LCD TV panel prices have fluctuated heavily in 2024: prices surged early in the year, as Chinese panel makers reduced production during the Lunar New Year holidays, and brand manufacturers scrambled to stock up on inventory amid the Red Sea crisis. However, TV manufacturers began to slow down after July, leading to a drop in panel prices as the demand surge subsided.
The patent dispute between Samsung Display (SDC) and BOE has intensified, with each company initiating lawsuits in the US and China. Meanwhile, the geopolitical climate, especially the tensions between the US and China, further complicates this industry rivalry and may affect panels' supply chain and pricing dynamics.
LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Display (SDC) dominate high-end OLED technology, but their reliance on Apple orders faces pressure from cheaper Chinese OLED panels supplied to local IT firms.
PMOLED panel manufacturer RiTdisplay has been aggressively expanding into the energy storage and battery sectors in recent years. After successfully upgrading its energy business to another level, the company is now incubating a biotech venture, focusing on medical plasma wound treatment devices.
PlayNitride has reported its first-ever profit in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong sales of its new mass transfer equipment introduced in the fourth quarter. The equipment, which generates a gross margin of 40% to 60%, is expected to contribute 10% to 20% of the company's annual revenue. The company anticipates significant quarter-over-quarter revenue growth throughout 2025.
Healthcare Expo Taiwan this year has just begun, featuring major companies such as AUO, Innolux, and Qisda, all of which are actively expanding into the healthcare sector. These companies have set ambitious revenue growth targets for 2025, targeting double-digit increases.
Innolux has seen delays in mass production for FOPLP and no progress in its new LCD panel fab project in India, but company chairman Jim Hung stressed that the firm will not be deterred from forging ahead with its plans.
Japan Display Inc. (JDI) has revised its production timeline for its next-generation eLEAP panels. Originally scheduled for December 2024, the mass production launch has been extended to the first quarter of 2025.
Japan Display Inc. (JDI) has formed a strategic partnership with Taiwanese display manufacturer Innolux Corporation and its automotive subsidiary CarUX to develop next-generation automotive displays.
The fierce competition in the display industry has prompted companies like AU Optronics (AUO), Innolux, and Qisda to diversify into the healthcare sector. These industry leaders will showcase their latest medical innovations at the Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo, running December 5-8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, as they seek to establish footholds in the expanding medical market.
Since late August, China's "trade-in" policy has gradually revitalized demand for LCD TV panels, easing the decline in prices. As a result, global TV shipments are expected to see slight growth in 2024. Reports suggest that China's subsidies may continue through 2025, potentially driving further demand for LCD panel restocking.
Sustainability has become a major trend in recent years, with the e-paper market gaining momentum and being seen as a potential trillion-dollar industry. While electrophoretic e-paper currently leads the market, the emergence of cholesteric liquid crystal display (ChLCD) technology is expected to bring significant changes to the sector.
China's dominance in the LCD panel and TV manufacturing sectors is driving up procurement costs for South Korean giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. Additionally, China's aggressive pricing in the Mini LED market is putting pressure on their premium TV strategies, challenging the viability of their OLED TV plans.
Hannstar Display, a mid-sized panel manufacturer, is shifting its automotive development focus to India in response to geopolitical factors. Currently, automotive products represent the company's largest revenue source. The panel maker anticipates this proportion will continue to grow in 2025, with plans to begin assembly and production of automotive products outside Taiwan by 2026.
South Korean companies have increasingly focused on OLED technology to differentiate themselves from Chinese competitors in the television market. However, recent comments from Jun Zhao, CEO of TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology (TCL CSOT), suggest a potential shift in this dynamic.
AUO made a striking impression at CES 2024 with its Micro LED automotive technology. Over the past year, the company strengthened its mobility segment through its merger with BHTC, establishing the AUO Mobility Solution Corporation (AMS), a wholly owned subsidiary. As the company prepares for CES 2025, it continues to expand its smart mobility portfolio with innovative solutions.
China's government has initiated a new wave of subsidies under the "Trade-In for New" policy for televisions and consumer electronics, effectively boosting TV demand. However, compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Holiday, the sales volume in the latest Single's Day shopping festival was lower than expected. Still, the surge in high-end TVs such as ultra-large screens and Mini LED backlight models significantly lifted overall sales revenue.
Japan Display Inc. (JDI) anticipates its eleventh consecutive year of net losses and plans to pivot from displays to growth sectors such as semiconductor packaging substrates and AI data centers, though the transition will require time.
TCL has officially entered the inkjet-printed OLED market with the launch of its APEX brand, while also commencing mass production of its 21.6-inch medical OLED panels. Announced at the Global Display Tech-ecosystem Conference (DTC 2024) in Guangzhou, the panels feature 4K resolution, brightness levels of 140/350 nits, and are set to ship on November 10.
Winstar Display, an innovative display solutions provider, has extended its order visibility to the second quarter of 2025. The company has secured significant replenishment orders from existing clients and integrated into key domestic and international supply chains. These efforts are driving a pipeline of large-scale projects anticipated to contribute to revenue growth by 2025.
The overall progress of Chinese smartphone brands adopting OLED panels is rapidly advancing. Industry experts predict that by 2025, OLED will dominate the smartphone panel market, with only the lowest-tier models continuing to use traditional LCD panels.
LG Display (LGD) has revealed a groundbreaking prototype stretchable screen capable of expanding its stretch ratio from 20% to an impressive 50%, pushing the boundaries of flexible display technology. This innovation aims to achieve "ultimate freedom" by enabling screens to stretch, fold, and twist with ease.
Royole Technologies, a pioneer in foldable display technology and the creator of the world's first commercial foldable smartphone has declared bankruptcy. Despite its early lead and innovative products, the company struggled financially, leading to its demise.
LG Display (LGD) will invest an additional US$1 billion in Vietnam over the next five years to strengthen operations at its Haiphong OLED module factory, marking a significant step in its transition from LCD to OLED technology.
