1. Texas Instruments and NXP, Two Major IDMs, Report New Price Hikes

Latest market reports indicate new price increase dynamics from Texas Instruments (TI). TI issued a notice on May 7, 2026, announcing a price adjustment across its entire product portfolio effective July 1, 2026. The specific increases will vary depending on the materials and technologies used for each product. This marks TI's fourth large-scale price hike in nearly two years, with the most recent one having taken effect in April 2026.

Simultaneously, NXP Semiconductors (NXP) has also reportedly raised prices again. NXP issued a notice on May 1, 2026, announcing price adjustments for some products effective June 1, 2026. This is NXP's second price increase in 2026, following one that took effect in April 2026.

2. New Round of Price Hikes for Mature Process Wafer Foundry Brewing

According to the latest wafer foundry industry research from TrendForce, the global mature process landscape is facing shifts in supply and demand dynamics. Since the second half of 2025, leading foundries TSMC and Samsung Foundry have reduced their 8-inch capacity. Coupled with sustained growth in demand for power management and power components from AI servers and other applications, the average 8-inch capacity utilization rate of the world's top ten wafer foundries has recovered to nearly 90% in 2026.

Not only have 8-inch capacity utilization and foundry prices stopped falling and begun to rise, but 12-inch mature processes are also expected to see order transfers driven by TSMC's planned production cuts. Although 12-inch mature processes are not currently in a state of severe shortage, the potential medium-to-long-term spillover effect of orders from TSMC may prompt Tier 2 foundries to signal their intention for another price hike to customers in the second half of 2026.

3. Infineon Reports Q2 FY26 Revenue of €3.812 Billion

Infineon recently announced its FY26 Q2 financial results: revenue reached €3.812 billion, a 6% year-over-year (YoY) and 4% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increase. Segment result was €653 million, with a margin of 17.1%, largely flat compared to the previous quarter. Net income attributable to shareholders was €301 million, surging 30% YoY and 18% QoQ.

Demand for Infineon's power solutions targeting AI data centers was extremely robust this quarter. The company expects revenue from AI data center applications to reach approximately €1.5 billion this fiscal year, rising further to about €2.5 billion in the next fiscal year. The automotive business order intake showed positive developments, particularly in software-defined vehicles, leading to further market share gains.

In its earnings report, Infineon announced a restructuring of its divisions effective from the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, streamlining from the previous four to three: Automotive (ATV), Power & Sensor Systems (PSS), and Connected Secure Systems (CSS).

4. WT Microelectronics Q1 Revenue Doubles, Boosted by AI

WT Microelectronics announced its Q1 2026 revenue of NT$494.3 billion, an increase of approximately 100% YoY and 44% QoQ. Operating profit reached NT$9.94 billion, up about 118% YoY and 66% QoQ. Net profit was NT$7.01 billion, soaring approximately 159% YoY and 67% QoQ, setting a new historical high for quarterly profit. Both consolidated revenue and net profit after tax exceeded the upper end of the company's financial forecast, primarily benefiting from the significant growth in data center and communication product demand driven by AI, coupled with a steady recovery in non-AI applications like industrial.

Looking ahead, overall economic uncertainty is easing. Regarding semiconductor demand, major Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) continue to revise their capital expenditure upwards. The company remains optimistic that AI-related demand will persist. In the medium to long term, AI technology is expected to further permeate various aspects, driving demand growth in other applications. In non-AI sectors, inventory levels have mostly returned to healthy or low levels. Indicators related to demand in European and American markets, as well as in industrial and automotive sectors, such as the Book-to-Bill ratio, show signs of steady and continuous recovery.

5. Sony and TSMC Establish CIS Joint Venture in Japan

According to a report cited by Kuai Technology, Sony and TSMC announced they will jointly establish a合资 enterprise in Japan focusing on image sensors. Leveraging this collaboration platform, the two parties aim to promote the deep application of AI technology in the image sensing field, with a focus on enhancing game development and delivery efficiency, and exploring practical implementation scenarios for physical artificial intelligence.

Sony stated that by integrating TSMC's advanced manufacturing capabilities with its own imaging technology strengths, it will accelerate the industrialization of AI-driven imaging solutions. Furthermore, both sides plan to use this venture to explore new opportunities in physical AI application areas such as automotive and robotics, laying the foundation for future technological innovation and industrial upgrading.

6. Nationalchip Deepens Collaboration with Leading Power Management Chip Supplier

Nationalchip announced on May 8 that it has deepened its strategic partnership with a leading power management chip (PMIC) supplier. Their combined MCU + power solutions have achieved mass production and batch delivery in four key areas: AI servers, digital power supplies, automotive electronics, and power tools, gaining recognition from a global leading AI server manufacturer and several top-tier cloud computing and new energy customers. In the optical module field, their joint solution is also progressing steadily, fully leveraging Nationalchip's MCU advantages in low power consumption and high integration to significantly improve the energy efficiency ratio and stability of optical modules.

Moving forward, Nationalchip and its leading partner will continue to deepen collaborative innovation in MCUs, wireless RF, power management, and security chips. They plan to launch more highly integrated, reliable, and secure一站式 solutions targeting emerging fields like AI computing infrastructure, industrial automation, new energy vehicles, and optical communication.

7. Apple Doubles MacBook Neo Production Target for This Year

According to IT Home, the latest research report from semiconductor industry analysis platform Culpium indicates that Apple has asked its suppliers to increase the 2026 production target for the MacBook Neo, significantly raising it from the initial 5-6 million units to 10 million units to alleviate the current severe supply shortage.

The report identifies the supply of the A18 Pro chip as a key obstacle to the production increase. With TSMC's N3E process capacity largely occupied by AI customers, Apple is facing a severe chip shortage. To ensure the production target is met, Apple has had to pay a substantial premium to secure non-binned versions of the A18 Pro chip.

As chip procurement costs rise and DRAM memory prices increase, the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost for the MacBook Neo has risen significantly. The report notes that to offset these costs, Apple may consider raising prices in the future. However, the company is also considering launching new color options to mitigate consumer resistance to potential price hikes.

8. Global Smartphone Revenue Grew 8% YoY in Q1 2026

According to Counterpoint Research's latest Market Monitor report, despite a decline in shipments, global smartphone market revenue grew 8% year-over-year (YoY) in Q1 2026, reaching $117 billion. The market faced dual pressures from rising BOM costs and memory shortages, which impacted shipment volumes. However, increased demand for premium models and product price adjustments drove the Average Selling Price (ASP) up 12% YoY to $399, setting a new record high for a first quarter.

Looking ahead, the global smartphone market is expected to remain under pressure in 2026, with shipments likely to continue declining. A market recovery is projected to be postponed until the second half of 2027. Nevertheless, the ongoing premiumization trend and persistently high memory prices are expected to support ASP growth, cushioning the revenue downside to some extent.