These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of September 1–September 7.
Rapidus 2nm chip matches TSMC's logic density, outpaces Intel in performance
Rapidus is racing ahead in the chipmaking contest with its upcoming 2nm process, dubbed "2HP," which analysts say rivals TSMC's N2 in transistor density and outpaces Intel's 18A. Early specs show Rapidus hitting 237.31 million transistors per square millimeter, edging TSMC's 236.17 million and leaving Intel's 184.21 million behind. The Japanese firm has already taped out a gate-all-around test chip using ASML's EUV tools, meeting key electrical targets, and is preparing its IIM-1 fab for volume output by 2027, with capacity expected to reach 25,000 wafers per month.
TSMC to raise foundry prices by 5-10% across advanced nodes in 2026
TSMC is planning to raise the prices of its advanced foundry services in 2026. According to industry sources, the price increase could range from 5% to 10%, with the exact amount varying based on the type of chip and customer. Chips for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to see the highest price hikes at around 10%. While TSMC has not officially confirmed the price adjustments, company officials have previously hinted at the need to address rising costs and supply chain challenges.
Exclusive: Apple pushes automation, leaving suppliers to foot the bill
Apple is ramping up automation across its supply chain as it moves production out of China and prepares for higher costs linked to US tariffs. Beginning in 2025, the company will require suppliers to invest in their own robotics and automation systems as a condition for receiving new orders. The policy covers all major product lines, from iPhones to Macs, and is designed to reduce reliance on labor while boosting efficiency at factories in India and Vietnam. Although the strategy is driving up costs and pressuring supplier margins in the short term, Apple believes automation will eventually cut expenses and guarantee consistent quality.
Exclusive: NAND flash rally gains steam with SanDisk's 10% price hike
SanDisk is raising prices on NAND flash products by 10% starting Sept. 4, marking the company's second increase this year as demand from AI servers and enterprise storage tightens supply. The move, which covers all consumer and channel products, signals the start of a broader rally that analysts expect other major chipmakers will follow. Spot market data shows smaller-capacity NAND chips like 256GB and below are already seeing sharp price hikes, while oversupply in 1TB devices has weighed on larger formats.
Samsung reportedly restarts investment in Taylor fab; Tesla chip mass production timeline revealed
Samsung Electronics is reviving its long-delayed semiconductor project in Taylor, Texas, committing nearly US$2.9 billion in equipment investment after securing a major contract with Tesla. The company plans to dispatch engineers in September and November to set up production lines, with mass production of Tesla's AI chips expected by late 2026 or early 2027. Industry experts say stabilizing 3nm and 2nm processes will be key milestones for the plant, which had previously stalled due to customer uncertainty and economic headwinds.
China's YMTC moves into DRAM, teams with CXMT to target HBM market
China's top NAND producer, Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC), is making a push into the DRAM market, part of Beijing's broader bid to challenge global leaders in advanced memory. The company is preparing to invest in DRAM equipment by late 2025 and is in talks with domestic DRAM maker ChangXin Memory Technologies on a partnership targeting high-bandwidth memory, or HBM. CXMT has already mass-produced HBM2, while YMTC is expected to bring expertise in hybrid bonding, a chip-stacking process seen as critical for future HBM development. Analysts say the tie-up could help China close the technology gap with South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix faster than expected.
Alibaba denies massive Cambricon chip order
Alibaba is reportedly advancing its AI chip strategy as supply chain pressures increase, with reports indicating its next-generation processor is under testing and designed to work with Nvidia products. Some Chinese outlets said production may shift from TSMC to a domestic foundry, but Alibaba has not confirmed. Meanwhile, speculation that the company placed an urgent order for 150,000 MLU370 chips from Cambricon Technologies was reportedly denied by Alibaba Cloud, which said no such purchase was made.
Article edited by Jack Wu
