Taiwan-based polarizer maker BenQ Materials is pushing to prepare for microLED and OLED products, eyeing the business opportunities from the emergence of microLED application, according to company president Ray Liu.

Shih-Jye Cheng, chairman of ChipMOS, a leading memory packaging and testing company, announced that the company's first-quarter revenue is expected to experience modest declines, primarily due to fewer working days and seasonal adjustments. This dip will affect both memory and driver IC sales.

Driven by the demand for semiconductors, mini-LED, and micro-LED technologies, Everlight Chemical saw robust revenue performance in its electronic chemicals segment throughout 2024. Even with fewer working days in January 2025, the company anticipates continued growth in electronic chemicals, supported by sustained semiconductor demand. Market expectations suggest that Everlight Chemical will maintain its momentum in 2025.

Ennostar faced a loss in the fourth quarter due to inventory adjustments and the off-peak season but expects similar results in the first quarter of 2025 despite fewer working days, according to chairman Paul Peng.

Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 16e, its first budget iPhone model that features an OLED display. Analysts now speculate that Samsung Display (SDC), once less invested in the affordable iPhone market, may expand its supply, while LG Display (LGD) is betting on strong sales of the iPhone 16e to help drive a much-needed recovery for its business.

Leading LED manufacturer Ennostar plans to boost its value-driven applications by increasing its stake in Prolight Opto from 53.69% to full ownership. This decision is part of the company's "3+1" strategy, focusing on automotive, advanced displays, smart sensing, and lighting/optical communications sectors.

CWTC, a leading player in packaging lead frames, has intensified its focus on Mini LED applications in recent years. By the end of 2024, the company is set to enter the South Korean TV supply chain, and by 2025, it plans to launch a next-generation high-heat dissipation lead frame product. This new offering targets both the automotive and consumer electronics markets, with mass production expected to boost revenue in the second half of 2025.

A South Korean market research firm predicts that while the OLED TV market growth has stagnated, South Korean television manufacturers must leverage OLED technology to maintain their position in the premium segment.

Coretronic, a manufacturer of LED backlight units (BLU), has raised its capital expenditure (capex) target to approximately NT$1.5 billion (approx. US$45.86 million) in 2025, up from the previously estimated NT$800-900 million. New orders for OLED monitors are driving the increase. Coretronic's capex was around NT$2.68 billion in 2024.

Apple has scrapped its plans to develop a Micro LED smartwatch in 2024, dealing a blow to the technology's immediate prospects. Yet, the scene at CES 2025 suggests Micro LED remains a hotbed of innovation, with companies pressing ahead on new products and breakthroughs. Apple's retreat may signal challenges, but it hasn't dampened industry momentum.

China-based TV manufacturers, including TCL and Hisense, are aggressively challenging South Korea-based competitors by leveraging their price advantages. In response, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are ramping up OLED TV sales to fend off the mounting competition from China.

Excellence Optronics Inc (EOI) has begun constructing a new automotive LED module factory in Querétaro, Mexico. This expansion strengthens EOI's global supply chain, with the facility scheduled for completion by September 2025 and operations beginning in 2026, improving service capabilities in Mexico, Central America, and Europe.

Meta's launch of its Orion augmented reality (AR) glasses has ignited industry interest, with artificial intelligence (AI) accelerating the trend. As a result, full-color micro-LED is increasingly seen as a must-have for next-generation premium AI eyewear.

The supply chain has reported that Apple recently initiated updates for its iPad and Mac product lines, primarily transitioning to Apple's own chips. As related suppliers have begun shipping in response to Apple's new product updates since December 2024, operations during the first quarter of 2025 are expected to not be as sluggish as typically anticipated.

Canada-based microLED startup VueReal has secured a US$40.5 million Series C funding round to expand its production capacity, strengthen its ecosystem, and scale up the manufacturing of its microLED and micro semiconductor solutions. The funding will enable its partners to accelerate the commercial adoption of microLED technology.

Sanan Optoelectronics has secured a critical role in Samsung Display's microLED smartwatch supply chain, according to industry insiders, marking another milestone in its consistent progress with microLED technology.

As the global display market rapidly shifts towards OLED technology, South Korea's two major panel manufacturers, Samsung Display (SDC) and LG Display (LGD), are accelerating their efforts to enhance technological capabilities and expand their market presence.

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.

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.

Apple's 2024 decision to halt Micro LED smartwatch development drew significant attention and cast doubt on the technology's future. However, CES 2025 demonstrated Micro LED's resilience, with companies unveiling innovations and products that highlight its ongoing growth.

Boosted by the rising demand for automotive LEDs and invisible light LEDs, the leading LED packaging company Everlight Electronics delivered impressive results for 2024. Despite challenges such as a high growth baseline and uncertainties in the global market, Everlight is optimistic about market recovery becoming clearer by March. Growth in invisible light LEDs is projected to outperform the industry average, and while the share of power semiconductors remains relatively small, it is expected to become a significant driver of growth. The company anticipates stable gross margins heading into 2025.

Lextar Electronics has disclosed its collaboration with European automotive brands to develop smart vehicle miniLED displays, with mass production expected to begin in the next two to three years.

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.

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.

Taiwan's LED pioneer, Ennostar, made its CES debut at CES 2025, unveiling cutting-edge matrix Mini RGB LED displays. The technology features an impressive brightness of 5,000 nits, ensuring crystal-clear visibility even under intense sunlight, making it ideal for automotive driving environments.