DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Taiwan textile firms branch into aerospace and drones with high-performance materials

Rodney Chan — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:27:09 GMT

Taiwan's manufacturers are no longer content with making sportswear and bicycle parts. Faced with margin pressure and slowing demand in traditional end markets, a growing number of the island's textile and composite materials makers are repositioning themselves as suppliers to the aerospace, defense, and drone industries — sectors that demand premium materials, carry long contract cycles, and are largely insulated from the price wars that have squeezed conventional manufacturing. Early movers are already showing results.

LEO satellites set to transform in-flight connectivity

Emily Kuo — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:27:05 GMT

For years, one of the most frustrating aspects of long-haul travel has been expensive, slow, and often unreliable in-flight Wi-Fi. With the rapid rise of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications, that frustration may soon be a thing of the past. Analysis from Aviation Week's podcast highlights how LEO players such as SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper are reshaping aviation connectivity across technology, business models, and passenger experience.

US Commerce Secretary says BYD has no role in American auto market

Elaine Chen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:25:42 GMT

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Chinese capital will have no meaningful place in America's auto sector, arguing that the country does not need companies such as electric vehicle maker BYD.

Solar power: the new front in G2 tech rivalry

Elaine Chen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:13:18 GMT

As China weighs restrictions on exporting heterojunction (HJT) solar equipment to the United States — partly to blunt Elon Musk's space ambitions — a new chapter in the technology's global race is unfolding on American soil.

Memory and raw materials' increased prices weigh on smartphone panels in 2Q26

Emily Kuo — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:04:48 GMT

Entering the second quarter of 2026, the smartphone panel market continues to carry the weak momentum carried over from the first quarter of 2026. As memory prices rise further alongside escalating bulk raw material costs, brand vendors have adopted more conservative procurement strategies, further intensifying competition across the panel supply chain.

Analysis: How TSMC avoids memory's boom-and-bust cycle

Emily Kuo — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:33:22 GMT

Ahead of TSMC's earnings call, DIGITIMES senior analyst Luke Lin explained that TSMC typically does not revise its full-year revenue forecast or capital expenditure during its first-quarter earnings announcement. If adjustments are needed, TSMC usually waits until July. That is when second-quarter results and third-quarter guidance are released, giving the company a firmer basis for any revisions.

Inside the strategy of Anthropic's CFO as AI spending surges

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:15:54 GMT

At Anthropic, the race to build cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly defined by one constraint: computing, and at the center of the company's response is its low-profile chief financial officer, Krishna Rao, who has emerged as a key architect of its rapid expansion.

AI chip rivalry escalates: ABF substrate sells out for Unimicron, Kinsus, Nan Ya PCB

Emily Kuo — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:13:31 GMT

AI GPUs, CPUs, and ASICs are driving demand for increasingly larger sizes and higher layer counts in substrate technology. The supply-demand gap for high-end ABF substrates continues to widen, and over the next three years, the industry is expected to enter a capacity expansion cycle.

AI boom lifts Taiwan's chip testing firms to record 1Q26

Elaine Chen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:02:30 GMT

As artificial intelligence chips increasingly migrate to advanced manufacturing nodes, the complexity — and duration — of semiconductor testing is rising sharply. That shift is fueling surging demand for Taiwan's test interface suppliers, whose businesses are climbing in tandem with the AI boom.

India notifies Dholera chip SEZ, signaling diversification of global semiconductor supply chain

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:47:50 GMT

India's notification of a special economic zone in Dholera for the country's first chip fabrication plant marks a potential turning point in global semiconductor supply chains, promising a new manufacturing hub that could attract investment, create skilled jobs, and reduce import dependence — part of a broader international effort to diversify electronics production worldwide.

Naura revenue climbs on China chip tool demand, margins tighten amid rising costs and competition

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:46:55 GMT

China semiconductor equipment maker Naura Technology delivered strong 2025 revenue growth on rising chip tool demand and domestic substitution, but weaker margins and intensifying competition signal a tougher next phase.

Global wafer foundry industry and status, 2026: AI-driven growth and fierce competition

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:40:46 GMT

Global wafer foundry revenue in 2026 is estimated to grow 23.5% year-over-year, expected to reach US$250 billion.

