DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

In-depth: why China's 2026 tech breakthroughs look like a generational harvest

Levi Li — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 01:00:42 GMT

Judging only by the news of summer 2026, China's technology sector appears to have entered an unusually concentrated period of breakthroughs.

SK Hynix sees record-breaking 2Q on surging AI demand

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

SK Hynix has announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, reporting unprecedented growth in revenue and profitability. Driven by rapid expansion in the artificial intelligence (AI) market, the company achieved record-high margins and a significant surge in net profit, supported by both operational excellence and substantial investment gains.

Shield AI and GE Aerospace complete X-BAT engine tests for late-2026 flight

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Shield AI and GE Aerospace said on July 20 that they had completed integration, actuation and engine ignition testing for the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) on the X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing unmanned combat aircraft. The milestone brings the AI-enabled, runway-independent fighter closer to a first flight later in 2026.

OpenAI plans to test first hardware device in South Korea

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:42:28 GMT

OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has said that the company may use South Korea as a testbed for its first hardware device, widely believed to be a screenless speaker. However, it remains to be seen whether an ongoing court case brought on by Apple could influence the product's timeline.

Taiwan detains Nvidia manager as AI server smuggling probe widens

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:42:18 GMT

Taiwanese prosecutors have detained an Nvidia employee as part of a widening investigation into the alleged smuggling of advanced AI servers containing Nvidia chips into China, marking the first known case involving a current Nvidia staff member in the island's export-control enforcement campaign.

Adata profit surges tenfold on memory shortages and AI demand

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:42:10 GMT

Adata Technology posted record second-quarter results in 2026, as rising memory prices, aggressive procurement and tighter inventory management lifted revenue and profit to historic highs.

From Silicon Valley to Sicily: Samsung, SK chiefs take Korea's AI supply-chain pitch to Google Camp

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:42:02 GMT

A high-level technology gathering in Sicily, reportedly to be attended by the leaders of two of South Korea's largest semiconductor groups, Samsung Electronics and SK Group, is drawing attention to their expanding roles across the AI infrastructure stack.

Tier IV lists in Tokyo to fund open autonomous driving platform

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:41:53 GMT

Japanese autonomous driving startup Tier IV listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on July 22 and said it planned to raise capital to expand its self-driving technology ecosystem. The offering came as the company sought to advance its goal of democratizing autonomous driving technology, even after a weaker-than-expected first-day trading debut.

OpenAI expands Dublin hub with 250 jobs and larger office lease

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:41:30 GMT

OpenAI is expanding its European headquarters in Dublin, adding 250 jobs and leasing 8,000 square metres of office space as it scales operations across Europe. The move came as the company said demand from users, customers, and developers in the region continued to grow.

Powertech posts record second-quarter revenue and targets a 2026 sales high

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:41:22 GMT

Powertech Technology reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of NT$23.116 billion, up 8.5% from the previous quarter and 28% from a year earlier. The Taiwan-based memory and testing provider said the result, lifted by stronger Memory demand, pushed revenue and gross margin to their highest levels since 2022 as it looked toward another full-year record.

ADLINK expands robotics portfolio, targets 10% revenue share by 2028

Levi Li — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:41:13 GMT

The rise of physical AI is shifting the robotics market from technical demonstrations towards real-world deployment and viable business models. ADLINK is positioning edge computing and control platforms at the center of its strategy, combining partnerships and investment resources to expand into robotics solutions ahead of many industrial PC suppliers.

Core Scientific and AMD joing forces to boost AI infrastructure

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:40:52 GMT

Core Scientific and AMD have announced a significant partnership to boost AI infrastructure and address the growing demand for artificial intelligence technologies. Under the agreement, AMD will gain access to more than 500 MW of US data center capacity starting in 2027, with the potential to scale up to 2.5 GW.

AI, memory clients lock in long-term orders for Leading Technology

Lily Hess — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:35:38 GMT

Leading Technology, the IC substrate arm of PCB giant Zhen Ding Technology Group, is pressing ahead with plans for a Hong Kong listing as AI and memory customers sign long-term supply deals that tie up Ajinomoto Build-Up Film (ABF) and bismaleimide triazine (BT) substrate capacity through 2028.

