What happened
TrendForce's latest panel industry research indicates that global smartphone panel shipments are expected to decline by 2.5% year-on-year in 2026, a narrower drop than previously anticipated.
The moderation is attributed to sustained demand from the second-hand market and repair services, which are helping offset headwinds in the smartphone supply chain.
Memory supply shortages and tight pricing are intensifying cost pressures across the smartphone supply chain, yet panel shipments are still being supported by these alternative demand streams.
Why it matters
The relatively mild decline in panel shipments despite significant cost pressures suggests that the secondary market and repair ecosystem are becoming meaningful stabilizers for the smartphone industry.
This resilience could influence how panel makers and smartphone brands allocate resources, potentially prioritizing durability and repairability to cater to this growing demand segment.
Key facts
Global smartphone panel shipments are forecast to decline by 2.5% in 2026 from the previous year.
The second-hand market and repair demand are key supports for panel shipments.
Memory supply shortages and price increases are adding to smartphone supply chain cost pressures.
What to watch next
Whether memory supply constraints ease or worsen, and how that affects panel pricing and shipment volumes in the coming quarters.
If the repair and second-hand market demand remains robust, it could prompt more durable and repairable device designs across the industry.