What They Say
DSCC said that as it nears the completion of its latest forecast for its Quarterly Foldable/Rollable Display Shipment and Technology Report, it has reduced its forecast for 2022 foldable smartphone panel shipments by 12% to 17.7 million panels, which still represents strong growth with a 77% increase vs. 10.0 million in 2021. 2023 should now see 23.7 million, 34% growth, but with slower growth than previously forecast.
DSCC lowered its 2022 foldable smartphone forecast by 6% to 15.3 million sets which represents 94% growth vs. 2021. The reason for the difference in growth is a result of the timing of some of the Chinese smartphones launched in 2022 which started panel shipments in 2021 with different timing for 2022/2023 models, the firm said. In 2023, it lowered foldable/rollable smartphone shipments at a similar 17% rate as our panel shipment forecast which is also up 34% vs. 2022.
The firm also said that the first rollable smartphone will be from a Chinese vendor, using a Korean panel. There are expected to be 23 foldables shipping in 2023, with one Chinese brand selling four different models. Seven foldable notebooks are expected to ship next year, although volumes will be limited.
What We Think
Hmmm… I’m off smartphones today. Last week, running with two bags to try to catch a flight after a long security delay in Berlin after IFA, I tweaked my back. Yesterday on a station platform with a very rough surface (small pebbles in concrete), I got a ‘twinge’ just as I was putting my very new Samsung S22 Ultra in my pocket and it fell, face down of course, to break its display. After more than five years without damaging a phone, I was very frustrated. Even the Gorilla Glass Victus+ was not enough to save it.
The phone is still usable, but I fear more degradation over time and may have to ‘bite the bullet’ and have it repaired. I have previously done this kind of repair myself, but the difference between the parts and a finished repair makes it less worthwhile this time. (BR)
