China’s AI Models Narrow the Gap With the West, Says Google DeepMind CEO 
Micron to Buy Powerchip Fab for $1.8 Billion, Shares Surge Nearly 10% 
Global DRAM Chip Shortage Puts Automakers Under New Cost and Supply Pressure 
U.S. Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Trump Approval of Nvidia AI Chip Sales to China 
Elon Musk Seeks $134 Billion in Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Microsoft Over Alleged Wrongful Gains 
South Korea Sees Limited Impact From New U.S. Tariffs on Advanced AI Chips 
TSMC Set to Post Record Q4 Profit as AI Chip Demand Accelerates 
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Plans China Visit Amid AI Chip Market Uncertainty 
TSMC Shares Hit Record High as AI Chip Demand Fuels Strong Q4 Earnings 
Taiwan Issues Arrest Warrant for OnePlus CEO Over Alleged Illegal Recruitment Activities 
U.S.–Taiwan Trade Deal Spurs $500 Billion Semiconductor Investment in America 
xAI Restricts Grok Image Editing After Sexualized AI Images Trigger Global Scrutiny 
China Considers New Rules to Limit Purchases of Foreign AI Chips Amid Growing Demand 
AFT Leaves X Over AI-Generated Images of Minors 
The first round of leaks for the OnePlus 9 series emerged online recently showing that a major redesign on its rear cameras could be anticipated. Meanwhile, OnePlus is also reportedly eyeing a much earlier release date for its next flagship smartphone series.
OnePlus 9 release date reportedly set much earlier in 2021
Smartphone maker OnePlus is one of the companies expected to make an announcement in the earlier part of the year. However, if the reports are accurate, tech fans might see the new devices sooner than they expect.
Prolific smartphone leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, widely known as OnLeaks, took note of the rumors that suggested the OnePlus 9 series could be unveiled as early as March 2021. In a blog post on Voice, he wrote that he “can confirm” that this information is “correct.”
OnLeaks has a very good track record in leaking details and image renders of upcoming devices, and that adds weight to the likelihood that the OnePlus 9 series could be announced earlier than usual. While OnePlus does not have a very rigid annual calendar in announcing new smartphones, the company is known to hold at least two major events every year for its flagship smartphone series and another for the T-branded smartphones.
This is also an interesting development since a March 2021 release date means it would be the earliest timeline smartphone fans will see from OnePlus over the years. Both the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 7 lineups were announced in May while the event for OnePlus 8 happened last April.
OnePlus 9 Pro rear camera design could be much different
The same source also shared one of the earliest leaks that show the likely design of the OnePlus 9. First, it should be noted that OnLeaks emphasized the images included in his report belong to the Pro-named device of the series.
And here comes your very first look at the much anticipated next #OnePlus Flagship, the #OnePlus9Pro! #VoiceCommunity @VoiceHQ exclusive -> https://t.co/ghblRas614 pic.twitter.com/kJPYgSdUij
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) November 21, 2020
The front side does not show any significant changes and the report suggests that the OnePlus 9 Pro could arrive with a 6.7” curved, edge-to-edge screen. The selfie camera is placed in a hole punch on the upper left corner. At the back, the rear cameras -- reportedly a combination of two 48MP lenses and two smaller sensors -- are placed in a rectangular camera bump. It looks very similar to the OnePlus 8T.
