Market research firm DSCC recently stated that for Apple's OLED iPad launched in 2024, LG Display (LGD) is expected to account for over 65% of the panel shipments, ahead of Samsung Display (SDC). Observers in the South Korean industry have raised concerns about Apple issuing rather harsh requirements, suspecting that Apple may be attempting to shift the "responsibility" of weak sales and shipments onto the South Korean panel manufacturer
In a recent move aimed at bolstering national security measures, the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has added 37 People's Republic of China (PRC) entities to the Entity List under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). What is noteworthy is that quantum technology is specifically mentioned for 22 newly added to the Entity List
Panasonic Group reported a record-high net income for the fiscal year ending in March 2024. Its battery business received significant tax credits from the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Japan's semiconductor foundry startup Rapidus, now on a mission to mass produce 2nm chips by 2027, is developing advanced packaging and chiplet technologies, with a particular focus on interposer technology crucial for connecting chips with substrates. However, Rapidus is also tackling the challenge of improving production yield to win more advanced-packaging customers
According to SMIC's financial results, it reported rising sales in the first quarter but saw worsening profits due to intensifying competition in China, particularly in commoditized products like DDI and CIS. SMIC reiterated its commitment to build fabs, with depreciation pressures expected to mount further
The US-China trade relationship will likely exacerbate as the US might take "extreme action" on Chinese-made connected cars. The Biden administration is also considering new tariffs on several sectors China dominates, including EVs
Magna International's Austrian plant is experiencing a double hit resulting from the sluggish EV demand. An EV startup customer has filed for bankruptcy, and orders from legacy automakers lack a driving force.
Chinese tech conglomerate Huawei has dismissed rumors that it is increasing efforts in PC chip R&D, to launch the Kirin X series PC processor line in 2024
To take advantage of the rebound in the global monitor market in 2024, companies such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are targeting high-performance, gaming, and AI demands by launching new monitor products to accelerate their market penetration
As a subsidiary of SK Hynix, SK Hynix System IC is reportedly in the process of selling its equity in Wuxi, China. It is anticipated that in the future, SK Hynix System IC Wuxi will still retain a 50.1% equity stake, while Wuxi Industry Development Group (WIDG) will hold 49.9%. Operational control will remain in the hands of South Korean entities
Intel confirms that one of its customers' export license was revoked and would impact its second-quarter sales in 2024 to fall to the lower range between its US$12.5-13.5 billion projection for the quarter, according to a document submitted to the US Security Exchange Commission
Samsung Electronics reportedly plans to dedicate separate development teams for next-generation High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) products, HBM3E and HBM4, to strengthen its competitiveness in the HBM market. Whether this strategic initiative will allow Samsung to outpace competitor SK Hynix in mass production is drawing industry attention
Toyota Motor reported hefty profit growth for the past fiscal year ending March 2024, thanks to booming hybrid EV sales and a weaker Japanese Yen. The automaker said it plans to invest JPY2 trillion (US$13.79 billion) in its suppliers, growing the EV lineup and developing Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV)
Chinese mature-node foundries collaborate with the country's domestic IC design firms, including MCU businesses, to provide capacity support and offer competitive pricing, according to industry sources
SoftBank Group Corp. is in talks to acquire Graphcore Ltd., a struggling British semiconductor startup once valued at $2.8 billion, according to people familiar with the deals