Latest Technology News: Smartphones are gearing up for another lackluster holiday season | Mid

New Delhi: Smartphone shipments are expected to remain weak during the crucial holiday season for the second consecutive year as consumer demand remains subdued in one of the world’s major markets, according to industry analysts and retailers. This despite a flurry of new launches and a drop in the average selling price of a smartphone.

New Delhi: Smartphone shipments are expected to remain weak during the crucial holiday season for the second consecutive year as consumer demand remains subdued in one of the world’s major markets, according to industry analysts and retailers. This despite a flurry of new launches and a drop in the average selling price of a smartphone.

Last year, smartphone brands kicked off holiday season sales early in a bid to clear inventory and boost demand. That, however, couldn’t prevent the segment from experiencing one of its biggest drops in shipments during the September quarter, which precedes the holiday season. Market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has forecast a 10% drop in year-on-year (year-on-year) shipments during this period.

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Last year, smartphone brands kicked off holiday season sales early in a bid to clear inventory and boost demand. That, however, couldn’t prevent the segment from experiencing one of its biggest drops in shipments during the September quarter, which precedes the holiday season. Market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has forecast a 10% drop in year-on-year (year-on-year) shipments during this period.

Industry analysts and retailers, whom Mint spoke to, expect smartphone shipments to remain flat in the current September quarter, or even decline further.

Smartphone shipments this year in India are expected to decline, not just remain flat from last year. The decline in shipments is expected for the whole of calendar year 2023, with the festive season accounting for the largest portion,” said Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President at IDC India.

The festive season, which starts from the last week of September and extends through late December to the first week of the New Year, typically accounts for 60-65% of annual smartphone shipments in India, according to industry experts.

The industry is also seen as a proxy for the broader consumer electronics market. According to IDC data, smartphone shipments fell 10% to 144 million units in 2022, with the second half of the year seeing shipments of 73 million units.

Tarun Pathak, research director at market research firm Counterpoint India, said in January that the decline in shipments over the holiday season last year was due to record unsold inventory of more than 10 weeks. Typically, smartphone retailers keep around 3-4 weeks of inventory.

Stocks have normalized somewhat now – up to about 7 or 8 weeks. There has been an uptick in demand even as the launch of new devices has seen the average selling price (ASP) of smartphones fall between 17,000 to 18,000 now more 20,000 at the start of the year,” Pathak said on Monday. This, he said, could lead to low-single-digit growth “in smartphone shipments in the current quarter.

However, consumer demand remains sluggish. Manish Khatri, partner at Mumbai-based retailer Mahesh Telecom, said device sales and consumer interest remain weak.

The mid-range smartphone price range has continued to decline and remains in low demand. There are isolated demand factors in the premium segment, such as in Samsung’s Galaxy Flip series and Apple’s iPhones. However, shipments from the bulk segment remain weak and there are no signs of recovery from the previous year,” Khatri said.

Kailash Lakhyani, founder and chairman of industry body All India Mobile Retailers Association (Aimra), said there was no indication of a pick-up in demand so far, as well as holiday season offers.

Most retailers continue to see lukewarm demand, and until the bulk of discount offerings begin after Independence Day, there are no signs of demand picking up,” he said.

IDCs Singh added that one clear reason could be the void left in the market by a lack of compelling device options in common price categories under 20,000 pushing more buyers to the used smartphone market.

Xiaomi and Realme, two of the biggest brands by volume, should stay cautious this festive season and all year round. Xiaomi is struggling to recover its device shipment figures, which has left a void in the market that several brands such as Samsung, Transsion Group and local company Lava are trying to fill. This is for consumer market devices at a price range of approximately 15,000. However, high component costs in the supply chain prevent brands from lowering the price of 5G smartphones that much. As a result, buyers looking for 5G phones in the price range of 7,000 to 12,000 are turning to the second-hand market for their devices,” Singh said.

Industry projections peg smartphone shipments in the June quarter at around 35 million units, which will total around 65 million smartphone units shipped in the first half of the year. With a lack of demand in the market, smartphone shipments are therefore unlikely to accelerate in the second half of the year, which could lead to a potential drop of 10% year-on-year this year.



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In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.

Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.

Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.

Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.

Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
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Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.

Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.