DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Global chip equipment sales reach record US$135 billion as AI drives investment surge

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:22:17 GMT

Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales rose 15% to a record US$135.1 billion in 2025 from US$117.1 billion a year earlier, driven by investment in advanced logic, memory, and AI-related capacity expansion, SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association, said.

Apple reportedly tests four smart glasses designs ahead of 2027 launch

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:14:43 GMT

Apple is accelerating development of next-generation wearable hardware, with plans to launch its first smart glasses as early as 2027, Bloomberg reported. The initial product will not include a display, reflecting a focus on hands-free operation and ecosystem integration as the company moves into a market led by Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica.

Pegatron reports modest recovery as shipments pick up

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:59:16 GMT

Pegatron on April 10 reported March revenue of NT$83.97 billion (US$2.6 billion), rebounding more than 20% from February's low of NT$67.98 billion, as production normalized after a shorter working month.

Qualcomm moves into custom DRAM with CXMT for smartphones

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:45:00 GMT

Qualcomm is reportedly exploring a partnership with China's Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) to develop custom DRAM tailored for smartphones, a move that reflects mounting pressure across the mobile supply chain as memory shortages and rising costs reshape industry dynamics.

Energy shock from Middle East unrest fuels petrochemical rally in Taiwan

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:23:11 GMT

Rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran in late February 2026 drove a sharp rally in global crude oil and petrochemical feedstock prices, including ethylene and propylene, lifting prices across the petrochemical chain. Against expectations of potential supply disruptions, customers moved quickly to rebuild inventories, boosting first-quarter revenues for Taiwan's major petrochemical producers, according to earnings releases on April 10.

Anti-AI backlash turns physical: OpenAI CEO targeted in back-to-back attacks

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:13:10 GMT

The San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appears to have been targeted twice in three days. In both cases, no one was injured. Police arrested suspects in both incidents at the scene, though their motives remain unclear.

Japan funds AI chip ecosystem around Rapidus

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:10:18 GMT

Japan is accelerating efforts to rebuild a domestic advanced semiconductor ecosystem, with Rapidus at the center of a state-backed push spanning 2nm logic, advanced packaging, and AI chip demand creation.

RFID maker Arizon expands market share despite 20% global market decline in 2025

Kevin Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:57:26 GMT

Arizon RFID Technology saw its performance in 2025 impacted by a 20% contraction in the global RFID market last year, with the company posting full-year revenue of NT$3.953 billion (approx. US$124 million), down 14.3% year-over-year. Meanwhile, gross margin fell by 9.9% year-over-year to 22.3%, net profit after tax plunged 73.4% year-over-year to NT$225 million (approx. US$7 million), and earnings per share stood at NT$3.0. Despite the overall market shrinkage, however, Arizon increased its market share by roughly 2pp.

Taiwan's robot strategy focuses on practical use

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:45:00 GMT

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) chair Cheng-Wen Wu recently told the Legislative Yuan that Taiwan's robot development strategy aims to deploy machines for heavy and hazardous tasks. The government plans to invest NT$20 billion (US$629.4 million) in a smart robot industry promotion program, prioritizing sectors such as dangerous work environments, caregiving, food service, and healthcare.

A robotics push signals Taiwan's shift from supplier to system builder

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Taiwan has formally launched its first national-level robotics hub, signaling an ambitious effort to build a globally competitive industry around intelligent machines. The National Center for AI Robotics, led by the National Institutes of Applied Research, is based in the southern innovation cluster of Shalun and was inaugurated on April 10.

Taiwan launches national AI robotics center to build homegrown start-ups

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Taiwan has formally inaugurated its first national-level robotics hub. The National Center for AI Robotics, established under the National Institutes of Applied Research, is a strategic bet on converting academic research into globally competitive companies. The center is expected to anchor the island's push to build a world-class intelligent robotics industry.

China pressure drives Hyundai to reshape supply chain with fewer Tier 1 suppliers

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:53:59 GMT

The global automotive supply chain is undergoing a significant transformation driven by electrification and autonomous driving trends, shifting from traditional mechanical parts procurement toward in-house development or partnerships with tech giants. South Korea's Hyundai has recently changed its sourcing approach by expanding open tendering and reducing the number of Tier 1 suppliers.

Gudeng targets record 2026 revenue on EUV pod and FOUP demand surge

Willis Ke — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:49:14 GMT

Taiwan's Gudeng Precision Industrial is set to sustain double-digit revenue growth in 2026, buoyed by robust demand for EUV reticle pods and FOUP wafer carriers as advanced-node production and AI-driven applications accelerate across global semiconductor markets.

