From May 14th to 16th, the international display industry’s leading event, SID Display Week 2024, was held in San Jose, USA. Major panel manufacturers such as BOE, TCL CSOT, Tianma, Visionox, Innolux, AUO, Samsung Display, and LG Display showcased a variety of new technological products. TrendForce will review and summarize the development focuses of various panel manufacturers from a technical perspective.

• 3D Display Makes a Comeback, Focusing on Glasses-Free Immersive Experience

3D visual perception is currently the most intuitive way humans perceive the world. Compared to AR/VR, which requires additional wearable devices, glasses-free 3D technology allows users to enjoy a lifelike visual experience without the need for glasses or headsets.

With significant improvements in display quality and user experience, this technology can now be applied to museum exhibits, outdoor advertising, medical education, and more. It has the potential to compete with emerging head-mounted devices in the future.

At the exhibition, in addition to 2D/3D switching, there were light-field displays that enhanced monocular resolution to retinal levels. Coupled with facial tracking and active human-machine interaction systems, these displays expanded the viewing range and 3D viewing angles, delivering an immersive and impressive desktop 3D display experience.

BOE: 110”16K 3D Display & 32”Light Field Display

LGD: Micro OLED+ Light Field Display

• Performance – Enhancing Efficiency to Meet AI Era Demands for Improved Image Quality and Reduced Power Consumption

Addressing the power consumption issues brought about by enhanced image quality can be achieved through various technological advancements such as pixel design, tandem architecture, AI intelligence, micro-lens arrays, oxide backplanes, and dynamic refresh rates. These innovations aim to improve image quality while simultaneously reducing power consumption.

For instance, oxide backplanes have significantly lower leakage currents compared to LTPS backplanes. Combined with new circuit designs, they can maintain voltage for extended periods, keeping flicker within a certain frequency during low-frequency refreshes. Dynamic refresh rates allow the screen’s refresh rate to adapt based on the content displayed, aligning refresh rates with display signals in real-time to provide longer battery life.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, AI technologies are being leveraged to enhance image quality while reducing screen power consumption (AI low-power image enhancement technology). The deep integration of AI with screens enables real-time image processing at high resolutions and refresh rates, reducing the power consumption of panel modules and achieving an optimal balance between reduced power consumption and improved image quality.

BOE: AIoT + OLED AI Power Reduction Technology

• Folding – Diversified Folding Designs Expanding Application Scenarios

At the exhibition, panel manufacturers showcased the durability of foldable screens through tests involving robots randomly striking the displays, demonstrating that foldable screens can now meet the demands of most usage scenarios.

In addition to the conventional inward and outward folding screens already available on the market, the exhibition also featured G/Z-shaped tri-fold phones and new foldable plus extendable display panels, allowing users to switch between different screen sizes based on application needs.

The introduction of various flexible display forms includes innovations such as the removal of polarizers, simplified hinges, and stress-designed screens, preparing for a variety of user experiences and interaction modes with the new foldable display panels. These complex module designs are expected to drive technological innovation within the supply chain.

SDC: Foldable OLED Reliability Test

SDC: Flex Note Extendable (Folding+ Sliding) Display Size: 13.8” -> 17.3”

SDC: Flex S Multi Foldable Display (Z-Shaped)

• Transparent Displays – Enhanced Transparency Technology for Better Integration with Environments

Once a futuristic display technology with a sci-fi aura, transparent displays are now being gradually applied in commercial, automotive, and everyday scenarios by various brands. Transparent displays transform glass from a mere transparent material into a display product with vast imaginative potential and rich content.

The key to enhancing screen transparency lies not only in the transparency of the substrate but also in effectively increasing the pixel aperture ratio to maintain image quality. Historically, Micro LED screens have achieved transparency rates of over 60%, while OLED screens have been around 40%. With recent technological improvements, the OLED screens showcased at this exhibition have now reached a 60% transparency level, matching that of Micro LED screens.

