Tag: Advanced packaging (semiconductors)

International Business and TradeSemiconductors

European Auto Industry Braces for Semiconductor Supply Disruption Following China’s Nexperia Export Restrictions

European automotive manufacturers are activating emergency response plans as China moves to restrict exports from Dutch-based chipmaker Nexperia. Industry leaders warn of potential production halts reminiscent of the 2021 semiconductor crisis, with companies establishing task forces and daily supply chain assessments.

Automotive Industry Reacts to Supply Chain Threat

European carmakers are reportedly deploying strategies reminiscent of their pandemic-era response as they prepare for a potential semiconductor supply crisis. According to reports, the industry is bracing for impact after the Dutch government seized control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, prompting Beijing to restrict the company’s outbound shipments.

by Megan Carter
Assistive TechnologySemiconductors

TSMC Reports Record Quarterly Profit Amid AI Chip Demand Surge

TSMC has reported its highest-ever quarterly profit with net earnings reaching NT$452.3 billion. The record performance comes as companies worldwide race to build AI infrastructure, creating massive demand for high-performance chips.

Record-Breaking Financial Performance

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has reportedly achieved its highest quarterly profit in history, according to recent financial reports. The world’s largest contract chipmaker announced NT$452.3 billion in net earnings for the third quarter, representing a substantial 39.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Sources indicate this remarkable performance was accompanied by a 6% quarter-over-quarter revenue growth to NT$989.9 billion, demonstrating the company’s strong positioning in the global semiconductor market.

by Tyler Brooks P.E
Assistive TechnologySemiconductors

Apple’s Decade-Long Reign as TSMC’s Top Customer Threatened by NVIDIA’s AI Surge

Apple’s decade-long position as TSMC’s largest customer faces unprecedented challenge from NVIDIA’s AI computing demands. High Performance Computing orders now represent 60% of TSMC’s Q2 2025 revenue, with NVIDIA securing massive advanced packaging capacity. The semiconductor landscape is shifting as AI workloads reshape industry dynamics.

Apple’s Dominant Position Faces Unprecedented Challenge

For the past decade, Apple has maintained its position as TSMC‘s largest customer, but industry reports indicate this longstanding relationship may face its most significant test yet. According to the latest analysis, Apple accounted for 24 percent of the semiconductor giant’s revenue throughout 2024, though sources suggest this dominance could be challenged by surging demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing components.

by Megan Carter
Assistive TechnologyInfrastructure

Nvidia, BlackRock Lead $40B Data Center Acquisition to Expand AI Infrastructure

A consortium including Nvidia, BlackRock, and Microsoft is acquiring Aligned Data Centers in a deal reportedly worth approximately $40 billion. The transaction represents one of the largest infrastructure investments targeting the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector, according to industry reports.

Major AI Infrastructure Acquisition

A consortium including BlackRock, Nvidia, and Microsoft is acquiring Aligned Data Centers in what sources indicate is an approximately $40 billion deal, marking one of the largest infrastructure investments targeting the expanding artificial intelligence sector. The acquisition comes as analysts suggest top AI developers are flooding the booming sector with resources to address the electricity and infrastructure requirements needed to support advanced AI technology.

by Megan Carter
Assistive TechnologyGaming Hardware

Samsung Returns to iPhone Camera Supply Chain as Suppliers Invest $123M for iPhone 18 Sensors

South Korean testing firm Doosan Tesna is investing $123 million in new equipment to support Samsung’s image sensor production for the iPhone 18. This marks Samsung’s first major return to Apple’s camera supply chain in nearly a decade, potentially disrupting Sony’s long-standing dominance in iPhone camera components.

Major Supply Chain Shifts for iPhone 18 Camera System

The iPhone 18 is already driving significant changes throughout the supply chain, with Samsung Electronics expanding production of advanced image sensors that will reportedly supply Apple’s 2027 flagship device, according to industry reports from The Elec.

by Megan Carter
Gaming HardwareInternational Business and Trade

iPhone 17 Preorders Surge as Global Smartphone Market Defies Economic Headwinds

Global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in Q3 2025 despite economic uncertainty, with iPhone 17 preorders outpacing last year’s model. Samsung maintained market leadership while premium devices continued to drive growth across the industry.

Despite ongoing tariffs and economic uncertainty, global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with iPhone 17 preorders significantly outpacing last year’s iPhone 16 launch according to the International Data Corporation. The sustained growth in premium device sales, including Apple’s latest iPhone and Samsung’s newest foldables, demonstrates remarkable consumer resilience in the face of economic pressures that industry experts note would typically suppress high-end purchases.

Smartphone Market Defies Economic Expectations

by Megan Carter