Modem independence proves elusive as Apple and Xiaomi grapple with custom designs

Apple’s first real effort to cut ties with Qualcomm’s modem dominance appears to have stumbled out of the gate. Qualcomm commissioned Cellular Insights to run real-world 5G tests on T-Mobile’s sub-6GHz standalone network in New York City. The results, reported by Bloomberg, MacRumors, TrendForce, and Mobile World Live, showed Android devices with Qualcomm modems consistently outperforming Apple’s iPhone 16e—Apple’s first handset powered by its self-developed C1 modem.

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South Korea’s chip crown becomes a strategic burden

South Korea’s leadership in DRAM, NAND, and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) is becoming a strategic liability amid rising US-China friction. With SK Hynix and Samsung holding a combined 70% of DRAM and more than half the NAND market, the country anchors a supply chain vital for AI training and HPC workloads. A single disruption could trigger global price shocks and shortages, particularly in AI computing and mobile devices.

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Apple’s stable foundation and diversified supply reduce tariff impact, but industry experts remain cautious

The US Court of International Trade ruled on May 28, 2025, that US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are invalid. Yuan-Kai Chung, chairman and president of Audix, commented that Trump may find other ways to pressure specific companies. However, the tariff impact on Apple is relatively limited. The real focus remains on overall market innovation momentum and consumer willingness to upgrade devices.

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China steps up measures to quell auto market chaos

China’s car market has been grappling with the fallout from intense competition and cutthroat price slashing, forcing the government to repeatedly intervene. Misleading marketing language promising autonomous or smart driving has been banned since April 2024, and more recently China’s Ministry of Commerce has hosted a conference with automakers and industry representatives to address the issue of zero-mileage secondhand cars.

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EDA cutoff lays bare China’s design fragility in advanced semiconductors

China’s semiconductor sector is reeling from reports that Siemens EDA has been instructed by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to suspend all EDA-related services and support in China. The move may expand to include Synopsys and Cadence, effectively cutting off all three global EDA giants. The ban reportedly encompasses not only software access but also platform-integrated IP, signaling a broader and more aggressive crackdown than previously anticipated.

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