The three-stage migration plan, aimed at improving the Face-ID system and achieving a full-screen display, includes transitioning from a pill-shaped design(infrared camera and proximity sensor integrated with flood illuminator and dot projector) in Y2023 to a double-hole design in Y2025, and finally to a single-hole design in Y2027.
UMC intends to maintain its expansion plan on 22/28nm capacity to meet the long-term demands of various applications, such as Automotive and ISP, by increasing overall capacity, primarily at Fab 12A in Tainan.
According to recent updates in the iPhone 15 Pro Max periscope supply chain, it appears that Largan may be the exclusive supplier of the lens, while both Lante and Crystal-Optech (ZCO) may supply the prism.
It has been suggested that Apple's upcoming A17 processor might utilize TSMC's N3B technology instead of N3E due to potential production scheduling concerns.
TSMC may cancel its plans to expand its Kaohsiung fab for 7nm due to sluggish demand outlook and pollution concerns.
TDDI vendors may increase their prices for after-market and module suppliers in 1Q23 by an average of 10~15% due to solid demand in the repair market and expectation of the price reaching the bottom.
US government's export restrictions against Inspur may cause minimal supply chain impact in the near term, as Inspur's high inventory and positive outlook for server demand recovery in China may mitigate the impact.
Bitmain may become one of the biggest clients at TSMC for 4/5nm in the short term and support the declining UT rate.
The current average inventory of major Android smartphone brands, exclusive of channels and distributors, has experienced a slight increase to 8-10 weeks.
The N3E version of the 3nm process may be prioritized for mass production instead of the N3B version due to its simpler process complexity and potential cost and time savings.
Some smartphone ODMs may offer a-Si LCD panels at $5-6 to major smartphone brands, increasing adoption amid LCD smartphone products.
The iPhone production shipment forecast for 1Q23 has been revised down to 52-57 million due to weaker-than-expected demand after the Chinese New Year.
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