CONNECT WITH US
Jun 29, 09:20
Analysis: Memory shortage drives long-term uptrend as Apple hikes prices
Micron Technology's latest outlook suggests memory shortages could affect device costs worldwide through 2027, with relief unlikely before 2028. For global consumers, that means smartphones, PCs, tablets, and other electronics may stay expensive, while manufacturers face tighter margins, weaker demand, and more uncertainty over supply and pricing.
Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone remains on schedule for a September 2026 debut, despite earlier reports that hinge-related issues could delay the device's release.
Japan's Rakuten Group plans to establish a new joint venture with US-based AST SpaceMobile in 2026 to build a dedicated low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications network for Japan, according to reports by Nikkei and Yomiuri.
Taiwan networking equipment maker DrayTek held its shareholders' meeting on June 26, acknowledging its 2025 business and financial reports along with its profit distribution plan.
SoftBank, the telecom arm of SoftBank Group (SBG), is moving to localize a larger part of Japan's AI infrastructure stack, with plans to begin domestic AI server production in fiscal 2027 at the former Sharp Sakai plant in Osaka.
CyberTAN Technology said rising memory prices have dampened customer orders and softened recent revenue, a sign that global electronics demand remains cautious. The networking equipment maker is also pushing AI-enabled products, Wi-Fi 7, and asset sales as it adapts to shifting supply chains, tariff policy, and geopolitical risk worldwide.
Global smartphone buyers may see continued pricing pressure across display supply chains as a weak handset recovery and rising memory costs weigh on panel makers. In China and other markets, aggressive promotions have not revived replacement demand, leaving flexible AMOLED panels under the heaviest pressure into the third quarter.

Optical film and nano-coating materials developer Victory For Technology (VFT) is focusing on three key areas — AI and semiconductor processes, foldable displays, and key new-energy materials — as it deepens R&D and product deployment to capture emerging opportunities in the global supply chain.

BenQ Materials is stepping up its medical push, with Chairman Z.C. Chen saying that its medical business is expected to account for 35% of revenue by the end of 2026, a record high. As sales continue to grow, he said its share could rise to 50% in 2-3 years, overtaking the company's polarizer business.
Samsung Display (SDC) has reportedly won Apple's production approval for the OLED modules used in its first foldable iPhone and has officially begun production for initial shipments. Along with LG Display (LGD), the two South Korean makers will handle OLED orders across Apple devices in the second half of 2026.

Technology giants are continuing to expand AI computing infrastructure, driving demand for high-performance optical interconnect components. US optical communications leaders Coherent and Lumentum are actively developing 6-inch indium phosphide (InP) wafer production technology. Industry sources said 4-inch wafers remain the mainstream format, but fast-growing demand in optical communications is accelerating the shift toward 6-inch substrates. Supply constraints, however, persist, with substrate technology maturity and supply availability cited as the main bottlenecks.

Huawei has continued to pursue patent litigation against networking equipment makers in Europe in recent years, with its latest case targeting a Taiwanese vendor. Sercomm recently disclosed that its German subsidiary, Sercomm Deutschland GmbH, had received a lawsuit from Huawei over certain Wi-Fi 6 products sold in Germany and other markets.