Intel's long-running lead in x86 processors slipped below a major threshold in the second quarter of 2026, even as AI infrastructure spending helped support demand. New market data showed Intel's combined share of PC and server x86 CPU shipments fell to 69.3%, its lowest level since 1995, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) climbed to a record 30.7%.

Nexperia China is accelerating its separation from the Dutch chipmaker's traditional European manufacturing network, raising the prospect that one of the world's largest suppliers of automotive and industrial semiconductors could operate through increasingly distinct China- and Europe-based supply chains.

Anthropic confirmed on August 5 that it is building an internal silicon team to design custom chips for its Claude models, signaling a sharper push into self-developed AI hardware. The move is set to influence the company's compute procurement plans and could reshape order shares among ASIC vendors.

Nexchip Semiconductor reported higher first-half 2026 revenue as broadening demand for CMOS image sensors, power management chips and display drivers diversified its product mix, even though profit declined.

Nvidia's Groq 3 ramp is adding meaningful 4nm volume to Samsung Electronics' foundry business, with monthly wafer input estimated at about 10,000 and expected to rise above 15,000 in 2027. The increase comes as reported yields improve, Samsung's 4nm capacity remains tight, and pricing on the node moves higher.

On August 20, SK Hynix's global research team published a paper in Nature Electronics detailing its co-packaged optics (CPO) development for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI. Highlighting key technical hurdles and outlining the trajectory for next-generation optical interconnect technology, the paper marks SK Hynix's first systematic presentation of its CPO roadmap.

China Resources Microelectronics (CRM) and Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics (Silan), two of China's leading integrated device manufacturers, reported strong first-half 2026 results as firmer semiconductor demand, higher utilisation and improved product mix lifted earnings.

Global demand for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) has lifted investment returns for Taiwan-listed companies in China, with Foxconn continuing to lead the pack. According to CRIF, Foxconn's total China investment returns in the first half of 2026 reached NT$117.6 billion (US$3.7 billion).

AI data centres are becoming a new stress point for the global power and semiconductor supply chain. As facilities shift towards megawatt-scale architectures, demand is rising for power semiconductors, battery backup systems, liquid cooling, grid capacity and low-carbon electricity.

The US has informally expressed dissatisfaction with the South Korean government's KRW800 trillion (US$578.5 billion) plan to build a semiconductor cluster in the country's southwest. The complaint comes as Washington escalates its demands for South Korean investment on American soil, and reflects frustration that Seoul is throwing its weight behind domestic chip projects while moving slowly on commitments in the US.

Kulicke and Soffa Industries has appointed Raj Talluri as president and chief executive officer, a leadership change that may influence the company's strategy in semiconductor equipment markets used across Asia, the US, and Europe. The move signals continuity for investors, while highlighting the global competition shaping chip manufacturing supply chains.