Oct 26, 2026
IQE CEO Jutta Meier identified access to indium phosphide substrates as an emerging key risk for the semiconductor industry, as Chinese export controls create uncertainty over supply of materials critical for advanced chips.
A global memory chip shortage is squeezing smartphone manufacturers, with Samsung reporting a 211% jump in memory prices and Xiaomi posting its third consecutive quarterly profit decline of 43%. The crisis is driving up production costs and shrinking margins across the industry.
Apple is testing memory chips from China's Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for potential use in iPhones and MacBooks as the company seeks to address component shortages caused by the AI boom. The move requires White House regulatory clearance and follows months of lobbying by Apple.
Samsung Electronics reported chip profits rising more than 250-fold to $61.7 billion amid surging memory chip prices, while warning the shortage will continue until 2028. The company's mobile division swung to its first loss as high chip costs impacted phone production.
Industry reports indicate DRAM shortages will persist through at least the end of 2027, with suppliers expected to meet only 60% of demand despite ramping up production. SK Group chairman confirmed the extended timeline.