Latest reports indicated that Apple is developing a new iteration of its mixed reality (MR) headset Vision Pro but it may not be available until the end of 2026 at the earliest.
As smartphone sales plateau compared to the rapid growth seen 5-10 years ago, Taiwan's optical solutions providers, primarily serving the smartphone market, are seeking new growth engines, such as exploring new end applications and clientele to mitigate the risks associated with reliance on a single application or customer.
Novatek Microelectronics, a major Taiwanese IC design house, is anticipated to officially enter the supply of OLED Display Driver ICs (DDI) for the upcoming Apple iPhone 16 in 2024, despite being removed from Apple's latest supplier list.
Despite sluggish growth, the global TV industry is witnessing a surge in demand for extra-large screens, driven primarily by the Chinese market's appetite for 100-inch TVs. This trend not only helps alleviate panel production constraints but also underscores the dominance of key brands.
Managing Director of the Merck Group in Taiwan, John Lee, said that while Apple's decision to halt its MicroLED development is significant, it might open more doors for MicroLED manufacturers in Taiwan, who are actively exploring the technology, as they are not confined to a single application anymore.
AUO and Innolux are optimistic about the future of MicroLEDs despite Apple's abortion of its MicroLED smartwatch project. The two firms believe the act opened up even more technological opportunities for MicroLEDs.
Key semiconductor material distributor Chang Wah Electromaterials (CWE) has announced new pricing for epoxy molding compounds effective from the third quarter of 2024, due to a weak Japanese Yen.
Micro LED applications are expected to multiply in the coming years, especially in the automotive sector. Li Yun-Li, CEO of micro LED supplier PlayNitride, said customers will likely put the company's product into concept vehicles in 2025 and enter the design phase of volume-production cars in 2027. The adoption of micro LED solutions in EVs could progress faster than expected.
E-paper solution provider E Ink Holdings (EIH) will showcase its strategic alliances in e-paper module production, IC design, and solar-powered systems, alongside its wide array of other e-paper solutions at the 2024 Touch Taiwan.
China was already the largest OLED panel producer in 2023, manufacturing 51% of the world's OLED panels. Now it's actively increasing its capacity for OLED materials, for which China's market share in 2023 was 38%.
According to Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) Chairperson Jones Chen, handsets are being equipped with an increasing number of lenses, and lenses on high-end handset models are continually being upgraded. Market experts believe this trend and the increasing number of VR products will bring GSEO a lucrative first quarter.
Apple Inc.'s recent decision to give up a Micro LED smartphone collaboration with ams OSRAM forced the latter to sell its new factory in Malaysia to deal with the strategic change. Reza Chaji, CEO of VueReal, a Micro LED startup company based in Ontario, Canada, gave his insight on the challenges of the Micro LED industry during an exclusive interview with DIGITIMES.
Ko Ja (Cayman), a maker of Membrane Touch Switches (MTS) used mainly for notebook keyboards, has been actively investing in chemical and optical materials while strengthening its foothold in the Noteook computer (NB) market by acquiring stakes in upstream supplier firms. Ko Ja's new investments are applied in the healthcare, lighting, and aesthetic medicine industries.
Polarizer maker Cheng Mei Materials Technology (CMMT) expects a steady improvement in operations this year, with a stronger second half of 2024. The company is developing new applications with clients across different sectors and has sustained limited impact from the Cyclo Olefin Polymer (COP) shortage.
E-paper solutions provider E Ink Holdings (EIH) anticipates revenue will be at its lowest for 2024 in the first quarter of 2024 before increasing and sustaining growth through the final quarter of 2024.
The demand for LED products is gradually warming up following a period of inventory adjustments in the market. While LED companies experienced a general decline in revenue for February 2024, they have been bolstered by steady demand in consumer and automotive applications. Ennostar and Everlight Electronics reported a double-digit year-on-year growth in cumulative revenue for January and February, with performance in the first quarter of this year poised to see year-on-year growth as well.
Qisda Chairperson Peter Chen announced that the group will be picking up its merger and acquisition pace this year, as several of its subsidiaries are slated for IPO and the conglomerate seeks partnerships in key components in the healthcare, AI, 6G, and satellite fields.