Merck has been rolling out efforts to advance its OLED inkjet printing technology aiming at driving the future development process of foldable smartphones, according to Dick Hsieh, managing director for Merck Taiwan, which held a ceremony recently to mark its 30 anniversary in Taiwan.

China-based BOE Technology outraced all other rivals to become the world's top supplier for TV panels in the first quarter of 2019, both in terms of unit and panel area shipments, according to data from Sigmaintell Consulting.

Display products highlighted at the recently concluded CITE (China Information Technology Expo) 2019 indicated that China's flat panel players are keen on the development of flexible AMOLED and hole-punch panels, according to Digitimes Research.

AU Optronics (AUO) has reported that it is realigning production capacity to maintain its shipment schedules after a minor portion of the production equipment at L6B 6G fab in Longtan, Taoyuan was damaged in an earthquake on April 18.

The popularity of OLED panels paired with in-display fingerprint sensors in the smartphone segment will continue to expand in 2019, driven by the reduction in sensor prices and the price gap between OLED and LTPS LCD panels, according to industry sources.

AU Optronics (AUO) is enforcing a three-axis strategy to tackle challenges and seize business opportunities coming along with the emerging technologies such as 8K displays, foldable smartphones, autonomous driving, AI and IoT in 2019, according to company president and COO Michael Tsai.

The ongoing rally in prices of small- and medium-size TV panels is likely to last only until June or July due to a pile-up of inventories in the supply chain, according to industry sources.

A recent announcement stating that Japan Display (JDI) has struck a deal to accept a JPY60 billion (US$535.98 million) investment from a consortium formed by Taiwan- and China-based companies signals that Japan is retreating from the global flat panel industry.

China-based Chongqing HKC Optoelectronics Technology held a ceremony recently to mark the start of operation at its second 8.6G fab in Chuzhou, eastern China.

Taiwan-based makers in the panel supply chain, including those producing OLED panels, polarizers, chemicals and masks, are gearing up efforts to develop related materials for the production of foldable smartphones, according to industry sources.

Hsinchu Science Park (HSP), Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) and Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) generated combined revenues of NT$396.560 billion (US$12.88 billion) in January-February 2019, growing 1.78% on year, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

Major LCD panel makers in Taiwan saw revenues improve significantly in March, propelled by rising demand and panel prices, particularly for small- to medium-size applications.

Taiwan-based display and touch solution providers HannsTouch Solution and Emerging Display Technologies (EDT) are expected to receive more windfall orders in 2019 as clients of the financially-troubled Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) are seeking new suppliers, according to industry sources.

Apple will adopt mini LED backlighting for a 31.6-inch iMac to be launched in the second or third quarter of 2019, a 10- to 12-inch iPad to be unveiled in fourth-quarter 2020 or first-quarter 2021, and a 15- to 17-inch MacBook to be introduced in first-half 2021, according to a analyst Kuo Ming-chi...

Demand for LCD interactive whiteboards (IWBs) in China has been rising, attracting panel makers in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and local players to step up efforts seeking larger shares of the booming market, according to industry sources.

AU Optronics (AUO) has announced its consolidated revenues in March reached NT$24.39 billion (US$790.66 million), up by 17.4% on month but down by 4.6% on year. The Taiwan-based panel maker's consolidated revenues in the first quarter of 2019 came to NT$66.70 billion, down by 13.5% sequentially and...

Touch panel solution provider Young Fast Optoelectronics has reported net profits of NT$119 million (US$3.86 million) for 2018, snapping six straight years of losses, as non-operating income offset losses in its core touch solution business.

Apple reportedly plans to launch three OLED-based new iPhone devices in 2020 available in 5.42-, 6.06- and 6.67-inch sizes, respectively, according to sources from Taiwan's handset component supply chain.

At FPD China 2019, more flat panel production equipment and related component suppliers were present, while the number of flat panel makers decreased. But the main focus of its technology forums was still on emerging display technologies, in particular foldable AMOLED.

Prices of LCD monitor panels are likely to stop falling soon as more flat panel makers are shifting more capacities of their 6G-8.5G fabs to the production of TV applications whose prices are starting to rise, according to industry sources.

E-paper solution provider E Ink Holdings (EIH) has reported that its earnings hit a 7-year high in 2018 thanks to robust demand for its electronic shelf label (ESL) products.

Taiwan-based FineMat Applied Materials, a maker of common metal masks (CMM) needed for OLED panel production, is actively expanding capacity to meet increasing demand for OLED applications and expects its 2019 revenues to grow 20-30% on year, according to company sources.

Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) will be delisted from the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) as the net worth of its shares has turned negative. But the company will keep its 6G LCD line, paving the way for its future rebirth.

Huawei has announced its latest flagship smartphones, the P30 and P30 Pro, targeting specifically consumers with high demands for photography. The P30 is equipped with a 6.1-inch OLED display and the P30 Pro a 6.47-inch one. The P30's panel reportedly is supplied by Samsung Display, while the panel...

While foldable smartphones are the next big thing for handset brands, initial shipments of these foldable devices woud be limited because some key components such as OLED displays and hinges are scarce and pricy, according to industry sources.