[News] Near-Eye Displays: The Micro LED/OLED “Battle” Begins!

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In recent years, both Micro OLED and Micro LED microdisplay technologies have continued to make new performance breakthroughs. Entering 2024, Micro OLED and Micro LED microdisplay technologies are still on the path of development, with new applications for AR glasses increasing. The display industry is also allocating more resources towards Micro OLED and Micro LED technologies. In the future, Micro OLED and Micro LED could spark a new wave of competition in near-eye display technology.

Rising Share of Micro LED and Micro OLED in Near-Eye Display Applications

According to TrendForce, in the AR glasses sector, Micro OLED technology is expected to account for 54% of the market share in 2024, while Micro LED will be at 18%. By 2030, this situation will reverse, with Micro LED technology expected to reach 44% market share and Micro OLED dropping to 25%.

In the VR/MR field, LCD is the dominant display technology in 2024, holding a 79% share, while Micro OLED technology is only at 7%. However, Micro OLED technology is anticipated to dominate the high-end VR/MR market, with its market share projected to increase to 23% by 2030.

Judging from the new products released this year, as expected, AR glasses will have more applications of Micro OLED and Micro LED, with 8 new products using Micro OLED technology and 3 new products using Micro LED technology.

Accelerating Development of Micro LED/OLED Microdisplay Industry

Companies such as JBD, HS-MicroLED, Raontech, Raysolve, Vuzix, VueReal, Saphlux, Aledia, Q-Pixel, Mojo Visionand Stan technology have continued to enhance Micro LED microdisplay technology this year. They are addressing issues like full-color displays and power consumption, bringing new hope for the commercialization of Micro LED microdisplay technology.

On the other hand, companies are still seeking ways to improve development efficiency, with collaboration between upstream and downstream enterprises becoming a primary approach.

For instance, Micro LED technology vendor Porotech has partnered with U.S. single-wafer equipment supplier ClassOne, touch integration company Yicheng Group, and semiconductor front-end wafer foundry Lattice Semiconductor in 2024. They aim to develop and manufacture GaN products using silicon wafer to accelerate the production of high-brightness, high-pixel-density, small-sized, and cost-effective Micro LEDs, thus speeding up the commercialization process of Micro LED microdisplays.

Canadian Micro LED technology developer VueReal has also formed partnerships this year with prominent display companies like Raybaw Technology and semiconductor equipment manufacturer Toray Engineering of Japan, to enhance production and testing efficiency for Micro LED microdisplay technology.

Microdisplay Manufacturers Receive Near-Eye Display Orders

As Micro LED/OLED microdisplay technology matures, microdisplay manufacturers are beginning to receive more demand orders.

In the realm of Micro OLED technology, South Korean media reported in August that Samsung Display and Microsoft have signed a new cooperation agreement. Samsung will develop and supply Micro OLED panels for Microsoft’s mixed reality (MR) headsets, with a scale of around several hundred thousand units, although the specific amount has not been disclosed.

In the Micro LED technology sector, South Korean Micro LED driver chip manufacturer Sapien Semiconductor has signed contracts with U.S. Big Tech companies this year to develop Micro LED display driver chips for AR glasses. They have also signed CMOS backplane development contracts with Asian Micro LED display manufacturers and European microdisplay module suppliers, with contract amounts of 4.8 billion KRW, 4.395 billion KRW, and 3.939 billion KRW.

8 Major Micro LED/OLED Microdisplay Projects Enter New Stages

To meet future market demands and potential large clients, microdisplay companies have begun accelerating new technology production capacity this year. In 2024, Micro LED/OLED microdisplay projects from companies such as Stan Technology, BOE HC, HS-MicroLED, Metaways, Lakeside Optoelectronics, SIDTEK, and SEEYA Technology have entered various stages such as signing contracts, starting construction, equipment installation, and mass production.

7 Microdisplay Companies Complete Latest Financing, With the Highest Investment of 1 Billion RMB

In 2024, seven microdisplay-related companies have completed their latest round of financing, with several companies securing over 100 million RMB. This new funding adds momentum for research and development, mass production, talent acquisition, and market expansion in the microdisplay business.

(Photo credit: OPPO)