Who Benefits from the Released iPhone 13?

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Companies expected to benefit have emerged as Apple unveiled the iPhone 13.

According to the financial investment industry on the 22nd, Apple introduced the iPhone 13 series, iPad Mini, 9th generation iPad, Apple Watch 7, and more at 10 a.m. on the 14th (2 a.m. on the 15th Korean time) at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, Cupertino, California, USA. The iPhone 13 series consists of four models: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Cholhee Cho, a researcher at Korea Investment & Securities, said, "Compared to the iPhone 12, the notch size was reduced by 20%, and the display refresh rate improved to 120Hz. The sensor-shift camera (a type of image stabilization feature), which was applied only to the highest-end model (Pro Max) last year, has been expanded to all models." He added, "The price remained the same as the previous generation. Overall, Apple chose stability by enhancing the device's finish rather than making major innovations."

Seongryul Kwon, a researcher at DB Financial Investment, also explained, "The design was similar to the previous iPhone 12, and the main specifications did not deviate significantly from expectations."

Although there are no major differences from the previous generation, sales are expected to increase this year. Korea Investment & Securities projected the iPhone 13 shipment volume this year at 77 million units, which is a 21.9% increase compared to the shipment volume in the year of the iPhone 12 launch. This is due to the expected base effect from COVID-19 and other factors. The iPhone 13 will officially go on sale in the U.S. starting on the 24th, and in Korea from the 8th of next month.

As shipments are expected to increase compared to the previous generation, some domestic companies are also expected to benefit. Researcher Kwon said, "Most of the OLED displays will be supplied by the two major domestic companies, and especially the LTPO (Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology adopted in the top two models has been stabilized by about two companies, so related volumes are expected to increase significantly. With the sensor-shift technology applied across the entire lineup and the front 3D sensing module supplying both the receiver and transmitter, the performance of the top domestic optical module company is expected to improve significantly in the second half of the year."

Researcher Cholhee Cho said, "LG Innotek is expected to benefit from the expansion of Apple's sensor-shift camera to all models, and especially the Japanese competitor, which is a dual-source company, has recently experienced production disruptions due to COVID-19, increasing early market share. BH's ASP also rose due to the improved OLED display specifications (higher refresh rate)."