Price Adjustments - OPPO has announced price adjustments for certain released products, indicating a trend of rising prices in the smartphone industry due to the memory price surge [2] - Following OPPO and OnePlus, vivo and iQOO have also announced adjustments to the suggested retail prices of some products, effective March 18, 2026, due to the significant increase in global semiconductor and storage costs [3] Market Impact - According to TrendForce's latest survey, the shortage and rising prices of memory, which constitute a significant portion of smartphone costs, are impacting brand shipment plans for 2026 and weakening panel shipment momentum [5] - Global smartphone panel shipments are projected to decline to approximately 2.14 billion units in 2026, a decrease of about 7.3% from 2.31 billion units in 2025, marking the end of a growth cycle that began in 2023 [6] - The share of AMOLED smartphone panels is expected to increase from 41.2% in 2025 to 43.2% in 2026, while the share of LTPS LCD is projected to shrink from 4.4% to 2.5%, with a-Si LCD maintaining around 54.4% market share [6] Cost Management Strategies - In response to rising costs driven by memory prices, smartphone brands may pass some costs onto consumers while also engaging in aggressive supply chain cost management, including negotiating for lower prices with key component suppliers such as panel manufacturers [6]

Core Viewpoint - The smartphone panel market is expected to decline in 2026 due to high memory costs and supply shortages, marking the end of a growth cycle that began in 2023, with a projected shipment of 2.14 billion units, down approximately 7.3% from 2.31 billion units in 2025 [4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The procurement of smartphone panels in 2026 will be negatively impacted by weak new device shipment momentum and high memory costs, which hinder the supply of second-hand devices [5]. - The demand in the repair market remains stable but is insufficient to fill the gap left by the new device market due to conservative consumer sentiment [5]. - The smartphone panel market is experiencing a trend where high-end products are strengthening, mid-range products are transforming, and low-end products are stabilizing [5]. Group 2: Technology and Specifications - The share of AMOLED smartphone panel shipments is expected to increase from 41.2% in 2025 to 43.2% in 2026, while the share of LTPS LCD is projected to shrink from 4.4% to 2.5% [5]. - The a-Si LCD, targeting low-end models, is expected to maintain a market share of approximately 54.4% [5]. Group 3: Pricing and Cost Management - Smartphone brands may pass some of the increased costs onto consumers while also engaging in aggressive cost control measures across the supply chain, particularly for LCD panels used in mid to low-end models [6]. - The price decline for LCD panels is expected to be significant due to weak demand and inventory adjustments, while even AMOLED panels may face pricing challenges due to conservative procurement strategies and price wars among panel manufacturers [6]. - The soaring memory prices are identified as the biggest variable affecting the smartphone panel market in 2026, with future industry trends dependent on how brands adjust their product mix and inventory levels, as well as consumer acceptance of price increases [6].

Core Insights - The article highlights a significant decline in global smartphone panel shipments for 2026, projected at approximately 2.14 billion units, a decrease of about 7.3% from 2.31 billion units in 2025, marking the end of a growth cycle that began in 2023 [2][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The smartphone panel procurement in 2026 is adversely affected by weak new device shipment momentum, with second-hand market support limited due to high storage costs and difficulties in acquisition [4]. - The market is experiencing a shift in competition, with high-end panels becoming stronger, mid-range transitioning, and low-end remaining stable. AMOLED panel shipments are expected to increase from 41.2% in 2025 to 43.2% in 2026, while LTPS LCD's market share is forecasted to shrink from 4.4% to 2.5% [4]. Group 2: Pricing and Cost Management - Smartphone brands may pass some of the increased costs from storage components to consumers while also engaging in aggressive supply chain cost management, including negotiating lower prices with panel suppliers [6]. - The pricing trend for LCD panels, particularly for mid to low-end models, is expected to decline significantly due to weak demand and inventory adjustments, while even AMOLED panels may face pricing challenges due to conservative procurement strategies and price wars among manufacturers [6].

Core Insights - The global smartphone panel shipment is projected to reach 586 million units in Q3 2025, with a quarter-on-quarter increase of 8.1% and a year-on-year increase of 5.3% driven by the iPhone 17 series and other major brands' new releases [2] - The total smartphone panel shipment for 2025 is expected to be 2.243 billion units, marking a year-on-year growth of 3.4%, representing a recent peak [2] AMOLED Panel Insights - Q3 2025 AMOLED smartphone panel shipments reached 246 million units, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter increase of 9.9% [3] - The increasing adoption of AMOLED panels in mid-range models is expected to enhance overall penetration rates [3] - Samsung Display maintains a 40% market share in the high-end segment, while BOE continues to supply iPhone and other major brands [4] LCD Panel Insights - Q3 2025 LCD smartphone panel shipments increased by 6.9% to 340 million units [4] - BOE leads the market with over 30% shipment share, while HKC and TCL Huaxing are also increasing their a-Si LCD shipments [4] - The low-end a-Si LCD market is supported by cost advantages and demand from the after-sales repair market, while LTPS LCD demand continues to decline [4] Market Trends and Future Outlook - The growth momentum for the smartphone panel market in 2025 is primarily driven by the rising penetration of AMOLED technology and close collaboration between Chinese panel manufacturers and brands [6] - Despite limited overall smartphone demand growth, AMOLED panels are expected to expand steadily due to technological upgrades and cost reductions, while LCD will continue to support the entry-level market [6] - By 2026, it is anticipated that AMOLED panel shipments will exceed 45% of the market, with LCD maintaining around 55% [6]

Core Insights - The global smartphone panel shipment is expected to reach 2.157 billion units in 2024, marking an 11.4% year-on-year increase, driven by the growth in new smartphone sales and demand for second-hand and refurbished devices [1] - In 2025, smartphone panel shipments are projected to decline by 3.2% to 2.093 billion units due to stable new device demand and a slight decrease in second-hand market demand [1] Company Summaries - BOE remains the leading smartphone panel supplier, with shipments expected to reach 613 million units in 2024 and 630 million units in 2025, reflecting a 2.7% year-on-year increase [2] - Samsung Display is projected to ship 378 million units in 2024, benefiting from Apple's demand for high-end AMOLED panels, but is expected to see a slight decline to 365 million units in 2025, a decrease of 3.5% [3] - HKC is maintaining its position as the third-largest supplier, with shipments expected to grow from 228 million units in 2024 to 230 million units in 2025, a 0.7% increase [4] - CSOT is closely collaborating with Xiaomi, leading to a significant growth in shipments to 215 million units in 2024, an 83.2% increase, with a slight growth forecast to 223 million units in 2025 [5] - Tianma is expected to ship 158 million units in 2024, with a projected 10% increase in 2025 due to rising demand for AMOLED panels, despite facing challenges from declining LTPS LCD demand [7] Market Trends - The demand for AMOLED panels remains strong among smartphone brands, contributing to the overall increase in shipments across major panel manufacturers, a trend expected to continue into 2025 [7] - The market share of Taiwanese a-Si LCD manufacturers is gradually shrinking due to the rapid growth of HKC and CSOT, while Japanese manufacturers are exiting the smartphone supply market [7] - Korean manufacturers maintain a competitive edge in the high-end smartphone market with flexible AMOLED technology, holding a market share of approximately 20% to 21% in 2024, while Chinese manufacturers are rapidly expanding their market share to 69.8% in 2024, potentially exceeding 70% in 2025 [7]