Omdia Predicts Substantial Growth in Large-Area OLED Shipments by 2025
According to recent forecasts by Omdia, shipments of large-area OLED displays, defined as those larger than 9 inches, are set to soar by an impressive 32.7% year-on-year in 2025. This surge in shipments follows an earlier projection for 2024, which estimated a staggering increase of 116.5% year-on-year, primarily fueled by an expanding IT OLED market—including products like monitors, notebooks, and tablet PCs—which are anticipated to witness triple-digit growth by year-end.
The landscape for OLED shipments is shifting dramatically, especially as South Korean manufacturers, who have long dominated the OLED TV display segment, begin to pivot their focus toward monitor OLEDs. This transition serves to offset anticipated declines in the OLED television space, where competition remains fierce and market saturation is a concern. Concurrently, Chinese manufacturers are escalating their production capabilities for OLED panels aimed at PCs and tablets, positioning themselves to seize greater market share ahead of their upcoming Gen 8.6 IT RGB OLED production facilities.
Notably, the launch of the Apple iPad Pro OLED series in 2024 is expected to provide an additional boost to the tablet PC OLED market, further propelling growth.
In 2025, while growth rates may temper compared to 2024, the outlook remains optimistic with projected increases across the board for IT OLEDs. Samsung Display, a key player in this segment, is set to launch its first Gen 8.6 IT OLED fabrication facility in late 2025, a move that is poised to significantly contribute to the rise in notebook PC OLED shipments. The gaming and premium notebook sectors, enhanced by AI capabilities, are likely to spur further demand in this arena.
Tablet PCs are expected to see somewhat slower growth due to a cautious approach from panel makers, influenced by lower-than-anticipated shipments of the iPad Pro series in 2024. The industry is still adjusting to market expectations, making manufacturers prudent about their production strategies for the upcoming year.
Geopolitical dynamics also play a crucial role in the evolving OLED landscape, compelling global PC manufacturers to turn increasingly towards OLED displays. These companies are inclined to reduce their dependence on LCD technology, particularly for high-end devices, which often results in increased sourcing of displays from South Korean suppliers. This shift not only aids in decreasing reliance on Chinese-made displays but also fosters a more competitive OLED market.
Yoonsung Chung, a Senior Research Manager at Omdia, commented on the findings, indicating that TV OLED display shipments will likely experience modest growth of just 1.4% year-on-year in 2025. This stagnation can be attributed to a limited customer base, the ongoing and intense competition from LCD TVs, and persistent financial losses faced by TV OLED makers, prompting a more cautious market approach.
In conclusion, the OLED market is undergoing transformative changes, especially within the IT sector. With major shifts in production and a renewed focus on high-demand products, the large-area OLED shipment forecast for 2025 showcases an exciting trajectory for the industry, despite some caution in the TV segment. Omdia, as part of Informa Tech, continues to provide deep insights into technology trends, helping organizations navigate the complexities of growth and emerging opportunities.