In 2024, LED display industry has showed positive signs with the first introduction of LED virtual production technology at Chinese Spring Festival Gala, the debut of the world’s first acoustically transparent LED cinema screen, and the first entry of Olympic event broadcast in Chinese cinema. This, to some extent, reflects the thriving trend of LED display in emerging markets, despite the overall lackluster global economy. Truth be told, what is the actual market situation?

LED Display Sector Expected to Embrace a Brilliant Future

On the demand side, according to TrendForce, while China’s domestic demand recovery has fallen short of expectations, overseas market demand still shows an upward trend, particularly in regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where LED display industry is still in its early stage. Against this backdrop, the overall demand for LED display has been on the rise over the past two years.

On the application side, the potential of emerging applications such as LED virtual production, LED cinema screen, and LED All-in-One display is highly recognized. Although growth has slowed down in 2023, these markets are still greeted by high market enthusiasm, and have seen market size gradually expand.

TrendForce predicts that shipment of LED All-in-One display will exceed 6,000 units in 2024, compared to about 4,000 units in the past two years.

With respect to LED cinema, TrendForce estimates that the global installed base of LED cinema screen will reach 160 units this year. Given that the total market size of global high-end LED cinema screen is 30,000 units, while the current penetration rate is only about 0.5%, there is still significant room for the development of LED display technology in this market. Moreover, cinemas are becoming more proactive in adopting LED screens.

In China, approximately 40 LED cinema halls were opened as of July 2024, among which 19 halls were newly added in 2024.

As to LED virtual production, the total number of LED virtual production studios in China has reached 41 to date, with 10 new studios added this year.

Currently, China has attached more importance to the development of both LED virtual production and LED cinema screen industries by launching related supporting policies, which further boosts the confidence of the industry chain and signals a promising market outlook.

On the supply side, LED display manufacturers continue to leverage innovative technologies to drive growth in emerging markets, deploying diversified packaging technologies for various application scenarios. Among them, COB (Chip on Board) display has enjoyed rapid growth and MiP (Mini/Micro LED in Package) LED display seen increasing demand in recent years, which enable LED display to open up more application markets.

Overall, TrendForce remains sanguine about the prospect for LED display industry. It estimates that the demands for LED display in both Chinese and international markets are projected to trend upward, fueled by fine pitch and Mini LED displays. According to TrendForce’s 2024 Global LED Video Wall Market Analysis Report, the market size of LED video wall is expected to grow to USD 10.7 billion in 2027.

A More Innovative Supporting Industrial Chain Being in Demand

LED display has expanded its footprint from professional display to commercial display and consumer display fields, and now it starts integrating cross-disciplinary technologies and becomes a non-negligible part of our daily life in diversified and creative forms, which undoubtedly ushers in a brand-new era of LED display. For LED manufacturers, opening up the market is just the first step, and the next step is to fully tap this vast potential.

Taking the market adoption rate of Mini/Micro LED products and the penetration rate of COB (Chip on Board) and MiP (Mini/Micro LED in Package) technologies into consideration, however, LED display in emerging application fields is in its relatively nascent state. In face of the global urgent demand for energy conservation and the ever-increasing consumer expectation for display performance, LED manufacturers have to cross some hurdles.

In recent years, countries across the world have launched relevant energy efficiency standards for different technologies and products. For instance, the first Chinese mandatory national energy efficiency standard for LED display, Minimum Allowable Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Displays (GB21520-2023), was officially implemented on June 1, 2024, under which LED display will become more energy-saving. It specifies the energy efficiency grades for LED All-in-One display, divided into three grades: 3.0 (Grade 1), 2.2 (Grade 2), and 1.5 (Grade 3). In light of this standard, LED manufacturers are required to develop truly low-temperature, energy-efficient displays based on highly efficient technology and reliable quality.

Speaking of the applications, virtual production, cinema screen, and All-in-One display demand high image quality, color precision and smoothness, HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging, high refresh rate, and high grayscale performance, which translate into continuously shrinking pixel pitch for LED display. However, in the course of seeking higher performance, LED display still faces varied challenges in reference to power consumption, display quality, and cost reduction, specifically including increased power consumption and temperature, low grayscale effect under low current condition, coupling at high grayscale, discontinuous grayscale, maintaining color depth at high refresh rate, and how to arrange IC as pixel density increases.

It’s plain to see that while high-performance products are sought after, the innovation need of the supporting industry chain for LED display is rising as well, and LED driver IC, an indispensable part of LED display, presents a key in addressing these challenges.

