DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Wooptix advances testing and production capabilities in targeting entry into leading foundries by 2028

Emily Kuo — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:39:45 GMT

Spanish optical inspection startup Wooptix officially unveiled its first inspection system, Phemet, in November 2025. The company stated that its first-generation prototype has already undergone testing and collaboration with European research institutions and major wafer manufacturers. Moving forward, the system will be further refined based on customer requirements.

Odisha to break ground on India's first advanced 3D chip packaging unit

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:28:40 GMT

Odisha broke ground on India's first advanced 3D chip packaging unit on April 19, 2026, a move that could reshape global semiconductor supply chains by adding high-end heterogeneous integration capacity in South Asia, attracting investment for aerospace, defense, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and data center applications, and creating jobs.

E Ink says energy limits could reshape displays from devices to surfaces, opening new markets

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:26:19 GMT

E Ink Holdings chairman Johnson Lee said the display industry is at a turning point as mainstream technologies push for greater brightness, refresh rates, and color saturation. At the same time, energy and environmental constraints become more pressing. He argued that 80–90% of current display demand remains tied to established endpoints such as smartphones, televisions, tablets, and monitors, and that a focus on incremental performance improvements is reaching diminishing returns.

Commentary: Spain's IC design ecosystem revives as EU chip sovereignty demand grows

Charlene Chen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:19:22 GMT

Amid rising geopolitical tensions linked to semiconductors, European countries and industries are increasingly anxious about semiconductor autonomy. This concern has empowered many European chip startups to believe that local computing demands can sustain homegrown firms. Spanish companies Semidynamics and Openchip see this opportunity as a key foundation for growth in the coming years.

Brands boost wearable device sales to offset smartphone shipment pressure

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:04:56 GMT

Rising prices for key upstream components such as memory have dampened global smartphone shipments, prompting brands to boost memory inventory, raise the share of mid- to high-end models, expand China-only flagships overseas, and accelerate sales of accessories like earphones and smartwatches to offset revenue losses and protect margins in the coming quarters.

Taiwan's Homeplus turns to free streaming to tap FAST TV growth as OTT market saturates

Willis Ke — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:02:44 GMT

Taiwan's leading cable TV operator, Homeplus Digital, has entered the free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST TV) market through its subsidiary Global Digital Media with the launch of the "Waqu TV" platform, aiming to capture growing demand for no-subscription viewing as the island's paid over-the-top (OTT) sector nears saturation.

Zhen Ding plans Hong Kong listing for subsidiary to boost global IC substrate presence

Eifeh Strom — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:49:35 GMT

Printed circuit board (PCB) giant Zhen Ding Technology held a board meeting on April 17 and approved plans for its subsidiary, Leading Interconnect Semiconductor Technology (LIST), to apply for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The proposal will be submitted for review at the upcoming annual general meeting. The company stated that the move aims to unlock the standalone value of its high-growth business and strengthen the group's global competitiveness in core infrastructure in the artificial intelligence (AI) era.

Acerpure begins OTC trading, targets emerging markets for smart home expansion

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:48:15 GMT

Acerpure's OTC listing on April 20 signals a push to harness demographic dividends in emerging markets, with implications for consumers worldwide. The smart home appliance company plans to scale air conditioners and integrated AIoT offerings, aiming to boost brand value and gross margins while building global ambitions for a whole-home ecosystem.

SDC's 8.6-gen OLED approaches 90% yield, expected to supply 2 million panels to Apple in 2026

Emily Kuo — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:32:30 GMT

According to industry sources cited by The Elec, Samsung Display's (SDC) 8.6G OLED line has recently surpassed an 85% yield rate, approaching the industry's "golden yield" threshold of 90%. The initial ramp-up of the line has stabilized, and sample production is currently underway. Mass production expected to begin in June–July 2026. The panels are slated for Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, with shipments potentially reaching around 2 million units in 2026.

SOCAMM2 race intensifies as SK Hynix starts mass production, while Micron and Samsung push competing designs

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:29:22 GMT

SK Hynix has begun mass production of its 192GB SOCAMM2 memory module, marking a major step in the commercialization of next-generation low-power server DRAM designed for AI workloads, according to a company press release on April 20, 2026. Built on SK Hynix's 1-c nm (10nm-class sixth-generation) process and LPDDR5X technology, the module is positioned as a core memory solution for AI servers, particularly for training and inference of large language models.

