The explosive surge of generative AI (gen AI) has prompted global telecom operators to successively incorporate large language models (LLMs), and develop various services related to gen AI applications, whilst unfolding preliminary verifications on gen AI application scenes. Taiwanese telecom operators are also offering gen AI services as integrated solutions to enterprise users in the hope of improving their overall revenue.
The advent of Generative AI has ushered in a wave of AI-driven innovations, and introduced new opportunities to smartphones. Major brands are incorporating AI-related features into their flagship models in the hope that AI empowerment would incentivize consumers in upgrading to new devices.
AI functionalities prioritized by mainstream smartphone brands can be broadly categorized into four major application areas that encompass a total of eight distinct features. Among which, Samsung's S24 is equipped with the most extensive array of AI functionalities. Furthermore, smartphone brands are actively focused on developing their in-house large language models (LLMs). Enhancing on-device computing power is poised to become a crucial foundation in light of security risks and the objective of minimizing latency.
The global automotive industry is accelerating innovation with a focus on EVs and autonomous driving technology, alongside software-defined vehicles. This vision of safety, efficiency, and sustainability is creating a new blue ocean for automotive sensors
1. Global Trends in Mobile Base Station Development
2. AI Applications: Mobile Base Stations
3. TRI’s View
1. Overview of Global Memory Supply
2. Analysis of Mobile Memory Demand
3. Overview of the Smartphone Market
4. TRI’s View
As international geopolitical risks rise, Apple is beginning to face the issue of supply chain relocation. Since 2000, Apple has established a complete supply chain layout in China. Before the outbreak of the epidemic, the assembly factory located in Zhengzhou of Henan provided sufficient production capacity for iPhones every year, allowing the products to be exported worldwide. However, the factory's capacity utilization rate continued to decline after the outbreak of the epidemic. In November 2022, a large-scale protest erupted due to some employees' dissatisfaction with wages and epidemic restrictions, leading to serious problems in the supply chain. Apple realized that it could no longer concentrate a large amount of production capacity on a single supplier or region, so it accelerated the relocation of its supply chain.
Demand for large panel driver ICs is set to rise sequentially throughout 2024, with ample overall supply. However, uncertainty in end-user demand has led to conservative stocking practices in the supply chain, fostering a reliance on short-term, rush orders—a practice that threatens long-term supply chain health.
In 2023, mobile TDDI chips benefited significantly from active repair and second-hand markets, resulting in annual shipments far exceeding intial forecasts. The release of lower-cost capacities by Chinese wafer foundries has helped sustain robust demand for mobile TDDIs through 2023 to 2024. Nonetheless, intense comptition in this segment has escalated price wars.
For AMOLED driver ICs, the introduction of new production capacities has boosted demand as AMOLED smartphone panel penetration increases. Currently, the market faces no-short-term supply shortages. As more suppliers enter the AMOLED DDI market, prices continue to decline. Maintaining profitability in AMOLED DDI production remains a critical challenge for IC manufacturers, especially with stable wafer prices.
As global internet data transmission volume continues to reach new highs, the performance bottleneck of light communication solutions becomes increasingly apparent. This report, on the one hand, explores the shortcomings of existing light communication solutions. On the other hand, it focuses on silicon photonics and CPO technology, analyzing their competitive advantages in the field of light communication, and keeping track of the development dynamics of key manufacturers.
1. Developments in IC Design – Taiwan and Worldwide
2. Smartphone Chipset (Mobile SoC) Market and Suppliers
3. Wi-Fi Chip Market and Suppliers
4. TRI’s View
The US-China trade war has been ongoing for several years, significantly impacting the semiconductor industry due to the US imposing numerous restrictions on China. Semiconductors, essential for smartphones, have notably hindered the progress of China’s smartphone sector amid these sanctions.
Huawei was particularly affected during this standoff between the US and China. The sanctions led to a market decrease in Huawei’s market share, prompting other Chinese smartphone manufacturers to aggressively pursue the high-end market. However, the situation escalated on August 29, 2023, when Huawei unveiled its 5G Mate 60 Pro, stirring further tensions with the US. This move highlights how the smartphone development conflict has transitioned from mere brand competition to a pivotal aspect of the technological struggle between the US and China.