Rising prices for key upstream components such as memory have dampened global smartphone shipments, prompting brands to boost memory inventory, raise the share of mid- to high-end models, expand China-only flagships overseas, and accelerate sales of accessories like earphones and smartwatches to offset revenue losses and protect margins in the coming quarters.
Acerpure's OTC listing on April 20 signals a push to harness demographic dividends in emerging markets, with implications for consumers worldwide. The smart home appliance company plans to scale air conditioners and integrated AIoT offerings, aiming to boost brand value and gross margins while building global ambitions for a whole-home ecosystem.
According to industry sources cited by The Elec, Samsung Display's (SDC) 8.6G OLED line has recently surpassed an 85% yield rate, approaching the industry's "golden yield" threshold of 90%. The initial ramp-up of the line has stabilized, and sample production is currently underway. Mass production expected to begin in June–July 2026. The panels are slated for Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, with shipments potentially reaching around 2 million units in 2026.
Lens Technology supplied 132 types of core metal structural components for Honor's humanoid robot program, underscoring its expanding role in embodied intelligence manufacturing and signaling increased global industrial capacity in robot production, supply-chain integration, and overseas facility expansion that could affect robotics availability and development worldwide.
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is considering raising external funding for the first time, a move that would mark a significant shift for a company that has so far relied on backing from its parent, hedge fund High-Flyer Capital Management, according to a report by The Information, citing five people familiar with the matter.
Cerebras Systems has renewed its push to go public, filing for an initial public offering (IPO) after shelving an earlier attempt amid regulatory scrutiny and shifting market conditions. The AI chipmaker and data center operator, headquartered in California, is seeking to capitalize on surging demand for AI infrastructure as hyperscalers ramp up spending.
A humanoid robot half-marathon held in Beijing's Yizhuang development zone on April 19, 2026, has highlighted the rapid evolution of robotics technology, with autonomous machines demonstrating major gains in speed, stability, and decision-making compared with the previous year.
Below are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of April 13-19, 2026:
The timeline for quantum computing to become commercially viable has shrunk from decades to potentially within 10 years, driven by surging AI demand. That is the view of Dr. Marta P. Estarellas, CEO of Spanish quantum firm Qilimanjaro, which is positioning analog quantum computing as a key technology for future data centers.
Micraft System Plus (MSP+), a supplier of mass transfer and laser technology equipment, will officially open its new Yangmei factory in northern Taiwan in May 2026, significantly boosting production capacity for large-scale G4.5 and above laser devices. The company expects to benefit from the ramp-up of Micro LED equipment shipments, driving full-year revenue and profit growth while strategically positioning itself within the AI supply chain.
Automation solutions provider Mirle announced plans to establish a joint venture with United Alloy-Tech Company (UAT), aiming to capture opportunities in the global automation and robotics market.
More coverage
