Once a trusted lieutenant of Foxconn founder Terry Gou, Jeng-wu Tai, the former vice president of Foxconn and ex-CEO of Sharp Corporation, has recently initiated legal proceedings against his former colleague over an unfulfilled incentive contract.
China's display giant BOE has completed its 11th board election, marking the start of a succession process for the company valued at over CNY160 billion (US$22 billion). At 60 years old, Chairman Yanshun Chen will retain his role but is transferring the CEO position to Qiang Feng, signaling a generational transition.
Jeng-wu Tai, retired vice president of Hon Hai (Foxconn) and ex-CEO of Sharp, has taken legal action against his former employer and Terry Gou, the founder of Hon Hai, over an alleged breach of an incentive agreement. Once a trusted lieutenant of Gou, Tai now seeks legal recourse to address the dispute, which centers on unfulfilled bonus payments tied to Sharp's performance during Gou's tenure as Hon Hai's chairman.
India hits bottlenecks in its efforts toward developing a display manufacturing ecosystem. Tata Electronics is making progress in acquiring Pegatron India and reportedly talking with Android smartphone vendors for contract manufacturing collaboration.
As AI embraces rapid developments, the future of AI-driven lifestyles will rely heavily on display technology. According to Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), display technology is becoming integral to three key AI edge devices: TVs, AR/VR glasses, and smart cockpits. Leveraging the technological advantages of Micro LED, the emerging era of "AI of Things" (AIoT) is set to position Taiwan's display and sensor industries at the forefront of a new market.
In mid-2024, Apple unveiled its first tablet featuring an OLED display, the iPad Pro. There were high expectations that the new OLED iPad would dominate the market and overshadow the LCD models. Contrary to the predictions, the outcome has been quite different. Rather than eclipsing the LCD lineup, the introduction of the OLED iPad has inadvertently led to a boost in overall iPad shipments.
Apple is reportedly set to launch a screen-equipped HomePod in 2025, though contrary to earlier speculation about OLED technology, it will feature an LCD panel exclusively supplied by Tianma Microelectronics in China. Taiwan's Radiant Optoelectronics will handle backlight module production. Industry insiders expect shipment volumes to remain modest throughout 2025.
As 2025 approaches, with Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House, global economic uncertainties remain prevalent. However, the cyclical replacement of devices, coupled with anticipated growth in the US and Chinese markets, is expected to drive moderate growth in the display panel sector by 2025.
In recent years, CES has become a platform for automotive and display technology, with smart and electric vehicles stealing the spotlight. However, CES 2025 marked a shift, with fewer automotive brands present—Mercedes-Benz among the absentees.
Oversized televisions took center stage at CES 2025, with both Micro LED and Mini LED backlit TVs making a significant impact at the annual technology showcase.
Paul S.L. Peng's resignation from Qisda's board has reignited speculation about the shifting dynamics between Qisda and AUO. Earlier in 2024, AUO reduced its stake in Qisda, fueling rumors of a growing divergence in its transformation strategies. Despite this, both companies have reiterated that AUO retains a board seat, underscoring their ongoing partnership.
Samsung Display (SDC) recently held a media event at CES 2025 in the US, announcing that it will supply rollable displays for Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus G6 Rollable, incorporating color filter on encapsulation technology. Lenovo unveiled this laptop just a day earlier, with plans to launch it in June 2025.
LG Display is reportedly planning to adjust its production line configuration by converting its iPad OLED panel production lines to manufacture iPhone OLED panels. This decision comes in response to lower-than-expected iPad Pro demand, according to The Elec.
Innolux Corporation reported 2024 consolidated revenue of NT$216.5 billion (US$6.58 billion), marking a 2.3% increase from the previous year, underscoring the company's strategic transformation efforts.
Laster and Excellence Optoelectronics (Excellence), the Taiwan-based LED automotive module manufacturers, have posted record-breaking revenues for 2024, with year-over-year growth rates of 10.2% and 28.2%, respectively. In response to the global trend of diversifying automotive supply chains, Laster plans to collaborate with Taiwan-based manufacturers in Thailand and Mexico starting in 2025. Meanwhile, Excellence is accelerating the construction of its plant in Mexico, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.
AU Optronics (AUO) has collaborated with Sony Honda Mobility to unveil an innovative Micro LED Display Human-Machine Interface (HMI) at CES 2025. The technology has been integrated into the Afeela electric vehicle, serving dual functions as both a head-up display and an external communication interface.
As global demand for display technologies continues to soar, India is vying to establish itself as a competitive player in the display fabrication (fab) industry.
Innolux unveiled its next-generation microLED and miniLED display innovations at CES 2025, including the "106-inch AM-micro LED seamless display module" and the debut of the "9.6-inch micro LED Smart Mirror." The showcase also featured the latest "17.3-inch and 23.8-inch mini LED outdoor displays," emphasizing a bold vision for transforming visual experiences.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for inauguration on January 20, discussions about potential tariff hikes are intensifying. In response, IT brands are increasing their inventories in North America, fostering a recovery and leading to a slight increase in IT panel prices.
The upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump and the continuation of China's subsidy policies into 2025 have driven a sustained increase in panel demand. As a result, first-quarter demand remains robust, with panel manufacturers' average utilization rates expected to reach 80-85%, which is significantly higher compared to the first quarter of 2024.
In the latter half of 2024, China's introduction of a trade-in program has revitalized the panel market, with subsidies expected to extend into 2025. This initiative is prompting Chinese television brands to embrace more aggressive strategies for stocking panels.
At this year's CES, TCL held a press conference showcasing its latest QLED TV product line and introducing a new generation of Mini LED display technology. In the mobile device sector, the company unveiled its latest mobile display technologies and 5G smartphone products.
Panel manufacturer GIS is set to unveil cutting-edge technologies in smart automotive displays and near-eye displays at CES. Key highlights include head-up displays (HUD), low-reflection coating technology, Mini LED touch display modules, and waveguide display modules. In December 2024, GIS reported consolidated revenues of NT$7.112 billion (approx. US$220 million), a month-over-month increase of 5.65%, driven primarily by a rise in tablet shipments.
Samsung Display (SDC) is set to introduce its latest 18.1-inch foldable OLED panel at the upcoming Las Vegas-based CES 2025 on January 7, 2025. The innovative display can be folded to a portable 13.1 inches or expanded to its full 18.1-inch size, effectively functioning like two tablets, according to ET News and The Elec.
AUO and its subsidiary BHTC will showcase a smart cockpit at CES 2025, under the theme "Infinite Future, Unlimited Possibilities." They will debut a groundbreaking seamless integration of Micro LED transparent displays, into a large Virtual Sky Canopy and the XR Interactive Window that features multiple functions including touch and sensing capabilities.