CONNECT WITH US
Dec 26
Huawei raises Chinese-made components to 60% in flagship smartphones
Huawei Technologies has lifted the share of Chinese-made components in its latest premium smartphones to nearly 60% by value, underscoring how years of US export controls have accelerated domestic capabilities across key technologies. Recent teardowns show that localization has moved well beyond low-cost or peripheral parts. Huawei is now sourcing processors, memory, and displays domestically — components that were once firmly dominated by suppliers from the US, Japan, and South Korea.
Apple Inc. has unveiled an AI imaging technology called DarkDiff, designed to improve photo clarity in low-light conditions by integrating generative diffusion models into the camera's image signal processor (ISP). While effective in reducing blur and enhancing detail, the technology's high computational demands currently limit its deployment on consumer devices.
Taiwan's smartphone market is expected to face another challenging year in 2026, as rising device prices, extended replacement cycles, and persistent memory supply constraints limit shipment growth, even as higher average selling prices support revenue expansion.
Taiwan's leading telecom operators are entering the second phase of 5G deployment, as the focus turns toward improved network experiences to drive user adoption.
Samsung Electronics has reportedly become the largest supplier of mobile DRAM for Apple's iPhone 17, a trend expected to continue with the upcoming iPhone 18. Industry analysts attribute this shift to SK Hynix and Micron recently focusing their production capacity on AI-targeted high-bandwidth memory (HBM), prompting Apple to rely more heavily on Samsung's ample general DRAM output to secure supply.
Despite approaching the end of the year and the promotional peak season coming to an end, overall utilization rates in the smartphone panel market have remained relatively high. Additionally, differences in market conditions and structures among panel technologies have led to mixed price movements.
Apple has confirmed it will release a new generation of Siri in 2026, marking a major software update and a renewed effort to compete in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The move follows a cautious approach by Apple compared to faster developments by competitors.

Taiwan-based networking solutions provider Zinwell Corp reported a dramatic revenue rebound, with September 2025 sales soaring 216.6% year-over-year and accelerating to 319.8% in October. The company credited the surge to successful product validations and a shift toward mass production for major international clients.

Samsung Electronics launched its first tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, in Taiwan on December 18. The company announced on December 19 that the entire initial shipment had sold out on launch day.
Apple's iPhone 17 series has achieved strong sales following its September 10 launch, with the standard iPhone 17 maintaining its price despite upgraded specifications. This contributed to sales initially surpassing expectations and sustaining momentum through October, leading the iPhone 17 to capture over 20% of the market share in China during that month.
The global telecommunications equipment market is entering a period of profound change. As the technological roadmap for 6G increasingly points toward non-terrestrial networks, or NTN, the future of base stations may no longer be grounded on Earth. Instead, they could be deployed in space, mounted directly on satellites.
Apple is poised to surpass Samsung Electronics in global smartphone shipments in 2025, marking its first return to the top spot in 14 years. Meanwhile, Samsung's smartphone business, once a key revenue pillar during downturns in its semiconductor division, is reportedly showing signs of strain amid rising costs and intensifying competition.