Apple's New iPhone Launch Approaches: Taiwan PA Trio Soars, Two Hit Trading Limits

Apple (AAPL-US) is scheduled to unveil its newest smartphone on September 9. Analysts estimate that global supply chain preparations for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will reach between 50 to 60 million units. In addition to potential price hikes for the new iPhone models, Apple may also increase pricing for the older iPhone 17 series. Taiwanese PA (power amplifier) suppliers Win Semiconductors (3105-TW) and Global Unichip (2455-TW) surged at the opening and climbed to their daily trading limits today, fueled by strong market sentiment. Macroblock (8086-TW), the third major player in the PA trio, also rose over 8%.

According to international media reports, Apple will launch new iPhone 18 Pro and Max models at this event, along with its first-ever foldable smartphone, the iPhone Ultra. This device is expected to be positioned as a premium flagship, potentially creating a halo effect across Apple’s product lineup and reigniting consumer enthusiasm for upgrading.

Win Semiconductors stated during its recent earnings call that third-quarter demand for mobile PAs is expected to exceed last year’s (2025) levels, driven by the launch of new high-end models from its U.S. smartphone client. The company noted that this year’s product lineup features more variations and clearer highlights, which should boost demand recovery.

In addition to its PA business, Global Unichip has been actively transitioning into the indium phosphide (InP) substrate-based optical communications sector. Analysts anticipate that with U.S. optical chip clients bringing their own materials for orders, Global Unichip’s third-quarter production utilization rates and gross margins are likely to improve.

Macroblock is benefiting from improved smartphone PA market conditions and increased penetration in supply chains. New business segments such as drone Wi-Fi, data communications, LiDAR, and solar energy are beginning to contribute to revenue. Analysts forecast a significant year-on-year profit increase for 2025 and have raised their target prices accordingly.