DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

SK Hynix races to open Yongin triple-deck fab in 2027

Sherri Wang — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:59:36 GMT

SK Hynix is racing to complete the first cleanroom at its massive Yongin Semiconductor Cluster in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, by February 2027, ahead of rival capacity expansion timelines. The site's first fabrication facility will break from conventional flat-floor layouts, stacking production floors three levels high in a pioneering triple-deck fab design.

Apple reportedly revamps Mac chip roadmap to accelerate AI push

DIGITIMES — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:52:10 GMT

Apple is preparing its biggest shift yet to the release strategy for its in-house Mac processors, opting to skip high-end M6 Pro and M6 Max chips and instead bring more powerful AI-focused M7 Pro and M7 Max processors to market in 2027, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.

Academia Sinica targets quantum chip manufacturing scale with Taiwan's semiconductor tool base

Lily Hess — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:46:48 GMT

Academia Sinica's Center for Quantum Computer is focusing only on hardware, not algorithms or applications, and executive director Chii-Dong Chen said that approach is similar to the mission Taiwan's government gave ITRI in the early days of the foundry industry. He said Taiwan enjoys a strong advantage in quantum chip manufacturing, but turning the new Quantum Chip Fabrication Space (QC-Fab) into a technology transfer model for private companies will still require regulatory easing.

How big tech is nudging cloud emissions on customers

DIGITIMES — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:46:08 GMT

In a corporate interview, Alexis Bateman, Head of Sustainability at Amazon Web Services (AWS), promoted the tech giant's latest environmental milestones and tools built to track data center carbon metrics. This includes the AWS Sustainability Console, a tracking hub launched to build on the Customer Carbon Footprint Tool (CCFT).

Apple's rare price hikes signal AI memory boom is reshaping consumer electronics

DIGITIMES — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:40:45 GMT

Before the price hikes became official, Apple had already warned investors that soaring memory costs would increasingly pressure margins. The company has now followed through on one of the rarest moves in its history: raising prices across much of its Mac, iPad, home device, and Vision Pro lineup to offset an AI-driven surge in memory and storage costs.

Japan puts JPY101.6 trillion AI chip push at heart of JPY370 trillion growth roadmap

DIGITIMES — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:21:49 GMT

Japan is moving to anchor its long-term growth strategy around AI, semiconductors, and strategic infrastructure, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks to use state-backed investment as a strategic push to lift private-sector spending and rebuild the country's industrial base.

IBM breaks sub-1nm barrier with 3D nanostack transistor platform

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:57:31 GMT

On June 25, IBM unveiled what it calls the world's first sub-1nm chip technology: a 0.7nm — or 7 angstrom — transistor architecture built on an entirely new 3D platform called Nanostack. The announcement, timed to the VLSI 2026 symposium, marks the first time logic technology has extended below the 1nm node and, IBM says, opens a roadmap of at least a decade of further semiconductor scaling.

Fuji Electric-linked arrests expose rare earth compliance risks for Japanese tech firms in China

Scarlett Yu — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:42:26 GMT

The detention of two Japanese nationals in China over suspected rare earth export violations is raising fresh compliance concerns for Japanese technology manufacturers operating in China, as Beijing tightens control over strategic minerals amid worsening Japan-China ties.

SK Hynix's US$29 billion Nasdaq plan puts capacity expansion in focus

DIGITIMES — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:09:58 GMT

SK Hynix is pairing a potentially record-scale Nasdaq ADR offering with an aggressive push to expand chip production for artificial intelligence, as the South Korean memory maker prepares to nearly double DRAM wafer input capacity by 2030–2031, The Elec reported.

Qualcomm's Dragonfly push highlights shift from mobile chips toward cloud AI

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:01:01 GMT

Qualcomm used its Investor Day to formally launch Dragonfly, a new data center product line aimed at cloud AI, and set out an ambitious revenue path that would shrink its dependence on handset sales. The company said the plan could reshape its business mix by 2029, but it still faces questions over timing, product performance, and execution.

Agility Robotics eyes Nasdaq listing, boosting Ability Enterprise's 2H26 outlook

Eifeh Strom — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:58:18 GMT

US humanoid robotics startup Agility Robotics announced it will list on the Nasdaq as early as September 2026, which would make it the first publicly traded humanoid robotics company in the US.

Amazon raises India bet to US$48 billion, adds US$13 billion for AI and cloud

DIGITIMES — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:57:26 GMT

Amazon on June 25 announced an additional US$13 billion investment in India's AI and cloud infrastructure by 2030, the third major commitment the company has made in as many years and one that brings its total planned spending across all India businesses to US$48 billion between 2026 and 2030. CEO Andy Jassy announced in New Delhi, following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that the pledge is a direct response to surging demand across Amazon's e-commerce, AI, and cloud operations in the country.

