DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Alibaba expands full-stack AI push as cloud data centers target 20 GW by 2032

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:38:27 GMT

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. doubled down on its full-stack AI strategy at the 2026 Apsara Conference, which opened on Sept. 22 at the Hangzhou International Expo Center. Alibaba Group chairman Joe Tsai made a rare appearance at the opening ceremony and said AI is moving from frontier exploration toward real-world deployment and large-scale applications.

BOE looks beyond displays with glass substrates for AI packaging

Levi Li — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:30:25 GMT

Chinese display maker BOE Technology is expanding beyond its core panel business. Chairman Chen Yanshun said at the BOE Global Innovation Partner Conference 2026 on September 22 that the company's glass substrates are undergoing customer validation, marking a shift from technology development toward customer adoption.

Samsung weighs 4nm expansion as HBM4 demand strains capacity

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:28:55 GMT

Samsung Electronics is considering expanding its 4nm foundry capacity as rising HBM4 base-die demand pushes existing capacity to full utilization, South Korea's Money Today reported on September 21. The company is also reviewing whether to build a new 2nm production line for base dies in future HBM5 products.

TSMC and ASE break ground on Taiwan's first advanced packaging cluster in Kaohsiung

Sherri Wang — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:58:07 GMT

Rising demand for advanced packaging tied to AI and high-performance computing (HPC) is driving development at Baipu Industrial Park in Kaohsiung, where construction has formally begun on what is billed as Taiwan's first advanced packaging supply-chain cluster. Led by TSMC, the park's first phase has already been fully allocated, and a groundbreaking ceremony on September 21 drew more than 20 semiconductor companies, including TSMC, Foxconn, and ASE.

Escalating risks, evolving safeguards: a chronological look at OpenAI's safety strategy

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:51:22 GMT

As artificial intelligence advances toward greater autonomy, balancing capabilities with safety has become a central challenge for industry leaders. Emerging model behaviors and high-profile security incidents have prompted a continuous evolution of safety initiatives, internal engineering adjustments, and proposed joint testing efforts between major AI developers.

Chinese AMOLED material suppliers set for revenue gains as Gen 8 fabs boost localization

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:29:07 GMT

Chinese AMOLED material suppliers are poised to gain market share as new 8G OLED fabs expand capacity in China. The shift could reshape supply chains for global display buyers, while also accelerating global demand for materials used in notebooks, premium panels, and future OLED Macs.

Googlebook opens preorders at US$899 for AI laptops

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:26:44 GMT

Google has opened preorders for the first Googlebook models, with prices starting at US$899, as it pushes Gemini AI deeper into the notebook experience and links phones, apps, and desktop workflows through a new operating system that blends Android and ChromeOS elements. The launch targets Android users, developers, and the premium notebook market.

India's fifth chip plant goes live, capping Suchi Semicon's three-year buildout

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:15:06 GMT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated commercial production at Suchi Semicon's outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) plant in Palsana, Surat, on September 17, alongside CDIL Semiconductor's assembly, testing, marking, and packaging unit in Mohali, Punjab. The two start-ups bring the number of semiconductor projects in commercial production in India to five, according to The New Indian Express, joining Micron, Kaynes Semicon, and CG Semi at Sanand in Gujarat.

Exclusive: China SiC capacity tightens, spilling orders over to Taiwanese foundries

Charlene Chen — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:14:45 GMT

China's silicon carbide (SiC) end-market demand is expanding rapidly, driven by high-voltage charging infrastructure and AI servers. The surge in orders has tightened SiC wafer capacity in China, and some offshore companies seeking foundry partners there have reportedly been turned away, pushing spillover business toward Taiwan, where Episil, HYS, and Diodes are among the names cited as potential beneficiaries.

MediaTek unveils Dimensity CX C10 Max for premium Googlebook devices

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:06:37 GMT

MediaTek has introduced a new chip aimed at premium, ultra-portable Googlebook devices, underscoring how next-generation AI, battery life, and wireless performance could shape consumer computing worldwide. The Dimensity CX C10 Max is built for thinner systems, faster multitasking, and privacy-focused Gemini features in markets beyond Asia.

Meta's rumored Luna smart glasses may go camera-free for lighter design

Sherri Wang — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:00:23 GMT

Meta Connect 2026 is set to begin on September 23, with the next generation of AI smart glasses expected to be a key focus. Among the products drawing particular industry attention is a device internally code-named "Luna," which is reportedly being designed without a camera.

Taiwan advances major science park expansion to support AI, semiconductor growth

Willis Ke — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:54:12 GMT

Demand from high-tech companies for new research and manufacturing sites remains strong, prompting Taiwan to advance plans to expand Longtan Science Park by 104 hectares as the government seeks to accommodate continued growth in AI and semiconductor industries.

