Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) supplier TDK plans to launch new batteries to keep up with AI development.

Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) iPhone battery suppliers, a well-known Japanese electronic component manufacturer TDK Corp. (Tokyo Electric Chemical) will release an improved version of its most advanced products this year to help mobile devices keep up with the growing power demands of built-in artificial intelligence. TDK CEO Noboru Saito mentioned in an interview that the company plans to start large-scale production of third-generation silicon anode batteries from the end of summer. It is known that silicon batteries are more complex to manufacture but carry more energy compared to traditional batteries, and they have already been accepted by most major Chinese smartphone manufacturers. Noboru Saito believes that silicon batteries will continue to develop in the future. He stated, "Our continuous investment in research and development is one of our business advantages. We plan to accelerate this momentum." TDK's competitors LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI also recognize the potential of silicon batteries, and both companies are developing such products for electric vehicles. TDK and ATL (a TDK subsidiary) silicon anode supplier, Group14 Technologies Inc., based in the United States, sees Porsche as a strategic investor and views electric vehicles as the next technological frontier after smartphones. Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe mentioned in an interview that "almost all car manufacturers are considering silicon batteries." He stated that silicon batteries may charge in 5 to 7 minutes, while existing graphite anode batteries require 40 minutes or longer. Noboru Saito mentioned that TDK is investing in production capacity and ongoing research and development. He believes that the company's advantage lies in its speed of mass production and ATL's expertise in combining various elements together. Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda pointed out that due to the complexity of large-scale assembly of silicon batteries, TDK is currently the only company capable of mass-producing silicon batteries, which is a significant advantage for the company but not for its customers. Hideki Yasuda warned, "Having only one company able to produce a component can raise concerns about supply shortages among customers, which typically hinders widespread adoption of the technology." Although TDK's silicon anode battery business is still small, Noboru Saito is confident that customers will see the value of the technology, and growth will come "step by step."