WPG Holdings' planned restructuring is already stirring the semiconductor distribution sector, even in the absence of formal announcements. Attention is centered on the potential repositioning of World Peace Industrial (WPI) as a global consignment hub, one that could reroute orders away from rival distributors.
Below are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from June 30 to July 6, 2025. This week's highlights include Samsung's strategic licensing of Intel patents to avoid global IP battles, Intel's executive shakeup, and Apple edges closer to launching a foldable iPhone. Meanwhile, China's domestic AI chipmakers face steep uphill battles, while Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem formed a new alliance backing TSMC's international expansion.
President Donald Trump's administration plans to restrict shipments of AI chips from the likes of Nvidia Corp. to Malaysia and Thailand, part of an effort to crack down on suspected semiconductor smuggling into China.
China is reportedly slowing down Apple's diversification endeavors, impacting India. India reportedly eyes 2D chip materials for a technology leap.
Since launching its T1 wearable chip in May 2025, Xiaomi has intensified competition in the smartwatch market, raising concerns among chip design partners. The move mirrors Apple and Samsung's strategy of using self-developed SoCs to secure greater control, optimize performance, and break into the high-end wearable segment.
WPG Holdings' subsidiary, Silicon Application Corporation Group (SACG), announced on July 3 that it has secured exclusive distribution rights in the Asia-Pacific region for European edge AI chip startup Axelera AI.
As artificial intelligence fuels rapid growth in high-performance computing, it's also triggering a shift in how semiconductor chips are tested. Beyond leading AI GPU makers, major cloud providers—known as hyperscalers—are doubling down on custom-built AI chips, or ASICs, sparking a sharp rise in demand for system-level testing, or SLT. These tests are designed to handle the higher speeds and power levels of next-generation processors.
Apple and Xiaomi are doubling down on efforts to develop in-house 5G baseband chips, joining a race long dominated by tech heavyweights like Qualcomm and MediaTek. Both companies signaled their ambitions in 2025 to break away from reliance on third-party modem suppliers and take fuller control of their mobile silicon strategies.
Yamaha Motor is accelerating its pivot into the semiconductor equipment space with the launch of Yamaha Robotics, a newly established division focused on robotic systems for electronics manufacturing. The company aims to position the business as its third major revenue pillar, alongside motorcycles and marine engines.
Hitachi is positioning itself as a key player in the semiconductor industry's sustainability drive, offering AI-powered solutions and renewable energy infrastructure as chipmakers face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental footprint.
The Japan Semiconductor Equipment Association (SEAJ) has updated its sales forecast for Japanese-made semiconductor manufacturing equipment over the next three fiscal years, projecting a steady increase reaching JPY5.51 trillion (US$38.35 billion) by fiscal 2027. The latest forecast sees modest growth driven primarily by investments in cutting-edge chip technologies and AI-related applications.
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