s motorsport and cultural history, capturing the spirit of speed, lifestyle, and emotional beauty.

Just as a supercar announces its ignition through sound and light, NOTE 60 Ultra mirrors the ritual. A Floating Taillight signature spans the rear, illuminating as the device powers on. And as a final nod to automotive heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra features an Active Matrix Display reminiscent of a supercar dashboard at startup. Concealed within the rear surface, the hidden display lights up to reveal notifications, expressive icons, or a pixel-style virtual companion.

Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging

Although discreet at first glance, Infinix makes no concessions on camera performance and earmarks a new era for Infinix’s imaging capability. Delivering performance on par with industry-leading standards, Infinix’s Dual Flagship Imaging Architecture marks several brand-first breakthroughs and improvements across three dimensions, reinforcing its position as a signature offering.

Under the hood, it’s clear that NOTE 60 Ultra refuses to settle for less. Discreetly integrated within the Uni-Chassis Cam Module is a powerful triple-camera array. Anchored by a next-generation 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor, NOTE 60 Ultra delivers ultra-high-definition clarity. And ensuring flagship-grade versatility across focal lengths, the phone is complemented by a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112° ultra-wide lens.

However, hardware alone does not define the full experience. For the first time, Infinix supports the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture. Powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine, Infinix’s advanced system delivers a superior dynamic range, ideal for true-to-life photos of bright lights at night or breathtaking sunset scenes.

The result is exceptional resolution that sets a higher bar for precise framing in daylight or after dark, while faithfully preserving details often lost in standard photography. Whether exploring daytime cityscapes or distant horizons, NOTE 60 Ultra excels with its advanced optical‑to‑digital zoom performance. Crisp, detailed shots are captured across a versatile zoom range, from a 2× optical crop and native 3.5× optical zoom to a 7× lossless digital zoom, extending up to 100× for extreme distances.

Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage

Beyond what meets the eye, NOTE 60 Ultra carries a more subtle capability designed to accompany the user’s ambition, as far as and wherever the road leads. NOTE 60 Ultra is the first¹ to introduce dual-way satellite calling with expansive global coverage across a far greater number of countries¹. Powered by two-way messaging and calling beyond traditional terrestrial networks, NOTE 60 Ultra offers an added peace of mind whether navigating remote terrain beyond cellular coverage or facing large-scale network disruptions. The device bridges regional connectivity gaps to maintain communication and enables emergency location sharing when it matters most.

Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience

NOTE 60 Ultra combines category-leading performance and enduring power to support multi-sensory entertainment without interruption. Complementing this, its latest user experience delivers forward-looking innovations and AI-driven optimizations, making it more accessible and seamless for everyday use.

Impressively, Infinix debuted the Proprietary Battery Self-Healing Technology. Despite featuring a massive 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery within a slim, lightweight frame, NOTE 60 Ultra is engineered to restore up to 1%² of battery health every 200 charge cycles. Complementing this breakthrough, NOTE 60 Ultra supports wired 100W All-Around Fast Charge and 50W wireless charging, achieving a full charge from 1% to 100%² in only 48 minutes through a wired connection.

Even with a massive battery, Infinix pulls out all the stops to optimize for both speed and energy management. Featuring a 4nm all-big-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset together with Infinix’s self-developed performance engine, NOTE 60 Ultra achieves up to 25%² faster multitasking, accelerated app responsiveness, and sustained smoothness.

NOTE 60 Ultra excels in its class with a captivating, 1.5K Ultra HDR cinematic display. Delivering fluid 144Hz responsiveness and exceptional 4500-nit peak brightness, visuals remain vibrant across most lighting conditions. Even in motion, intelligent predictive stabilization minimizes motion sickness, whether watching a film or playing games from within a car. And just as a high-performance vehicle demands calibrated acoustics, NOTE 60 Ultra doesn’t settle for less. It delivers high-fidelity audio through a stereo system with SOUND BY JBL, completing a truly compelling entertainment experience.

The NOTE 60 Ultra’s optimized performance enables its intelligent AI features to run fluidly and efficiently with minimal battery drain. Its integrated AI ecosystem focuses on practical daily-enhancing functions, including real-time vitals tracking via Advanced Health Monitor, personalized file organization and an adaptive AI-powered knowledge base, all evolving with user preferences. These AI capabilities are seamlessly woven into GlowSpace, a new interface debuting on XOS 16.³ Powered by Android 16, GlowSpace introduces a fully reimagined UI centered on fluid motion and luminous details that animate with every interaction.

Through co-engineering with leading technology and innovation partners, Infinix has aligned NOTE 60 Ultra around a unified vision of excellence. The outcome is a benchmark-setting flagship defined not by spectacle, but by deeply integrated and purposeful engineering, inside-out.

Product availability

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.

It will be available in a single variant with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and built-in eSIM⁴.

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a deluxe gift box with automotive-inspired display stand design. A Supercar-Inspired MagCharge Base in Zinc Alloy, a Kevlar-Pattern MagPad, a Custom Kevlar MagCase, and a Track-Edition SIM Ejector Pin are included in the gift box.

Disclaimer

¹As of launch, this device is the first commercially available smartphone to support two‑way satellite calling across multiple countries. Feature availability, supported regions and coverage are subject to local certification, network deployment and market conditions.

²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.

³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.

⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.

Hashtag: #Infinix

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

Government authorities are moving to compel smartphone manufacturers to submit portions of their operating system source code for mandatory security audits, escalating a standoff with global technology companies that warn such a requirement could undermine intellectual property protections and user privacy. The proposal, under discussion within policy circles in New Delhi, reflects mounting concern about cyber intrusions, supply-chain vulnerabilities and the growing role of mobile devices in payments, governance and national security.

