DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

US lawmakers request briefing with Nvidia's Jensen Huang on dealings with Megaspeed executive

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 10:04:49 GMT

Three US lawmakers asked Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to attend a closed-door meeting to discuss his interactions with former Megaspeed executive Alice Huang. The request followed recent reports alleging that Alice Huang had fed intelligence to the Chinese government and had developed a "close relationship" with Jensen Huang.

Commentary: US governors target AI data centers as Taiwan firms await Nvidia outlook

Lily Hess — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Following the 2026 US gubernatorial elections, four states that host major AI data centers—Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and Pennsylvania—could impose tighter controls on new projects after Democratic candidates won or secured reelection, according to Bloomberg. Taiwan suppliers are watching closely as some projects could be paused, while Nvidia's upcoming earnings call is expected to provide clues on AI infrastructure demand.

Moonshot AI reportedly seeking access to Nvidia GPUs through European neoclouds

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 08:59:43 GMT

Moonshot AI, a leading Chinese model developer, is reportedly seeking remote access to Nvidia chips held in Europe. With sales of advanced US chips to China limited, the move would exploit a loophole in American law that currently does not restrict cloud service providers (CSPs) from selling compute to Chinese companies.

YMTC targets up to 70% Chinese tools for new NAND fab

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 08:55:28 GMT

China's Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC) plans to source as much as 70% of the manufacturing equipment for its fourth NAND flash factory from domestic suppliers, a substantial increase over the share at its existing operations as the company expands into advanced memory for AI and data centers.

Democrats constrain Trump as scarce AI capacity benefits CSPs

Lily Hess — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 08:55:00 GMT

Democrats swept the US midterm elections, reshaping the global technology and industrial landscape. Their victories in key gubernatorial races, including in Texas and Georgia, have raised concerns about AI infrastructure expansion after some winning candidates explicitly pledged to pause data-center development.

Taiwan Mobile clears Systex tender offer, securing 61.02% ownership

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 08:47:42 GMT

Taiwan Mobile said its wholly owned subsidiary, Taiwan Cellular, had satisfied all conditions for its tender offer for Systex Corporation shares, clearing the way for the telecom operator to raise its stake in the information-services provider to 61.02%. The announcement was made on November 6 as the companies moved to expand their enterprise technology businesses through cross-selling, artificial intelligence (AI) and regional growth.

Nvidia reportedly buys glass substrate samples from Korea's JNTC

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 08:04:38 GMT

South Korea's JNTC has joined Nvidia's purchasing supplier list and is supplying paid samples of through-glass via (TGV) substrates, including 2mm-thick glass cores, The Elec reported on November 6.

Vivo and BYD formalize alliance: Why automakers must capitalize on smartphone integration over proprietary apps

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 08:00:40 GMT

Mobile technology giant Vivo and new energy vehicle leader BYD have officially signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement, marking a major milestone in smart mobility.

Wistron ITS reports record third-quarter profit as AI and semiconductor focus accelerates

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 07:55:00 GMT

Wistron ITS reported record gross profit, operating profit, net income, and earnings per share in the third quarter of 2026, as stronger revenue and improved operating efficiency supported continued expansion in AI and semiconductor services. Consolidated revenue reached NT$3.752 billion (approx. US$114.1 million), up 3.5% quarter-over-quarter and 25.6% year-over-year.

US election backlash reshapes AI data center expansion strategies

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 07:45:00 GMT

Companies at the forefront of the AI infrastructure buildout in the US are taking different approaches following the results of this week's midterm elections, which saw a nationwide backlash against data center construction. OpenAI pledged to prevent resource impacts on communities, while Nvidia is turning toward retrofitting small existing facilities.

Huawei, Alibaba among 20 Chinese tech firms confronting AI agent security, algorithmic exploitation

Levi Li — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 07:40:00 GMT

The 2026 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, which opened on November 4, brought AI agent governance into focus, with leading Chinese technology companies seeking common standards to address cybersecurity risks and potential misuse.

