Japan’s Mobile Phones Market Decreased by 3.5% YoY in 2023Q4 to 8.3 Million Units
March 6, 2024 | IDCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
According to International Data Corporation ’s (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, in 2023Q4, Japan’s shipments of mobile phones totaled 8.3 million units, a decrease of 3.5% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, smartphone shipments reached 8.28 million units, representing a decrease of 2.4% YoY. While all quarters of 2023 saw declines compared to the previous year, 2023Q4 recorded shipments exceeding 8 million units, the only quarter to do so. The demand started to improve in the second half of the year, led by Apple, indicating a diminishing impact of inflation due to the weakening yen and carrier inventory adjustments.
Apple continued to lead the smartphone market with strong demand for its iPhone 15 series. Sharp regained its second position in the market with steady following in the elderly segment for its affordable smartphones. Google had the biggest gain and continued on its strong growth trajectory since 2023Q2.
Google rapidly increased its share in 2023 after its partnership with Docomo earlier in the year. Also in 2023, FCNT filed for civil rehabilitation and was acquired by Lenovo while Kyocera announced plans to selectively retract from the consumer segment.
“Japan has been a market where local vendors have been exceptionally strong. However, amid intensifying competition in the smartphone market, local vendors in Japan are gradually finding it difficult to compete with global vendors in terms of product development and competitiveness, including foldable smartphones and AI smartphones. In 2024, apart from Google which experienced rapid growth, other global vendors such as Lenovo, which acquired FCNT, and Xiaomi, will strengthen their presence in the Japan market. Meanwhile, local vendors will be compelled to reassess their positions in the domestic market," said Masafumi Inbe, Market Analyst, IDC Japan.
Suggested Items
HBM Prices to Increase by 5–10% in 2025, Accounting for Over 30% of Total DRAM Value
05/06/2024 | TrendForceAvril Wu, TrendForce Senior Research Vice President, reports that the HBM market is poised for robust growth, driven by significant pricing premiums and increased capacity needs for AI chips.
May Issue of SMT007 Magazine: Coming to Terms With AI
05/06/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn the May 2024 issue of SMT007 Magazine, we examine the profound effect artificial intelligence and machine learning are having on manufacturing and business processes. We follow technology, innovation, and money as automation becomes the new key indicator of growth in our industry.
IMI Welcomes New CEO
05/03/2024 | IMIIntegrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI),The IMI Board of Directors announced, in a disclosure dated April 25, 2024, the appointment of Louis Sylvester Hughes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Benchmark Reports Q1 2024 Results
05/03/2024 | PRNewswireRevenue decreased quarter over quarter and year over year primarily due to decreases in Medical, Advanced Computing and Next-Generation Communication sales, which were partially offset by an increase in Complex Industrials sales quarter-over-quarter and increases in Semi-Cap and A&D sales year-over-year.
Ansys Announces Q1 Financial Results
05/03/2024 | ANSYSANSYS, Inc. reported first quarter 2024 revenue of $466.6 million, a decrease of 8% in reported and constant currency, when compared to the first quarter of 2023.