DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Eiso Enterprise boosts profit as AI server BBU shipments ramp

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:30:48 GMT

PCB maker Eiso Enterprise posted strong growth in the third quarter of 2026 as AI server backup battery unit (BBU) products began shipping, driving demand for high-end printed circuit boards (PCBs) and lifting the company’s quarterly gross margin to 27.37%.

Naver's Nvidia-backed AI factory faces crucial test after US$9 billion deal

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:30:38 GMT

Naver is preparing to launch its Nvidia-backed AI factory business after securing an infrastructure agreement with Brookfield worth up to US$9 billion. With OpenAI and Anthropic seen as potential customers for AI computing services in South Korea, the company now faces the challenge of securing contracts that can support its expansion and cover rising operating costs.

Samsung SDS begins construction of 60MW AI data center to support factory robots

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:30:23 GMT

Samsung SDS has begun construction of a 60MW AI data center in Gumi, South Korea, to support industrial robots and other AI applications. The project marks the first concrete step under Samsung Group's KRW60 trillion (approx. US$44.7 billion) investment plan for the country's southeastern Yeongnam region.

Ecarx posts higher 3Q revenue, but memory costs squeeze margins

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:30:02 GMT

Ecarx, an automotive technology supplier, reported a 65% year-over-year reduction in profit for the third quarter of 2026 on November 4 as rising memory-chip costs eroded margins despite higher sales.

Pluggable optical module forms diverge; rack design emerges as key variable

Lily Hess — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:27:10 GMT

As switch chips move toward 400G per channel, the gold-finger connectors used in current pluggable modules are approaching their high-frequency limits. The pluggable optics camp introduced two incompatible new form factors in 2026.

Macronix chair warns AI will not brake, Taiwan Strait risks persist to 2027

Charlene Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:26:20 GMT

Macronix (MXIC) chairman Miin Wu said AI development will not stop because of political party changes after the US midterm elections, with the key question being whether massive investments will generate returns. He also said capital movements and a weaker New Taiwan dollar could reflect early positioning for uncertainty in the Taiwan Strait in 2027, potentially keeping the stock market under pressure through that year.

AMD teams up with FuriosaAI, MangoBoost to build Seoul AI cluster

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:25:48 GMT

AMD has signed an agreement with South Korean companies FuriosaAI and MangoBoost to build a heterogeneous AI computing cluster in Seoul by spring 2027, while separately discussing potential cooperation with DEEPX on low-power AI chips for robotics and industrial applications.

Coupang expands Taoyuan logistics center to improve bulky-item delivery

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:25:29 GMT

Coupang announced on November 5 that it was expanding the operating space at its first warehouse and logistics center in Taoyuan, Taiwan, as the company's local business continued to develop. The expansion is intended to increase storage capacity and delivery efficiency for medium and large products, strengthening the e-commerce company's logistics infrastructure in the market.

Murata-Maxscend RF chip patent battle hits Samsung's older Galaxy devices

Charlene Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:24:39 GMT

A patent lawsuit between Japanese electronic components maker Murata and Chinese radio-frequency (RF) front-end chip vendor Maxscend has ensnared some Samsung Electronics Galaxy smartphones and tablets equipped with the disputed filters. The products fall under the scope of a first-instance injunction issued by a German court, although Samsung said the affected models have already been discontinued, while Maxscend plans to appeal.

Macronix chairman pledges US$2 million to link NCKU with Stanford for top tech talent

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:24:12 GMT

Addressing Taiwan's declining birth rate and the semiconductor sector's expanding demand for elite expertise, Macronix International Chairman Miin Wu has announced plans to donate at least US$2 million alongside his wife to establish a top talent development fund at his alma mater, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). The initiative aims to partner with Stanford University to select one top NCKU student annually for advanced studies in the US, connecting Taiwan's next generation of technology leaders with cutting-edge global insights.

Foxtron aims to turn Taiwan's automotive supply chain into a global net-zero force

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:20:19 GMT

Electric vehicles (EVs) represent the single-most effective starting point for the automotive industry's net-zero transition, as their energy efficiency is nearly four times that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, according to Adam Chen, President of Foxtron Vehicle Technologies.

Acer Gadget expands lifestyle accessories as PC market weakens

Lily Hess — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 23:19:52 GMT

As the PC market outlook deteriorates, Acer subsidiary Acer Gadget is expanding its lifestyle accessories business to cushion the impact of a weaker market. General manager Chung I-chun said lifestyle accessories accounted for about 20% of revenue in the first half of 2026 and rose to 30% in the third quarter, with the share set to increase further as new products launch in the fourth quarter.

