Driving Innovation: Mechanical and Optical Processes During Rigid-flex Production
It’s Only Common Sense: Your Biggest Competitor Is Complacency
The Chemical Connection: Onshoring PCB Production—Daunting but Certainly Possible
Global Smartphone Production Sees Slight Rebound in 3Q24 but Faces a 5% YoY Decline
September 5, 2024 | TrendForceEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
TrendForce reports that global smartphone production experienced a 3% quarterly dip, totaling 286 million units in 2Q24. The drop was largely attributed to the conclusion of new model releases for several brands and inventory adjustments as the second quarter wrapped up. In light of a sluggish market during what is typically the peak season, many brands are taking a cautious stand while planning production for the third quarter. Consequently, production is anticipated to see a modest QoQ increase to 293 million units. However, this still reflects an approximate 5% YoY decrease, falling below pre-pandemic levels.
Samsung continues to focus on the foldable market; Apple expects 8% growth with new models
Samsung’s smartphone production fell 10% in the second quarter to 53.8 million units as the distribution period for the Galaxy S24 drew to a close. Nevertheless, Samsung continued to hold onto its title as the market leader. TrendForce suggests that the company is set to unveil a premium slim foldable smartphone by the end of Q3, which is expected to be an addition to the Z Fold 6 series. However, due to its high price point and the absence of any groundbreaking features, this new slim model is projected to represent only 1% of Samsung’s foldable production and provide only minimal assistance in boosting its market share.
Apple, which ranked second in market share, manufactured around 44.1 million smartphones in the second quarter. This figure represents an 8% decline from the previous quarter but shows a 5% YoY increase. The uptick is largely due to proactive inventory stocking in anticipation of the 618 shopping festival in China. The company’s strategy of reducing prices in the Chinese market has been successful and is likely to drive production in the third quarter. Apple is also gearing up to unveil four new models in September, with production for these upcoming devices in 2024 projected to surpass 86 million units—an almost 8% jump from the previous year.
Chinese brands cautiously monitor inventory as Transsion’s market ranking declines
Xiaomi (including Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO) produced 41.8 million smartphones in Q2, marking a 19% YoY increase. Despite maintaining an optimistic market strategy, Xiaomi has set a low single-digit growth target for Q3 production owing to the lack of a significant recovery in demand. Furthermore, the company is diligently tracking its inventory levels to prevent overstocking.
Oppo (including Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme) saw a 6% YoY increase in production in Q2, ranking fourth in market share. TrendForce notes that the Chinese market dominates Oppo’s sales at 35%, followed by India and Southeast Asia. Looking ahead to Q3, Oppo’s production targets are expected to remain stable, roughly in line with Q2 levels.
Vivo (including Vivo and iQoo), ranked fifth in market share as it benefited from new product launches and strong sales in China, with Q2 smartphone production increasing by 20.5% QoQ and 10.2% YoY. While Vivo has been expanding into overseas markets in recent years, the Chinese market continues to account for 50% of its sales. TrendForce predicts that Vivo’s Q3 production will likely remain on par with Q2.
Reports indicate that Transsion (including TECNO, Infinix, and itel) was overly aggressive in production in Q1, which led to increased channel inventory. As a result, the company reduced its production to 23.6 million units in Q2—a 20.8% QoQ decline—dropping its market ranking one position to sixth place. Moving into Q3, Transsion aims to maintain its Q2 production levels to avoid further inventory pressure.
The global economic slowdown has impacted markets with high-growth potential such as South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Increased competition among smartphone brands has created a crowded marketplace, leading to rising inventory levels in distribution channels in these emerging markets. Consequently, brands are paying closer attention to managing both component and finished product inventories to avoid financial strain caused by excess stock. Against this backdrop, smartphone brands are generally adopting a conservative approach to their production plans for the second half of 2024 to cope with uncertain demand.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Driving Innovation: Mechanical and Optical Processes During Rigid-flex Production
10/28/2025 | Kurt Palmer -- Column: Driving InnovationRigid-flex printed circuit boards are a highly effective solution for placing complex circuitry in tight, three-dimensional spaces. They are now indispensable across a range of industries, from medical devices and aerospace to advanced consumer electronics, helping designers make the most efficient use of available space. However, their unique construction—combining rigid and flexible materials—presents a fundamental challenge for PCB manufacturers.
TSMC Fast-Tracks Advanced Chip Technology at Arizona Plant Amid Rising AI Demand
10/27/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamTSMC said earlier this month that it’s speeding up the rollout of its most advanced chip technology in the US because of rising AI product demand and Intel’s growing competition, The Register reported.
SMTAI 2025 Review: Reflecting on a Pragmatic and Forward-looking Industry
10/27/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Leaving the show floor on the final afternoon of SMTA International last week in Rosemont, Illinois, it was clear that the show remains a grounded, technically driven event that delivers a solid program, good networking, and an easy space to commune with industry colleagues and meet with customers.
Simplifying Software Integration for Every Factory
10/22/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineAs a leading provider of factory digitalization solutions for electronics manufacturers, Cogiscan is at the heart of the software integration process. Davina McDonnell, director of marketing and product management, discusses how Cogiscan ensures that customers are ready to integrate and what it looks for to ensure a quick and appropriate installation.
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Balancing Speed and Flexibility Without Sacrificing Control
10/15/2025 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing SpotlightIn global sourcing, speed is a necessity; however, speed without flexibility is a recipe for chaos. Likewise, flexibility without structure leads to inefficiency. Companies thrive when they build agile global sourcing strategies that allow them to move quickly while adapting to market fluctuations, customer demands, and supply chain disruptions. Here’s how leading organizations successfully navigate the critical gap between speed and flexibility in global sourcing.