According to the latest research by global market intelligence firm TrendForce, branded TV shipments worldwide reached 47.12 million units in 1Q26, marking a 3.3% YoY increase and achieving a post-COVID-19 pandemic high for the same period. However, a QoQ comparison shows a 12.7% decline. Although the demand side of the TV market remained conservative in 1Q26 due to the traditional slow season and a reduction in China’s trade-in subsidies, the tight supply of DRAM and NAND Flash—driven by AI server and advanced computing demands—caused a significant price surge for memory components used in TVs in late 2025. To mitigate subsequent cost pressures, TV brands initiated early stocking activities and order pull-ins, which became the primary driver supporting shipment growth in 1Q26.
TrendForce’s latest research on the display industry reveals that the foldable smartphone market is expected to see Apple enter as early as the second half of 2026, drawing significant attention to related technological advancements.
Global notebook shipments are showing clear signs of further weakening, according to TrendForce’s latest findings on the notebook industry. Subsequently, TrendForce has revised its 2026 full-year shipment forecast downward from -9.2% to -14.8% YoY amid expectations of deteriorating end-market demand and rising supply chain costs, reflecting a deeper industry correction.
TrendForce’s latest findings show that global OLED monitor shipments hit 2.735 million units in 2025, a 92% YoY increase. This impressive growth was mainly fueled by aggressive promotional efforts by brands in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, 27-inch 240 Hz QHD models gained considerable popularity due to their excellent price-to-performance ratio, significantly increasing shipments. The launch of new 280 Hz models further energized the market.
Although global smartphone brands will encounter higher NAND Flash prices in 2026, the average storage capacity for smartphones is projected to grow by 4.8% YoY, according to TrendForce’s recent findings on the memory sector. This growth is fueled by the discontinuation of low-capacity models as NAND producers upgrade their processes, along with increased AI-related demand in flagship smartphones from leading brands.
