The 25th International Meeting on Information Display (IMID 2025) recently took place in South Korea, in which the two leading Korean panel manufacturers both centered on artificial intelligence (AI) as the future for the display industry. Samsung Display (SDC) presented a substantial number of AI-related research papers, while LG Display (LGD) delivered a keynote speech outlining technological prospects in the AI era.
A wave of AI-powered products—particularly smart glasses—is sweeping across the tech landscape, and Taiwan's optical component makers are rushing to stake their claim. Yet whether this surge of interest will translate into sustainable profits remains an open question.
Samsung Electronics announced on August 25 that it will launch new 37-inch 16:9 UHD and 40-inch 21:9 WUHD gaming monitors, aiming to capitalize on growing demand and strengthen its position in the gaming monitor market.
As the global auto industry shifts toward electrification, autonomy, and digitalization, the collection and processing of data have become central to innovation, particularly in autonomous driving. Automotive cameras, despite their compact size, are now mission-critical components. For Taiwan's optical manufacturers, the sector presents a tempting opportunity. Yet two formidable obstacles remain: China's early dominance in the market, and automakers' prioritization of cost over quality.
Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone is taking shape as Samsung Display, DS Neolux, and BH reportedly secure roles in its supply chain. Backed by Samsung Display's exclusive panel development and mass production experience, the project is advancing through prototyping, with a market launch expected as early as the second half of 2026.
For Taiwan's display solutions provider Data Image, 2025 will be a fruitful and pivotal year. The company is shifting its focus from primarily touch panel products to more advanced display system solutions, with particular emphasis on large professional ship displays, according to CEO Phil Yu.
Samsung Electronics has sold over 3 million units of its Galaxy S25 series as of August 1, surpassing the Galaxy S24 series' sales pace by more than two months. This strong sales performance has been a key factor in bolstering the company's second-quarter earnings.
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a preliminary ruling against China's BOE, banning its OLED panels from the US market for nearly 15 years. The decision opens opportunities for South Korean panel makers but raises risks for Taiwanese DDI suppliers closely tied to BOE, including Novatek.
LG Electronics reportedly plans to launch a voluntary retirement scheme targeting employees in its Media & Entertainment Solutions (MS) division, seeking organizational efficiency amid continuing financial strain. The MS division has reported significant losses largely attributed to external economic pressures and market competition.
China's LED industry is facing a new round of price hikes in 2025 as rising raw material costs squeeze margins. MLS Co., Ltd., Kinglight, and Syntec Technology led the move with increases of 5–10%, prompting peers to follow. Taiwanese manufacturers remain skeptical, citing weak end-market demand that makes higher prices difficult to sustain.
Taiwanese polarizer manufacturers are struggling due to overall capacity oversupply, a downturn in the panel market during the second quarter of 2025, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising upstream material costs. Both BenQ Materials and CMMT reported poor operational performance, with both companies experiencing losses in their core businesses. As the traditional peak season approaches in the third quarter, neither company is optimistic about significant improvement.
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