TSMC recently acquired Innolux's 5.5G LCD fab at the Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) for NT$17.14 billion (US$530.8 million), which includes factory buildings and associated facilities. The structure's entire area is 317,444.93 square meters. The pure-play lC foundry provided no additional information beyond indicating that the obtained target would be used for production and operation.

As the color e-paper market evolves with electrophoretic, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC), and reflective TFT-LCD technologies competing for their shares, DIGITIMES Research analyst Jason Yang anticipates Spectra becoming the leading technology in commercial applications. Rather than a zero-sum game, Yang believes these competing technologies will collectively expand the color e-paper market.

The third quarter of 2024 has seen a lackluster market for display driver IC (DDI). However, handset DDI demand is expected to be strong thanks to replenishment demand.

TSMC has acquired Innolux's 5.5G LCD fab in Tainan, southern Taiwan, for NT$17.14 billion (US$530.8 million). The acquisition price is less than what the market had anticipated.

LG Chem's OLED evaporation materials business is experiencing robust growth, positioning the company to potentially surpass DuPont and claim the second-largest market share in the global OLED evaporation materials market by 2024, according to market research firm DSCC's "AMOLED Materials Report."

TPK, a leading panel manufacturer, reported a substantial improvement in its financial performance for the second quarter of 2024. The company narrowed its core business losses to NT$700,000 (approx. US$22,000) while posting a net profit of NT$350 million, marking a 204.1% increase from the previous quarter and a 1009.7% year-on-year growth. This impressive turnaround was largely attributed to interest income, exchange rate gains, investment returns, and government subsidies.

The e-paper industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it shifts from monochrome to color displays, triggering a replacement cycle for end products and boosting performance across the supply chain. Companies in the electrophoretic display sector, such as E Ink Holdings (EIH) and Netronix, have reported substantial improvements in their second-quarter operations.

Taiwan-based panel makers AU Optronics (AUO) and Innolux both saw revenues fall in July, while HannStar Display and Giantplus Technology reported strong rebounds for the month.

Samsung Display (SDC) is reportedly collaborating with Microsoft to develop and supply OLED on Silicon (OLEDoS) for the next generation of Mixed Reality (MR) devices.

At the close of 2023, Innolux shuttered its 5.5-generation LCD panel facility. Reports suggest that potential buyers for this plant include Micron and TSMC. Recently, TSMC has reportedly offered NT$20 billion (US$617 million) for the acquisition, which could substantially enhance Innolux's non-operating income. Neither TSMC nor Micron has commented on the speculation.

Global automotive display shipments are estimated to reach 225 million units in 2024, up 7.8% from a year ago, according to Jason Yang, DIGITIMES Research analyst specializing in the display industry. Yang notes that while a-Si will remain the mainstream technology for automotive displays for the next five years, the market share of other non-a-Si displays will all grow.

Apple's first OLED iPad will feature panels supplied by LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Display (SDC). However, recent reports indicate a shift in the supply chain dynamics, with SDC reportedly reducing production while LGD increases its supply.

Driven by higher consumer electronics demand and foreign exchange gains, AmTRAN achieved profitability for the fourth quarter. The company anticipates continued growth due to rising orders, with operational performance expected to reach new highs.

The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) device market, after experiencing a period of stagnation, is seeing renewed growth momentum with the development of AI technology. South Korean microdisplay component makers are accelerating their entry into the AI glasses market.

Radiant, a leading backlight module manufacturer, is experiencing a gradual recovery in revenue. The company anticipates distinct seasonal patterns in 2024, with the third quarter expected to be the peak season. Revenue is projected to increase by over 10% quarter-on-quarter, surpassing the initial estimate of 5-10% growth. For the full year 2024, annual revenue is expected to grow by 5-10% compared to 2023.

Display driver IC (DDI) manufacturer Raydium has announced its consolidated financial report for the second quarter of 2024, with revenue reaching NT$6.45 billion (US$206.4 million), marking a 6.9% increase quarter-on-quarter, and a 35.9% rise year-on-year.

The ongoing price competition in the Chinese display driver IC (DDI) market has compelled Novatek Microelectronics and other Taiwan-based DDI suppliers to expand their target markets beyond China and implement additional strategies, according to industry sources.

In the first half of 2024, China-based panel manufacturers have secured over 50% of small and medium-sized AMOLED panel shipments, reinforcing their leading position in the industry.

Samsung Electronics reported strong results for the second quarter of 2024, with its Device Solutions (DS) division, led by memory chips and the System LSI Business, driving nearly 60% of the company's operating profit.

Although Innolux just turned around in the second quarter of 2024, James Yang, President of the company, recently indicated uncertainties when looking ahead to the third quarter. Demand is expected to decrease, and Innolux's utilization rate will be reduced by about 5%. This slowdown in demand is anticipated to continue until the first quarter of 2025, with hopes for a surge in AI-related product replacements in 2025, leading to better notebook demand.

Innolux has selected FOPLP as the primary driver of its transformation from an LCD panel maker to a semiconductor firm and is getting ready for market growth, according to company chairman Jim Hung.

Apple's new iPhone is slated to launch in the second half of 2024, sparking intense competition between the two major South Korean panel manufacturers for the iPhone's OLED market. Reports indicate that Samsung Display (SDC) and LG Display (LGD) are aggressively vying for OLED orders in the iPhone 16 series' two high-end models.

Due to weak end-market demand, brands are ordering fewer panels, causing the price of LCD TV panels to drop in July. The panel prices are likely to fall in August.

LG Display (LGD) is expected to become the second supplier of OLED panels for Apple's iPhone SE4, slated for release in the first half of 2025. Samsung Display (SDC) will focus primarily on the high-end iPhone 16 series.

Taiwanese panel giant AUO is undergoing a significant transformation to diversify its business and reduce reliance on the cyclical display panel market. The company is focusing on three core operating structures: smart mobility solutions, vertical solutions, and display technology.