Although CES 2026 is not traditionally a smartphone-focused event, TCL drew attention with its new NxtPaper 70 Pro smartphone. The device features NxtPaper 4.0 display technology, with its most notable difference from conventional smartphones being a dedicated shortcut key that allows users to switch display modes.

Touch panel makers General Interface Solution (GIS) and TPK Holding are stepping up their transformation strategies.

Samsung Electronics is reportedly evaluating whether to source OLED display panels from China's BOE Technology Group for its flagship Galaxy S smartphone lineup, as it looks to rein in component costs while weighing legal and quality risks.

Sharp ceased production at its Sakai Display Product (SDP) factory in late August 2024, ending operations at the world's only 10G LCD panel fab. Despite this closure, Sharp is pursuing plans to build a new 10.5G LCD panel manufacturing facility in India in partnership with the Adani Group, a major Indian conglomerate. The initiative reflects Sharp's continued interest in expanding its LCD panel production, though significant challenges remain.

LG Display president Jeong Chul-dong has pledged to make transparent OLED a core growth priority in 2026, aiming to lift panel transparency from 45% to 70% as the company targets XR devices and next-generation automotive displays.

As 2026 begins, the LCD TV panel market typically enters a seasonal slowdown. However, due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup and strategic order increases by South Korean TV brands, demand for LCD TV panels in the fourth quarter of 2025 exceeded expectations and has carried into the first quarter of 2026. This momentum pushed LCD TV panel prices higher starting in January.

Tex Year Industries has just about completed its layout in specialty adhesives, materials, and chemicals for the AI and optoelectronics industries. It expects to see a significant increase in shipments and double-digit growth in 2026. This year, Tex Year will focus on five areas: AI cloud data centers, EVs, drones, smartphones, and Mini LED displays.

AU Optronics' new subsidiary, AUO Mobility Solutions Corporation, presented its latest automotive display and connectivity technologies at CES 2026. Under the theme "Together, We Drive The New Era," the company is focusing on display interfaces, automotive computing, and intelligent vehicle connectivity. It showcased collaborations to create human-centered smart cockpits as a "third space."

Samsung hosted The First Look ahead of the opening of CES 2026, led by head of the Device eXperience (DX) division Han Jong-hee, together with SW Yong, head of the Visual Display (VD) Business, and CK Kim, head of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business. The theme of this year's event was to promote Samsung's "Companion to AI Living" vision for 2026.

TCL's marketing of its entry-level RGB Mini LED television has come under closer industry scrutiny after market research firm Omdia said the product does not fully adopt the RGB backlight architecture implied by its branding. The findings have prompted discussion among analysts and regional media about how emerging display technologies are defined and communicated to consumers, particularly as competition intensifies in the premium TV segment.