TrendForce reports that global smartphone production in the last quarter of 2024 reached 334.5 million units, reflecting a 9.2% QoQ increase, driven by Apple’s peak production season and consumer subsidies from local Chinese governments. While Apple expanded production with the launch of new models, Samsung faced production declines due to intensified competition in emerging markets.
TrendForce’s latest research finds that 3Q24 coincided with the peak season for smartphone sales. The launch of flagship models by major brands propelled global smartphone production to a QoQ increase of 7%, reaching approximately 310 million units and matching figures from the same period last year. However, production volumes for the quarter have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, signaling a continued lack of clear recovery momentum in the global consumer market.
TrendForce reports that the global notebook market in 2024 is projected to recover at a moderate pace, hindered by high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties. Annual shipments are forecast to reach 174 million units, marking a 3.9% YoY increase. Looking ahead to 2025, reduced political uncertainty following the U.S. presidential election and the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts in September 2024 are expected to stimulate capital flow. Combined with the end-of-service for Windows 10 and demand for commercial device upgrades, global notebook shipments are predicted to grow by 4.9% to 183 million units in 2025.
TrendForce has outlined 10 key trends shaping the technology landscape in 2025. Highlights include:
Global TV brand shipments reached 52.33 million units in 3Q24, reflecting a QoQ increase of 9.6% and a YoY growth of 0.5%. This surge was fueled by China’s end-of-July announcement of subsidies for first- and second-tier energy-efficient household appliances that offered 15%–20% discounts on retail prices through trade-in programs. Local TV brands ramped up production of models meeting subsidy requirements starting in August and helped aggressive promotions during the Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week. As a result, Q3 shipments exceeded initial projections by 1%.