IDC’s latest forecast shows global smartphone shipments will drop 13% year-on-year in 2026, falling by 160 million units to 1.1 billion. Shipments already fell 4.1% in the first quarter, with low-end devices hit hardest. Samsung and Apple remained relatively resilient in the high-end market, while domestic manufacturers accelerated their shift to AI phones.

Today, CATL held its “Extreme Domain” technology event, unveiling AI computing liquid-cooled batteries and semi-solid-state batteries with energy density exceeding 400Wh/kg, suitable for AI phones, drones and other terminals. Industry insiders believe the smartphone market is saturated, making AI the core growth driver. AI phone penetration is expected to exceed 30% this year, boosting upgrades in chips, batteries and thermal management industrial chains.

The global optical fiber market has boomed amid surging demand from AI data centers, with prices soaring 650% this year, reshaping supply and demand and triggering industry restructuring. Institutions suggested focusing on leading suppliers of core AI phone components such as radio frequency chips, fast-charging batteries and optical lenses, while remaining alert to continued weak demand in consumer electronics.