Take power consumption, for example: for a P0.9 COB 4K display, driver IC can account for up to 72% of total power consumption, and highly-integrated, common-cathode driver IC is considered as a perfect fit, which has proven to be energy-efficient and able to achieve low-temperature, energy-saving screens. It’s learned that common-cathode structure can reduce power consumption by 13% compared to traditional common-anode structure.

Although highly-integrated, common-cathode structure has not yet been the mainstream solution, it is deemed to be an inevitable trend in this field. From Xm-Plus’ highly-integrated, common-cathode LED driver ICs, we can find that its outstanding features have been exemplified by a series of real cases.

Xm-Plus Keeps Pushing the Limit to Empower the Innovation of LED Display Industry

According to LEDinside, Xm-Plus has rolled out several highly integrated, common-cathode driver IC series based on its green common-cathode technology and patented low grayscale calibration technology in recent years, including XM10486G, XM10480G, and XM11202G. They are characterized by the company’s exclusive accurate calibration scale, excelling in grayscale effect, low grayscale calibration, and energy efficiency.

XM10480G has been adopted by renowned LED display manufacturers such as Unilumin, QSTECH, HCP and Showho LED. For instance, XM10480G was integrated in HCP Mini COB P0.9 LED display, supporting 40 scanning, 7680Hz refresh rate, 16-bit color depth and 1000nits brightness.

As a good match for virtual production, XM10486G has been included in the product list of Brompton, a UK-based leading provider of LED video processor for virtual production. Brompton has partnered with numerous well-known display manufacturers such as Sony, Unilumin, Absen, Aoto and AUO, to name just a few.

Notably, Xm-Plus has upgraded its driver ICs built on the existing technologies and performance with the debut of XM11206G in July this year, which boasts high bit depth, high contrast ratio, and low power consumption.

In terms of display effect, the highly-integrated XM11206G can achieve 18-bit high color depth, support low grayscale effect at high refresh rate (with a 16-fold improvement in refresh rate at low grayscale, addressing flicker issues visible to the human eyes), and allows customizable scanning lines to simplify display panel design. It also supports front-end high frame rate input (23Hz to 480Hz), with a visual refresh rate of up to 15,360Hz, making it suitable for high-frame-rate scenarios like 3D displays.

Regarding power consumption, XM11206G adopts an energy-saving architecture, cutting static power consumption at black-screen mode by 20% compared to its predecessor IC Power/Pixel, making it an ideal solution for fine-pitch LED display and low-temperature screen.

From a cost perspective, as an advanced version of XM11202G, XM11206G reduces the number of ICs needed by increasing scanning, helping customers lower system costs. Currently, XM11206G has already gained in-house validation by major manufacturers and is incrementally being integrated into terminal projects.

The comprehensive upgrades of Xm-Plus’ highly-integrated, common-cathode driver ICs not only marks a timely response to LED display industry’s new needs, but also reflects the company’s ongoing breakthroughs in exploring new display frontiers.

In addition to upgrading existing products, Xm-Plus has also set sights on developing more innovative products that align with the industry trend, like XM11204G designed for four-chip virtual pixel applications. This driver IC supports three power inputs and independent current adjustment for four channels, allowing backend manufacturers to improve display effect while reducing overall cost.

Virtual pixel technology has been put into the limelight since last year, but it is still immature in both technology and the development of supporting industry chain, leading to lackluster display performance. Further improvement requires the collaboration across the whole industry chain and other fields like supporting software algorithms. Still, its potential is widely and highly anticipated.

Xm-Plus points out that 8K UHD applications are driving LED display industry toward ultra-fine-pitch display field, but <P0.7 display faces cost and production yield challenges. In this context, virtual pixel technology will be a good option. With the shrinking of pixel pitch and the optimization of virtual pixel algorithms by system manufacturers, the overall image quality will see substantial improvement.

Looking ahead to the future, Xm-Plus, rooted in LED display industry, plans to actively collaborate with its partners in LED display industry chain to tackle technical and cost-related issues in the MLED era, jointly promoting the innovation and the renewal of LED display industry.

(Photo credit: Xm-Plus)

In recent years, both Micro OLED and Micro LED microdisplay technologies have continued to make new performance breakthroughs. Entering 2024, Micro OLED and Micro LED microdisplay technologies are still on the path of development, with new applications for AR glasses increasing. The display industry is also allocating more resources towards Micro OLED and Micro LED technologies. In the future, Micro OLED and Micro LED could spark a new wave of competition in near-eye display technology.

