Semiconductor News 20250822

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Google Switches to TSMC for Pixel 10 and Tensor G5 Chips Google has announced that it will switch from Samsung to TSMC’s N3P process for manufacturing its upcoming Pixel 10 smartphone and its Tensor G5 chip. This represents a major supply chain change in the mobile processor market, and signals a strategic shift in Google’s aim to ensure a stable supply of high-performance chips and to strengthen its competitiveness.

South Korean Government Denies U.S. Plan to Acquire Samsung Shares The South Korean government has denied speculation of a U.S. plan to acquire Samsung shares backed by the CHIPS Act, which has emerged amid moves by the U.S. to strengthen its semiconductor hegemony. This is an example of international tensions over major semiconductor companies and the importance of strategic asset protection at the national level, highlighting the geopolitical aspects of the semiconductor industry.

3. China Accelerates Strengthening Independence, Targeting 70% Self-sufficiency in AI Chips China is accelerating its efforts to strengthen its independence in AI chips, reportedly aiming to achieve 70% self-sufficiency by 2027. To counter U.S. export restrictions, there is a growing national drive to pursue technological independence and national security in the AI sector through the establishment of a domestic supply chain.

SoftBank Invests $2 Billion in Intel SoftBank has reportedly invested $2 billion in Intel. This major infusion of capital is an important step toward strengthening Intel’s semiconductor business and will provide a major strategic boost to the company as it seeks to regain competitiveness in the age of AI.

5. Domestic Media Criticizes TSMC’s Position as a Beneficiary of the U.S. CHIPS Act TSMC has reportedly been placed in a difficult position in discussions with U.S. authorities regarding subsidies under the U.S. CHIPS Act, with domestic media criticizing the company as a “highway robber. This indicates that government intervention in the semiconductor industry may have complex political and economic consequences for companies receiving subsidies.

6. Samsung Enhances 2nm Chip Competitiveness with Hyper Cell Technology Samsung announced that it is enhancing the competitiveness of its 2nm chips by introducing Hyper Cell technology. This is indicative of the intensifying fierce competition among major companies in next-generation semiconductor manufacturing processes, as they innovate to develop higher-performance, more efficient devices.

7. Nvidia’s HBM supply chain restructuring and Samsung passing HBM4 test While Nvidia’s HBM (high bandwidth memory) supply chain is undergoing a major restructuring in 2026, Samsung has passed NVIDIA’s HBM4 sample test and is competing with SK Hynix reportedly offering HBM3E at a 30% discount. This signals increased competition in the HBM market, which is essential for AI chips.

8. Concerns about Shortage of High-Performance PCB Materials Due to Rising AI Demand There are concerns about a shortage of high-performance PCB (printed circuit board) materials as AI demand outstrips production capacity. This situation highlights how the AI boom is creating new bottlenecks with far-reaching implications not only for semiconductors, but also for the entire supply chain of underlying materials and components.

9. Intel Unveils Jaguar Shores, a Rack-Scale AI Solution with 18A Process and HBM4 Intel has unveiled Jaguar Shores, a rack-scale AI solution powered by its leading process technologies 18A and HBM4. This is a concrete step by Intel to strengthen its presence in the AI semiconductor market and will further accelerate competition in the high-performance AI accelerator market.

10. Asahi Kasei to Invest ¥16 Billion to Increase Production of Semiconductor Materials in Response to AI Boom Asahi Kasei announced that it will invest ¥16 billion to increase production of semiconductor materials in response to rising demand from the AI boom. This investment reflects the current situation where the rapid development of AI technology has spilled over to materials manufacturers in the upstream of the semiconductor industry, forcing them to move up their capital expenditures, suggesting a movement along the entire supply chain.

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