Taiwan science park debt tops NT$160 billion as NSTC targets faster repayment

Rodney Chan — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 07:32:39 GMT

Debt held by Taiwan's science park operating funds reached NT$163.54 billion (approx. US$4.97 billion) as of the end of September 2026, while the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) remains confident that rising operating cash flow will accelerate repayment. The government continues to develop and expand science parks to meet industry demand, including new sites and expansions across Taiwan.

Tencent launches Hy4 model to boost visual reasoning, AI safety

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 06:29:00 GMT

Tencent has launched its next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) model, Hy4, adding visual understanding for the first time and limiting cybersecurity training data to reduce the risk of misuse in cyberattacks and harmful biological research.

Qualcomm validates HBC memory architecture, targets AI250 samples in 1H27

Charlene Chen — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 06:00:44 GMT

Qualcomm has completed initial hardware validation of its high-bandwidth compute (HBC) memory architecture, which will form a key part of its next-generation Dragonfly data-center AI accelerators. The company aims to deliver a lower-cost, more energy-efficient alternative to sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4) for AI inference workloads requiring high bandwidth and large buffers.

EOI posts record nine-month results, readies Mexico plant for 4Q26 production

Charlene Chen — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 05:51:51 GMT

Excellence Opto (EOI), a major automotive LED light-source supplier, posted record revenue and profit for the first nine months as product-mix optimization, supply-chain efficiencies and high global capacity utilization lifted results. The company is also preparing to begin mass production at its Mexico plant in the fourth quarter and to develop SiPh optical communication module samples by 2027.

Democratic Congress set to challenge Trump on energy, AI, and EVs

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 04:38:20 GMT

Democrats have won control of Congress in the US midterm elections, turning the second half of President Donald Trump's term into a lame-duck period. Trump still holds the veto, however, and overriding it requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Congress is therefore more likely to apply pressure through budgets, investigations, and blocking new legislation than to overturn executive orders outright. For Taiwan's technology sector and supply chain, several fronts are worth watching closely.

LX Semicon posts first quarterly operating loss since IPO

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 04:24:24 GMT

South Korean chip designer LX Semicon posted its first quarterly operating loss since going public in 2010, as weak demand for display chips and pricing pressure from electronics manufacturers weighed on earnings. The company also nominated a new CEO to lead its turnaround efforts.

TV panel makers hold prices firm in November despite fading demand, with supply cuts proving crucial

Levi Li — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 04:01:07 GMT

The global TV panel market entered a period of fragile equilibrium in November 2026 following the end of peak-season inventory replenishment. Although TV brands have become more cautious in procurement, panel manufacturers are adjusting production at advanced-generation LCD fabs to stabilize prices, with rising upstream material costs reinforcing their reluctance to offer discounts.

China's NSIG sees silicon wafer prices rebound, but profitability remains elusive

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:59:06 GMT

National Silicon Industry Group (NSIG) expects to complete its expansion to 1.2 million 300mm silicon wafers per month by the end of 2026, positioning the Chinese semiconductor materials supplier to benefit from recovering wafer prices and growing demand for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates used in silicon photonics (SiPh).

China's chip equipment makers ride record AI orders into 2027, but new challenges lie ahead

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:46:28 GMT

Chinese semiconductor equipment makers report record orders extending into 2027, with AI-driven investment in advanced memory, logic chips and packaging strengthening demand for domestic manufacturing tools. The expansion is benefiting suppliers across etching, thin-film deposition, cleaning and electroplating, although component delivery constraints could delay the conversion of orders into revenue.

Samsung speeds P5 Fab 2 construction as memory chip shortage looks to last through 2028

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:35:03 GMT

Samsung Electronics plans to begin structural work at its P5 Fab 2 facility in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in January 2027, accelerating its memory capacity expansion as chip shortages are expected to persist through 2028, DealSite reported.

Taiwan-UK tech ties could support Europe's chip autonomy drive

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:35:00 GMT

Taiwan and the UK are deepening technology ties as supply-chain restructuring and industrial security reshape semiconductor strategy. A new bilateral arrangement covers semiconductors, space, communications, net zero, and AI standards, while cooperation could link British research strengths with Taiwan's manufacturing and testing capabilities across more of the chip lifecycle.

