April 12th, reports indicate that the smartphone industry continues to face a downward trend, despite the anticipated wave of replacements not yet materializing.
It's been disclosed that smartphone brands have collectively lowered their annual shipment forecasts. Apart from Apple, which has already confirmed the adjustment for the full year of 2024, Samsung Electronics has also made corresponding revisions.
Research firm TechInsights predicts that by 2023, the global smartphone replacement cycle will extend to a historical high of 51 months. In China, while there's a slight increase in consumer replacement rates, it still exceeds 40 months.
Due to the slowed pace of user replacements, market competition has intensified. Meanwhile, consumer preferences are shifting, placing greater emphasis on durability and practicality rather than merely seeking faster replacement cycles, as seen with iPhones.
Experts point out that consumer purchasing expectations have shifted towards longer usage periods, making them more willing to pay higher prices for superior performance and durability.
Amidst an increasingly saturated market, smartphone manufacturers are continuously striving to enhance product quality while seeking higher profits through price increases.
In this scenario, a "two-way rush" dynamic has formed between consumers and manufacturers, making it challenging for consumers to find reasons to replace their phones, further extending the replacement cycle.
Against this backdrop, smartphone manufacturers relying more on offline channels face greater competition. Distributors unable to secure sufficient profits may gravitate towards the top-tier segment, aligning with consumer preferences.
