Global Smartphone Panel Market Deep Dive 2024-2025: BOE Takes the Lead, AMOLED Demand Continues to Rise

Global Smartphone Panel Market Deep Dive 2024-2025: BOE Takes the Lead, AMOLED Demand Continues to RiseAccording to the latest research report from TrendForce, global smartphone panel shipments are projected to reach a recent peak in 2024, experiencing a year-on-year growth of 11.4% to 2

Global Smartphone Panel Market Deep Dive 2024-2025: BOE Takes the Lead, AMOLED Demand Continues to Rise

According to the latest research report from TrendForce, global smartphone panel shipments are projected to reach a recent peak in 2024, experiencing a year-on-year growth of 11.4% to 2.157 billion units. This surge is primarily driven by increased sales of new smartphones, coupled with rising demand for refurbished and used devices. However, the report forecasts a 3.2% year-on-year decline in global smartphone panel shipments in 2025, dropping to 2.093 billion units. This is attributed to stabilizing new phone demand, a potential return to supply-demand equilibrium in the smartphone market, and anticipated stable or slightly declining demand in the secondary market.

The report provides a detailed analysis of the shipment forecasts and market share predictions for the five major smartphone panel manufacturers in 2024 and 2025, alongside an in-depth exploration of future market trends.

BOE: Maintaining its Top Position

BOE continues to hold the leading position in global smartphone panel shipments. The report predicts that BOE's shipments will reach 613 million units in 2024 and further increase to 630 million units in 2025, representing a 2.7% year-on-year growth. This demonstrates BOE's strong competitiveness in the smartphone panel market and its ability to navigate market fluctuations. Its continued growth not only solidifies its market leadership but also showcases its strength in technological innovation and cost control.

Samsung Display (SDC): Apple Orders Influencing Future Growth

Samsung Display (SDC), leveraging strong demand for high-end AMOLED panels from Apple and its own brand's market share, is projected to rank second in 2024 with an estimated 378 million units shipped. However, the report forecasts a slight decline to 365 million units in 2025 (-3.5% YoY) due to Apple's planned increase in sourcing from other suppliers. This highlights Apple's significant influence on the smartphone panel supply chain and the dependence of suppliers on Apple's procurement strategies.

HKC: Intensifying Competition in the a-Si LCD Market

HKC, driven by the rapid growth of its a-Si LCD shipments and cost advantages from its G8.6 generation line, is expected to maintain its third position in 2024 with 228 million units shipped. However, with CSOT entering the a-Si LCD market more aggressively, HKC faces increased competition in 2025. While shipments are projected to slightly increase to 230 million units (0.7% YoY growth), its growth potential is relatively limited, necessitating breakthroughs in technological innovation and cost control.

CSOT: Rapid Growth Fueled by Xiaomi Partnership

CSOT's close collaboration with Xiaomi has fueled its rapid growth in 2024, achieving shipments of 215 million units, representing a remarkable 83.2% year-on-year increase. The report predicts a slight increase to 223 million units in 2025. This demonstrates the crucial role of strategic partnerships with major smartphone manufacturers in the rapid development of panel manufacturers. CSOT's success also reflects the rising competitiveness of Chinese mainland panel makers in the global market.

Tianma: AMOLED Demand Driving Future Growth

Tianma, with shipments of 158 million units in 2024 ranking fifth, will continue to be affected by declining LTPS LCD demand. However, the report forecasts a 10% increase in shipments in 2025 due to rising AMOLED demand. This highlights the importance of actively developing advanced panel technologies like AMOLED for adapting to market changes and maintaining competitiveness.

Market Trend Analysis: Strong AMOLED Demand, Challenges for LTPS LCD

The report indicates that the demand for AMOLED panels from smartphone brands remains robust in 2024 and will continue into 2025. Conversely, demand for LTPS LCDs, used in mid-to-low-end phones, is weakening, posing significant challenges for suppliers heavily reliant on this technology. This shift indicates a future market trend towards higher-end AMOLED products.

Regional Market Share Analysis: Rise of Mainland Chinese Panel Makers

The report also analyzes the market share of panel manufacturers by region. The rapid growth of HKC and CSOT has gradually reduced the market share of Taiwanese a-Si LCD manufacturers; Japanese panel makers have exited the smartphone market, resulting in a year-on-year decline in their market share. Korean panel manufacturers, leveraging their advanced flexible AMOLED technology, maintain their advantage in the high-end smartphone market, holding approximately 20-21% market share in 2024. Mainland Chinese panel manufacturers, driven by demand for mid-to-high-end AMOLED and low-end a-Si LCDs, are rapidly expanding their market share, reaching 69.8% in 2024 and projected to exceed 70% in 2025, playing a key role in the global smartphone supply chain. This trend clearly demonstrates the rise of Chinese mainland panel manufacturers in the global smartphone panel market.

In summary, the global smartphone panel market in 2024-2025 will exhibit sustained growth in AMOLED demand, declining LTPS LCD demand, and the rapid rise of mainland Chinese panel manufacturers. Panel manufacturers must adapt their strategies to market changes to maintain a leading position in this fiercely competitive landscape. The continued growth of leading manufacturers like BOE signals a more dynamic and competitive future for the smartphone panel market. The procurement strategies of smartphone manufacturers like Apple will also have a profound impact on the entire industry chain. Technological innovation, cost control, and collaboration with smartphone manufacturers will be key factors for success in the future.