The future of transparent displays will be shaped by continued advancements in transparency, image quality, brightness, price, and product positioning. Higher transparency levels will enable seamless integration with environments, facilitating broader application and adoption of this innovative display technology.

Visionox: 10” Transparent OLED (Transparency: 60%)

AUO: 60” Transparent Micro-LED Display (Transparency: 60%)

• New Applications and Technological Breakthroughs

At the exhibition, notable breakthroughs in new applications and technologies included innovative automotive display designs, QDEL displays produced through printing processes, and high-brightness RGB OLEDos. Samsung Display and TCL CSOT both showcased QDEL-related technologies, employing printing methods to add quantum dots that directly convert light into colored images.

In traditional QLED technology, the light source is blue backlight that passes through quantum dots for color conversion. In contrast, the QDEL displays exhibited by Samsung Display and TCL CSOT apply current directly to the quantum dots to generate light. As a result, QDEL pixels can emit light and switch off independently, offering the same deep blacks and rich contrast as OLEDs.

Looking ahead, as the lifespan of the quantum dot light-emitting layer improves, QDEL is poised to become a competitive choice for consumer displays due to its lower cost and superior image quality.

Samsung: 18.2” QD-LED

BOE: P0.3 Micro LED Transformer Display Cluster <-> Center Information Display (CID)  Co-Driver Display (CDD)

TIMANA: 12.3”InvisiVue Display With Textured, Mini-LED

Visionox: Rollable OLED Surface Display

• Green Low-Carbon Technology Industry Development Trends

It is noteworthy that LG Display has focused on developing new technologies under the theme of a better future. BOE, in particular, has set up a green low-carbon zone at the center of their booth, highlighting green manufacturing, green product technology, and green supply chains.

They continue to lead the display industry with technological innovation and green development, promoting the healthy and sustainable growth of the global display industry.

BOE: Green for Future

In June 2023, Apple introduced its inaugural spatial computing device, the Apple Vision Pro, entering the mixed reality (MR) landscape. On January 8th, 2024, Apple revealed on its official website that the Vision Pro would be available for pre-orders in the United States starting January 19th, with an official release date of February 2nd.

According to Apple’s official news release, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has indicated as follows: “The era of spatial computing has arrived. Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”

In June 2023, at the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference), Apple unveiled its head-worn device, the Vision Pro, priced at USD 3,499. This cost is over three times the price of Meta’s high-end virtual reality (VR) model, the Quest Pro, at that time.

To bolster the ecosystem behind Vision Pro in the realm of mixed reality, Apple has made comprehensive preparations. In June of last year, the company announced the launch of new software tools and technologies, enabling developers to craft app experiences tailored for Vision Pro. Additionally, Apple established developer labs in California, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Considering factors such as pricing and the absence of certain essential features, TrendForce has previously anticipated a modest shipment volume of approximately 200,000 – 400,000 units for Apple Vision Pro in 2024.

The market’s response will heavily depend on the subsequent introduction of consumer-oriented Apple Vision models and the ability of Apple to offer enticing everyday AR functionalities that will drive the rapid growth of the AR market as a whole.

TrendForce also noted that the Apple Vision Pro boasts cutting-edge hardware specifications and innovative design. However, a substantial price tag of USD 3,499 and the requirement for an external power source to operate for a mere two hours pose challenges to consumer adoption.

Currently, the Apple Vision Pro lacks sufficient applications for mainstream users, making it more attractive to developers and enterprise customers who can capitalize on its innovative features to create diverse applications. Consequently, the higher price point of the product is justified.

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• [News] Apple Reportedly Accelerates Production of MR Headset “Vision Pro” for Potential February Launch
• [News] Apple Could Introduce Micro LED into Vision Pro, Replacing Existing Micro OLED Technology

(Photo credit: Apple)

At the WWDC 23 in June this year, Apple introduced its first headset, Vision Pro. The device is set to be available for purchase as early as next year, with a price tag of USD 3,499.

