The high power consumption and heat generation by AI data centers can no longer be solved through simple hardware upgrades, leading to changes beneficial to Taiwanese supply chain development. According to industry analysis, two main advantages include Taiwan's responsibility for supplying 90% of global products and its increased visibility in regional markets under TSMC's lead.
Since its US launch in February and subsequent rollout to more markets in June, Apple's Vision Pro has received praise and criticism. After personally experiencing it at the Canton Road Apple Store in Hong Kong, my biggest takeaway was that it was a truly "smooth" experience.
Electronic paper giant E Ink has teamed up with Hanshow to deploy the world's first product utilizing 13.3-inch E Ink Spectra 6 electronic paper technology, called Polaris Max, at Aeon China's new store in Changsha. This marks the first commercial application of a full-color electronic paper product in the retail sector.
Inventec Chairman Li-Cheng Yeh has expressed optimism about AMD's acquisition of ZT, viewing it as an opportunity for Inventec to potentially engage directly with customers in the future. Yeh considers this deal a valuable investment that will significantly benefit Inventec's development.
At the Security Summit organized by DIGITIMES on September 25, Herming Chiueh, deputy minister at the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA), highlighted the disparity in cybersecurity resources between the government and private sector. He noted that while the government employs about 70,000 staff members, comparable to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), it cannot allocate the same proportion of personnel to cybersecurity as TSMC, which is managed by just 80 engineers.
AI PCs will bring new opportunities to component manufacturers. Battery module manufacturer Simplo stated that due to AI PCs requiring larger battery capacity, the average selling price (ASP) will increase as well. This is expected to become apparent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and growth momentum is expected to become stronger in 2025.
In an unsettling turn of events, Lebanon experienced a wave of explosions on September 17 and 18 involving pagers, walkie-talkies, and other consumer electronics, resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries. These incidents have sent shockwaves through the global supply chain, raising alarm about the security of widely used electronic devices and sparking fears of market instability.
Semco has developed the world's first "mini oxide-based solid-state battery" capable of being integrated into wearable devices. The company is reportedly conducting product tests with customers, with mass production expected to begin as early as the first half of 2026. This development has garnered major attention due to the advantages of solid-state batteries, such as high energy density and lower fire risks.
Before 2020, almost all smartphones incorporated LTPS technology for their AMOLED panels. However, many manufacturers are turning to LTPO, especially now that generative AI (GenAI) integration is gaining popularity.
In the first half of 2024, Taiwan's printed circuit board (PCB) industry experienced significant growth, propelled by robust demand for AI servers, satellite communications, and automotive electronics. A recovery in the smartphone and memory markets also contributed to the improved performance. By the second quarter, the industry's output reached NT$190.8 billion (US$5.97 billion), reflecting a 12.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This underscores Taiwan's crucial role in supporting growth across AI, satellite systems, and electric vehicle sectors.
The possibility of Apple developing a more affordable Mixed Reality (MR) device is growing. It is rumored to feature an OLED display with a pixel density of 1,500 PPI to reduce manufacturing costs. South Korean media predicts that companies like Japan's JDI and Samsung Display (SDC) will participate in the OLED display development for Apple's affordable MR device.
As artificial intelligence (AI) applications become widespread, products like AI smartphones and AI PCs are emerging in the market. However, supply chain operators indicate that while there is significant interest in AI, the end market has not seen an increase in consumer purchasing intent due to a lack of compelling applications.
Smart wearable products have gained significant traction in recent years, with major tech brands actively releasing new devices. Apple, Samsung Electronics, and Google have all launched smartwatches in 2024, focusing on functional improvements.
The escalating tensions between major powers are reshaping global investment and trade patterns, leading to a surge in companies facing divestment, relocation, and investment shifts. This trend suggests an impending rise in production and trade costs, coupled with intensified competition for localized investments. Nations that previously benefited from global supply chain shifts should remain vigilant, as they may become potential targets in the United States' evolving trade strategies.
Hitachi Vantara's vice president and general manager of Asia Pacific, Adrian Johnson, states that the Asia-Pacific storage market outlook is promising. This optimism is primarily driven by companies actively investing in AI infrastructure and seeking more efficient storage solutions amid reduced IT investments, creating new business opportunities for Hitachi Vantara.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) is increasing the operational rate of its multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) to 90%. However, intense market competition has left MLCC sales prices stagnant, potentially impacting the company's profitability.
The Federal Reserve announced a rate cut of 25 basis points, signaling the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle for the first time in four years. Electronic component distributors believe that this reduction, along with improved financial conditions and robust momentum in AI, contributes to a more optimistic outlook for the future.
Niching Industrial, a Taiwan-based semiconductor materials and components supplier, anticipates that demand for AI-related products will sustain growth momentum through 2025.
USB4 adoption is rapidly gaining traction in the consumer electronics market, with PCs featuring AI functionality now coming equipped with multiple USB4 ports. For Taiwanese firms specializing in USB interfaces, their years of effort in developing USB4 technology are now showing results.
Taiwan-based Gold Apollo's chairman would have never imagined how pagers bearing the company name could garner so much global attention, but not in a way he would have wanted.
In early December 2022, Apple CEO Tim Cook and US President Joe Biden attended the groundbreaking ceremony for TSMC's wafer fab in Arizona. During his speech, Cook stated that the chips produced there could proudly bear the "Made in America" label and mentioned that Apple would be procuring chips manufactured at TSMC's Arizona fab.
Chinese smartphone brand Vivo is set to officially launch its latest flagship smartphone, the Vivo X200, in October, featuring MediaTek's Dimensity 9400. Coupled with the recent reveal of the A18 and A18 Pro chips in Apple's iPhone 16 series, all three major SoC manufacturers (Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek) have introduced their 3nm flagship chips for 2024, signaling the start of the SoC competition.
Apple has suspended shipments from Kunshan Kersen Science and Technology, a MacBook bearing supplier, following quality concerns. The tech giant has redirected orders to US and Taiwan-based suppliers Amphenol, Shin Zhu Shing, and Jarllytec. While the suppliers have remained silent, industry sources have disclosed the issue, sparking debate over Apple's aggressive pricing tactics with component vendors.
Paul Liu, Chairperson of the National Development Council, recently expressed to Japan's media during a visit that Taiwan has entered an era of significant investment, with private investments expected to exceed NT$5 trillion (approx. US$157 billion) in 2024. Furthermore, Taiwan plans to promote the repatriation of overseas funds from the insurance industry for domestic investment, aiming to reach an annual investment target of US$5 billion for startups.