Apple's reported AI server push could reshape its role in enterprise infrastructure

Jingyue Hsiao — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:49:39 GMT

Apple is reportedly developing an enterprise AI inference server powered by its in-house M8 Ultra chips. This move could mark its return to the enterprise server market after more than a decade. If the project reaches market, it may also reshape Apple's infrastructure strategy, supplier relationships, and place in AI computing.

Brussels will put a public efficiency grade on Europe's data centers before it decides what to require of them

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:36:45 GMT

Europe intends to triple its data center capacity within five to seven years. On September 21, the European Commission set out how it plans to monitor that expansion: a common EU rating scheme that will attach a public electronic label, covering energy and water use, to every data center in the bloc with at least 500kW of installed IT power demand. The label provides ratings; it does not yet impose requirements. Binding minimum performance standards are a separate proposal, and the consultation on them opened only that day.

Huaqin challenges Quanta for Steam Deck ODM order

Lily Hess — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:16:19 GMT

Industry sources say Valve is expected to launch a new Steam Deck in 2027, setting up a tougher contest for Taiwanese original design manufacturer (ODM) Quanta as China's Huaqin moves to win the manufacturing order. The winner has not yet been confirmed.

Taiwanese auto industry eyes 2027 for zero-tariff US cars

Jingyue Hsiao — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:11:56 GMT

Taiwan's auto industry is watching closely as tariff talks between Taiwan and the US continue to shape the sector's outlook. PG Union CEO Ray Wu said in an interview on September 21 that the two sides are still negotiating the new policy, and the process must clear three hurdles before it can take effect.

Microsoft Taiwan to double data centers as AI computing demand exceeds supply

Eifeh Strom — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:05:31 GMT

Microsoft is expanding its data center footprint in Taiwan from two facilities to four as global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) computing power continues to surge and industry players step up data center expansion. Microsoft Taiwan general manager Sean Pien said the new facilities will prioritize Taiwan customers.

ASML opens India operations but ties any scale-up to Tata's Dholera fab

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:56:14 GMT

ASML has begun operations in India with an initial team of 20-30 engineering graduates, and has made clear that any expansion beyond that depends on Tata Electronics delivering the country's first 12-inch wafer fab on time.

Taiwan's Hai Kun submarine in final testing stages, eyes October delivery

Eifeh Strom — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:55:42 GMT

Taiwan's first domestically built submarine, the Hai Kun, was seen leaving Kaohsiung Port on September 21 for its 21st sea trial and 15th diving test. The vessel has remained out of public view for nearly two months since setting sail on July 30. The project is now entering the final stretch, following a period of in-depth adjustments, raising the possibility that it could be delivered as early as October.

China puts AI computing into orbit with first integrated satellite launch

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:51:46 GMT

China has taken another step toward deploying artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure in space after a commercial rocket launched nine satellites, including the country's first integrated "rocket-and-satellite" AI computing project.

Nscale seeks New York listing as AI infrastructure demand tests investor appetite

Jingyue Hsiao — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:46:36 GMT

British neocloud provider Nscale has filed to list on the New York Stock Exchange, seeking up to US$3 billion in a deal that could value the company at US$30 billion to US$35 billion. The offering will serve as a test of global investor appetite for AI infrastructure, data centers, and compute capacity.

YMTC's capital arm enters FD-SOI — China's 12-inch SOI build-out gathers pace

Levi Li — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:45:44 GMT

China's FD-SOI supply chain is taking shape through a new round of investment. Changcun Capital, the investment platform backed by YMTC, participated in a strategic investment in FD-SOI developer Ruili Pingxin Microelectronics in August, drawing attention to whether Chinese semiconductor capital is expanding beyond memory manufacturing into specialty logic and wafer foundry technologies.

China's memory race turns inward — CXMT, YMTC head toward patent showdown

Levi Li — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:33:16 GMT

Global memory shortages remain severe, with AI and cloud applications intensifying demand for scarce supply. Prices for both DRAM and NAND flash have risen sharply, while China's two flagship memory makers, CXMT and YMTC, are preparing to break from their long-standing division of the market.

Xpeng plans to license tech to more foreign automakers

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:25:11 GMT

Chinese EV maker Xpeng is planning to offer its technology to foreign automakers beyond Volkswagen, according to people familiar with the matter, as technology licensing emerges as a new revenue engine for the company.

MediaTek launches Dimensity CX brand for laptops, starting with a 3nm chip for Googlebook

DIGITIMES — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:23:21 GMT

MediaTek has launched the Dimensity CX C10 Max, the first chip in a new family called Dimensity Compute Experiences (CX), and is aiming it at Googlebook laptops.

Tesla speeds up Optimus mass production with China supply chain visits

Lily Hess — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:20:09 GMT

Tesla is reportedly making new progress toward mass production of its Optimus humanoid robots, with the company's robot team conducting intensive supplier audits across China's Yangtze River Delta last week. The visits covered Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Shanghai and included potential suppliers Tuopu Group, Sanhua Holding Group, and Joyson Electronics, all of which are existing Tesla automotive suppliers.

