Surging global investment in AI data centers is accelerating growth for optical communications supplier Ezconn, which posted record revenue in 2025 after surpassing NT$10 billion for the first time.

Below are the most-read DIGITIMES stories from the week of Mar 9-15, 2026:

For decades, Taiwan's government-backed science parks have been the quiet engine behind the world's most powerful semiconductor supply chain. They incubated chip giants, clustered suppliers, and turned a small island into an indispensable node in global tech. Now, that formula has a new destination: the US.

Despite semiconductor manufacturing facilities expected in 2026, India remains a small player in the global chipmaking industry, as it is reportedly considering further incentives.

Samsung Electronics' annual flagship Galaxy S26 series recently opened for pre-orders and began deliveries on March 13. Qi-meng Chen, general manager of Taiwan Samsung's mobile communications division, said the initial wave of S26 pre-orders exceeded expectations, with overall sales growing 25% compared to the previous generation.

The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on March 11 launched investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against 16 major trade partners, including China, the European Union, South Korea, Japan, India, and Taiwan. Taiwan's government said the move was anticipated after the recent Supreme Court of the US ruling that struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), prompting Washington to seek alternative legal mechanisms to maintain its tariff framework.

Optiemus Electronics Limited (OEL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Optiemus Infracom Limited, has entered a manufacturing agreement with Ai+ Smartphone and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies India Private Limited to produce mobile phones, tablets, IoT devices, and advanced wearable products in India.

According to Bloomberg and Reuters, India is considering two new incentive programs—one tied to smartphone exports and another worth more than US$11 billion to support semiconductor development—as New Delhi seeks to deepen electronics manufacturing and strengthen its position in global supply chains.

Apple said it will celebrate its 50th anniversary in the coming weeks with events recognizing its history and global user community, while media reports suggest the milestone could also bring new marketing campaigns, software updates, and possibly new devices.

Samsung has reportedly secured an order to supply 12GB LPDDR5X DRAM for Apple's first foldable iPhone, negotiating a sharply higher price than in previous memory contracts.

Apple has reportedly finalized the design of its first foldable iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone Fold, choosing a book-style form factor and targeting a fall 2026 launch. As market expectations grow, the company is said to have increased its initial production target by about 20%, a move expected to benefit its primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn.