2024 OLED Technology and Industry Trend Analysis Report for IT

Introduction

This year, both Apple’s iPad Pro and Huawei’s MatePad Pro models were launched with tandem OLED technology applied to their tablet PCs. As Samsung Display and BOE finalize investments in 8.5-generation lines for IT products, the adoption of OLED in IT devices is gaining momentum. Furthermore, interest in OLED notebooks, known for their low power consumption, is increasing as on-device AI notebook ecosystems continue to develop.

Compared to OLED technology for smartphones, OLED technology for IT devices involves a wider variety of TFT (Thin Film Transistor) types, and the technologies for OLED and TFT substrates differ as well. The TFTs used for manufacturing IT OLEDs include LTPO-TFT and oxide TFT. While LTPO-TFT production for smartphone OLED is efficient on 6th-generation equipment, utilizing 8.6-generation glass substrates poses challenges due to the limitations of ELA (Excimer Laser Annealing) equipment. On the other hand, using oxide TFT requires the development of internal compensation technology and improved mobility to reduce bezel size. In terms of OLED cell technology, a two-stack tandem OLED structure is preferred over a single stack, as it offers better brightness and longevity. Hybrid OLED structures, which use a thin glass substrate and TFE (Thin Film Encapsulation), are also being adopted. As premium OLEDs become more widespread, the use of cover glass in IT devices is also expected to increase.

Panel manufacturers preparing for IT OLED production on 8.6-generation equipment are taking different strategic approaches, and the success of the IT OLED market will largely depend on which TFT and OLED structures are adopted. To address these trends, UBI Research has updated its 2023 IT OLED analysis report as follows:

– Detailed specifications of OLED tablets and notebook PCs, and their differences from LCD products
– OLED displays optimized for on-device AI notebooks
– The development status of oxide TFT and internal compensation circuits for IT OLED products by panel manufacturers
– Material composition, supply chain, and low grayscale challenges of tandem OLEDs
– Glass thinning and panel separation technologies for hybrid OLEDs
– Recent updates on photolithography OLED technology
– Glass reinforcement and coating technologies for cover windows
– UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) and PF (Plastic Film) structures and supply chains for foldable IT products
– Updates on panel manufacturer capacities and market trends

This report serves as a key guideline for all companies involved in the OLED industry, outlining what needs to be prepared. Additionally, it forecasts the IT OLED market and highlights the growth potential of the industry.