Column: Texas emerges as key hub for drone and autonomous systems industry

Rodney Chan — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:20:27 GMT

Following up on the previous article, this piece focuses on Texas, where the state has long offered attractive incentives to lure high-tech industries. Now, Texas is extending its reach to defense sectors, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and counter-UAS (C-UAS) autonomous systems.

Samsung reportedly signals exit from LPDDR4 market as memory industry shifts toward LPDDR5

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:17:28 GMT

Memory makers are accelerating the phase-out of older mobile DRAM generations, with policies on LPDDR4 and DDR4 increasingly converging toward end-of-life (EOL) management as the industry shifts capacity toward higher-value LPDDR5, LPDDR5X, and server-class memory products.

Lens supplies 132 core components for Honor humanoid robot program, reinforcing role in embodied intelligence manufacturing

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:56:17 GMT

Lens Technology supplied 132 types of core metal structural components for Honor's humanoid robot program, underscoring its expanding role in embodied intelligence manufacturing and signaling increased global industrial capacity in robot production, supply-chain integration, and overseas facility expansion that could affect robotics availability and development worldwide.

Samsung tests domestic EUV masks to cut Japan reliance at 4nm

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:54:41 GMT

Samsung Electronics has begun testing domestic EUV blank masks in its 4nm foundry production line, a shift aimed at cutting reliance on Japanese suppliers and tightening control over critical chipmaking materials.

DeepSeek reportedly weighs first external fundraising as AI competition intensifies

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:42:06 GMT

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is considering raising external funding for the first time, a move that would mark a significant shift for a company that has so far relied on backing from its parent, hedge fund High-Flyer Capital Management, according to a report by The Information, citing five people familiar with the matter.

Cerebras revives IPO bid as AI boom fuels growth and high-profile partnerships

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:30:07 GMT

Cerebras Systems has renewed its push to go public, filing for an initial public offering (IPO) after shelving an earlier attempt amid regulatory scrutiny and shifting market conditions. The AI chipmaker and data center operator, headquartered in California, is seeking to capitalize on surging demand for AI infrastructure as hyperscalers ramp up spending.

China's humanoid robot half-marathon highlights rapid advances in autonomy and system integration

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:15:13 GMT

A humanoid robot half-marathon held in Beijing's Yizhuang development zone on April 19, 2026, has highlighted the rapid evolution of robotics technology, with autonomous machines demonstrating major gains in speed, stability, and decision-making compared with the previous year.

Weekly news roundup: Samsung launches voluntary retirement; Qualcomm moves into custom DRAM with CXMT

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:10:44 GMT

Below are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of April 13-19, 2026:

As 2D NAND fades, UMC faces steep hurdles to enter a shrinking market

Elaine Chen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:45:16 GMT

The global retreat from 2D NAND flash production is no longer a possibility but an emerging certainty. As major memory makers exit the segment, tightening supply has driven a sharp surge in prices for low-capacity chips. Recent market chatter suggests that United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) could receive foundry orders for SLC and MLC flash, a move that, if realized, might disrupt what is shaping up to be an increasingly concentrated supply landscape.

Canary Islands push into semiconductors, build on space tech base

Levi Li — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:26:16 GMT

The Canary Islands, an Atlantic archipelago off northwest Africa, have long been defined by tourism rather than technology.

Qilimanjaro targets analog quantum computing for AI data center integration within 10 years

Lily Hess — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:46:46 GMT

The timeline for quantum computing to become commercially viable has shrunk from decades to potentially within 10 years, driven by surging AI demand. That is the view of Dr. Marta P. Estarellas, CEO of Spanish quantum firm Qilimanjaro, which is positioning analog quantum computing as a key technology for future data centers.

Open Cosmos wins Ka-band spectrum, targets sovereign LEO networks over mass connectivity

Levi Li — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:46:25 GMT

In the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite market, the spotlight has largely been on major operators such as SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper. In early 2026, UK-based space technology firm Open Cosmos began drawing industry attention following an intense spectrum licensing battle.

MSP+ eyes 2026 growth with new Yangmei plant, advances in Micro LED and CPO

Lily Hess — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:45:51 GMT

Micraft System Plus (MSP+), a supplier of mass transfer and laser technology equipment, will officially open its new Yangmei factory in northern Taiwan in May 2026, significantly boosting production capacity for large-scale G4.5 and above laser devices. The company expects to benefit from the ramp-up of Micro LED equipment shipments, driving full-year revenue and profit growth while strategically positioning itself within the AI supply chain.

