On August 25, data from Counterpoint Research’s Flat Panel Display (FPD) tracking and forecasts revealed that global FPD shipments are anticipated to experience a 4.7% year-on-year decrease in 2026. Owing to robust demand from AI data centers, storage prices have soared, and these elevated costs have been transferred to end-user devices. This shift has dampened demand in key FPD application sectors, including smartphones and tablets.

Research Director Brien noted that the high prices of storage chips have driven up electronics prices and dampened demand, a trend particularly pronounced in the mid-to-low-end smartphone and PC segments. Brand manufacturers are finding it difficult to sustain competitive pricing strategies, prompting consumers to either postpone purchases or opt for the second-hand market. Smartphone FPD shipments are projected to decline by 9.5% year-on-year in 2026. While the IT sector enjoyed robust shipments in the first half of the year, a more modest decline is expected in 2026. However, the overall downward trajectory is set to persist into 2027.