Chinese AMOLED panel makers to overtake Korean counterparts in 2025

• AMOLED smartphone panels are poised to grow significantly, with an anticipated increase of nearly 25% in 2024, exceeding 840m units.

Shipments of Chinese AMOLED panels will exceed those of Korean counterparts in 2025 and attain a market share of 50.2%.

According to research firm TrendForce, Chinese panel makers will represent 47.9 per cent of global AMOLED smartphone panel shipments in 2024.

Historically, Korean manufacturers have dominated the AMOLED supply chain, primarily serving major clients such as Apple and Samsung.

However, a paradigm shift is underway as Chinese panel producers rapidly increase their market presence.

The ascent is propelled by a robust production capacity and strategic partnerships with smartphone brands, enabling Chinese firms to respond adeptly to burgeoning market demand.

The growing adoption of AMOLED panels is not merely a reflection of increased supply; it also underscores a broader trend toward enhanced display quality.

The penetration rate of AMOLED technology in smartphones is projected to rise from 51 per cent in 2023 to 56.9 per cent in 2024, with yearly increases of 2 per cent to 3 per cent expected, potentially reaching 68 per cent by 2028.

Mainstream display choice

According to research by TrendForce, projections indicate that shipments of AMOLED smartphone panels are poised to grow significantly, with an anticipated increase of nearly 25 per cent in 2024, exceeding 840 million units.

The surge can be attributed to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements, solidifying AMOLED panels as the mainstream display choice for smartphones.

Growth in penetration solidifies AMOLED technology as a preferred choice due to its superior colour accuracy, contrast ratios, and energy efficiency compared to traditional display technologies.

BOE, a leading Chinese panel maker, exemplifies this trend, with expectations of reaching approximately 130 million unit shipments in 2024.

Their success is evidenced by robust partnerships with local manufacturers and growing capabilities to supply major players like Apple, following successful validation for the iPhone 16 series.

Apple’s decision to transition entirely to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays for all iPhone models starting in 2025 marks a significant technological advancement for the company.

The shift signifies the end of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for Apple, which has been a staple in its lower-end models.

While this move promises enhanced display quality, it will also disrupt the long-standing business relationships with Japanese suppliers Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp, who primarily provide LCD technology.

The recognition reflects the maturation of Chinese AMOLED technology, increasingly trusted by international brands for quality and reliability.