Meta faces political pushback over US data center expansion

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:25:00 GMT

The US midterm election and referendum results show broad public opposition to building more data centers, raising the prospect of tougher local-government reviews for large-scale facilities and prompting hyperscalers to shift some AI infrastructure investment overseas. Meta Platforms President Dina Powell McCormick said the issue had become a key election topic as companies struggle to demonstrate tangible benefits for local communities.

Commentary: YMTC's record NAND profits mask bigger risks behind its reported IPO delay

Levi Li — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:20:30 GMT

YMTC's parent company, CCSH Corporation, had planned to raise CNY33 billion (approx. US$4.93 billion) through an IPO on Shanghai's STAR Market to finance production-line upgrades and next-generation memory research. However, the strategic placement process, originally expected to begin between late October and early November 2026, has reportedly slowed.

V5 Technologies posts 69.7% revenue growth in first 10 months

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:20:03 GMT

V5 Technologies, a major provider of advanced semiconductor optical inspection and image-processing software, reported consolidated revenue of NT$316 million (US$9.61 million) in October 2026, up 1.67% from September and 32.5% year-on-year. Revenue for the first 10 months surpassed NT$2.6 billion, rising 69.7% from the same period in 2025.

Taiwan’s Niching posts 369% operating profit jump after folding in thermal-management maker

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:13:32 GMT

Niching Industrial reported a 369% year-on-year increase in 3Q26 operating profit to NT$45.05 million (US$1.37 million), as the consolidation of Ming Chun Yuan boosted manufacturing contributions and improved its product mix. Gross margin climbed to 28%, up 8 percentage points from the previous quarter.

Stockpiled in Hong Kong: Beijing limits Nvidia H200 imports as domestic silicon push accelerates

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:08:42 GMT

A significant backlog of advanced GPUs has accumulated in Hong Kong, according to Reuters, highlighting the widening rift between US export controls and Beijing's drive for semiconductor self-sufficiency. Approximately 600,000 unit shipments of Nvidia's H200 artificial intelligence processors are currently stored in Hong Kong awaiting clearance into mainland China, as Beijing regulators withhold large-scale import approvals despite sustained demand from major cloud service providers.

Rehear Audiology partners with Saudi group on AI hearing care

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:05:09 GMT

Rehear Audiology has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabia's Medical Electrical Equipment Maintenance Professionals Association (MEEMPA) to introduce advanced AI hearing-care technology, conduct clinical validation, and develop a localized healthcare ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

SK Hynix AI arm buys US$377 million stake in Penguin Solutions from SK Telecom

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 03:01:13 GMT

SK Hynix's US-based artificial intelligence (AI) investment arm, HYAICO Corporation, has acquired a stake in AI infrastructure provider Penguin Solutions from an SK Telecom affiliate for US$377.16 million, according to filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Why US midterm sweep could cost China's AI exports more than it gains

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:53:41 GMT

A slower US build-out of AI infrastructure after the Democratic Party's midterm sweep could cost China more economically than it gains strategically, Bloomberg Economics said, because the hardware export boom propping up China's growth this year rests on US data center construction.

Texas governor-elect Hinojosa seeks data center freeze, SpaceX land review

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:51:13 GMT

Texas governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has announced plans to suspend new data center approvals until the state establishes legal safeguards for residents, power supplies, and the environment, while also urging the state government to pause land deals that could involve SpaceX. The policy could reshape investment plans by major technology companies in one of the US's fastest-growing AI data center regions and a key base for Tesla and SpaceX.

Primax bets on B2B pivot for double-digit growth through 2029

Willis Ke — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:42:35 GMT

Taiwan-based Primax Electronics plans to increase the share of its business-to-business (B2B) operations over the next five years, expanding beyond traditional PC peripherals into artificial intelligence (AI), smart security, automotive and robotics applications. With public safety and surveillance projects already secured through 2029, the company expects these higher-value businesses to underpin sustained double-digit growth.

Memory maker Transcend's operating profit falls 40% from second quarter, but nine-month earnings reach record

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:38:40 GMT

Transcend Information posted record net profit and earnings per share (EPS) for the first nine months of 2026, but its third-quarter revenue, gross margin, and profit all declined from the previous quarter as shipments fell and procurement costs rose.

