The consumer electronics market has remained sluggish since 2023, with no evident signs of recovery even after the first quarter of 2024, whether for smartphones, notebooks, or consumer networking devices. Market observers attribute this prolonged downturn to persistently high inflation rates in Europe and the US.
DIGITIMES Research analyzed the US CHIPS Act grant program for TSMC and found that although TSMC received US$6.6 billion compared to Intel's US$8.5 billion, the US government still provided beneficial conditions to TSMC.
A recent report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has emerged, indicating Baidu is poised to provide AI capabilities for Apple's next-generation iPhone 16.
After the 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit northeastern Taiwan, TSMC's speedy recovery to resume operation on the late evening of April 5 demonstrated the resilience and flexibility of semiconductor supply chains in Asia.
The output value of Taiwan's PCB industry is anticipated to be propelled by emerging market applications, such as AI servers, EVs, and satellite communications this year.
Apple has recently found itself in an antitrust predicament, as the US Department of Justice (DOJ), alongside 15 state courts and D.C., filed a joint lawsuit against Apple.
At a recent semiconductor forum hosted by a think tank under Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), former TSMC R&D Director Konrad Young and various scholars from Taiwan and Japan highlighted some of the cooperation opportunities and challenges between Taiwanese and Japanese semiconductor ecosystems. As TSMC goes on to expand its presence in Japan while the Japanese chip industry simultaneously seeks to carve its own path through the Rapidus initiative, the event, held by NSTC's Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) on March 22, left much for the audience to brainstorm.
Tim Cook's recent trip to China underscored Apple's emphasis on the Chinese market, where iPhone sales have been reported to be below estimates since 2024.
In a pivotal move, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has convened to discuss the impending surge in electricity prices, slated to take effect in April. The decision, marking an approximate 11% hike in electricity rates, is poised to shake up the island nation's energy landscape, particularly impacting heavy electricity consumers.
In a speech in January 2024, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda said battery EVs (BEV) can only take up at most 30% market share, no matter how much the vehicle progresses. Hybrid EVs (HEV), hydrogen fuel cell EVs (FCEVs), and hydrogen fuel-burning vehicles will account for the rest, he added.
