According to a report from Wccftech, Google is rumored to switch to TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, “N3E”, for its Tensor G5. The report also claims that for the Tensor G6, Google will utilize TSMC’s “N3P” process instead of the 2nm process speculated earlier. Its entire Pixel 10 series set to be launched next year will use TSMC’s 3nm process.

The report suggests that the Tensor G4 processor may be the last Google chipset manufactured by Samsung using its 4nm process, since the Tensor G4 reportedly offers only a slight upgrade compared to the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 smartphone, as it continues to use Samsung’s older FO-PLP packaging technology instead of the newer FO-WLP packaging, which is more capable in preventing overheating.

Notably, the report states that Qualcomm and MediaTek have also adopted the 3nm “N3E” process for their Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400 chipsets for the first time this year, having bridged the technological gap with Apple.

Therefore, the report notes that Google will still be a year behind in the competition when it announces the Tensor G5 and Tensor G6, since Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple are already using TSMC’s 3nm process and are expected to shift to N3P.

According to the report, the Tensor G5 was reported to have reached the tape-out stage earlier this year and is expected to use TSMC’s InFO-POP packaging, which allows the chipset’s packaging to be smaller and also more power efficient.

Regarding Tensor G6, it will likely launch two years from now. Although it was previously rumored that Tensor G6 will use TSMC’s 2nm process, the report indicates that it will instead utilize TSMC’s enhanced version of 3nm, N3P node.

According to a report from AnandTech, as a more enhanced process node compared to N3E, N3P offers better performance with higher transistor density and reduced power consumption.

The report indicates that it makes sense that Google is not opting to adopt the 2nm process immediately, especially since even Apple is expected to wait until the launch of the iPhone 18, two years from now, to introduce its first A-series chipsets that will exceed the 3nm barrier. Additionally, it is expected that the 2nm A-series chipsets will not be included in all iPhone 18 models due to their high cost.

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• [News] TSMC Rumored to Secure Tensor G6 Orders from Google with Its 2nm Process
• [News] Google’s Tensor G5 Reportedly Manufactured with TSMC’s 3nm and InFO-POP Packaging

(Photo credit: Google)

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited China for the second time this year. According to a report from Commercial Times, his visit may be aimed at boosting Apple’s business in the region, particularly given that Apple Intelligence currently does not support the China version of the new iPhone 16.

A report from South China Morning Post noted that Chinese Android smartphone vendors are already incorporating new AI features into their devices. On the other hand, Apple’s major rival in smartphones, Samsung, has also found an ally in the local market, as the report pointed out that earlier this year, Baidu’s AI model would be integrated into Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone series, the Galaxy S24.

The report also mentioned that during an earnings call in August, Cook stated that he was advocating the launch of Apple Intelligence in China, aiming to provide AI services to all Apple users.

According to Commercial Times, citing Cook’s official account on the social media platform Weibo, during his trip, Cook met with Chinese university students to discuss how Apple products can support sustainable farming practices.

Notably, according to a report from Reuters, Cook also met with Jin Zhuanglong, China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, on Wednesday in Beijing.

The report from Commercial Times also noted that this is Cook’s second visit to China this year. During his trip in March, he reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market. On that visit, Cook visited Apple’s new store in Shanghai, met with China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, and connected with several major Chinese suppliers.

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• [News] Insiders Reportedly Claim Apple to be Two Years behind in AI Development
• [News] A Comparison between Apple iPhone 16 and Huawei Mate XT

(Photo credit: Tim Cook’s Weibo)

As we approach the end of October, how will prices for TV, monitor, and laptop panels shift?

According to TrendForce’s late October panel pricing report, Research Vice President Boyce Fan observed that TV panel prices are stabilizing. Thanks to China’s trade-in program, brands ramped up promotions, and sales during the National Day holiday exceeded expectations, with a year-on-year increase of nearly 20%. This has boosted brand confidence and led to continued stockpiling of TV panels. Panel manufacturers, benefiting from the trade-in policy and production cuts during the holiday, are likely to see TV panel prices stabilize across the board in October.

