India-based EMS supplier Dixon Technologies reported significant increases in sales and profit over the past quarter, driven by a doubling in mobile phone manufacturing sales following acquisitions, such as Ismartu's Indian assets. Additionally, the company, having established a display assembly factory with China's HKC, plans to capitalize on the India Semiconductor Mission 2 to build a display fab.
With just two days remaining before the Legislative Yuan's 11th session adjourns on January 21, 2025, tensions are mounting over the central government's budget vote showdown. The Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) majority presents a significant challenge to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as opposition parties push for budget cuts and freezes. Premier Cho Jung-tai has urged legislators to approach the situation rationally and reconsider their positions.
The sudden resignation of Honor CEO George Zhao has raised some eyebrows, as the Chinese smartphone brand's market share continues to decline. Analysts believe that Honor's major shareholders are dissatisfied with Honor's weak sales performance ahead of its IPO.
The mobile phone ODM industry continues to grapple with significant challenges, including pressure from both suppliers and customers, while being characterized by labor-intensive processes and low profit margins. In response to persistent losses, leading companies like Huaqin and Wingtech have begun pursuing new growth opportunities.
Chinese smartphone brand Honor announced on January 17 that CEO George Zhao has resigned. Jian Li, a former Huawei executive, is set to take over the role. According to the company's statement, Zhao stepped down from both his director and CEO positions for personal reasons. Honor praised his significant contributions to the company's growth and development. Zhao also shared his decision on social media, describing it as "an extremely difficult decision."
China's trade-in program officially begins on January 20, 2025, introducing subsidies for purchasing smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and fitness bands. In response, Apple has adjusted its pricing strategy in China, reducing the cost of several iPhone models to align with the subsidy threshold of CNY6,000 (US$820.17) per unit.
As 2025 unfolds, China's smartphone market faces a wave of price cuts, with Apple launching promotions and Huawei following suit by adjusting its pricing. While manufacturers compete for market share through innovation in a contracting market, the increasing similarity of smartphone models and features has made differentiation challenging.
On January 16, 2025, Canalys reported that iPhone shipments in China fell by 25% in the fourth quarter of 2024, while Huawei's shipments rose by 24% during the same period. This significant shift highlights Apple's growing challenges in China, including strong competition from government-supported Huawei, the country's weakening economy, and reduced consumer spending.
Recent shifts in the global smartphone manufacturing landscape highlight diversification efforts among iPhone manufacturers. Tata Electronics is exploring partnerships with major Android brands, while Luxshare expands through acquisitions, reducing reliance on Apple. As Taiwanese firms pivot towards AI and other sectors, this trend underscores the need for new revenue streams amid a maturing market.
Since launching its "Pioneer Program", Huawei has garnered consistent attention in the smartphone market. Having achieved a strong resurgence in China, the company is now aiming to reclaim its position on the global stage.
Lenovo is set to more than double its smartphone and notebook production in India from 6.4 million in fiscal 2024 to over 12 million units in fiscal 2025, driven by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. This move aims to reduce imports, foster a local component ecosystem, and enhance Lenovo's manufacturing footprint in India.
Tata Electronics is reportedly in negotiations with Xiaomi and Oppo to assemble smartphones, marking a strategic expansion beyond iPhone case manufacturing. This move reflects a trend where established EMS/ODM providers pursue more profitable ventures, creating opportunities for emerging EMS providers amid the global shift in production beyond China into emerging economies.
DIGITIMES Research analyst Brandon Fang observed that AI glasses dominated CES 2025. From pre-show events such as CES Unveiled, Pepcom, and ShowStoppers to the main exhibition, manufacturers from China, Hong Kong, and Germany prominently displayed their latest AI glasses. The innovative displays drew a steady flow of media professionals and attendees, highlighting the rising interest in AI-powered wearables.
Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban on the short-video app, according to people familiar with the matter.
Most of Apple's high-end products are likely to be excluded from China's latest round of subsidies, as the country has set a price cap of CNY6,000 (approx. US$822) for eligible digital products. Under the new program, consumers will receive a 15% subsidy on the purchase of smartphones, tablets, and smart bracelets, provided the products fall within the price limit.
Luxshare's planned acquisition of Wingtech's ODM business by the end of 2024 aims to enhance its design capabilities and global presence, while Wingtech shifts focus to semiconductors. This strategic move will help Luxshare diversify beyond Apple orders and expand its global production amid geopolitical uncertainties.
LG Display is reportedly planning to adjust its production line configuration by converting its iPad OLED panel production lines to manufacture iPhone OLED panels. This decision comes in response to lower-than-expected iPad Pro demand, according to The Elec.
Largan Precision chairman Adam Lin has emphasized that specifications for robotic vision applications are not necessarily higher than those of smartphones, particularly noting that 5 plastic (5P) lenses are anticipated to become a future trend.
Since launching its market comeback in August 2023, Huawei has demonstrated significant momentum in China's smartphone market, particularly with its high-end models gaining substantial traction.
Major tech companies are gearing up for a surge in replacement demand as government incentives aim to stimulate sales of home appliances and consumer electronics products.
The Apple Inc. executive leading talks with Indonesia to lift the country's iPhone 16 sales ban departed Jakarta on Wednesday, after a late-stage about-face from a minister scuttled a deal, according to people familiar with the matter.
The US Department of Defense's decision to add Tencent to its Entity List may significantly impact its flagship messaging app, WeChat, especially the international version. This escalation also adds fresh uncertainty to Tencent's relationship with Apple, which has already faced tensions over app payment policies and software updates.
Despite tepid consumer demand, particularly among price-sensitive segments, smartphone vendors are increasingly embracing premiumization as their strategy for the Indian market in 2025.
Smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) devices are gaining widespread attention across the technology industry, drawing interest from software developers, hardware manufacturers, system platform providers, and OEMs.
