Recent shifts in the global smartphone manufacturing landscape highlight diversification efforts among iPhone manufacturers. Tata Electronics is exploring partnerships with major Android brands, while Luxshare expands through acquisitions, reducing reliance on Apple. As Taiwanese firms pivot towards AI and other sectors, this trend underscores the need for new revenue streams amid a maturing market.

Lenovo is set to more than double its smartphone and notebook production in India from 6.4 million in fiscal 2024 to over 12 million units in fiscal 2025, driven by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. This move aims to reduce imports, foster a local component ecosystem, and enhance Lenovo's manufacturing footprint in India.

Tata Electronics is reportedly in negotiations with Xiaomi and Oppo to assemble smartphones, marking a strategic expansion beyond iPhone case manufacturing. This move reflects a trend where established EMS/ODM providers pursue more profitable ventures, creating opportunities for emerging EMS providers amid the global shift in production beyond China into emerging economies.

Taiwan's three major telecom operators —Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone Telecommunications— all delivered stellar results in 2024, driven by merger synergies, rising average revenue per user (ARPU), and successful B2B market expansion. All three companies achieved record-high revenues and demonstrated impressive operational improvements.

Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban on the short-video app, according to people familiar with the matter.

These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories in the week of January 6 – January 10.

Most of Apple's high-end products are likely to be excluded from China's latest round of subsidies, as the country has set a price cap of CNY6,000 (approx. US$822) for eligible digital products. Under the new program, consumers will receive a 15% subsidy on the purchase of smartphones, tablets, and smart bracelets, provided the products fall within the price limit.

Luxshare's planned acquisition of Wingtech's ODM business by the end of 2024 aims to enhance its design capabilities and global presence, while Wingtech shifts focus to semiconductors. This strategic move will help Luxshare diversify beyond Apple orders and expand its global production amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Since launching its market comeback in August 2023, Huawei has demonstrated significant momentum in China's smartphone market, particularly with its high-end models gaining substantial traction.

The Apple Inc. executive leading talks with Indonesia to lift the country's iPhone 16 sales ban departed Jakarta on Wednesday, after a late-stage about-face from a minister scuttled a deal, according to people familiar with the matter.

Largan held an earnings call on January 9, where chairman En-Ping Lin discussed future trends in lens specifications and dedicated significant time to unveiling the latest developments in their entry into the robotics market.