Taiwan's AI revenue boom masks deeply divided industry: 1Q26 data analysis

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:34:08 GMT

The headline numbers for Taiwan's listed tech companies in the first quarter of 2026 are strong, but a sector-by-sector breakdown of 238 companies reveals a story far more nuanced than the AI-server narrative dominating the financial press. Growth is heavily concentrated, structurally bifurcated, and in some cases, arithmetically misleading.

MediaTek revenue hits record on AI chip demand, TPU orders key

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:31:41 GMT

Taiwan-based chip designer MediaTek reported record monthly revenue in March 2026, highlighting how new growth drivers are helping cushion a weakening smartphone market.

Taiwan's monthly exports top US$80 billion for first time, fueled by AI demand

Sherri Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:19:09 GMT

Taiwan's exports rose to a record high in March, supported by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and memory-related products, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Taiwan DDI makers see 1Q26 revenue decline; small to mid-size demand remains weak

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:17:09 GMT

Taiwanese display driver IC (DDI) manufacturers have reported broadly declining revenues for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting ongoing challenges in the small- and mid-size segments. Novatek posted NT$23.145 billion (US$728 million), down 14.7% year over year; Raydium recorded NT$5.437 billion, down 6.7%; Fitipower had NT$4.501 billion, down 3.4%; Ilitek reported NT$3.918 billion, down 14.4%; and FocalTech saw NT$2.474 billion, down 17.3%. Only Sitronix bucked the trend, posting a robust 23% year-over-year increase to NT$5.329 billion.

Global chip sales expect to top US$1 trillion in 2026 on AI demand

Sherri Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:26:14 GMT

Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain posted stronger-than-expected results in the first quarter of 2026, as artificial intelligence (AI) demand accelerated the adoption of advanced nodes and advanced packaging, lifting both foundries and equipment suppliers.

China chipmaker Hygon expands CPU-GPU strategy for AI compute

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:05:46 GMT

China's push for AI self-sufficiency is lifting Hygon Information Technology from a server CPU supplier into a broader AI compute platform player. Its "CPU + DCU (Deep Computing Unit)" strategy is now taking shape, positioning the company to serve both general-purpose and AI workloads in a market racing to localise computing power.

Silicon photonics scaling hits wafer testing bottleneck

Levi Li — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:52:22 GMT

AI demand is pushing data transmission to its limits, making 2026 a critical year for silicon photonics (SiPh) and co-packaged optics (CPO) to move into large-scale deployment. The race to commercialize these technologies is accelerating across the semiconductor industry.

Interview: AI compute expands into space, Ramon.Space and Ingrasys team up for 2027 commercial deployment

Emily Kuo — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:50:54 GMT

As demand for AI computing continues to surge, terrestrial data centers are facing mounting constraints in power supply, thermal management, and land availability. As a result, the feasibility of space-based computing infrastructure is drawing increasing attention across the industry.

Apple seeks Samsung internal data for US antitrust defense

Lily Hess — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:48:12 GMT

Apple is attempting to obtain confidential internal data from Samsung Electronics as part of its defense against a US antitrust lawsuit, aiming to use Samsung's market information to argue that it does not hold a monopoly position.

Pony.ai charts a different path into the European robotaxi market

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:22:36 GMT

The competition to deploy robotaxis across Europe is intensifying. A partnership led by European start-up Verne, alongside Uber and China's Pony.ai, has been described by industry observers as a vehicle for introducing Chinese autonomous-driving technology into Europe under a local banner. The model stands in contrast to homegrown automakers such as Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, which are pursuing more self-reliant technological strategies.

Quantum meets AI: which Asian nation will take the lead in sovereign tech?

Emily Kuo — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:18:33 GMT

AI and quantum computing are converging — and the geopolitical consequences are profound. At the GITEX AI Asia forum, industry experts argued that this integration goes beyond a technological breakthrough. It is reshaping national competitiveness and strategic deterrence.

Weekly news roundup: Shortages spread to MLCCs; SK Hynix reportedly in talks with Microsoft and Google

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:14:26 GMT

Below are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of April 6-April 13, 2026:

Hormuz conflict exposes Southeast Asia's energy fault lines

Sherri Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:11:37 GMT

A blockage of the Strait of Hormuz following conflict between the US and Iran is raising energy supply risks for Southeast Asia, with import-dependent economies most exposed. If the conflict continues, the region's recent gains from supply chain shifts could begin to erode.

Supreme Court ruling stalls Taiwan-US trade deal, zero-tariff car imports in limbo

Eifeh Strom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:08:36 GMT

Taiwan and the US signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) on February 13, 2026, capping 10 months of negotiations. The deal set a reciprocal tariff of 15% without stacking and secured Taiwan the most favorable terms yet under Section 232 for semiconductors. But the US Supreme Court's invalidation of most of President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs has since frozen the agreement. Taiwan's Executive Yuan cannot submit it to the Legislative Yuan for review, and the prospect of zero-tariff US car imports has stalled along with it.