Foxtron stresses localized supply chains as protectionism rises

Lily Hess — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:34:09 GMT

Foxconn-backed Foxtron GM Adam Chen said the company exported EVs to Australia and New Zealand in September this year, signed an agreement with Mitsubishi Fuso to develop electric buses, and plans to enter the European market. As protectionism intensifies worldwide, localization will become an unavoidable path for automakers, Chen said.

Samsung, SK Hynix eye AI inference boom as South Korea's SSD exports soar 584%

Levi Li — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:30:52 GMT

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expanding their high-value NAND flash portfolios to meet growing demand for high-performance, high-capacity enterprise solid-state drives (eSSDs). The proliferation of AI agents and long-context services is increasing the need for key-value (KV) caching, prompting both companies to develop next-generation SSDs and tiered memory technologies to reuse AI computation results more efficiently.

DDR, LPDDR revenue growth outpaces HBM as DRAM market nears US$200 billion

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Revenue from conventional DDR and LPDDR memory grew faster than that from high-bandwidth memory (HBM) in the third quarter of 2026, as global DRAM revenue surged 369% year over year to nearly US$200 billion, according to Counterpoint Research.

Taiwan-US teams target Navy unmanned boat tender

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:29:20 GMT

As Taiwan's drone procurement program moves forward, the Navy is preparing to acquire more than 1,300 small suicide unmanned boats, with a budget approaching NT$30 billion (US$913 million). The tender could launch as early as the end of 2026, prompting local and overseas suppliers to form partnerships and showcase their capabilities at this week's Taiwan Ocean Technology and Unmanned Vehicle Show.

SDC sees weak 2027 panel demand, eyes foldables for profit

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:20:20 GMT

Samsung Display (SDC) reported improved results in the third quarter of 2026 as major customers launched new products, but expects rising memory prices in 2027 to push up prices for smartphones and other end products, suppressing panel demand. The company will focus on high-value products, including foldable and gaming displays, to strengthen profitability.

Taiwan targets reusable rocket manufacturing in 2027 strategy to rival SpaceX

Yunnie Cheng — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:20:00 GMT

US space company SpaceX has developed reusable Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket boosters, saving between US$32 million and US$46.5 million every time a booster is reused. To date, SpaceX has completed over 650 rocket recoveries; even its payload fairings, valued at US$6 million each, are recoverable and reusable. As Taiwan's orbital rocket program is still in its infancy, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has directed plans to invest in the manufacturing of reusable rocket modules.

ODMs confident Democratic midterm win won't derail AI data centers

Lily Hess — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:10:00 GMT

The Democratic Party's sweeping victory in the US midterm elections has raised concerns that data-center construction and the broader AI supply chain could slow. However, supply-chain sources said that while opposition to data centers has intensified, AI development is unlikely to lose momentum because it has become central to national competitiveness, regardless of which party controls the US government.

Chenbro accelerates new server projects for 4Q26 mass production

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:09:39 GMT

Server chassis maker Chenbro Micom reported a 5.4% quarter-over-quarter decline in revenue for the third quarter of 2026, as inventory adjustments following aggressive customer pull-ins during the first half and shortages of key electronic components at the system level affected complete-system shipments. Chenbro said its full-year operating scale will still exceed that of 2026.

US voters' backlash against data centers tests AI growth, Musk's empire

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 02:07:27 GMT

The midterm election results reshaped the US Congress and the local political landscape. It also introduced new uncertainty for the rapidly expanding AI industry. Democratic victories in both chambers of Congress and in data-center hubs including Texas, Georgia and Ohio reflected voter frustration with tech giants' heavy consumption of electricity and water while shifting some costs onto local communities.

Hua Hong Grace eyes silicon photonics expansion as AI chip shortages lift pricing power

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:57:16 GMT

China's second-largest contract chipmaker, Hua Hong Grace Semiconductor, is expanding into silicon photonics and power management chips to capitalise on AI infrastructure demand, following record third-quarter 2026 revenue and a 147.1% surge in profit.

Innolight starts US NPO pilot production with Tower for AI optical interconnects

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:55:23 GMT

China-based optical communications provider Innolight has advanced its next-generation AI optical interconnect strategy. Tower Semiconductor and Innolight said their first jointly developed near-package optics (NPO) product, built using Tower's PH18M silicon photonics process, has entered early production at Tower's California facility in the US.