For small-sized TV panels, demand for 32-inch and 43-inch panels remains steady, and with panel makers controlling production, prices are expected to stabilize. Medium-sized panels, such as 50-inch and 55-inch, are still facing weak demand, but production control could help prices level off.

Meanwhile, large-sized panels, including 65-inch and 75-inch, have seen a strong demand surge, directly benefiting from the trade-in policy. With strict production control of 10.5-generation panels maintaining supply-demand balance, prices are also expected to stabilize.

In the monitor panel market, prices have continued to decline following the trend seen in September as demand enters the off-season. Since late Q3, some panel manufacturers have aggressively negotiated project pricing with brand clients for Q4, exerting pressure on monitor panel prices. Fan noted that the price drop for open-cell panels is expected to widen, with declines ranging from $0.3 to $0.4. Panel module prices for mainstream sizes are projected to fall by $0.2 to $0.3, a more significant drop than the previous month.

As for laptop panels, some brands have slightly revised their Q4 demand upwards to boost production scale, supporting stable shipments of laptop panels. However, some panel manufacturers, in an effort to secure orders, have adopted a more flexible pricing approach, which may affect overall market pricing trends. Currently, average laptop panel prices are expected to remain stable, though high-end IPS models are already seeing a $0.1 drop. By November, panel makers are expected to face increased pressure from clients demanding price cuts, intensifying negotiations on both sides.

According to a report from Reuters, India is set to impose restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers starting in January, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing.

If implemented, the new plan could significantly impact the PC industry, worth USD 8 billion to USD 10 billion. Given that the Indian IT hardware market is heavily dependent on imports, this new plan is likely to transform the manufacturing industry and the local market in India, as indicated by the report.

The report stated that the Indian government attempted to limit imports of laptops, tablets, and personal computers last year. However, these restrictions were lifted in response to backlash from companies and lobbying from the United States.

Currently, laptop importers can freely import products into the Indian market after automatic online registration. According to the report, sources indicated that India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is developing a new import authorization system that will require companies to obtain prior approval for their imports.

The report highlighted that two-thirds of India’s demand is satisfied through imports, with a substantial portion coming from China. On the other hand, India’s IT hardware market, including laptops, is estimated at nearly USD 20 billion, yet domestic production accounts for only USD 5 billion of that total.

According to the report, India has federal subsidies totaling approximately USD 2.01 billion to encourage domestic production. India’s IT hardware production incentive program has drawn interest from major PC manufacturers, including Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Last year, India’s electronics minister stated that most of the approved companies are prepared to begin local manufacturing.

(Photo credit: Lenovo)

According to a report from Reuters, Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday that workers at their Indian unit have chosen to end their strike at the factory in Tamil Nadu, southern India, ending a labor protest that lasted over a month.

The report noted that over 1,000 Samsung India workers have been protesting near the factory close to Chennai in Tamil Nadu since September 9, calling for higher wages and official recognition of their union.

Reuters pointed out that the strike at the plant was supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and was the largest labor dispute in recent years in the country. This situation raises concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempt to attract investors for local manufacturing.

According to Reuters, Samsung India stated that it appreciated CITU’s decision to call off the strike at the plant. However, the company did not disclose the terms of the settlement.

The report indicated that it was confirmed by the Tamil Nadu state government that the strike has ended. The state government confirmed that representatives from Samsung and the striking workers had taken part in the discussions.

As stated by Reuters, the plant employs approximately 1,800 workers and manufactures refrigerators, TVs, and washing machines. It is one of Samsung’s two factories in India and plays a crucial role in the company’s ambitions, contributing about one-fifth of its USD 12 billion in sales in India for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Previously, Samsung Electronics also encountered a labor strike in Korea. After a three-day strike beginning on July 8, the labor union announced plans for an indefinite strike due to the lack of consensus with Samsung. However, according to The Chosun Daily, the union called off the strike in August, while the future of negotiations between Samsung and the labor union remains uncertain.

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• [News] Samsung’s Labor Union Intends to Launch Indefinite Strike

(Photo credit: Samsung)