Taiwan Semiconductor accelerates transformation as unit listings and SiC, GaN bets take shape

DIGITIMES — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:55:22 GMT

Tai Asia Semiconductor's latest annual meeting highlighted a broader shift that could matter for investors and technology supply chains worldwide. The company said it is absorbing short-term losses to fund new businesses, while its subsidiaries advance in visual sensing, smart technology, silicon carbide, and gallium nitride.

Onsemi agrees to acquire Synaptics in US$7 billion all-stock deal

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:53:26 GMT

Onsemi has agreed to buy Synaptics in an all-stock transaction valued at about US$7 billion, a deal that could reshape the edge AI landscape across automotive, industrial, and connected devices. If completed, the merger aims to broaden global access to intelligent systems, software, and wireless technology.

Alibaba chip unit T-Head triples registered capital amid AI push

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:52:34 GMT

Alibaba Group's semiconductor design arm T-Head has more than tripled its registered capital, underscoring the Chinese technology giant's growing focus on artificial intelligence infrastructure and domestic chip development.

CXMT listing signals acceleration of China's memory self-sufficiency strategy amid global tech decoupling

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:52:00 GMT

CXMT's IPO highlights the growing geopolitical fragmentation of the global semiconductor industry, strengthening China's ability to finance domestic DRAM expansion and reduce reliance on foreign capital and technology. As supply chains increasingly split along regional lines, the listing reinforces Beijing's push for memory self-sufficiency and reshapes competitive dynamics in global markets.

SK Siltron to bring new 300mm wafer capacity online as AI demand lifts shipments

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:51:34 GMT

SK Siltron is preparing to bring a new silicon wafer manufacturing facility online in South Korea next month. The expansion comes as AI data center investment helps lift wafer shipments, while pricing remains under pressure as capacity added during the last expansion cycle continues to weigh on the market.

GlobalFoundries expands Singapore role as it targets physical AI hardware wave

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:51:21 GMT

GlobalFoundries (GF) is positioning its Singapore operations as a core hub for the emerging era of physical AI, as the chipmaker expands investment in manufacturing capacity and next-generation semiconductor technologies aimed at robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-driven infrastructure.

Europe aggressively pursues non-red supply chains; Thunder Tiger showcases unmanned combat systems in Poland

Emily Kuo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:51:05 GMT

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Thunder Tiger recently participated in the Taiwan Expo in Europe 2026 in Warsaw, Poland, showcasing its combat solutions. It said European markets are prioritizing non-red supply chains. In addition to establishing a presence in Ohio, the company has obtained multiple certifications and is integrating with Taiwanese suppliers to build a non-Red supply chain ecosystem.

Apple and Google consider adopting Chinese memory chips: three obstacles remain

Emily Kuo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:50:36 GMT

As AI demand prolongs shortages in memory chip supply, global technology companies are increasingly turning to Chinese-made semiconductors. However, industry analysts believe that even if major tech firms are interested in adopting Chinese chips, translating that interest into actual supply agreements remains difficult due to several significant obstacles.

Supply chain dismisses Vera Rubin doubts, sees ramp from 3Q26

Charlene Chen — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:50:22 GMT

Nvidia GPU server supply-chain vendors say the product transition will finish in second quarter 2026, setting up an upswing from the third quarter as demand stays strong and partners race to keep up with orders. The upbeat view points to solid momentum in the second half of the year, even as Nvidia's key component suppliers say they have been pushed "almost to the limit" by the pace of shipments.

How Optivision is speeding up the shift from LCD optical films to high-end auto applications

Emily Kuo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:48:41 GMT

As growth in the traditional consumer electronics market slows and industry competition intensifies, LCD optical film manufacturer Optivision Technology is accelerating its transition toward higher-value automotive applications. The company has reduced its production lines from 16 to 13 in response to changing demand dynamics in the display industry, aiming to optimize asset utilization and improve operational efficiency.

Nexcom courts Nvidia, Qualcomm partnerships to scale edge AI integration

Emily Kuo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:48:19 GMT

The robotics industry is moving from proof-of-concept projects to large-scale deployment. During Computex 2026, IPC maker Nexcom showcased its edge AI solutions at booths of major tech companies including Nvidia, Intel, and Qualcomm. Through product demonstrations, the company strengthened its positioning as a full-spectrum edge AI deployment partner, attracting interest from industry players seeking deeper collaboration and investment opportunities.

