The overall demand for handset PCBs is being affected negatively by the global deceleration in smartphone sales. However, rising adoption of multi-lens cameras by smartphones is set to stimulate demand for rigid-flex PCBs in 2019 and onward, according to a Digitimes report.
The penetration rate of multi-lens camera models to the overall Android smartphone shipments is expected to reach 10% in 2019. Major China-based smartphone vendors have already had their flagship models adopt triple-lens camera systems this year. PCB firms including Compeq Manufacturing and Unimicron Technology, with their rigid-flex boards, have reportedly entered the supply chain of China-based smartphone companies who were among the first companies adopting triple-lens cameras in their devices.