OLED displays are poised to take over in tablets, laptops, and smaller monitors after Samsung Display, BOE, and now reportedly LG Display are building 8.6G factories for OLED IT panels.
In April 2023, Samsung Display announced plans to invest $3.1 billion USD in 8.6-generation production of OLED panels for tablets, laptops, and other IT devices by 2026.
China's BOE followed in December 2023, announcing a $9 billion investment in 8.6G OLED IT production, estimated to be ready after 34 months, in late 2026.
LG Display moving forward
LG Display is now also moving forward with plans to set up an 8.6G OLED factory intended for OLED tablet, laptop, and monitor panels, according to a report by Korean ZDNet.
- "LG Display is willing to proceed with the P10 investment that has been put on hold in earnest this year. The plan is to introduce 8.6-generation IT facilities from the 3rd and 4th quarter of this year," sources told ZDNet.
LG Display has yet to comment officially on the matter and it is not clear how long it will take to install the production equipment. The report claims that LG Display is planning to produce 7500-15000 mother glasses per month. These can be cut into smaller panels.
Samsung Display illustrated the advantages of 8.6G OLED production at CES 2024. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
The bad news is that the 8.6G IT production line will reportedly be set up in LG Display's P10 factory in Paju, South Korea. The P10 facility was originally built to produce 'super-sized', cheaper OLED TV panels on 10.5G production lines, but the slump in TV sales following covid-19 has forced LG Display to delay the investment. Plans for 8.6G for IT OLED panels are seemingly now being prioritized.
Also read: Samsung and LG Display ink 5-year deal for OLED and LCD TV panels
OLED displays in IT devices
The significant investments in 8.6G factories for IT OLED panels are a response to Apple's plans to switch to OLED in iPad, MacBooks, and later Mac, according to multiple sources.
We may see the first iPad with an OLED display as soon as March this year. However, it will be produced in existing factories. The 8.6G factories are optimized for larger panels.
Also read: Future of displays: Insights from our LG Display & Samsung Display visits
Apple's shift to OLED in IT products is expected to accelerate an industry-wide transition away from LCD panels.
- Source: ZDNet