According to the report citing sources by Mark Gurman, Apple has accelerated the production of the MR headset “Vision Pro” in China in recent weeks, suggesting preparations for a potential launch in February next year.

Reportedly, insiders have revealed that in the past few weeks, Apple has been in full production mode for the Vision Pro in China. The goal is to have the customer-facing business department ready by the end of January, allowing the product to debut in Apple’s retail stores in February.

Additionally, Apple has been rumored to have sent an email to software developers lately, encouraging them to use the latest tools to test their applications and submit software for feedback, indicating preparations for the Vision Pro’s imminent release.

The report highlights that the Vision Pro is Apple’s most intricate product to date. Due to its customized components, it requires assembly and packaging at the sales point, necessitating a sales strategy and equipment different from those used in the past.

As per a report by the Financial Times in May of this year, Apple initially aimed for annual sales of 3 million units for the Vision Pro, but later reduced the target to 1 million units. In July, there were further reports that due to the complex design of the Vision Pro and issues with the display yield, Apple lowered the target shipment volume from 1 million units to 400,000 units.

Considering factors such as pricing and the absence of certain essential features, TrendForce has previously anticipated a modest shipment volume of approximately 200,000 to 400,000 units for Apple Vision Pro in 2024.

The market’s response will heavily depend on the subsequent introduction of consumer-oriented Apple Vision models and the ability of Apple to offer enticing everyday functionalities that will drive the rapid growth of the AR market as a whole.

TrendForce also notes that the Apple Vision Pro boasts cutting-edge hardware specifications and innovative design. However, a substantial price tag of USD 3,499 and the requirement for an external power source to operate for a mere two hours pose challenges to consumer adoption.

Currently, the Apple Vision Pro lacks sufficient applications for mainstream users, making it more attractive to developers and enterprise customers who can capitalize on its innovative features to create diverse applications. Consequently, the higher price point of the product is justified.

Read more

• Apple Vision Pro Estimated to Ship 200,000 Units in 2024, Concerns around Price and Battery Life Linger, Says TrendForce
• [News] Apple Could Introduce Micro LED into Vision Pro, Replacing Existing Micro OLED Technology

(Photo credit: Apple)

With Apple’s Extended Reality (XR) headgear, Vision Pro, set to hit the market early next year, Samsung is reportedly making diligent preparations to unveil its own XR product.

According to a report from Pulse News, the English version of the Korean Daily Economic News website, data released by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on the 14th indicates that Samsung Display has recently filed for a new trademark, “Flex Magic,” sparking rumors that it is intended for Samsung’s next-generation XR headset.

Samsung Display mentioned in its application documents that the universal applications of its display panel include 3D Spectacles, Virtual Reality Headsets, Virtual Reality Goggles, and smart glasses. The company had also applied for the same trademark with the European Union Patent Office in November.

While filing a patent does not guarantee the release of a product, the South Korean industry believes that Samsung Electronics has made significant progress towards unveiling a new product.

Reportedly, industry insiders in South Korea reveal that Samsung has set a goal to launch an XR device early next year, potentially entering a new frontier in competition with Apple. Initially named “Galaxy Glass,” this device was originally scheduled for a later release next year.

In February of this year, Samsung Electronics officially announced its entry into the XR market in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. It is expected that Samsung Electronics will handle hardware development, Google will manage software, and Qualcomm will provide chipsets specifically for the XR platform.

Reportedly, industry insiders in South Korea anticipate that its primary competitor, Apple’s Vision Pro, is expected to launch in the United States in March of next year, followed by expansion into other countries, with a starting price of USD 3,499.

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• [News] TSMC’s CoWoS Demand Surges from NVIDIA, Apple, AMD, Broadcom, Marvell, Monthly Capacity Up 120% in 2024

In November 2023, Quanta, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, has announced a collaboration with the U.S. AR glasses technology provider Vuzix. Through the adoption of Vuzix’s waveguide technology and optical display components, Quanta is set to engage in mass production for smart glasses, with shipments expected to commence in 2024.

