Earlier rumors have suggested that the Huawei P70 series smartphones would be unveiled in March. However, according to sources cited by IJIWEI, the P70 series is expected to be delayed until April. It is anticipated to include three models: the P70, P70 Pro, and P70 Art.

Based on information from Weibo and X-platform sources cited in IJIWEI’s report, the Huawei P70 series is expected to feature high-density lithium batteries, wireless charging, and satellite communication technology across all models. In terms of imaging, the series is expected to be equipped with periscope telephoto lenses and a 50MP main camera. The main camera’s CIS is expected to be either the Sony IMX989 or OV50H. The display is expected to have a 1.5K resolution and support LTPO technology.

The Huawei P series smartphones are known for their imaging capabilities. Leaks cited by the report suggest that the P70 will feature a 2.5D curved screen and BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. The model, expected to be the P70 Art, is rumored to adopt the IMX989 one-inch main camera sensor with support for a physically variable aperture.

The P70 Art will also include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and an upgraded 4X periscope telephoto module, as per the report. Additionally, the dual-directional satellite communication technology of this phone is expected to see upgrades.

Regarding the processors of the Huawei P70 series, reports suggest that they will adopt the same model as the Mate 60 series, although the flagship variant of the P70 may have a different processor frequency compared to the standard version.

The Huawei P70 series is expected to bring many highlights in terms of configuration, design, imaging performance, and more. However, specific details such as the release date and parameter information will require further confirmation from Huawei officials.

Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from Tianfeng International Securities indicated in a report that Huawei is expected to launch a new flagship series, the P70, in the first half of 2024. Benefiting from upgraded camera specifications and the adoption of the in-house designed Kirin chip, the shipment volume of the models under Huawei’s P70 series is expected to see significant growth in 2024 compared to the 4–5 million units of the models under the P60 series in 2023.

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(Photo credit: Huawei)

TrendForce has released the latest panel quotations for late February.

TV panel prices shall rise in February due to low inventory stimulating demand; Monitor panel demand remains steady, with some increase due to TV panel price trends; Notebook panel demand declines, with prices expected to drop for FHD IPS and 16:10 models in February. More details are as follows:

• TV

Despite the reduced demand, panel manufacturers continue to adjust supply capacity to match. Due to fewer working days in February and the Lunar New Year holiday, the average utilization rate is expected to drop to below 60%. 

With TV panel inventory not high in the supply chain, manufacturers’ production control strategies have successfully stimulated a gradual recovery in TV panel demand. Customers may advance some demand, so it is anticipated that TV panel prices will return to an upward trend in February.

Currently, it is expected that prices for 32-inch, 43-inch, and 50-inch panels will increase by 1 USD, while 55-inch panels will rise by 2 USD, 65-inch panels by 3  USD, and 75-inch panels by 2 USD in February.

• Monitor

Although demand for monitor panels is currently in the off-season, factors such as reduced working days in February, panel production cuts, and unstable shipping conditions are prompting some customers to increase orders. 

Additionally, with the established upward trend in TV panel prices in February, there is a chance for monitor panel prices, especially Open Cell panels, which are more closely linked to TV panels, to stabilize. 

It is expected that in February, Open Cell panel prices may increase by 0.1 to 0.2 USD, while panel module prices will remain generally stable.

• Notebook

The demand for notebook panels remains in the off-season during the first quarter, especially as some customers maintained momentum in the fourth quarter of last year, resulting in higher inventory levels. 

Therefore, they significantly reduced order volumes in the first quarter and also demanded panel manufacturers to maintain the trend of price reductions. In this weak demand environment, panel manufacturers are less likely to hold stable prices. 

Different strategies among panel manufacturers also increase the chances of continued downward trends in notebook panel prices, and the time for a comprehensive turnaround has not yet arrived. 

It is expected that in February, only TN models of notebook panel prices may remain stable, while FHD IPS models are expected to decline by 0.1 USD, and 16:10 models are expected to decline by 0.2 to 0.3 USD.

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The battle for Apple’s iPhone manufacturing orders has entered a new phase this year. According to a report from Economic Daily News, while Foxconn still appears poised to dominate, with expectations to assemble over half of the iPhone 16 series, maintaining its lead; Luxshare, a key supplier in the supply chain, has swiftly risen to challenge, surpassing Pegatron to become the second-largest iPhone manufacturer.

With Luxshare’s share continuing to rise this year and the emergence of India’s Tata Group as a new contender, it is expected that the competition for iPhone manufacturing orders this year will be characterized by one leader, two strong contenders, and one new challenger.

In 2023, Apple launched the iPhone 15 series, with over 60% of the assembly orders handled by Foxconn, while Luxshare’s order share continued to rise, surpassing Pegatron last year to become the second-largest iPhone assembler. With Pegatron transferring the lead of its Kunshan factory in China to Luxshare at the end of last year, Luxshare’s order share is expected to continue increasing.

To retain its crucial Chinese market and further reduce costs, per a report from Economic Daily News, Apple has allowed Luxshare to continuously increase its share of Apple orders in recent years. Luxshare’s assembly products is anticipated to cover iPhone, Apple Watch, and the recently launched Vision Pro—a headset exclusively manufactured by Luxshare. Luxshare has then become a prominent supplier within the Apple supply chain in China.

