Mini and micro LEDs are being touted as strong candidates to play a key role in the next-generation display market. Now Apple is said to be developing a 12.9-inch mini LED-backlit iPad Pro for launch in third-quarter 2020. Many Taiwan-based supply chain partners are eyeing the mini LED opportunity. While micro LEDs will still play second fiddle to LCD panels by providing backlight, micro LEDs have the potential to oust OLED and LCD from the market. At any rate, the LCD industry is feeling pressure not just from rivaling technologies, but also from oversupply in the wake of fast capacity expansion. For China's BOE and CSOT, it is time to halt further investments in LCD.
Taiwan supply chain eye orders for mini LED-backlit iPad Pro: Taiwan-based supply chain makers including Epistar, General Interface Solution (GIS), Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology (TSMT), Zhen Ding Technology and Flexium Interconnect are poised to receive orders for components to be used in a 12.9-inch mini LED-backlit iPad Pro that Apple reportedly will launch in third-quarter 2020, the sources said.
BOE, CSOT to stop investing in LCD panel segment: BOE Technology and China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT) have both disclosed plans to stop their investments in LCD display technology development and capacity expansion.