What They Say
Omdia’s Linda Lin published a blog that highlighted that although tablet brands were reducing their purchasing, they are still forecast to have bought 2% more than in Q1 at 61.3 million, but 10 million lower than Q2 2021. This reflects weak demand and the firm expects around 58 to 60 million units to be purchased, well down on the 70+ million seen in 2020-21 and the market is likely to be 240 million over 2022, 14% down.
As well as reduced demand, new product launches have been slipping back.
Omdia said that Samsung kicked off with a 10.51″ tablet in 4Q21. Innolux and HannStar supplied the panels for this tablet. This was an upgraded replacement model for the 10.36″ model. Samsung originally planned to add two panel suppliers, BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. and HKC Display, for the 10.51″ tablet in 1Q22, but the schedule is still pending.
Instead of its current panel suppliers, BOE and HannStar, Amazon started to work with HKC Display on an 8″ tablet panel in May 2022. Therefore, the allocated volume for 8-inch panels will change from 2H22, after HKC Display’s involvement. HKC Display is also targeting the mass production of 10.1″ panels for Amazon from 3Q22.
Affected by slow demand, Lenovo finally released a new 11″ tablet in March 2022, behind the original release scheduled for 4Q21. Innolux supplies the panel for this 11″ tablet. Lenovo is seeking another tablet panel supplier for its 11″ model in 2022 and is currently in extensive discussions with HKC Display.
What We Think
I always loved the kinds of supply chain charts that I first saw from Ross Young at Displaysearch. Of course, Omdia contains a number of ex-Displaysearch staff after moving to NPD and eventually on to Omdia. (BR)
Notes: Forecast 7-inch-and-above tablet panel shipments in 2022 are subject to change. Source: Omdia
Omdia Table 1 Existing tablet models and panel supplier plans in 2022
Omdia Table 2 New tablet models and panel supplier plans in 2022