Taiwan ramps up science park expansion as TSMC growth pushes capacity limits

Willis Ke — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:01:05 GMT

Powered by surging semiconductor investment—led by TSMC—Taiwan's science parks are nearing full capacity, accelerating government efforts to expand land, infrastructure, and next-generation industry clusters.

TPK and ASE to launch advanced semiconductor TGV packaging with 3Q26 pilot line

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:58 GMT

Touch panel maker TPK is partnering with semiconductor packaging giant ASE to enter the advanced through-glass via (TGV) packaging technology sector, focusing on developing glass substrates for high-end computing ICs. This move marks TPK's expansion into advanced semiconductor packaging, aiming to become a new long-term growth engine. TPK has invested about NT$500 million (US$15.7 million) in capital expenditure for this initiative. Its pilot production line in Zhongli is scheduled for completion in July 2026, with sample delivery and validation set to begin shortly thereafter.

FormFactor and MPI vie to break SiPh test bottleneck as ficonTEC reportedly exits

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:56 GMT

As AI data centers officially enter the silicon photonics (SiPh) era, the industry faces severe challenges in testing accuracy and throughput on the path toward mass production of co-packaged optics (CPO) technology. This has drawn close attention to upstream test supply chain dynamics.

Taiwan panel makers keep sub-7.5G lines, pivot to flexible capacity strategy

Levi Li — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:48 GMT

BOE former chairman Wang Dongsheng once predicted that panel production lines below Generation 7.5 would eventually be phased out following the end of the industry's oligopolistic phase. Yet Taiwan's leading panel makers are taking a more nuanced path. While capacity reductions continue, both AUO and Innolux reject a blanket shutdown approach, opting instead for selective and strategic adjustments.

Taiwan and US forge a cross-Pacific robotics axis

Kevin Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:46 GMT

Taiwan and the US are accelerating efforts to build a bilateral robot ecosystem as embodied AI converges with robotics. GeoAsia Foundation chairman C.Y. Huang says Taiwan is now assembling a large-scale robotics alliance drawing on resources from Taiwan, the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia — a platform for international collaboration across industry, academia, and research institutions designed to bridge Taiwan-based companies into the global market.

Sysgration integrates core power technologies in drone push, BBUs to support 2H26 growth

Kevin Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:40 GMT

Industrial PC (IPC) maker Sysgration saw consolidated revenue reach NT$292 million (US$9.2 million) in March 2026, buoyed by its three main product lines of backup battery units (BBUs), drones, and IPCs. Although this marks a slight year-on-year decline, the company nevertheless expects monthly revenue to grow going ahead, driven by an optimized product mix and increasing high-margin applications, as demand for AI computing drives expansion in data centers and edge AI deployments.

China's EVE Energy's growth strategy mirrors a shifting energy landscape

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:36 GMT

EVE Energy, one of China's largest battery makers, has reported strong profit growth expectations for the first quarter of 2026, as rising demand for energy storage — fueled in part by the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure — continues to reshape the industry.

Samsung caught between worker payouts and chip ambitions

Emily Kuo — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:15 GMT

South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics is facing a large-scale strike threat, and whether it will extend into May remains an open question, as labor-management negotiations remain at a deadlock. The union's demand for a substantial allocation of a performance bonus has widened the gap between the two sides, raising the risk of industrial action.

Exclusive: Apple's foldable iPhone faces production delay, but 2026 launch still in sight

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:06 GMT

The timing of mass production for Apple's first foldable iPhone has become a focal point of industry scrutiny. According to sources within the company's supply chain, production has indeed been pushed back by roughly one to two months. The delay, however, does not necessarily jeopardize a 2026 debut. Projections for cumulative shipments of 15 million units over two years remain unchanged, though whether 2026 volumes will meet earlier expectations is now an open question.

AI server tracker: Taiwanese thermal solution providers entering structural AI growth phase as liquid cooling adoption accelerates

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:47:37 GMT

Taiwan's thermal management suppliers are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in the AI hardware ecosystem in 2026, even though their absolute revenue scale remains far below that of semiconductor leaders such as TSMC and large AI server ODMs like Quanta Computer and Foxconn.

Aurotek posts record 1Q26 revenue on AI software, robotics integration

Eifeh Strom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:42:53 GMT

Aurotek reported record-high revenues in March and the first quarter of 2026, driven by a surge in market demand for its robotics products integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) software.

How Foxconn is winning a bigger slice of MacBook Neo orders

Emily Kuo — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:42:51 GMT

Apple's most price-competitive notebook ever, the MacBook Neo, triggered a buying frenzy immediately after its launch in March, with market demand significantly exceeding expectations. According to supply chain sources, Apple has already begun raising its annual shipment target from the original 5–8 million units to around 10 million. This move not only boosts confidence across the supply chain but also ignites a new round of order competition among major contract manufacturers.

