Semiconductor News 20251029

Main News

1. Server DRAM Prices Surge 50%, Memory Shortage Severely Impacted by Memory Shortage Severely impacted by memory shortage, server DRAM prices have surged as much as 50%. As a result of this tight supply, order fulfillment is reported to be at 70%. This situation is related to the HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) boom, which has further tightened DRAM supply, and Samsung and SK Hynix are moving to secure long-term contracts. SK Hynix expects to complete its M15X plant by the end of 2025 and is strengthening its production system to meet the demand for HBM.
2. NVIDIA Invests 150 B illion Yen in Nokia to Develop AI-based 6G Connectivity NVIDIA has announced a major partnership with Nokia to leverage the power of AI to develop next-generation 6G connectivity. In this connection, NVIDIA intends to use its ample funds to develop new markets such as telecommunications by investing 150 billion yen in Nokia. NVIDIA is also accelerating its momentum in the AI market by premiering its next-generation Vera Rubin Superchip, with two giant GPUs slated to go into production next year, and building seven new AI supercomputers for the US government.
3. Apple Surpasses $4 Trillion in Market Capitalization, Establishing the “Super Large 3 Composition” of the Market Apple’s market capitalization has surpassed $4 trillion ($4 trillion club). This move is attracting attention as a move to form a “super-sized three powerhouse composition” along with NVIDIA and Microsoft. This is believed to be due to factors such as the strong performance of the iPhone 17. It is also reported that Apple plans to use a simplified camera control button on the iPhone 18 and haptics (tactile feedback) instead of mechanical buttons on the iPhone 20 as future products.
4. Former TSMC Executive Reportedly Pulled by Intel to Head R&D A former TSMC senior vice president (SVP) has reportedly been pulled by Intel to head its R&D division. This person is a veteran of driving breakthroughs in high-end chips at TSMC and was reportedly boldly recruited by Intel Foundry. Intel is in the process of revamping its executive ranks, including bringing in Lip Boo Tan as the new head of engineering to bolster its custom silicon division.
5. Apple Secures Majority of TSMC’s 2nm Process Capacity Apple has reportedly secured the majority of TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing capacity. This is reportedly for the A20 series chips that will be used in the future folding iPhone and iPhone 18. Meanwhile, NVIDIA may be the only customer for TSMC’s A16 process at this time, and Apple has reportedly not yet initiated negotiations on A16.
6. Intel CEO likens US government’s 10% stake to TSMC support, sees it as a deliberate strategy to revive Intel The Intel CEO referred to the US government’s 10% stake in Intel as an inspired supply chain model, describing it as a “deliberate” move, He likened it to the way Taiwan supports TSMC and characterized it as a policy step to encourage Intel’s resurgence.
7. China Sets First National Standard for EUV Photoresists, Aims for Semiconductor Self-Sufficiency China has set its first national standard for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photoresists as part of its efforts to achieve its goal of semiconductor self-sufficiency. This marks a move by China to become more self-reliant in the semiconductor supply chain, especially in the critical materials area.
8. China ‘s CXMT, YMTC Enter AI Memory Supercycle in earnest Chinese semiconductor manufacturers CXMT (長鑫存益技術) and YMTC (長江存益科技) are entering the AI memory supercycle in earnest. This indicates that Chinese companies are looking to strengthen their competitiveness in the cutting-edge memory market against the backdrop of rising AI demand.
9. TSMC Begins Construction on Second Kumamoto Plant, Expanding Presence in Japan TSMC has begun construction on its second plant in Kumamoto, expanding its presence in Japan TSMC has reportedly been working hard to address groundwater and traffic congestion issues in its operations in Kumamoto. In addition, Innkeeper has begun arranging accommodations for workers at TSMC’s second plant in Kumamoto.
10. Hon Precision Boosts AI GPU and ASIC Test Equipment, Secures Orders Through Early 2026 Hon Precision is ramping up production of AI GPU and ASIC test equipment. The company has already secured orders through the first half of 2026, indicating strong demand for AI chip-related test and production equipment. Test market collaboration is also underway, with Taiwan’s Chunghwa Precision and Japan’s Yokowo signing an investment agreement to deepen ties between the Taiwanese and Japanese testing industries.

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