Rising Share of Micro LED and Micro OLED in Near-Eye Display Applications

According to TrendForce, in the AR glasses sector, Micro OLED technology is expected to account for 54% of the market share in 2024, while Micro LED will be at 18%. By 2030, this situation will reverse, with Micro LED technology expected to reach 44% market share and Micro OLED dropping to 25%.

In the VR/MR field, LCD is the dominant display technology in 2024, holding a 79% share, while Micro OLED technology is only at 7%. However, Micro OLED technology is anticipated to dominate the high-end VR/MR market, with its market share projected to increase to 23% by 2030.

Judging from the new products released this year, as expected, AR glasses will have more applications of Micro OLED and Micro LED, with 8 new products using Micro OLED technology and 3 new products using Micro LED technology.

Accelerating Development of Micro LED/OLED Microdisplay Industry

Companies such as JBD, HS-MicroLED, Raontech, Raysolve, Vuzix, VueReal, Saphlux, Aledia, Q-Pixel, Mojo Visionand Stan technology have continued to enhance Micro LED microdisplay technology this year. They are addressing issues like full-color displays and power consumption, bringing new hope for the commercialization of Micro LED microdisplay technology.

On the other hand, companies are still seeking ways to improve development efficiency, with collaboration between upstream and downstream enterprises becoming a primary approach.

For instance, Micro LED technology vendor Porotech has partnered with U.S. single-wafer equipment supplier ClassOne, touch integration company Yicheng Group, and semiconductor front-end wafer foundry Lattice Semiconductor in 2024. They aim to develop and manufacture GaN products using silicon wafer to accelerate the production of high-brightness, high-pixel-density, small-sized, and cost-effective Micro LEDs, thus speeding up the commercialization process of Micro LED microdisplays.

Canadian Micro LED technology developer VueReal has also formed partnerships this year with prominent display companies like Raybaw Technology and semiconductor equipment manufacturer Toray Engineering of Japan, to enhance production and testing efficiency for Micro LED microdisplay technology.

Microdisplay Manufacturers Receive Near-Eye Display Orders

As Micro LED/OLED microdisplay technology matures, microdisplay manufacturers are beginning to receive more demand orders.

In the realm of Micro OLED technology, South Korean media reported in August that Samsung Display and Microsoft have signed a new cooperation agreement. Samsung will develop and supply Micro OLED panels for Microsoft’s mixed reality (MR) headsets, with a scale of around several hundred thousand units, although the specific amount has not been disclosed.

In the Micro LED technology sector, South Korean Micro LED driver chip manufacturer Sapien Semiconductor has signed contracts with U.S. Big Tech companies this year to develop Micro LED display driver chips for AR glasses. They have also signed CMOS backplane development contracts with Asian Micro LED display manufacturers and European microdisplay module suppliers, with contract amounts of 4.8 billion KRW, 4.395 billion KRW, and 3.939 billion KRW.

8 Major Micro LED/OLED Microdisplay Projects Enter New Stages

To meet future market demands and potential large clients, microdisplay companies have begun accelerating new technology production capacity this year. In 2024, Micro LED/OLED microdisplay projects from companies such as Stan Technology, BOE HC, HS-MicroLED, Metaways, Lakeside Optoelectronics, SIDTEK, and SEEYA Technology have entered various stages such as signing contracts, starting construction, equipment installation, and mass production.

7 Microdisplay Companies Complete Latest Financing, With the Highest Investment of 1 Billion RMB

In 2024, seven microdisplay-related companies have completed their latest round of financing, with several companies securing over 100 million RMB. This new funding adds momentum for research and development, mass production, talent acquisition, and market expansion in the microdisplay business.

(Photo credit: OPPO)

Yesterday, TrendForce released panel prices for early September.

• TV

According to Boyce Fan, Research Vice President of TrendForce, entering September, the demand for TV panels remains relatively weak, and with no significant increase in brand-side purchasing momentum, panel prices continue to face downward pressure.

However, major panel manufacturers have announced a two-week shutdown starting in early October, hoping to bring supply and demand back into balance through active production adjustments, thus alleviating the pressure on panel price declines.

Currently, some customers could pull in demand in advance in response to the production cuts, which may help slow down the price decline for certain panel sizes in September.

Recent observations indicate that prices for 32-inch and 43-inch panels are expected to stop falling first in September, due to reduced supply and stable demand in emerging overseas markets.

