Capex from Korea-based panel makers Samsung Display and LG Display for AMOLED panels will drop from KRW7 trillion (US$6.9 billion) in 2014 to KRW6.7 trillion in 2015, according to Digitimes Research.
Samsung Electronics aims to extend AMOLED panels into more of its mid-range handsets in addition to high-end units while LG Display is eyeing flexible OLED displays for various applications in addition to meeting expected demand from Apple.
Samsung Display's capex in 2015 will be the same as its US$400 million in 2014 and will be used to expand AMOLED capacity in addition to flexible applications at its A2 and A3 facilities.
Aside from supplying Samsung Electronics with panels for high-end units as well as displays for Galaxy A and E smartphones, the panel maker will also provide Samsung with increased smartwatch displays.
LG's capex meanwhile will drop to KRW2.7 trillion, about what it was in 2009, with KRW1-1.2 trillion used for expanding AMOLED capacity at its E4 8G fab in addition to a 6G P6 factory for flexible displays, added Digitimes Research.