Despite the ongoing slump in the smartphone market, shipments of display panels are showing signs of steady recovery. Industry insiders are also eyeing a potential price hike, especially for flexible AMOLED panels. This upturn may gain momentum following Apple's iPhone 15 launch, boosting the negotiating power of panel suppliers.
The smartphone market's saturation has adversely impacted the overall shipments of mobile display panels. However, after enduring a low cycle, the market is exhibiting signs of rejuvenation.
According to industry sources, the recent dip in mobile panel shipments is mainly concentrated in flat panel AMOLEDs and LTPS LCD panels. In contrast, flexible AMOLED and a-Si TFT LCD panels have seen a rise in shipments.
Due to the destocking of high- and low-end phones, sales of iPhone 14 have driven up shipments of flexible AMOLED panels, and shipments for a-Si TFT LCD panels are seeing on-year increases. The upward trend for both kinds of panels will continue into the third quarter, the traditional peak season for mobile phones. The inventory depletion could tip the scale in the upstream supply chain, driving up mobile panel prices.
With the boost from the peak season, the rate of price decline for both flat panel and flexible AMOLED panels is abating. Specifically, prices for flexible AMOLED panels are expected to stabilize in the third quarter after months of reductions. Some panel manufacturers are even hoping to raise prices to adapt to market conditions.
Sources from related industries expect flexible AMOLED panel shipments to rise after Apple's release of the iPhone 15 series drives up demand and enhance panel providers' negotiating power with various brands, despite the fact that Apple mainly sources its iPhone panels from Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE Technology.
International reports suggest that LG Display could benefit from a delay in the AMOLED panel supply for iPhone 15 Pro Max, reducing Apple's dependency on Samsung Display.
The iPhone 15 series models will be available for pre-order starting September 15 and officially go on sale on September 22, with the same screen sizes, 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches.
Article translated by Julie Chang
