Market research agency Counterpoint Research released the latest report, sharing the smartphone application processor (AP) market situation from the fourth quarter of 2021 to the first quarter of 2023.
The data shows that in the first quarter of 2023, MediaTek will dominate the smartphone application processor (AP) market, but it has declined compared to the previous quarter. Quantities have declined.
MediaTek 32%
Qualcomm 28%
Apple 26%
UNISOC 8%
Samsung 4%
It is noticed that Huawei HiSilicon’s phone AP shipments are less than 1%, but Counterpoint analysts believe that HiSilicon may launch a new phone chip this year.
MediaTek: Due to inventory adjustments and weak demand, MediaTek’s LTE SoC shipments are expected to decline by more than 5% in 2Q23; 5G SoCs are expected to grow by less than 5%, with a slight decline overall. MediaTek's inventory is falling, so analysts expect a rebound in the second half of 2023.
Qualcomm: Qualcomm's shipments will remain flat in the second quarter of 2023 due to reduced inventory. Inventories will return to normal within a few quarters.
Apple: Chipsets are expected to decline in 2Q23 due to seasonality. Overall, iOS outperformed the Android market and was less affected by weak demand.
Samsung's shipments will increase slightly in the second quarter of 2023. The launch of the Exynos 1330 and 1380 in the high-end and low-end segments in the first quarter will increase sales in this segment.
UNISOC's shipments will increase slightly in 2Q23. UNISOC continued to gain ground in low-end models (below $99) driven by its LTE portfolio.
Counterpoint analysts expect Huawei HiSilicon to ship around 2-4 million units in 2023, and these will be in the mid-range segment.Analysts pointed out that OPPO’s abandonment of chip development plans is good for both MediaTek and Qualcomm. It’s worth noting that CEVA mentions an Android smartphone vendor that will launch an in-house 5G modem based on its IP around 2025, and Counterpoint believes that this company is likely to be Xiaomi.