Samsung and SK Hynix hold back on 3D IC; CXMT and Winbond gain

Charlene Chen — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:34:51 GMT

AI demand is driving a sharp rise in inquiries about 3D IC, but some in South Korea say the new technology is unlikely to become a fresh growth engine for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Because 3D DRAM is closer to customized memory, mass production could clash with the scale-based business model that underpins the two memory leaders.

China rejects US AI model theft claims, says American firms distill Chinese models too

Levi Li — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:34:37 GMT

China's Ministry of Commerce has rejected US allegations that Chinese artificial intelligence companies used model distillation to acquire capabilities from advanced US AI models, after American officials said they were considering investigations and possible sanctions over the alleged theft of US intellectual property.

Chinese brands seize 25% of Europe midsize SUV sales as BEV demand surges

Lily Hess — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:31:34 GMT

New-car registrations in Europe's midsize and large SUV market reached 476,000 in the first five months of 2026, nearly tripling from four years earlier. As the market expands rapidly, competition among automakers from Europe, the US, Japan, South Korea, and China has shifted sharply, with Tesla's Model Y retaining its place as the best-selling single model.

Taiwan offshore wind blueprint lifts outlook for developers

Charlene Chen — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:29:05 GMT

The offshore wind industry has faced pressure from the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19, both of which pushed up construction costs and slowed development in Taiwan. Some developers have exited the market, raising concerns among green-power-hungry industries that renewable projects could be delayed and customer net-zero timelines may slip.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon price hikes test Apple, MediaTek flagship phone demand

Levi Li — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:28:52 GMT

Qualcomm has reportedly notified customers that it will raise prices across its Snapdragon system-on-chip portfolio from September 2026, including its next flagship mobile platform due to launch that month. The largest increases could reach double-digit percentages, drawing attention to how Apple and MediaTek will respond.

Non-core parts makers delay Southeast Asia capex as China-US tensions ease

Lily Hess — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:28:42 GMT

Geopolitical tensions and the US-China trade war are pushing global supply chains to shift their priorities from efficiency toward resilience and security. But for non-core components makers, customers have not been as strict as expected on production-location requirements, giving companies room to slow or rethink planned moves into Southeast Asia.

SK Telecom bets on AI infrastructure to regain core status in SK Group

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:28:08 GMT

SK Telecom is moving to reposition itself as an AI infrastructure platform as it tries to recover its standing inside SK Group. The South Korean carrier's shift comes as domestic telecom growth slows, new ventures have underperformed, and security incidents have weakened its momentum.

South Korea and AMD sign AI semiconductor pacts to build heterogeneous computing base

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:27:39 GMT

South Korea has signed two memorandums of understanding with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to strengthen its AI semiconductor ecosystem and accelerate heterogeneous computing infrastructure. The agreements, announced after meetings between South Korean science and ICT officials and AMD leadership, are aimed at supporting the country’s push to build a national AI power base.

China Mobile adds AI and HD video to its mobile voice calling service

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:27:26 GMT

China Mobile has upgraded its traditional voice service with generative AI, cybersecurity, and high-definition video, as China’s telecom sector pushes basic communications toward more intelligent offerings. The revised service was rolled out recently and is designed to give users a smarter calling experience without changing their phone or SIM card.

South Korea unveils US$950 billion AI partnerships with Nvidia, Samsung, SK Group

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:27:17 GMT

South Korea announced a US$950 billion package of AI cooperation initiatives in Silicon Valley on July 24, 2026, as President Lee Jae Myung led a delegation of government and business leaders to meet US tech executives. The agreements covered semiconductors, AI data centers, AI factories, robotics, and autonomous driving, according to Yonhap and Dealsite.

Australia capital markets ride AI deal wave as cloud startups target listings

DIGITIMES — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Australia's capital markets have picked up pace on the back of AI-related demand, with listings and equity raisings reaching US$11.4 million in the first half of 2026, up from US$10.6 billion in the first half of 2025, according to Bloomberg. This growth has been driven in part by investors seeking exposure to the AI supply chain, including data center and cloud services businesses.