South Korea's DeepX moves DX-M1 AI chip into mass production; builds up inventory to address supply constraints

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:36:53 GMT

South Korean AI semiconductor startup DeepX has entered mass production and supply for its in-house neural processing unit (NPU), the DX-M1, as it seeks to scale revenue amid tightening wafer capacity and rising memory costs. The company said it has secured more than 30 purchase orders and is targeting US$40 million in revenue in 2026, supported by demand for low-power, cost-efficient AI chips.

Chinese conglomerate makes entry into memory sector as AI drive structural shift

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:26:47 GMT

On April 17, Security Times reported that Beijing New Space-time Technology (Time Space Technology) plans to acquire Shenzhen-based memory module maker Powev Electronic Technology for CNY1.078 billion (US$158 million), marking its official entry into the semiconductor storage sector. The report noted that the deal represents a strategic transformation for the company as it seeks to move away from its traditional night-time economy and smart city businesses, which have been under sustained pressure from macroeconomic headwinds and tightening local government budgets.

US security agencies adopt Anthropic's Mythos despite Pentagon risk label

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:16:01 GMT

The US National Security Agency (NSA) is using Anthropic's advanced AI model, Mythos Preview, even after the Department of Defense (DoD) formally designated the company a "supply chain risk," highlighting a growing tension between national security policy and operational cybersecurity needs.

Chinese auto parts chain expands amid smart and electric vehicle surge

Charlene Chen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:01:38 GMT

China, the world's largest single automotive market, is also the most intense testing ground for the industry's shift toward smart and electric vehicles. DIGITIMES Research notes that China's adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and intelligent cockpits in new cars has rapidly outpaced other regions, reaching significant penetration, especially in mid- to high-end models. Electric vehicles (EVs) have overtaken internal combustion engine cars as the sales leader in the passenger car segment, with the speed and scale of this transformation surpassing prior market expectations.

Fortinet rolls out FortiOS 8.0 to tackle shadow AI and post-quantum security risks

Levi Li — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:27 GMT

Cybersecurity firm Fortinet recently held its 2026 Accelerate APAC conference in Taiwan, focusing on emerging security challenges in the AI era and corresponding solutions. At the event, the company introduced its latest operating system, FortiOS 8.0, designed to help enterprises simplify security architectures and strengthen digital resilience through AI-driven protection, next-generation SASE, and quantum-safe capabilities.

Exclusive: Sunny Optical eyes FAU, sees 9% smartphone market drop in 2026

Charlene Chen — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:55:36 GMT

As the second quarter of 2026 unfolds, many smartphone and component makers entered the year bracing for pressure on the mobile market. Sunny Optical internally forecasts a 9% decline in the global smartphone market for 2026, with mid- to low-end phones pausing camera upgrades and high-end components undergoing a clear replacement trend.

India's smartphone shipments fall 3% amid cost pressures and weak demand

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:51:33 GMT

India's smartphone shipments fell 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, signaling strain across global supply chains and consumer markets as rising component costs and sluggish demand squeezed volumes and margins. The downturn — and the further price pressures expected ahead — could affect device availability, pricing strategies, and earnings across manufacturers and retailers.

Potential Google-Marvell partnership escalates AI chip competition against Nvidia

DIGITIMES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:38:54 GMT

Google is accelerating efforts to strengthen its position in AI silicon through a potential partnership with Marvell Technology. It is making a move that highlights the competitive strategy against Nvidia: dominating AI inference workloads.

Taiwan's high growth and low inflation stand out amidst global economic downturn

Kevin Wang — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:14:38 GMT

As global research institutions downgrade their economic forecasts for 2026 in the wake of the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, Taiwan has stood out as a rare exception to the worldwide downturn. Even with oil and natural gas prices surging amid shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, Taiwan's economy grew by 13.19% in the first quarter of 2026, following an impressive 8.68% growth in 2025. Meanwhile, consumer price index (CPI) inflation is expected to stay at a low 1.98%, thanks to government intervention.

US's China containment shifts Taiwan firms' investment strategies

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:03:41 GMT

Taiwanese companies are shifting investment and repatriation patterns as the US-led containment policy and global resistance to Chinese tech firms reshape cross-strait business dynamics, potentially affecting supply chains, foreign investment flows, and technology partnerships worldwide, and prompting multinationals and policymakers to reassess exposure to China across manufacturing and finance sectors.

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).