In line with Counterpoint Analysis’s newest International Smartphone Quarterly Cargo Forecasts, complete models shipped for 2021 are anticipated to develop by solely 6% yearly to 1.41bn models; Counterpoint had beforehand referred to as for 9% annual development to 1.45bn models. Tom Kang, Analysis Director at Counterpoint Analysis mentioned in a press release, “the semiconductor scarcity appears to have an effect on all manufacturers within the ecosystems. Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi have all been affected and we’re reducing our forecasts. However Apple appears to be probably the most resilient and least affected by the AP scarcity state of affairs.”
The smartphone trade was set for a robust rebound this 12 months after COVID-19 had hit the market arduous in 2020. Smartphone distributors positioned massive part orders from the tip of final 12 months, and shopper demand coming from delayed alternative purchases buoyed the market within the first quarter. Nevertheless, some smartphone OEMs and distributors are reporting they’d solely acquired 80% of their requested volumes on key elements throughout Q2 2021, and the state of affairs appears to be getting worse as we transfer via Q3 2021. Some smartphone makers are actually saying they’re solely receiving 70% of their requests, creating a number of issues. Counterpoint Analysis believes 90% of the trade is affected and this can influence the second half forecast for 2021.

Semiconductor shortages had been plaguing the market since This fall 2020, however the smartphone trade had managed to develop regardless of shortages in elements like DDIs and PMICs. This was carried out by superior planning and order inserting together with hoarding of sure elements like Utility Processors (AP) and digital camera sensors that are usually a lot larger worth than DDIs or PMICs.
Semiconductor shortages proceed and regardless of foundries operating at full capability for a number of quarters, the smartphone trade is being affected. Elements that had been as soon as totally saved within the warehouse are bottoming and new elements are usually not coming as requested.
Within the case of software processors, some of the essential parts in smartphones, the scarcity was triggered by low yield charges in newly established fab strains. With the state of affairs seeming to persist it prompted a sequence response all through the trade. AP distributors like Qualcomm and Mediatek depend on these foundries and manufacturing issues lead to fewer processors equipped which in flip impacts smartphone OEMs.
MacDailyNews Take: Karma works in mysterious methods.