China power semiconductor makers raise prices as AI and vehicle demand grows

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:47:59 GMT

China's power semiconductor makers are lifting prices again as demand from artificial intelligence (AI) servers and new energy vehicles strengthens. The moves may signal a broader industry upcycle with global implications, as higher costs and tighter capacity could affect data centers, automotive suppliers, and power equipment buyers worldwide.

Tungsten shortage spreads from raw material to chip manufacturing, Japan warns

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:47:36 GMT

China's tightening tungsten export controls are adding pressure to global supply chains, with implications for semiconductor makers, defense industries, and industrial users worldwide. Planned production cuts by Japanese tungsten hexafluoride producers are widening concerns, while recycling is emerging as a practical response as countries push for raw-material localization and supply security.

Quantum Systems to build 2,000 TerMIT unmanned ground vehicles for Ukraine

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:47:23 GMT

Altos and FPT sign MOU to scale enterprise AI and HPC across Asia-Pacific

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:46:58 GMT

Altos, a subsidiary of Acer, said on June 24, 2026, that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vietnam-based FPT to jointly deploy and commercialize enterprise AI across the Asia-Pacific market. The agreement paired Altos' AI infrastructure and high-performance computing platforms with FPT's vertical AI application development and systems integration capabilities to create a more scalable enterprise AI ecosystem.

Taiwan drone makers pivot to non-China supply chains to win overseas markets

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:46:38 GMT

Taiwanese drone manufacturers are accelerating their expansion into overseas markets as domestic defense and program budgets remain unstable, executives said, making international sales the primary growth engine. Demand varies by region, and firms are increasingly emphasizing their non-China supply chains to address geopolitical concerns and customer requirements.

Taiwan electronics production jumps 93% in first five months of 2026 on AI boom

Eifeh Strom — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:38:29 GMT

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) released industrial production statistics for May 2026 on June 24, reporting that Taiwan's computer, electronic products, and optical products sector—led by servers, switches, semiconductor testing equipment and components, and solid-state drives—saw production increase 36.62% year over year. This was attributed to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, continued strong demand for computing power, and aggressive capacity expansion in the semiconductor industry. Cumulatively, from January to May, production increased 93.17% compared with the same period in 2025, ranking first among all industrial sectors.

IntelliEPI targets record 2026 revenue amid InP substrate shortages

Lily Hess — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:31:09 GMT

Compound semiconductor epitaxial wafer maker IntelliEPI said AI-driven high-speed transmission demand continues to lift the indium phosphide (InP) market, and it expects revenue to keep rising in 2026 and set another record. The company's biggest challenge remains a shortage of InP substrates, prompting it to rely mainly on Japanese suppliers while helping German manufacturers accelerate mass production of InP substrates.

Europe's AI infrastructure: the cost gap that policy cannot paper over

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:29:49 GMT

The EU currently hosts roughly 5% of the world's AI compute capacity. The US holds close to 75%. McKinsey projects European data center demand will grow from 10 GW of IT load in 2024 to 35 GW by 2030 — a tripling driven almost entirely by AI. The infrastructure to close that gap does not yet exist, and building it in Europe costs substantially more than building the equivalent in the US.

Samsung chairman reviews HBM4 supply as revenue tops US$1 billion

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:06:54 GMT

Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong visited the company's Cheonan plant on June 23 to review high-bandwidth memory production operations, as cumulative revenue from the company's latest HBM generation has crossed the US$1 billion mark and demand tied to AI chips continues to rise.

Century Wind Power to acquire Century Huaxin and rebrand as Century Energy Equipment

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:02:39 GMT

Century Wind Power announced on June 25 that its board approved a share-swap acquisition of 100% of Century Huaxin Wind Energy Co. and a proposed corporate name change to Century Energy Equipment Co., Ltd. The deal will see Century Wind Power issue new shares at an exchange ratio of 0.22 ordinary shares for each Century Huaxin ordinary share, with an expected issuance of 44,000 thousand new shares representing about 18.64% of post-issuance share capital.

Kioxia sees Apple fuel NAND memory supercycle, sets sights on US market

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:46:39 GMT

Kioxia is preparing to enter the US capital market through American depositary shares (ADS) in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, just as its latest annual report points to accelerating demand for NAND flash memory, SSDs and next-generation storage used in AI and consumer electronics.

EU clears EUR76M in German aid for Munich quantum chip-testing plant

DIGITIMES — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:36:47 GMT

The European Commission has given the green light to a EUR76 million (approx. US$86.3 million) German subsidy supporting QuantumDiamonds' plan to build a new semiconductor testing equipment facility in Munich, the Commission announced. The approval is the latest step in Brussels' push to reduce Europe's reliance on foreign chip technology and strengthen its industrial autonomy.