India's premium shift shields Apple from decade-low smartphone slump

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 22:33:00 GMT

India is now an important market for Apple in two ways. It is a growth market where the company set an all-time revenue record in the September quarter, even as overall smartphone shipments fell to a decade low. It is also a production base that, according to industry estimates, assembles roughly one in four iPhones.

Taiwan panel makers win Tier 1 foothold in automotive displays

Charlene Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 19:33:00 GMT

As weak end demand and intensifying competition weigh on the global display industry, Taiwan panel makers are pursuing new growth beyond traditional display manufacturing, with automotive displays emerging as a key focus. As smart cockpits adopt larger screens, multiple displays, and integrated human-machine interfaces, panel makers are moving from their former Tier 2 component supplier roles into Tier 1 system integration, competing directly with leading global suppliers.

SuperAlloy enters semiconductor pilot production in 3Q26

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 18:40:00 GMT

SuperAlloy reported strong third-quarter 2026 results, with consolidated revenue rising 18.5% year-over-year to NT$2.016 billion (US$61.4 million) as demand from international supercar and luxury vehicle brands increased. Operating profit jumped 211.7% to NT$208 million, while net income attributable to the parent company surged 478.1% to NT$247 million.

Apple's OLED shift challenges Radiant, but foldable iPhone offers a way forward

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 18:35:00 GMT

Apple's growing adoption of OLED displays is reshaping its supply chain, prompting key supplier Radiant Opto-Electronics to expand beyond conventional backlight modules into advanced optical technologies. The Taiwanese company is strengthening its partnership with Apple through several new products, including a solution designed to reduce the visible display crease in Apple's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo.

DIGITIMES Insight: Foxconn extends AI strategy to data center system integration, targeting modular computing delivery with DSX POD

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 18:32:00 GMT

At Hon Hai Tech Day 2026 (HHTD 26), Foxconn showcased the Nvidia DSX POD containerized solution. By leveraging factory pre-building, electromechanical integration, and pre-testing, Foxconn integrates computing racks, networking equipment, power distribution, and liquid cooling systems into rapidly deployable computing units. This approach assists Nvidia in transforming its AI computing platform into a modular data center architecture capable of mass production and on-site delivery.

Chicony shifts toward premium PCs, AI applications as demand weakens

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 17:36:00 GMT

Chicony Electronics reported unaudited consolidated revenue of NT$5.647 billion (US$172 million) for October 2026, down 9.1% month-over-month and 24% year-over-year. Persistent global PC component cost pressure, cautious purchasing by brand customers, and continued corrections in second-half PC shipments reduced demand, prompting the company to prioritize profitability, premium product shipments, and expansion beyond traditional PCs.

Nscale's US$35 billion IPO faces fresh uncertainty after Microsoft rejects Texas AI capacity expansion

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 17:35:00 GMT

UK-based AI computing infrastructure startup Nscale, backed by Nvidia, is planning a US$35 billion initial public offering (IPO) in 2026. However, Microsoft, one of its major customers, has reportedly decided not to exercise an option to expand its computing capacity lease at a Texas data center.

Chunghwa Telecom targets 200,000 Google AI subscribers in consumer-facing AI expansion

Kevin Wang — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 17:34:00 GMT

Chunghwa Telecom is expanding its Google partnership by bringing the latest Google AI services to consumers, with the aim of achieving 200,000 subscribers in the first year, according to Chunghwa Telecom Consumer Business Group president Hsueh-hai Hu. The focus will be on converting existing Google One users to higher-tier plans by combining cloud storage with AI features.

Commentary: Marvell's Lumentum deal holds a lesson for smartphone makers on supply chain integration

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 17:32:00 GMT

Marvell announced on November 2 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lumentum Holdings in an all-stock transaction valued at nearly US$115 billion. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2028.

Taiwan's server makers commit billions to Texas as new governor vows data center moratorium

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 16:49:00 GMT

Taiwanese server makers have committed billions of dollars to manufacturing facilities in Texas over the past two years. Now, the state's incoming governor has pledged to suspend new data center approvals, raising uncertainty over AI infrastructure investment in one of America's largest development markets.

TI targets next semiconductor supercycle as humanoid robots surge

Charlene Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 16:36:00 GMT

Humanoid robots require at least US$2,000 worth of semiconductors per unit—twice the content of an EV—and could drive the next semiconductor supercycle, Texas Instruments (TI) said. The company is expanding capacity for the next wave of demand rather than the current boom, according to William Feng, TI's Taiwan and South Asia sales and applications general manager.

US midterm elections shake-up leaves Samsung, SK Hynix facing AI data center risks, CHIPS Act opportunities

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 16:34:00 GMT

The Democrats' sweeping victory in the November 2026 US midterm elections, securing control of both chambers of Congress, has prompted South Korean industries to reassess the implications for investment, trade, and technology policy. With South Korea and Taiwan both heavily dependent on semiconductors, AI, and electronics, Washington's policy direction carries significant consequences for their technology sectors.