Mirle, UAT form robotics venture for global expansion

Levi Li — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:45:35 GMT

Automation solutions provider Mirle announced plans to establish a joint venture with United Alloy-Tech Company (UAT), aiming to capture opportunities in the global automation and robotics market.

Samsung files injunction to prevent union from occupying chip facilities

Lily Hess — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:44:53 GMT

Samsung Electronics has taken legal action amid escalating labor disputes with its union, filing for an injunction at a South Korean court on April 16, 2026, to prevent the union from illegally occupying key semiconductor facilities. Halting chip production at the company's facilities could have ramifications for global semiconductor supplies.

India roundup: China's supply-chain squeeze tests India's industrial rise

DIGITIMES — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:44:24 GMT

India's push to build a domestic advanced manufacturing ecosystem is facing renewed pressure as China tightens control over critical battery and EV technologies, while TCL considers restructuring its India TV unit and Taiwan's Rapidtek partners with India's HEX20 in satellite development, according to DIGITIMES reports. Separately, the UK has confirmed GBP380 million in support for Tata's Agratas battery plant in Somerset, underscoring intensifying global competition to secure EV and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

Taiyo Yuden raises MLCC prices, Murata takes the lead, Samsung to follow suit

Emily Kuo — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:44:04 GMT

Japanese electronic components maker Taiyo Yuden recently issued a price increase notice, announcing that it will raise prices on some products starting in May, specifically in the multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) market.

Toyota Corolla's standard ADAS raises global debate on subscriptions

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:43:48 GMT

A budget-friendly Toyota Corolla in the US offering standard, zero-cost advanced driver-assistance systems could reshape global expectations by undercutting automakers that rely on paid software subscriptions. The move intensifies pressure on manufacturers to include essential ADAS features at purchase and challenges the economics of subscription-based vehicle services and consumer attitudes worldwide.

Geely's AI-powered i-HEV challenges Toyota's hybrid dominance

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:43:04 GMT

Geely Auto Group's new intelligent hybrid electric vehicle platform promises to shake up the global hybrid market by consolidating smart driving, cockpit, and chassis functions into a single central controller, potentially lowering fuel consumption and challenging established hybrid leaders — while offering an alternative to full battery electric vehicles for consumers.

AI agents are slipping past enterprise defenses

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:42:49 GMT

Palo Alto Networks warns that the rise of AI agents — now operating with human-like identities and largely through browsers — is reshaping enterprise practices worldwide and creating new governance and security challenges. Organizations face risks from data leakage, autonomous agent interactions, and inadequate browser controls, requiring new approaches to traceability and operational limits.

CFIUS kills Sanan's bid for Lumileds, adding to Chinese LED giant's mounting troubles

Eifeh Strom — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:51:26 GMT

Chinese LED giant Sanan Optoelectronics has abandoned its US$239 million bid to acquire Lumileds, the Dutch high-end LED maker, after the deal was blocked on national-security grounds by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Corning leads glass substrate race as South Korea's KCC and LX Glass face steep challenges

Lily Hess — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:47:14 GMT

Glass core substrates, valued for their low dielectric loss and warpage reduction, are key to next-generation advanced semiconductor packaging. In South Korea, traditional glass makers KCC Glass and LX Glass have entered R&D efforts to capture market opportunities.

Largan eyes FAU opportunity as smartphone downgrades loom

Lily Hess — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:46:19 GMT

Optical lens giant Largan held its first quarter of 2026 earnings call on April 16, hosted by chairman En-Ping Lin. The company posted 7% year-on-year revenue growth — but headwinds are building as smartphone makers look to downgrade specifications.

Wage protests in Northern India disrupt electronics output as Uttar Pradesh raises pay

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:45:57 GMT

Worker protests broke out in mid-April across the Noida–Greater Noida industrial belt, a major center for smartphone and electronics manufacturing, disrupting factory operations and prompting a government response. The demonstrations were concentrated in industrial zones such as Phase-2 and Sector 60, where thousands of workers gathered to demand higher wages and improved working conditions.

H3C expands in Southeast Asia as Singapore emerges as a hub for Chinese AI vendors

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:45:32 GMT

The second edition of GITEX AI Asia 2026 opened at Marina Bay Sands, bringing together participants from more than 110 countries, as industry focus shifts from artificial intelligence model development to large-scale deployment.