A one-two punch of artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs) is sparking a new era of structural change across global industries. The surging demand for AI computing power is creating an urgent need for lightning-fast data transfer and a massive, reliable energy supply. At the same time, a flood of government incentives and private investment is supercharging growth in the EV market.

Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), a subsidiary of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn), hosted its first FIT Tech Day 2025 on September 17, spotlighting its strategic focus on AI mobility and global market development. FIT chairman Lu Sung-ching emphasized that data and power infrastructure are essential for future AI applications, with particular emphasis on expanding presence in the Middle East.

Apple is moving closer to entering the foldable smartphone market, with early development of a foldable iPhone already underway, industry sources told Nikkei Asia. The company has discussed plans with suppliers to establish a test production line in Taiwan, while mass production is expected to take place in India ahead of a possible 2026 launch.

Flex Power Modules and Japan's Renesas Electronics have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at tackling the surging energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI).

Acer has teamed up with Nvidia to debut the Veriton GB100, a compact AI workstation built on Nvidia's GB10 chip. The model has generated strong demand from clients even before its commercial launch.

Server ODMs are significantly expanding their production capabilities to meet the surging demand in the artificial intelligence (AI) market. Mike Yang, EVP at Quanta, revealed efforts to increase capacity at facilities in the US and Thailand, with a new plant in Mexico set to begin production in early 2026. The scale of orders has grown beyond prior expectations, driving this intensified expansion.

Lite-On Technology commemorated its 50th anniversary as chairman Tom Soong urged swift transformation as the rapid AI surge reshapes global competition. The firm plans to double overseas R&D staff while partnering with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre to blend AI and art, symbolizing its commitment to innovation and cultural synergy.

As the smartphone market nears saturation, smart glasses are emerging as the next frontier for AI-enabled wearable devices. Foxconn is positioning itself beyond contract assembly by investing in local augmented reality (AR) technology company Jorjin and leveraging subsidiary Omniguider to develop application solutions, signaling a comprehensive approach to the evolving AI glasses market.

Apple's recently launched iPhone 17 series has garnered significant global attention, with Chinese media focusing on the comparison between China and India in the company's supply chain. Reports highlight that despite India's growing involvement, China remains an indispensable part of Apple's manufacturing and supply network.

Wistron's board of directors approved a significant increase in the capital expenditure budget for its Fremont, California-based wholly-owned subsidiary WisLab EMS Corporation, doubling it from US$71 million to US$143.6 million. The board also authorized the issuance of a third overseas unsecured convertible bond with a tentative cap of US$1.2 billion and a five-year issuance period.

Apple has officially launched its iPhone 17 series, signaling a major shift in its global supply chain strategy as geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties persist. The company plans to gradually shift production of iPhones sold in the US to Indian factories, a significant departure from its traditional reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

China's large-scale industrial mobilization is on full display as the iPhone 17 enters mass production, with Foxconn's Zhengzhou factory reportedly operating at maximum capacity to meet global demand. Simultaneously, India's manufacturing sector is rapidly expanding, gaining attention as a potential hub for producing the entire iPhone 17 lineup. This dual narrative reflects broader tensions and evolving dynamics within Apple's supply chain ecosystem.

Apple's unveiled iPhone 17 series includes units manufactured in India, sparking significant discussion about the evolving dynamics in the company's global supply chain. Indian facilities are now assembling not only the standard model but also the iPhone 17 Pro and new iPhone Air, with a notable proportion of phones sold in major markets produced locally.

Nvidia's shift from GB200 to GB300 server racks is anticipated to regain growth momentum in September 2025 after a transitional slowdown in July and August, benefiting ODMs in the fourth quarter. Notebook shipments may also hold steady or improve due to Windows 10's end of support driving replacement demand.

Taiwan's Compal Electronics has announced a strategic collaboration with US-based ZutaCore, a leader in waterless direct chip liquid cooling, to bring transformative cooling technology to high-performance server platforms.

At the SEMICON Taiwan event held in September, key international figures from the semiconductor, robotics, and future vehicle sectors convened, highlighting Taiwan's rising importance as a global technology supply chain center. The gathering underscored international confidence in Taiwan's semiconductor cluster and its electronic manufacturing expertise.

Malaysia's IC design firm Oppstar has entered into two MoUs with Inventec to collaborate on next-generation AI chips and form a joint venture (JV), according to documents filed with Bursa Malaysia.

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is fueling a global boom in AI data centers, driving electricity demand to record highs. Taiwanese heavy electrical firms — Fortune Electric, Teco Electric & Machinery, Shihlin Electric, and Allis Electric — are vying for contracts by slashing delivery lead times and positioning themselves as turnkey suppliers of mission-critical power systems.

Semicon India 2025 was held during September 2 and September 4, as India unveiled plan to revamp consumption tax and recycle critical minerals.

Kinpo Group president Andrew Chen announced on September 3 that the company expects a more balanced revenue split in 2025, departing from their usual stronger second half caused by earlier stockpiling due to US tariffs. Chen also noted a 27% year-over-year revenue rise in the first quarter of 2025, followed by a decline in the second quarter amid market caution linked to tariff policies.

Semiconductor and electronics supply chains are undergoing a major transformation, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), changing market leadership, and global supply chain relocation, according to DIGITIMES.

Taiwan's HTC recently launched its first AI glasses, the VIVE Eagle, which received an enthusiastic market response with strong preorder sales in Taiwan. The success has prompted the company to ramp up production and prepare for an overseas rollout by the end of the year.

India's smartphone manufacturing shipments rose 15% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025, driven by higher exports and domestic demand, according to Counterpoint Research. Dixon Technologies led the market for the first time by volume, though intensifying competition from rivals signals shifting dynamics in the country's EMS landscape.

BYD Electronic (International) Co. Ltd. posted first-half 2025 revenue of CNY80.61 billion (US$11.3 billion), a 2.58% increase year-over-year, while net profit climbed 14% to CNY1.73 billion. Earnings per share were CNY0.77, with no interim dividend declared.