The launch of the iPhone SE in China has squeezed market share from local brands causing handset makers to rein in their inventory stockpiling for future component shipments, according to sources in the supply chain (via DigiTimes).
The introduction of the relatively low-priced iPhone SE into the Chinese market has reportedly affected the performance of brands including Huawei, Xiaomi Technology, Vivo, and Oppo. The intensified competition means handset makers are reluctant to build up inventories based on what they now perceive as over-confident shipment prospects, said the sources.
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The conservatism follows similar trends last year when shipment numbers failed to meet expectations. Camera module makers in particular were exposed to a high level of inventories in 2015 after optimistic shipment projections, but ended up shipping only 70 to 80 percent of their stockpiles. As a result, camera module suppliers have grown skeptical of prospects from vendors marketing smartphones with dual lenses.
Sources also noted that Apple's efforts to upgrade the internal voltage of its power supply devices from 15 volts to 20 volts to improve charging efficiency has left power supply makers with excessive inventories.
Apple is expected to include a dual-lens camera in the iPhone 7, set to be released in the fall of this year. However, according to respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the dual camera will be exclusive to Apple's 5.5-inch iPhone.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)I know that while the price of the iPhone SE in USA, Europe isn't compelling. I think apple has priced it cheaper in Chinese markets.
If anything makers of inventory for phones are cutting back production for later in the year when the new iPhone comes out not now because of this phone release. This article just seems like someone attaching cause and effect that are totally unrelated.
Glad I'm not the only one who saw the disconnect. The connection to the SE is tenuous at best. Says right in the article that the slowdown is a continuation of a trend from last year. There was no SE last year.
Noticed the same thing. The article blends together information about handset makers and parts suppliers in a way that does not make sense.I know a lot of people think the iPhone SE is stupid since it's basically the 5S, but I like it quite a bit.
Actually I think it's smart since it's basically the 6S