Display products highlighted by China-based flat panel makers at the recently concluded China Information Technology Expo (CITE) show that most of China's panel suppliers are actively developing 18:9 all-screen and profile-cut panels in response to demand from the handset sector, the largest application market for small- to medium-size panels, Digitimes Research has found.
In terms of technology, China's flat panel makers are currently still focusing on the development of flexible AMOLED panels, Digitimes Research says.
The rapid shift of specifications from 16:9 to 18:9 aspect ratio and the adoption of profile-cut panels for high-end smartphones have actually extended to WVGA panels for entry-level models. Additionally, LTPS and IGZO TFT LCD panel makers have also begun to utilize their respective technologies to produce HD panels in addition to the previous focus of higher-end Full HD or above panels.
While eagerly developing AMOLED panels for handset applications, China's panel makers are also seeking to expand the applications of such panels to other segments such as under-display fingerprint and facial recognition applications.
Although AMOLED panels are currently being used for the production of smartwatches and other wearable devices, China's panel suppliers are also keen on the development of TFT LCD panels for wearable applications, with efforts including the roll-out of semi-reflective semi-transparent panels with improved color contrast for smartwatches, as well as other fast response panels for VR glasses.