Global Smartphone CIS Shipments Down 14% H1 2023
In the most recent report from Counterpoint Research, a respected market research organization specializing in electronic components, it has been revealed that global shipments of CMOS image sensors (CIS) for smartphones are poised to decline by 14% in the first half of 2023, accounting for approximately 2 billion units. This reduction is a consequence of subdued consumer demand, strategic inventory adjustments, and a notable reduction in the number of camera modules within each smartphone.
Analysts at Counterpoint Research have drawn attention to the challenges confronting the smartphone market. These challenges are chiefly driven by an intricate macroeconomic landscape, characterized by persistent inflationary pressures, which have exerted a discernible impact on consumer sentiment and, subsequently, resulted in smartphone shipments falling below the initial forecasts. Furthermore, the first half of 2023 has witnessed a decrease in the average number of camera modules per smartphone, declining from 3.9 in the latter half of 2022 to 3.8. Worth noting is the increasing market share of smartphones featuring dual-camera and triple-camera configurations, while smartphones with four or more cameras have seen a declining market share. This trend is especially evident among Android original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with a particular emphasis on those situated in China, which have undertaken strategic initiatives to curtail camera modules, primarily for cost-saving and spatial considerations. Simultaneously, the seamless integration of cameras, processing units, and advanced algorithms continues to be pivotal in elevating overall camera performance and image quality.
From a supplier's perspective, Counterpoint Research's Vice Director, Ethan Qi, has highlighted a noteworthy observation. In the first half of 2023, Sony stands as the sole CIS supplier to report a year-on-year increase in shipments, attributed to the robust performance of Apple's iPhone. The iPhone's resilience in a market characterized by lackluster performance has significantly contributed to this outcome. In contrast, suppliers such as Samsung and Hauwei have faced year-on-year shipment declines of varying magnitudes, mainly due to subdued sales and deliberate inventory adjustments within the Android market.
Despite the sustained weakness in the terminal market, Counterpoint Research foresees that smartphone OEMs will commence the process of replenishing their inventories from the third quarter of 2023 onward, thereby preparing for the launch of new smartphone models. This strategic inventory buildup is expected to alleviate inventory pressures. However, given the presence of unfavorable macroeconomic factors, the subsequent recovery is anticipated to be moderately paced compared to the initial half of the year. It is projected that the global shipments of smartphone CIS for the entire year of 2023 will decrease by 10%, amounting to approximately 4.2 billion units. This scenario presents both challenges and opportunities for professionals involved in the electronic components industry in the forthcoming months.
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