Semiconductor News 20251219

Main News

1. Intel Completes High-NA EUV Verification for 14A, Nvidia and Others Consider Adoption
   Intel has completed the industry’s first High-NA EUV lithography system verification for its next-generation 14A process. This will drive the miniaturization of 2D transistor technology and establish technological leadership in the angstrom generation. In addition, Nvidia and AMD are exploring the use of this 14A node, and Apple and Broadcom are reportedly considering Intel’s packaging technology (EMIB).
2. China to Build EUV Prototype with Older Parts for Advanced Manufacturing in 2028
   China has reportedly built a prototype EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography system by combining older ASML components. This is a move toward advanced semiconductor manufacturing by 2028 and could neutralize export controls in Western countries. This technological advancement is forcing China to rethink its global AI chip supply network and security strategy, and demonstrates China’s obsession with building its own supply chain.
3. Micron Increases CAPEX to $20 Billion on Strong Results, Warns of Supply Shortage
   Micron announces explosive results in earnings, raises capex to $20 billion HBM supply for 2026 is already sold out due to AI demand, with HBM4 production increase scheduled for Q2 2026 The company is using AI as the reason for the memory shortage. The company cited three factors behind the memory shortage, including AI utilization and capex constraints, and indicated that the tight supply-demand situation will not be resolved quickly.
4. Rapidus Launches AI Tools to Streamline 2nm Semiconductor Design
   Rapidus of Japan has launched a suite of AI-based design tools to support the development of cutting-edge 2nm generation semiconductors. This is part of the company’s efforts to build an ecosystem for volume production by 2027, and to strengthen its technology base to compete with TSMC and other leading companies.
5. OpenAI and Google Expanding Use of AWS Chips and TPUs to Break Dependence on Nvidia
   OpenAI is considering adopting AWS proprietary chips, and Google and Meta are also expanding their use of TPUs to break their dependence on Nvidia Reduce operational costs and computing AI models resource stability is the goal, and this is a new phase in the “AI chip wars” in the Nvidia-dominated AI hardware market, where major tech companies are accelerating their own development and shift to alternative chips.
6. Samsung Wins 8nm Process Order from Intel for Chipsets
   Samsung Electronics’ foundry division has reportedly won a large 8nm process manufacturing order from Intel related to its “900 Series” chipsets. Samsung was selected as Intel, which focuses on in-house manufacturing (IDM), moves toward outsourcing non-core logic products. This is an important achievement for Samsung as it seeks to improve utilization rates and expand its customer base.
7. Honda Motor suspends plants in China and Japan due to semiconductor shortage
   Honda Motor (Honda) will reportedly suspend or reduce production at its plants in China and Japan due to a semiconductor shortage.While the AI chip market is booming, the supply chain in certain applications, such as automotive The market for AI chips is booming, but the supply chain for certain applications, such as automotive, remains fragile. This highlights the continued direct impact of the semiconductor shortage on the real economy and manufacturing production plans.
8. TSMC to Accelerate Construction of Second Arizona Plant to Begin 3nm Production in 2027
   TSMC is accelerating construction of its second plant in Arizona, USA, with plans to install equipment in the third quarter of 2026 and begin 3nm process production in 2027. The progress is suggesting that the company is on track to meet its original schedule, and the move to secure the most advanced semiconductor supply capacity in the U.S. is taking concrete shape. This is due to the company’s response to geopolitical risks and its proximity to U.S. customers.
9. Rising costs will weigh on smartphone shipments in 2026, driven by soaring memory prices
   Research firm Counterpoint Research forecasts that soaring memory prices and rising wafer costs will negatively impact smartphone shipments in 2026.The cost of components associated with implementing AI features The increase in component costs associated with the implementation of AI functions may push up end-product prices and cool consumer replacement demand. The booming semiconductor market has been identified as a risk to the growth of the end-product market.
10. Samsung to Provide Next-Generation LPCAMM2 Samples to Nvidia as Competition Intensifies
    Samsung Electronics has reportedly provided samples of its next-generation memory module standard, LPCAMM2, solution to Nvidia with the goal of establishing mass production in early 2026. This is a strategic move to take the lead in the AI notebook and on-device AI markets, where competition over new technologies that improve memory bandwidth and power efficiency is intensifying.

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