Thailand drops land bridge plan after review flags weak returns and environmental risks

DIGITIMES — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:45:00 GMT

Thailand has canceled its proposed Land Bridge Project after a government review concluded that the cross-country route would generate lower-than-expected returns and could harm the environment. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the decision on July 24, according to Bloomberg and The Nation.

Nvidia says smuggling is a 'nonstarter' as Taiwan arrests its employee in GB300 server scheme

DIGITIMES — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:55:04 GMT

A senior sales manager allegedly helped route GB300-equipped servers through Japan and Hong Kong over three years, in a scheme prosecutors value at up to $300 million

Magnitude 7.1 quake strikes Japan's Kumamoto; TSMC says JASM staff safe, recovery underway

Joseph(C) Chen — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:20:06 GMT

A powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu region at 4:27 p.m. on July 28. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially estimated the quake at magnitude 7.1 with a depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). The strongest shaking was recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, reaching seismic intensity 7 on Japan's scale. TSMC's Japan fab in Kikuyo Town experienced an intensity of 5+, and a tsunami warning was issued.

Taiwan, UK launch first formal drone industry partnership to expand aerospace, defense opportunities

Scarlett Yu — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:35:54 GMT

Taiwan and the United Kingdom have established their first formal partnership focused on the drone industry, with the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA) signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ADS Group, the UK's trade association for the aerospace, defense, security, and space industries.

Squeezed by China, Taiwan ODMs pivot to AI for new growth

Charlene Chen — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:43:55 GMT

China's notebook manufacturing industry is rising rapidly just as Taiwan's ODMs retreat from notebook assembly, but Wistron chairman Simon Lin said the shift also reflects new opportunities as companies pivot toward AI. Lin said each era has its own mission, and many companies would rather move notebook resources into other areas.

Taiwan accelerates winter energy preparations as Middle East conflict raises supply risk

DIGITIMES — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:58:29 GMT

Taiwan moved up winter oil and gas planning on July 27 after the Middle East conflict expanded into the Red Sea, while domestic supply remained stable and consumer impact stayed limited. The Ministry of Economic Affairs said it had already begun advance preparations for seasonal energy demand and is watching global developments closely.

TCC launches Europe listing plan as revenue from the region reaches 44%

DIGITIMES — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:58:20 GMT

Taiwan Cement Corp. (TCC) formally launched its Europe listing plan, Project Arcadia, on July 27 after holding a video meeting with its first group of international investment banks and advisers. The company said the move marked a major step in its effort to build a capital markets presence in Europe.

Nvidia invests in Ilya Sutskever's SSI, providing access to Vera Rubin compute platform

DIGITIMES — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:58:00 GMT

Nvidia has made a strategic investment in Safe Superintelligence Inc. and announced a long-term partnership with the secretive AI lab founded by OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, giving SSI access to Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin systems and expanding its computing capacity by an order of magnitude.

Qualcomm chip price hike to squeeze China's Android makers on two fronts

Joseph(C) Chen — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:57:49 GMT

China's smartphone brands are bracing for a new round of cost pressure after Qualcomm reportedly notified customers of double-digit percentage price increases on products shipped from September 1—a move that compounds already rising memory and materials costs hitting the Android supply chain.

Samsung trims Z Fold8 display module 10% using Flex Titanium

Lily Hess — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:57:38 GMT

Samsung Electronics has introduced Flex Titanium technology in its next-generation foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra, cutting display module thickness by 10% to make room for a larger battery and improve user experience. According to ZDNet Korea, Samsung is applying the technology to these two models for the first time.

Apple plans OLED touch MacBook Pro with Samsung Display as sole panel supplier

DIGITIMES — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:54:45 GMT

Apple is developing a new MacBook Pro with OLED touch panels and is expected to rely solely on Samsung Display for the screens, according to South Korean media reports citing industry sources. The 14-inch and 16-inch models are said to be targeted for a launch in late 2026 or 2027.