April 15, 2025

'Killing' the iPhone is Reportedly Tim Cook's Top Priority Apple is racing to lead the post-iPhone era with advanced AR glasses powered by generative AI. Tim Cook has made creating lightweight, all-day wearable spectacles his top priority, aiming to outpace Meta in redefining mobile computing. BGR

Sponsor Vapor Phase Profiling Thermal profiling the vapor phase soldering process – especially those with vacuum – is challenging. ECD's M-VP™ sealed barrier can take it. Learn more. ECD

IPC Welcomes Exemptions to Reciprocal Tariffs IPC applauds the exclusion of vital electronics components from new tariffs, citing benefits for innovation, cost control, and supply chain stability. It urges further exemptions to bolster U.S. electronics manufacturing and global competitiveness. IPC

An Eight-Step Methodology for Bringing a Process Under Statistical Control More understanding of statistical process control (SPC) is needed to implement best practices in PCB manufacturing. The proper use of SPC enables world-class quality. Technical Paper

China's largest iPhone factory resumes hiring after Trump spares electronics from tariffs Foxconn has resumed hiring at its Zhengzhou iPhone factory after a brief pause triggered by new U.S. tariffs. The move follows a temporary tariff exemption on electronics, but analysts warn iPhone prices could still rise sharply. South China Morning Post

Sponsor Electronic Assembly Cleaning Basics Monitoring & effectively controlling chemistry concentration when cleaning electronic assemblies is crucial for maintaining optimal cleanliness results & preventing costly consequences. KYZEN

A slowly spinning universe could solve the Hubble tension A new study suggests the universe may rotate extremely slowly—once every 500 billion years—potentially resolving the Hubble tension. Researchers found that adding slight rotation to current models aligns expansion rates without contradicting existing observations. Phys.org

Technical Papers ■ Innovative Power Module Assembly Solutions ■ Unlocking the Potential of Nanoscale Conformal Coatings ■ Recycling vs Circularity: Minimising E-Waste in Manufacturing ■ Optimizing Cleaning Strategies for Advanced Packaging Technologies with Low Standoff Components ■ Probe Card Manufacturer 'Sees the Unseen' With X-ray ■ Electronic Assembly Cleaning Basics: Manual Concentration Monitoring Methods ■ An Eight-Step Methodology for Bringing a Process Under Statistical Control ■ Bismuth in Solder Alloys: From Bulk Constituent in Low Temp to Performance Enhancer in High Rel ■ Plasma as a Key Technology: Increasing Efficiency and Quality Assurance in the Electronics Industry ■ Use of Numerical Simulation Methods for the Development of Thermal Systems & Coating Equipment MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor Touchless Solder Ball Removal Watch our video showcasing touch-free BGA component deballing. This revolutionary approach achieves unparalleled reliability and precision when preparing BGA components for re-balling. Circuit Technology Center

Apple regains $3 trillion market cap after Trump exempts tariffs on iPhones Apple shares jumped over 2% Monday, reclaiming a $3 trillion market cap after the Trump administration temporarily exempted key Apple products from new tariffs. Analysts estimate the move slashes Apple's potential tariff costs from $44 billion to $7 billion. CNBC

Arizona — not China — is the best place for Tesla's self-driving future Tesla's Full Self-Driving push in China stalled amid tight state controls, exposing the pitfalls of authoritarian oversight. Meanwhile, Arizona's transparent, innovation-friendly policies have made Phoenix a national hub for autonomous vehicle testing and development. The Hill

Sponsor Your award-winning cored wire supplier As an industry-leading, full-line supplier of flux-cored wire solder, our award-winning solutions meet the needs of virtually every assembly and rework application. Indium Corporation

Foxconn Eyes 300 Acres in UP: A Bold Move to Power India's Electronics Dream Foxconn is set to acquire 300 acres in Uttar Pradesh, signaling a bold expansion that could transform India into a global electronics manufacturing hub. This strategic move aligns with Apple’s shift to India and boosts India's "Make in India" goals. Tech Story

Strategic Planning Doesn't Have to Be Complex — This Simple, 3-Part Framework Delivers Faster Results Strategic planning doesn't need to be complex or costly. Smart entrepreneurs are embracing lean, actionable strategies tailored to their growth stage. By focusing on clarity, hard choices, and consistent execution, they build momentum and scale efficiently. Entrepreneur

Sponsor New SELECT Synchro soldering system A multi-station selective soldering system that uses a unique, synchronous motion to increase throughput, improve cost-of-ownership, and provide flexibility for electronics manufacturers. Nordson Electronics Solutions

Microsoft founder Gates Bill Gates reflects on the 50th anniversary of Microsoft, recalling the pivotal code he and Paul Allen wrote in 1975 for the Altair 8800. That project sparked the personal computing revolution and laid the foundation for Microsoft’s rise. Taipei Times

US tariff reprieves will not repair trust in Washington The bond market backlash forced President Trump to pause sweeping tariffs, but uncertainty still looms. Europe sees an opportunity to strengthen unity, pursue joint investment, and brace for renewed U.S. and Chinese pressure on trade and technology. Taipei Times

Sponsor X-Ray Inspection Verifies Quality of Complex PCBs A Netherlands-based PCB supplier relies on real-time X-ray inspection to ensure the quality of HDI, hybrid, multi- layer, flex-rigid & other complex boards. Glenbrook Technologies

Taiwan to face high tariffs amid US domestic supply chain push The U.S. plans steep tariffs on Asian electronics and semiconductors to pressure manufacturers—especially in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea—into relocating operations to America. The move signals a global supply chain split into U.S., China, and neutral blocs. Taipei Times

China halts rare earth exports, sparking fears of shortages in critical industries China has suspended rare earth exports amid new licensing rules, threatening global supply chains in defense, aerospace, and EVs. U.S. firms brace for shortages as Beijing tightens control over these critical, pollution-intensive minerals. TechSpot

Ultra-Low Voiding Halogen-Free No-Clean Lead-Free Solder Paste The miniaturization trend is driving components with large pads. To alleviate the voiding challenge, a voiding-free solder paste will be the solution. Circuit Insight - Materials Tech

Sponsor "Ask the Experts" Program by Circuitnet Do you have a question or process issue in PCB assembly? The Circuitnet "Ask the Expert's" program has over 100 panel members waiting to answer your question. Submit question now. Circuitnet Media LLC

Trump plans new tariffs on semiconductors, promises flexibility for some companies President Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on imported semiconductors and electronics within weeks, while signaling flexibility for some firms. The move intensifies U.S. efforts to localize chip production and escalates trade tensions with China. TechSpot

Counterfeit Electronics Component Conundrum with Smart Labeling Electronics manufacturers hurting from supply chain disruptions and component shortages are challenged by the rise in counterfeit components. Circuit Insight - Production Floor

Memory Safety Will Be Key to Tackle Fundamental Cyber Security The U.K.'s Digital Security by Design initiative showcased CHERI, a memory-safe hardware technology, in London. Experts praised its cybersecurity potential but noted adoption challenges. With 160+ companies involved, standardizing memory safety remains a key priority. EE Times