The report further indicated that this year’s iPhone 16 series orders are expected to be predominantly secured by Foxconn Group, accounting for over 50% of the share. Luxshare ranks second, while Pegatron’s share is expected to decrease to third place. The proportion of Tata Group’s new device orders remains to be seen.

As Luxshare continues to expand its presence in the iPhone assembly domain, Tata Group, after taking over Wistron’s iPhone assembly plant in India, continues to improve overall production efficiency. By leveraging the advantages of being a local manufacturer in India, Luxshare’s presence in the iPhone assembly supply chain is expected to continue to rise in the future.

The report also mentioned that Tata Group is in negotiations with Pegatron to jointly establish an iPhone assembly plant in Hosur city, Tamil Nadu, in southern India. This would be marked as Tata Group’s first venture into this business through a joint venture.

Reportedly, it is suggested that Tata will hold the majority stake in the joint venture, while Pegatron will provide technical and engineering support for the Hosur city plant to help accelerate the construction process. Pegatron declined to comment on this matter.

In the past, Wistron Group’s factory in Karnataka, India, primarily produced older models of the iPhone. This factory has been sold to Tata Group. Market observers note that if the joint venture between Pegatron and Tata Group in Hosur city materializes, it will help Tata Group to expedite its entry into the production of new iPhone models.

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(Photo credit: Apple)

TrendForce has released the latest panel quotations for early February. Due to the effective production control strategies implemented by panel manufacturers, there is an expectation of gradually stimulating panel demand. It is anticipated that TV panel prices will return to an upward trend in February. Details are as follows:

• TV

From the perspective of panel suppliers, with the reduction in working days and the Lunar New Year holiday in February, it is expected that the average utilization rate will fall below 60%. Coupled with the relatively low TV panel inventory in the supply chain, the production control strategies of panel manufacturers have been effective. There is an anticipation of gradually stimulating the recovery of TV panel demand.

Meanwhile, the upstream supply issues with polarizing film materials have exacerbated, and it is expected that TV panel prices will return to an upward trend in February. Currently, it is expected that 32-inch, 43-inch, and 50-inch panels will increase by 1 USD, 55-inch by 2 USD, and 65-inch and 75-inch by 3 USD in February.

• Monitor

Although monitor panel demand is in the off-season, due to panel production cuts, unstable conditions in the shipping industry, and supply issues with polarizing film materials, some customers are observed to be willing to increase orders to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, with the established upward trend in TV panel prices in February, panel manufacturers are more confident, and it is expected that open-cell panels will increase by 0.1 to 0.2 USD. Panel module prices, however, are expected to remain overall stable.

• Notebook

Notebook panel demand is still in the off-season in the first quarter, and with sluggish demand, brand customers continue to request panel manufacturers to maintain the trend of price reductions. Different panel manufacturers respond differently to this pressure. Newer entrants are actively seeking to expand market share, leading to a more aggressive pricing strategy, putting pressure on existing panel manufacturers. In this competitive situation, notebook panel prices are not easily expected to see a comprehensive stabilization. In February, only TN models are expected to maintain a stable trend, while FHD IPS models are expected to decrease by 0.1 USD, and 16:10 models are expected to decrease by 0.2 to 0.3 USD.

India’s Tata Group is reportedly in discussions with Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Pegatron to establish a joint venture, with the intention of co-managing the Apple iPhone assembly plant currently under construction in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The partnership is anticipated to hasten the growth of iPhone production capacity in India.

According to Reuters citing industry sources, Tata, having acquired an iPhone assembly plant in the southern state of Karnataka from the Taiwanese company Wistron in 2023, has officially become part of the iPhone supply chain in India.

On the other hand, the new facility in the city of Hosur, Tamil Nadu, will be Tata’s second iPhone assembly plant in India, featuring 20 production lines, as disclosed by sources cited by Reuters.

Amid rumors that Tata Group in India is deeply engaged in discussions with Pegatron to form a strategic alliance and establish a joint venture, Pegatron did not to respond to market speculations.

Currently, approximately 10% of Apple’s iPhone production capacity in India comes from Pegatron, with the vast majority of capacity originating from Foxconn’s iPhone assembly plant located in Karnataka.

Furthermore, Foxconn has the highest share in Apple’s current new iPhone assembly. Among the four iPhone 15 series models, only certain models like iPhone15 and iPhone15 plus are produced by Tata Group in India.

An industry source has reportedly stated, “Tata cannot build everything from scratch,” He indicated that after Tata establishes a joint venture with Taiwanese firm Pegatron, Pegatron will provide technical and engineering support.

In recent years, Pegatron has been consistently expanding its global footprint, with expansions ongoing in Taiwan, Mexico, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and other locations.

Regarding its operations in India, Pegatron announced in late October 2023 that it had invested approximately NTD 300 million (roughly USD 9.56 million) to secure leasing rights for factory premises in Tamil Nadu.

In January of this year, the Indian subsidiary announced signing a construction general contracting project to commence electromechanical engineering construction for a new plant, totaling approximately NTD 510 million (roughly USD 16.26 million). According to industry sources, Pegatron’s Indian facilities primarily focus on smartphone production at present.

(Photo credit: Apple)