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Taiwan’s Pegatron Nears Decision on U.S. Factory Plan Amid AI Server Production Needs

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Pegatron, a major Taiwanese supplier for Apple and Dell, is in the final phase of evaluating plans for a new factory in the United States, with a decision expected by this or next month, company president and CEO Kuang-Chih Cheng said on Friday.

Key factors influencing the site selection include land and labor costs, with electricity availability being especially critical due to the factory’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) server production, Cheng told reporters during the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting.

When asked about possible locations, Cheng noted that Pegatron’s considerations are similar to those of peers and competitors, many of whom are looking at U.S. states like Texas, where Taiwanese manufacturers Foxconn, Inventec, and Wistron have recently announced expansion plans.

Pegatron has been actively diversifying its manufacturing footprint away from China since the Trump administration began imposing trade restrictions, expanding operations in Southeast Asia and Mexico. The company already maintains a repair base in Indiana and an office in California.

Additionally, Pegatron started developing an AI server production line in Mexico last year, with mass production slated to begin in the third quarter.

Apple Expands Partnership with Tata to Handle iPhone and MacBook Repairs in India

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Apple has deepened its collaboration with India’s Tata Group by handing over the repair business for iPhones and MacBook devices to Tata, two sources familiar with the matter revealed. This move underscores Tata’s expanding role in Apple’s supply chain as the U.S. tech giant shifts more manufacturing and operations beyond China.

Tata, which already assembles iPhones and components at three facilities in South India, will take over after-sales repairs from an Indian unit of Taiwan-based Wistron, called ICT Service Management Solutions. The repairs will be conducted at Tata’s Karnataka campus, where it also handles iPhone assembly.

The repair market in India is growing rapidly alongside soaring iPhone sales. Counterpoint Research estimates about 11 million iPhones were sold in India last year, boosting Apple’s market share there from 1% in 2020 to 7% in 2024.

Industry experts suggest this increased trust in Tata could pave the way for Apple to sell refurbished devices directly in India, similar to its practice in the United States.

Currently, Apple’s official service centers in India handle basic repairs, but complex fixes will be routed to Tata’s facility. Wistron’s ICT unit will continue servicing other clients but will no longer handle Apple’s repairs.

India’s rising importance in Apple’s global supply chain is also highlighted by CEO Tim Cook’s recent statement that most iPhones sold in the U.S. during the June quarter will be made in Indian factories. This shift comes amid growing concerns over tariffs and supply chain diversification away from China.

Neither Apple, Tata, nor Wistron responded to requests for comment.

Apple Loses Appeal to Delay App Store Antitrust Reforms in Epic Games Case

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Apple has failed in its latest attempt to delay a U.S. court order requiring changes to its App Store practices, marking a significant setback in its long-running legal battle with Epic Games. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday rejected Apple’s request to pause enforcement of parts of the federal judge’s injunction while it pursues further appeals.

The case stems from Epic Games’ 2020 lawsuit challenging Apple’s control over its iOS App Store and in-app payment system. Epic argued that Apple’s policies stifle competition and allow it to collect excessive fees from app developers.

Court Orders Apple to Open App Store to More Competition

In April, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of her previous injunction and ordered the company to immediately cease several business practices that restricted developers’ ability to direct users to alternative payment options. Among the practices targeted was Apple’s introduction of a 27% fee on developers who facilitate payments outside of the App Store—a fee the judge said was an attempt to sidestep the original injunction.

Additionally, the court barred Apple from restricting where app developers can place links or buttons that lead users to external purchasing platforms.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the appeals court decision on social media, stating that the “long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended.”

Apple Argues for Business Control, Epic Sees New Competition

In its emergency appeal, Apple argued that the ruling strips it of control over “core aspects of its business operations” and unfairly compels the company to give developers free access to its platform services. Apple also expressed disappointment at the appeals court decision but vowed to continue its legal battle.

Epic Games countered that Apple’s actions were aimed at preserving its dominance and maintaining revenue streams that the court had ruled were anti-competitive. Epic claimed that since the injunction was issued, many developers have already introduced better payment systems, improved deals, and expanded choices for consumers, increasing genuine competition on iOS.

Ongoing Legal Risks for Apple

This latest ruling leaves Apple exposed to continued legal and regulatory scrutiny. Judge Gonzalez Rogers previously accused Apple of misleading the court about its compliance efforts and referred both Apple and one of its executives to federal prosecutors for potential criminal contempt charges.

While Apple won most aspects of the original lawsuit in 2021, Gonzalez Rogers did rule that the company must allow developers to inform users about alternative payment options outside of Apple’s in-app purchase system.

The outcome of Apple’s ongoing appeal will likely have significant implications for the future of digital marketplaces and the company’s multibillion-dollar App Store revenue.