OLED Technology to Achieve 1 Billion Units in Shipments by 2025, Reports Omdia
The Milestone of OLED Technology
According to the latest findings from Omdia, we are on the verge of a major breakthrough in display technology. By 2025, shipments of small to medium OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays, which include sizes ranging from 1-inch to 8-inches, are expected to surpass an astounding milestone of one billion units. This significant surge marks a pivotal moment in the transition from traditional LCDs to OLED displays across various applications.
Historical Context of OLED
OLED technology has come a long way since its inception two decades ago when it primarily catered to small displays. With ongoing advancements in technology and production capacity, OLED has increasingly differentiated itself from LCDs through superior attributes such as richer color saturation, flexibility, lightweight design, and improved contrast. Particularly, OLEDs have established dominance in sectors like smartphones, gaming consoles, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and more recently, automotive displays.
The Rise of OLED in Smartphones
China plays a significant role in this OLED expansion. Renowned manufacturers such as BOE, ChinaStar, EverDisplay, Visionox, and Tianma are contributing to this market surge. Complementing the Chinese manufacturers are tech leaders like Samsung Display and LG Display from South Korea, who have been pivotal in enhancing OLED technology. As a result, OLEDs are not just replacing LCDs; they are pioneering innovative applications within the smartphone sector and beyond.
David Hsieh, Omdia's Senior Research Director, emphasizes that despite the higher manufacturing costs and complexity associated with OLED production, these displays are particularly suitable for small and medium applications due to their ultra-slim profile, lightweight nature, exceptional picture quality, energy efficiency, and design flexibility. Hsieh asserts, "The projected shipments of small to medium OLED displays are set to reach an unprecedented peak of 1 billion units in 2025."
Innovations Driving OLED Growth
The remarkable growth in OLED shipments can also be attributed to continuous improvements in the fabrication processes and innovative technologies. With advancements such as Gen8.6 fabrication facilities, LTPO+ backplanes, and even fingerprint-on-display technologies, manufacturers are refining their production capabilities. These innovations allow OLED technology to offer greater value beyond just increased output.
Conversely, as OLED displays achieve new heights, competition emerges from new players venturing into the display market. Samsung and LG have introduced stretchable Micro LED displays, while manufacturers AUO and Tianma join the race by initiating mass production of small to medium Micro LED displays. These developments showcase a gradual improvement in pricing and enhanced product readiness.
Future Outlook for OLED
Looking ahead, OLED displays are predicted to enter a golden era after reaching their shipment peak in 2025, lasting potentially for several decades. However, it remains uncertain whether they can maintain their market dominance with the rising prominence of Micro LED technology.
In summary, the anticipated achievement of over one billion small to medium OLED shipments in 2025 highlights the rapid evolution of display technology, with OLED already revolutionizing the consumer electronics landscape. Continuous advancements and growing applications ensure that OLED remains among the forefront technologies, shaping the future of how we interact with displays.
About Omdia
Omdia is a prominent technology research and advisory firm, part of Informa TechTarget, Inc. Their profound understanding of the tech market, coupled with actionable insights, empowers organizations to make informed growth decisions.