Micron has paused a Taiwan cleanroom since October amid labor dispute, but keeps EUV plans

Joseph Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 12:35:55 GMT

Micron has paused construction of a new cleanroom at its Fab 11E site in Taoyuan, Taiwan, since mid-October 2026, according to semiconductor supply chain sources. The company recently introduced a new quarterly bonus program tied to profits, but it still hasn't settled its dispute with the local union in Taoyuan, and no restart date has been set.

Largan consolidates camera actuator unit as optical business expands into CPO

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 10:29:45 GMT

Largan Technology reported October revenue of NT$5.846 billion (US$178.1 million) on November 5, down 7.0% year-over-year, while moving to consolidate its camera actuator subsidiary and advance co-packaged optics (CPO) products. Revenue for the first 10 months of 2026 reached NT$50.705 billion, an increase of approximately 1% from the same period a year earlier, as the smartphone camera lens market entered its seasonal slowdown.

Foxconn October revenue tops NT$1.3T on consumer and AI demand

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 10:26:59 GMT

Foxconn reported October 2026 revenue of NT$1.3053 trillion (US$39.8 billion), up 12.66% from September and 45.73% from a year earlier, as consumer smart products, computer terminals, components and other products posted strong growth. The result marked another month in which revenue exceeded NT$1 trillion. According to DIGITIMES, the performance was supported by stronger product pull-in activity and higher shipment prices.

Taiwan AI server suppliers commit US$2.9 billion to Texas factories

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 09:39:36 GMT

Eight Taiwanese electronics manufacturers have disclosed approximately US$2.9 billion in factory-related asset transactions and investment plans in Texas since January 2024, accounting for nearly half of their US factory-site commitments.

Acer reshuffles executives as Chan-ping Bo takes product, procurement role

Lily Hess — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 09:39:12 GMT

Acer is set to approve a senior executive reshuffle at its board meeting on Thursday afternoon, with Acer Being Communication general manager Chan-ping Bo reportedly taking over product and procurement responsibilities after chief operating officer Jerry Kao resigned. Bo is familiar with PC procurement and development operations and is considered a suitable successor, according to sources in the PC supply chain.

HP names former GSK chief Emma Walmsley as CEO

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 09:14:45 GMT

Hewlett Packard (HP) has appointed Emma Walmsley, the former head of drugmaker GSK, as its next CEO, ending a search that began after the company named an interim leader earlier this year.

The 346-GW question: Will anti-data-center votes slow America's AI buildout?

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 08:35:00 GMT

US voters favored restrictions on data center development in 40 of 41 local ballot measures across 10 states on November 3, signaling growing opposition to AI infrastructure expansion. Meanwhile, the election of a governor in Texas who has pledged to halt new data center approvals raises broader questions about the country's 345.9 GW pipeline of planned and under-construction projects.

Advantech sees high-double-digit growth through 2027, driven by AI and semiconductor equipment

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 08:00:07 GMT

Industrial PC leader Advantech reported record quarterly revenue and net profit for the third quarter of 2026, propelled by strong demand across semiconductor equipment, factory automation, and medical devices, alongside surging shipments of high-end edge AI systems. However, component price increases squeezed its gross margin down to 36.7%. Looking ahead, the company expects to maintain high-double-digit growth in both revenue and profit through 2027.

Advantech sees edge AI growth accelerating beyond semiconductor equipment into robotics

Levi Li — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:35:00 GMT

Advantech expects strong growth in 2027, identifying semiconductor equipment, edge AI and robotics as its principal growth engines. The Taiwanese industrial computing company reported robust orders across North America, China, Europe and Taiwan, although demand in parts of Southeast Asia and other emerging markets remains subdued. It is also monitoring potential US policy changes following the midterm elections.

Finance firms reportedly begin seeking investors for SpaceX's US$40B chip financing

DIGITIMES — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:29:58 GMT

Goldman Sachs and Apollo Global Management have reportedly begun approaching potential investors about purchasing parts of a US$40 billion deal to finance SpaceX's leasing of Nvidia chips. The firms are seeking to complete the transaction quickly in the wake of Democratic victories in this week's midterm elections, which some worry could slow the growth of AI development.

NAND prices face pressure as end demand freezes in 4Q26

Charlene Chen — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 07:19:39 GMT

Memory prices have surged for several consecutive quarters, leaving consumer applications grappling with cooling buying interest and weak demand. Kioxia has taken a more conservative view of the next quarter, while suppliers say demand remains but NAND prices can no longer rise, marking a turning point after roughly 18 months of gains driven by AI demand.