For medium to large sizes, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch panels are expected to drop by USD 3, USD 2, USD 2 and USD 3, respectively.

• MNT

In the third quarter, MNT panel shipments will be slightly lower than in the second quarter, indicating that the stockpiling peak for brand clients has passed, and with TV panels continuing to face price declines, downward pressure on MNT panel prices is gradually emerging.

However, some panel manufacturers are still striving to maintain panel prices, making only slight price adjustments for some high-end or premium models.

On the other hand, brand clients have high expectations for price reductions, and it is expected that both sides will continue to battle over pricing.

For now, MNT panel prices in September are expected to remain stable, with the actual trend depending on the ongoing negotiations between the two sides.

• NB

In the third quarter, compared to the second quarter, the procurement of NB panels by major brand clients is expected to increase slightly by 1%, indicating that brand clients are maintaining a steady purchasing pace.

However, as the year progresses, it is unlikely to see significant demand growth in NB panels.

As a result, panel manufacturers have become more conservative in pricing strategies and in offering incentives to secure orders compared to the second quarter.

With both buyers and sellers adopting a more stable attitude toward price and quantity, NB panel prices are expected to remain stable in September.

After announcing the end of eight consecutive quarters of losses on July 30, according to a report from Economic Daily News, Innolux’s board of directors decided to authorize Chairman Jim Hung to handle real estate matters, confirming the rumors that the buildings at its 4th Plant in Tainan (5.5-generation LCD panel plant), which was closed last year, will be sold.

It is reported that two buyers, Micron and TSMC, are still in the bidding stage. Regardless of who wins the bid, Innolux will gain significant non-operating income.

According to Innolux’s announcement, to boost company operations and future development momentum, as well as to enhance operating funds, they plan to dispose of the TAC plant-related real estate at the Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) D section. Per a report from anue, the STSP D section refers to the 5.5-generation LCD panel plant that was closed last year.

Innolux has been promoting the transformation of its fully depreciated old plants. The 3.5-generation line at the Tainan facility has been repurposed for advanced packaging with Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP), and the 4-generation line has been converted to produce X-ray sensors (through Raystar Optronics), both of which are related to semiconductor products.

Regarding the 4th Plant developments at Tainan, as per a previous report from the Economic Daily News, Innolux stated on June 16 that, based on flexible strategic planning principles, the company continues to optimize production configurations and enhance overall operational efficiency. Some production lines and products are being adjusted to streamline and strengthen the group’s layout and development.

Read more

• [News] Venturing into AI, Innolux Reportedly Partners with Memory Giants, While Its 4th Plant in Tainan to Focus on Packaging Applications
• [News] TSMC Pushes for FOPLP Mass Production by 2027, Reportedly Eyeing on Innolux’s Plant

(Photo credit: Innolux)

The iPhone SE series is Apple’s budget-friendly option, traditionally sourcing screens exclusively from the Chinese manufacturer BOE. However, a report from Korean media outlet The Elec indicated that Apple is expected to use LG Display (LGD) as the second supplier for the OLED screens of next year’s iPhone SE 4, while BOE remains the primary supplier for the iPhone SE 4 screens.

The iPhone SE series typically uses parts from older models but is unique in pairing them with the latest processors, ensuring superior performance compared to competitors in the same price range. Notably, Apple releases the iPhone SE series in emerging markets like India.

Per the same report from The Elec, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to use the OLED display from the iPhone 13, making it easier for display manufacturers to produce.

Apple has historically supported BOE as an iPhone OLED screen supplier to reduce the influence of South Korean companies like Samsung Display and LGD. However, BOE is said to have faced difficulties in securing large iPhone orders due to challenges in meeting Apple’s perforated screen technology requirements, as seen with the iPhone 15.

Moreover, BOE is reportedly encountering challenges in producing OLED screens for the iPhone 16 as well, resulting in lower output compared to its Korean competitors.

Earlier in May this year, both LG Display and Samsung Display secured orders for OLED panels for Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro, according to a previous report from “The Elec.” Subsequently, LG Display also has acquired orders for iPhone 16 Pro Max panels, which could be the first time ever for LG Display to be ahead of Samsung display.

Read more

• [News] Novatek’s Supply Advantage Fades, as Korean Competitor Reportedly Secures iPhone 16 Order
• [News] Taiwanese IC Design Company Novatek Reportedly Secured a Spot in iPhone 16 via Collaboration with LGD

(Photo credit: Apple)