Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series is set to launch soon. Far EasTone (FET)'s largest Apple reseller, Data Express (DE), has taken the lead in releasing consumer purchase survey results.

Apple is preparing to launch its iPhone 17 series globally — and for the first time, Indonesia will be part of the initial wave of releases.

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.

Qualcomm will unveil its latest Snapdragon flagship mobile platform next week and has officially confirmed the chip will be called Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The move comes as part of a wider trend in the smartphone supply chain, where companies from Apple to MediaTek and Xiaomi have embraced renaming strategies across software, chip platforms, and flagship devices. The wave has fueled speculation that a lack of innovation is prompting the industry to turn to rebranding in search of renewed consumer attention.

Weibing Lu, partner and president of Xiaomi as well as president of the Smartphone Department, announced on September 15, 2025, that the new flagship Xiaomi 17 series will be unveiled in September. It will become the world's first smartphone equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 computing platform.

Qualcomm has introduced its latest flagship mobile platform, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, built using TSMC's 3nm process and incorporating a customized Oryon core to deliver improved performance. Simultaneously, Chinese consumer electronics giant Xiaomi announced that its next-generation smartphones will bypass the "16" series and launch directly as the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, all powered by Qualcomm's new chip.

AI-powered smart glasses are gaining momentum, yet analysts expect Meta to dominate the market until at least 2027, as Apple and Google's competing devices remain in development. Industry executives say Taiwanese firms must enhance vertical integration and reinforce supply chain strengths to secure business in markets beyond China.

South Korea's information and communications technology (ICT) exports in August 2025 reached a record high for the period compared to previous years. Due to rising memory semiconductor prices and increased investment in artificial intelligence server infrastructure, semiconductor export values also reached an all-time high.

Xiaomi's enthusiasm for India appears to be waning as regulatory pressures, shrinking market share, and leadership reshuffles weigh on the company's strategic priorities, according to executives familiar with the matter cited by the Economic Times.

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.

China's drive for technology self-sufficiency is transforming the communications supply chain. Shenzhen-based Lightstar Technology expects localization of advanced optical passive components to reach record levels within the next five to ten years, with imports of specialty materials giving way to domestically produced alternatives as Beijing's push for homegrown innovation accelerates.

Samsung Electronics' new tri-fold smartphone has received Korea Certification (KC) approval, signaling that its launch is imminent. Building on the strong sales momentum of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6, Samsung aims to reinforce its leadership in foldable devices with this innovative tri-fold design.

Apple has introduced its self-developed vapor chamber (VC) cooling technology for the first time in the iPhone 17 Pro series, aiming to maintain high performance during extended use while ensuring a comfortable hand feel. This marks a significant step as Apple aligns with Android smartphone makers who have long implemented advanced cooling solutions in flagship devices.

Apple officially unveiled its latest iPhone 17 series on September 10, and Taiwan Mobile's Chief Consumer Business Officer, Tony Lin, expressed strong confidence in the new models, forecasting sales growth of 20% to 30% during the launch period.

Apple's new generation iPhone 17 series has officially debuted, sparking renewed market discussion. The three new models each have distinct features. The iPhone 17 Pro series boasts a major redesign in appearance, the standard iPhone 17 is praised as the most cost-effective model ever, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air became another highlight of the launch event.

Apple has reached a new milestone in its self-developed chips. Following the A and M series processors, as well as the debut of the C1 modem chip on the iPhone 16e in early 2025, Apple has now introduced its proprietary N1 wireless networking chip across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and Thread smart home communication protocols. The introduction of the N1 means that Apple can further reduce dependence on external wireless chip suppliers such as Broadcom.

Apple is preparing to debut vapor chamber (VC) cooling in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, with Taiwan's Asia Vital Components (AVC) and China's Suzhou Tianmai Thermal Technology reportedly tapped as suppliers. The technology is hardly groundbreaking; Android brands have deployed VC since 2019, when 5G devices demanded slimmer designs with advanced thermal solutions. For suppliers, the delay highlights a familiar lesson: winning Apple's business requires stamina and long-term commitment.

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.

Momo reported consolidated revenue of NT$8.49 billion (approx. US$279.9 million) in August, marking a 4.4% month-over-month increase. However, since the beginning of 2025, monthly revenues have consistently shown single-digit year-over-year declines. The team acknowledged that domestic retail conditions remain sluggish and consumer confidence has dipped, but they are optimistic that expansion of their store platform business and the upcoming peak season in the second half of the year will help revive revenue momentum.

The foldable phone market has gained significant traction with recent product launches from Samsung Electronics and Vivo. Samsung continues to dominate Taiwan's foldable segment, capturing nearly 80% market share by sales revenue, supported by its strong brand recognition and product capabilities.

Apple has largely held steady on iPhone 17 pricing despite potential US tariffs on imported smartphones, introducing only a modest increase for the iPhone 17 Pro. The approach highlights Apple's effort to absorb tariff-related costs while remaining competitive in a tightening market.

Samsung Electronics has reported strong performance in Taiwan across smartphones, tablets, and wearables in 2025, overcoming challenges such as tariffs, exchange rate fluctuations, and geopolitical risks. The company is considering launching AI glasses in Taiwan and plans to introduce its first tri-fold phone in the fourth quarter of 2025.