EnliTech revenue jumps 71% in October as SiPh testing accelerates

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:55:00 GMT

Optoelectronic chip testing equipment maker EnliTech reported self-assessed consolidated revenue of approximately NT$51.504 million (US$1.57 million) in October 2026, up 71.33% year over year and a record high for the month. Revenue exceeded NT$50 million for the second consecutive month, while cumulative revenue for the first 10 months of 2026 reached approximately NT$372 million, up 44.63% from the same period in 2025.

China's LCD cuts and price hikes threaten Samsung TV profits

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:41:45 GMT

Samsung Electronics' TV business faces the prospect of prolonged losses as Chinese panel makers, including BOE Technology Group (BOE) and TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology (TCL CSOT), raise LCD prices, while Samsung grows increasingly dependent on China and lacks suitable alternative suppliers.

Sumitomo Bakelite raises 2026 profit forecast on AI packaging boom

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:35:26 GMT

Sumitomo Bakelite reported a 47.2% year-over-year increase in attributable net profit to JPY19.561 billion (US$123 million) for the first half of fiscal 2026, as AI server demand drove growth in semiconductor packaging materials. Revenue and operating profit rose 22.7% and 57.9%, respectively, prompting the company to raise its full-year net profit forecast to JPY35 billion in late October.

LG Chem targets cathode growth while advancing petrochemical restructuring

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:35:00 GMT

LG Chem is pursuing a recovery in battery materials and expanding its semiconductor and automotive materials while seeking a year-end decision on petrochemical restructuring, with customer production schedules determining how quickly its newer businesses can grow.

US governors diverge on data center pause policies after election wins

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:24:32 GMT

AI data centers (AIDCs) are shifting from state recruitment showcases to a highly sensitive issue in the 2026 midterm elections, as rising power demand, household electricity costs, and local approval authority converge. Although candidates supporting data center construction "pauses" have emerged across key states, newly elected US governors remain divided on implementation and generally favor regulation over outright bans.

LG Chem's battery growth fails to offset renewed petrochemical losses

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:22:41 GMT

LG Chem's expanding battery business is cushioning the group against another petrochemical downturn, but its latest results show that stronger shipments alone are insufficient to restore profitability. The company is pursuing more specialized chemicals and battery materials as pressure returns to its commodity operations.

Democratic-controlled Congress may curb Trump's auto agenda

Jingyue Hsiao — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:15:00 GMT

Democrats won majorities in both chambers of Congress in the US midterm elections, making it significantly harder for the Trump administration to push through its automotive agenda. Tariffs, emissions standards, EV purchase incentives, and the North American free-trade framework are all set to face closer congressional scrutiny and legislative gridlock, which could bring fresh policy uncertainty to the global automotive supply chain.

Meta acquires AI coding startup Conductor for multi-agent tools

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 01:05:00 GMT

Meta has acquired AI coding startup Conductor to strengthen its developer tools and multi-agent collaboration capabilities as it competes for the developer market. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the deal but did not disclose its value, according to Axios and TechCrunch.

Sony's entertainment businesses lift profit as hardware and sensor demand diverge

DIGITIMES — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 00:58:16 GMT

Sony's latest quarter strengthens the case for its emphasis on entertainment platforms and intellectual property, with games and films lifting earnings despite falling console shipments and weaker mobile image-sensor sales. The result also shows why headline profit growth should be considered separately from currency benefits and the absence of earlier charges.

WT Microelectronics expects AI pull-in momentum to last through 2027

Eifeh Strom — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 00:55:00 GMT

Semiconductor distributor WT Microelectronics expects pull-in momentum from the artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain to remain strong from the fourth quarter of 2026 through 2027. Meanwhile, inventory destocking in automotive and industrial chips, excluding consumer electronics, has come to an end, with demand showing a clear recovery. Together, these trends are providing the group with multiple growth engines.

Acer's 3Q26 net income hits five-year high with all three key margins improved

Eifeh Strom — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 00:45:59 GMT

Acer convened a board meeting on November 5, approving its consolidated financial statements for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2026.

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.