Officials familiar with the matter say the plan would require vendors selling smartphones in the country to make critical software components available for inspection by government-approved laboratories. The focus would be on core operating system layers, firmware and security modules rather than consumer-facing applications. Proponents argue that access to code is essential to verify whether hidden vulnerabilities, backdoors or insecure update mechanisms could be exploited by hostile actors.

The push has brought the government into direct tension with companies such as Apple and Samsung, whose devices dominate the premium and mass-market segments. Executives and industry representatives have privately conveyed resistance, arguing that exposing proprietary code, even to auditors bound by confidentiality, creates unacceptable risks of leaks and reverse engineering. They also contend that global platforms already undergo extensive third-party security testing and comply with international standards.

At the heart of the debate is whether national security imperatives justify a departure from prevailing global norms. Countries including China and Russia operate regimes that allow state scrutiny of technology products, though often under opaque processes that foreign firms say are difficult to reconcile with commercial safeguards. Western regulators have largely relied on certification frameworks, vulnerability disclosure programmes and cooperation with vendors rather than direct access to source code. India’s approach, if formalised, would place it closer to the former camp, potentially setting a precedent for other large emerging markets.

Government officials counter that smartphones have become gateways to sensitive data far beyond personal communications. Devices are routinely used for digital identity verification, financial transactions and access to public services. Any systemic weakness could have cascading effects. They also point to a rise in sophisticated cyber operations attributed by security researchers to state-linked groups, arguing that reliance on vendor assurances is no longer sufficient.

The proposal is understood to be steered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which has expanded its remit in cybersecurity and digital governance. Policy discussions have examined models ranging from escrow-based code access, where source material is held by a trusted intermediary, to controlled on-site inspections without code being copied. Each option presents trade-offs between assurance and exposure.

Industry bodies warn that mandatory disclosure could chill investment and complicate product launches. Smartphone operating systems are developed on global codebases, updated frequently and protected by layers of licensing agreements with component suppliers. Altering that structure for a single market risks fragmenting development and delaying security patches. There are also concerns about reciprocity: once one jurisdiction demands code access, others may follow, multiplying compliance burdens.

Privacy advocates occupy an ambivalent position. Some support deeper scrutiny to ensure devices do not surreptitiously collect or transmit data. Others caution that state access to low-level software could itself become a vector for abuse if oversight is weak. They stress the need for transparent audit criteria, independent supervision and clear limits on how findings are used.

The commercial stakes are significant. India is one of the world’s largest smartphone markets by volume and a critical manufacturing hub under production-linked incentive schemes. Companies have invested heavily in assembly plants and local supply chains, betting on policy stability. A protracted dispute over code access could influence decisions on future capacity and research investment, even if an outright exit is unlikely.

Republic of Korea delivered its largest current account surplus ever recorded for a November, underpinned by a sharp rebound in exports led by semiconductors, according to data released by the central bank, reinforcing signs that Asia’s fourth-largest economy is benefiting from a global technology upcycle.

Figures published by Bank of Korea showed the surplus widened markedly from a year earlier, driven primarily by goods exports as overseas demand for memory chips and advanced components strengthened. The milestone November result adds to a sequence of solid monthly balances this year and signals improving external resilience after a period of volatility linked to energy prices and weaker global trade.

Exports rose at a double-digit pace year on year, with semiconductors once again the dominant contributor. Chip shipments, which had slumped during the global downturn in memory prices, rebounded strongly as inventories normalised and orders increased from data-centre operators and manufacturers deploying artificial intelligence workloads. Analysts said demand for high-bandwidth memory and advanced logic chips has been particularly supportive for Korean producers.

The current account surplus, which measures the balance of trade in goods and services alongside income flows, was also supported by a narrower energy import bill. Lower prices for crude oil and liquefied natural gas compared with last year reduced the cost of imports, amplifying the positive effect of export growth. Services remained in deficit, reflecting outbound travel by residents, but the shortfall was smaller than earlier in the year.

Economists link the export recovery to the improving cycle in global technology spending. Korean chipmakers, led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, have benefited from rising prices for dynamic random-access memory and NAND flash products, as well as from long-term contracts tied to AI infrastructure. Both firms have announced higher capital expenditure plans focused on advanced memory and packaging technologies, moves that are already filtering through trade data.

Beyond semiconductors, shipments of automobiles, machinery and petrochemical products also contributed positively. Vehicle exports remained robust despite softer demand in some advanced economies, reflecting competitive pricing and the growing popularity of electric and hybrid models produced by Korean manufacturers. Machinery exports gained from infrastructure and energy projects across the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia.

Income from overseas investments added another layer of support. Dividend and interest receipts from Korean companies’ foreign assets increased, offsetting profit repatriation by foreign firms operating domestically. This helped keep the overall current account firmly in surplus despite the persistent services deficit.

Policy makers view the November outcome as confirmation that the economy is on a steadier footing. The central bank has previously signalled that a sustained export-led recovery would ease pressure on monetary policy, even as it remains cautious about household debt and property-market risks. A strong external balance also provides a buffer against currency volatility, a concern earlier in the year when the won weakened amid global interest-rate uncertainty.

Still, officials and analysts warn that risks remain. The export outlook is closely tied to the durability of the global technology rebound and to geopolitical developments that could disrupt supply chains or dampen investment sentiment. Slower growth in major trading partners or renewed trade frictions could weigh on momentum in coming months. Services exports, particularly tourism, have yet to return to levels seen before the pandemic, limiting diversification of the external balance.