Quanta and Foxconn have both stated that shipments of AI servers using application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) will significantly increase in 2026. The rapid growth of ASICs not only drives volume but also helps alleviate margin erosion pressures.

Apple has reintroduced the blood oxygen detection feature on the Apple Watch for US users after redesigning the function and gaining approval from a recent US Customs ruling. The feature, previously disabled due to patent disputes, is now available through a software update.

The number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is expected to exceed 25 billion by 2030, yet one-third of all cybersecurity vulnerabilities are related to these devices. This trend has driven a surge in cybersecurity solutions, as every single connected device can become susceptible to attack. As a global hub in the tech industry, Taiwan has naturally become a focus: as an example, embedded IoT security company Exein has recently been actively expanding its business in Taiwan, forming strategic partnerships with MediaTek, Aaeon Technology, and other Taiwanese firms in a short span of time. Exein views Taiwan as its largest growth engine outside of Europe.

Foxconn, the world's largest electronics manufacturer, reported record second-quarter results on August 14, 2025, with revenue, operating profit, and net income all reaching historic highs for the period. The company credited surging demand for AI servers and expects strong momentum to continue into the third quarter. However, rotating CEO Kathy Yang also flagged ongoing trade tariffs and currency fluctuations as key risks to monitor.

The US government, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, has imposed tariffs on imports such as steel and aluminum products, automobiles, auto parts, and copper products, citing national security concerns. On August 7, 2025, it announced a 100% tariff on semiconductor products, with exemptions granted to those already manufacturing or committed to manufacturing in the US.

Over the past two weeks, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has promoted his company's new partnership with Samsung Foundry for manufacturing its AI chips. At one point, South Korean media speculated that Samsung might even take over exclusive foundry orders for Tesla's Dojo chips originally handled by TSMC, only to discover later that Musk had decided to shut down the supercomputer project.

Chinese authorities have recently voiced concerns about the reauthorization of shipments for Nvidia Corporation's H20 AI chips, highlighting fears that these chips could be remotely disabled by the US. This capability, they argue, could be exploited to hinder China's AI development. In response, reports indicate that Beijing is encouraging domestic cloud providers to shift away from Nvidia's chips in favor of locally produced alternatives.

Qisda held its earnings call on August 14, revealing that its second-quarter revenue was boosted by customers pulling forward orders as a precaution against anticipated US tariffs. While this strategy increased sales in the second quarter, it also led to elevated inventory levels, further complicated by the appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar.

Cybersecurity service provider CHT Security held its pre-IPO briefing on August 13, announcing plans for an official listing in the third quarter of 2025 and becoming Taiwan's first cybersecurity services company to go public.

Taiwan-based polymer materials supplier U-Best Innovative Technology reported a consolidated revenue of NT$356 million (approx. US$11.9 million) in the second quarter of 2025, a 102% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Benefiting from the synergies of group integration, the company continued to optimize its product portfolio and strictly control costs and expenses, driving second-quarter gross profit to NT$80 million.