AI memory crunch revives DDR3 in PC market

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:38:34 GMT

AI demand is squeezing global DRAM supply to the point where the PC market is turning back to decade-old technology. Shortages in DDR5 and DDR4 have pushed prices high enough to revive DDR3 platforms, with Fnnews reporting that Colorful Yugong Technology (formerly Seethru Co.) will restart limited production of Intel H81 motherboards in May to target low-cost PC builds.

Intel and SambaNova deepen alliance to capture AI infrastructure demand

DIGITIMES — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:28:30 GMT

As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to full-scale production, companies are confronting the limits of GPU-only inference architectures. In response, Intel and SambaNova Systems on Monday unveiled a jointly engineered blueprint designed to address the next generation of AI workloads, while announcing a broader multi-year strategic collaboration.

Robotaxis enter a new phase: Regulation over innovation

Elaine Chen — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:28:11 GMT

As companies like Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Waymo begin rolling out autonomous vehicles across Europe and the US, the bottleneck facing robotaxis has shifted. No longer defined primarily by technological breakthroughs, the industry is now constrained by regulatory approval and the ability to operate reliably in complex, real-world conditions.

BYD expands driver tech, but software gaps come into focus

Elaine Chen — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:27:39 GMT

The choice of sensing architecture and the efficiency of data iteration have emerged as decisive factors in the competitiveness of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and higher-level autonomous driving. Increasingly, they shape not only technological leadership but also brand perception and sales performance.

India roundup: Domestic chip firms anchor India's semiconductor ambitions

DIGITIMES — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:27:25 GMT

India is advancing its semiconductor ecosystem via design alliances and acquisitions, while recalibrating its China ties. IndieSemiC and Kaynes target local chip gaps despite uncertain demand, and Cyient's Kinetic deal boosts power IC capabilities. Meanwhile, security-driven supplier shifts and new export opportunities highlight India's evolving strategic and industrial positioning.

DIGITIMES Insight: US MATCH Act tightens export noose while Intel swaps debt for control and Nvidia co-opts rivals

DIGITIMES — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:27:15 GMT

The semiconductor industry is undergoing coordinated shifts that could reshape equipment flows, corporate financing, and supplier relationships in the AI era, according to DIGITIMES analyst Luke Lin.

Energy shock renews EV momentum

DIGITIMES — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:27:05 GMT

Energy crises have long nudged consumers toward more efficient cars. The latest shock, triggered by conflict in the Middle East, is proving no exception. But this time, the shift comes with a crucial difference: electric vehicles have matured.

SAS Group's green and AI pivot gains traction

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:26:50 GMT

SAS Group's strategic shift into renewable energy, AI-related semiconductor materials, and automotive components signals growing resilience for global energy and tech supply chains, offering long-term recurring revenue through integrated hardware and service platforms and enhanced worldwide positioning for geopolitical robustness.

Nan Pao posts record March and 1Q26 revenue driven by semiconductors and new products

Lily Hess — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:25:05 GMT

Nan Pao Resins Chemical Group reported a historic revenue high for March, reaching NT$2.4 billion (approx. US$75.3 million), up 17.4% year-over-year, fueled by raw material price fluctuations and customers' proactive stockpiling ahead of expected product price hikes. The company also achieved a record first-quarter revenue of NT$5.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026, supported by ongoing new product development and successful expansion into new customer segments.

Taiwan's chip program covers 200+ high-end devices to boost advanced IC design talent

Kevin Wang — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:24:26 GMT

The Chip-based Industrial Innovation Program (Taiwan CBI), a decade-long, NT$300 billion (US$9.4 billion) initiative launched by the Executive Yuan to support academic and research institutions in acquiring costly semiconductor equipment, has begun to achieve initial results. According to a report from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), over 200 key semiconductor-related devices are now available to provide regular fabrication and implementation services, becoming a major boost for training advanced IC design talent.

Delta Electronics hits record revenue on AI server, liquid cooling surge

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:24:00 GMT

Delta Electronics' record March revenue signals a global shift as cloud providers ramp up AI infrastructure spending, boosting demand for AI server power supplies and liquid cooling. Worldwide operators face pressure to adopt liquid cooling and higher-voltage DC power, affecting data center design, supplier strategies, and procurement across regions and markets.

Murata produces seven automotive MLCCs for autonomous driving and power supply markets

DIGITIMES — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:51:24 GMT

Murata Manufacturing, a leading Japanese passive component manufacturer, announced that it has begun mass production of seven types of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) for automotive applications, achieving the world's largest capacitance across various rated voltages and sizes.