Acer founder urges talent, trust, and innovation in AI era

Charlene Chen — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:19:54 GMT

As the global order is being reshaped and AI is rapidly transforming economic and governance systems, Acer founder and StanShih Foundation chairman Stan Shih said leadership competitiveness no longer depends on how much technology a company controls, but on what governance values it chooses.

Analysis: Will AI glasses replace the iPhone? —Cook and Ternus see it differently

Yunnie Cheng — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:14:08 GMT

Following Apple's executive transition, former CEO Tim Cook and new chief John Ternus have presented contrasting visions for the next generation of mobile devices, spotlighting a key strategic divide as the company prepares for the post-iPhone era.

AirTAC sees pneumatic demand cycle extending through 2027 on China automation growth

DIGITIMES — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:13:38 GMT

AirTAC International Group said demand for pneumatic components in China's automation market has entered a more gradual expansion phase, and executives said the current upturn could last through 2027. The outlook came as the Taiwanese pneumatic equipment maker reported strong results for the first half of 2026 and an even faster rise in August revenue.

Nvidia Rubin architecture drives high-end MLCC demand, solidifying Murata, SEMCO leadership

Yunnie Cheng — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:13:06 GMT

While market focus surrounding AI infrastructure has centered primarily on core computing components—such as GPUs, CPUs, high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and networking hardware—rising chip performance, power consumption, and rack density are rapidly elevating the need for power stability. As a result, high-end multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are emerging as critical passive components in next-generation AI deployments.

EZconn eyes 2027 high-core fiber ramp as shortages persist

Lily Hess — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:12:40 GMT

EZconn said global fiber and optical cable supplies remain tight as AI data center demand overtakes demand from traditional telecom applications, pushing up raw material prices and boosting costs for optical passive components. The company expects the shortage to ease gradually from the second half of 2026 into 2027 as upstream suppliers add capacity, while it negotiates for larger allocations and longer-term supply contracts.

AI inference demand surges as training slowdown talk fades

Lily Hess — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:12:11 GMT

Calls to slow frontier AI model training have sparked debate across the AI semiconductor industry, but executives at the AI Infra Summit in Santa Clara, California, said the real buildout is aimed at AI inference, not training. The event, held from September 15 to 17, became a broad response to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's September 12 essay urging frontier AI labs to slow the pace of capability gains.

China carmakers lean on exports as domestic sales stall

Lily Hess — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:11:12 GMT

China's auto industry is increasingly relying on exports to sustain growth as domestic demand remains weak, industry sources said, ahead of a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the US for a summit with US President Donald Trump. Online reports that Beijing may include BYD in a business delegation have fueled speculation the EV maker could use the trip to ease trade frictions and protect overseas momentum.

DIGITIMES Insight: Full-color Micro LED set to exceed 30% of AR glasses shipments in 2027

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:10:49 GMT

The industry has converged on a single precondition for consumer adoption of augmented reality (AR) glasses: the product must look like ordinary eyewear. The China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) 2026 showed how differently the two critical component groups — microdisplays and waveguides — are responding to that constraint. Microdisplay makers are trading away a modest amount of resolution for smaller Micro LED panel areas, pushing light engines below 0.1cc, and pairing those engines with geometric, surface-relief, and volume-holographic waveguides from multiple suppliers to demonstrate complete near-eye modules and, in some cases, complete glasses. Taken together, the show indicates that AR display technology has reached a workable level of maturity.

US iPhone 18 Pro Max teardown reveals Qualcomm modem, suggesting prior supply-chain commitments

DIGITIMES — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:09:27 GMT

Apple's latest flagship iPhone 18 Pro series is now shipping, and the choice of modem chip has drawn close market attention. A newly released teardown report has revealed an unexpected exception: the US iPhone 18 Pro Max still uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 rather than Apple's newly announced in-house C2 chip.

Loyalty Founder Enterprise sees AI server expansion lifting growth outlook

Jingyue Hsiao — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:06:36 GMT

Loyalty Founder Enterprise's push into AI servers, storage, and networking is beginning to boost scale and profitability, with implications for global data center supply chains. As demand for AI infrastructure stays strong and new overseas capacity nears launch, the company is positioning itself for broader growth in 2027 and 2028.

Trade, AI, rare earths, and Iran shape Xi-Trump 2.0 talks

Charlene Chen — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier Li-Feng He held talks in New York on September 20, 2026, joined by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and China International Trade Representative Cheng-Gang Li, as Beijing and Washington prepared for the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Jin-Ping Xi on September 24 in Washington.

Microsoft CEO expected at Trump-Xi dinner amid rising AI debate

DIGITIMES — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:43:00 GMT

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was expected to attend this week's White House state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, joining top executives from Apple, OpenAI, Nvidia and Qualcomm, according to people familiar with the matter. The dinner comes as the Trump-Xi summit puts AI policy, trade and technology ties under heightened scrutiny.