The contract manufacturer like Quanta has been strengthening its technical capabilities in the VR and AR domains in recent years, aiming to possess the capacity to provide comprehensive product solutions and seize opportunities in the flourishing virtual market.

TrendForce’s Insights:

1. Quanta Continues to Explore AR Glasses, Collaboration with Vuzix Aims for Expanded Applications

In recent years, Quanta has actively invested in the AR glasses sector, including collaborative efforts with STMicroelectronics in late 2020 to develop a reference design for AR glasses and a $20 million investment in the Israeli AR startup Lumus in 2021.

The ongoing partnership with Vuzix, planning for complete device shipments, underscores Quanta’s optimistic outlook on the application development and future business opportunities for AR glasses.

Given Quanta’s key product and service areas spanning mobile computing, home entertainment, IoT, and smart manufacturing, the current trend of the metaverse positions VR and AR devices as crucial gateways to enter and add value to these domains.

With Quanta transitioning from a device supplier to a platform service provider and implementing a comprehensive development strategy of hardware-software integration, the continued focus on AR glasses holds the potential to expand profit margins for Quanta.

Vuzix, in collaboration with Quanta, has secured a prominent position in the VR and AR device market through its wearable display technology. Notably, Vuzix has developed the world’s first Micro LED AR glasses and consistently received CES Innovation Awards from 2020 to the present year.

Their product highlights encompass AR technology for swim goggles, the establishment of a comprehensive smart glasses platform featuring microLED and waveguide technologies. The recently unveiled Ultralite S, focused on sports and fitness scenarios, seamlessly integrates with smartphones or smartwatches to display real-time activity data and information on the glasses, earning it the CES 2024 Innovation Award.

With Vuzix possessing critical optical technology and components across a broad product range, the collaboration aligns well with Quanta’s AR transformation, particularly enhancing Quanta’s QOCA telemedicine cloud platform in the medical field. The synergy between the two marks a harmonious and mutually beneficial partnership.

2. Contract Manufacturer Actively Strengthen VR and AR Tech Capabilities Through Collaboration and Investment to Seize Virtual Opportunities

In addition to Quanta, various contract manufacturers have been actively enhancing their technological capabilities in the VR and AR industry through collaborations, mergers, and investments. Notably, Foxconn has been investing in and collaborating with key players in the VR and AR device market since 2022, including XRSPACE, Varjo, and the early part of 2023 with Jorjin.

Looking at other contract manufacturers, GoerTek works with major clients like Meta, Sony, and PICO, Luxshare has Apple Vision Pro assembly orders, and Pegatron has handled products for Microsoft HoloLens and Oculus, while Quanta has been involved with Microsoft Mixed Reality Headset.

Therefore, for Foxconn and other companies aiming to enter this field, adopting more investment and collaboration strategies, or even directly acquiring key tech firms, will be the fastest way to rapidly strengthen their competitive position in the VR and AR market.

Looking at the overall supply chain of the VR and AR virtual device industry, the efforts of assembly plants to strengthen their technical capabilities go beyond providing assembly outsourcing. To a certain extent, this is also aimed at developing the ability to offer complete product solutions, catering to a broader customer base.

Given that these devices prioritize image precision and real-time capture, high-end products require more components and sensors. Moreover, the non-uniform design of head-mounted devices adds complexity to the assembly of VR and AR devices.

Additionally, not all companies have the resources and industry competitiveness, as in the case of Meta and Sony, to independently develop head-mounted devices from scratch. For many, obtaining a more comprehensive product solution and then making adjustments is a more practical approach. This necessitates contract manufacturers to have enhanced VR and AR technology and ODM capabilities. This way, amidst the flourishing opportunities in the virtual market, they can offer complete head-mounted device solutions.

Read more 

• [News] Apple’s Vision Pro Headset Set to Enter Mass Production, Chinese Supply Chain Expected to Contribute 60%