E-paper applications are becoming increasingly diverse, not only driving continuous growth in production value but also expanding their use cases. From smart retail electronic shelf labels (ESL), real-time information displays in intelligent transportation, hospital ward information boards, to the recently emerging large-scale e-paper advertising billboards, e-paper technology is quietly integrating into daily life.

Chinese display panel manufacturer TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology (TCL CSOT) has announced plans to invest CNY29.5 billion (approximately US$4.14 billion) to build the world's first 8.6-generation OLED production line using inkjet printing technology in Guangzhou.

Chinese display manufacturers are significantly increasing investments in 8.6G OLED panels for IT applications. These investments, set to accelerate from the second half of 2025 through 2026, are expected to revitalize related upstream equipment industries. Major Chinese firms such as BOE, Visionox Technology, and TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology (TCL CSOT) are preparing new production lines designed for medium to large-sized IT panels, including notebooks and tablets. These expansions signal higher demand for sophisticated equipment, benefiting Korean suppliers like Sunic System.

Coretronic and Radiant Opto-Electronics recorded revenue increases in August compared to July, though their year-over-year performances show declines. Looking ahead to the third quarter of 2025, Coretronic anticipates growth in shipments of energy-saving products but expects imaging product shipments to fall. Radiant projects third-quarter revenue to remain flat relative to the second quarter, with weaker performance forecasted for the second half of the year.

AR glasses represent a revolution for displays that incorporate key technologies such as near-eye displays, microLED, and waveguides, with AI and AR now sharing a symbiotic existence and development, says Jorjin Technologies chairman Tom Liang. These technologies did not emerge overnight, and although Taiwanese companies possess the necessary expertise, they have usually worked independently in the past without proper integration.

Topview Optronics, a subsidiary of Taiwan's Qisda Group, reported that integration efforts in the security control industry are gaining momentum. While customers previously focused on performance and pricing, system integration has now emerged as their primary priority. The company maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for the second half of 2025 and into 2026.

The Adani Group is reportedly in discussions with Japan's Sharp Corporation and Panasonic to establish a joint LCD fabrication plant in India, marking a strategic pivot after its proposed semiconductor wafer fab in Maharashtra was paused. According to Economic Times sources, the talks have gained momentum, particularly following Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Japan, which emphasized strategic industrial collaboration between the two nations.

With Apple officially switching the iPad Pro display to OLED technology in 2024, industry speculation has intensified over whether MiniLED backlighting can maintain its position in MacBook Pro displays. The supply chain widely believes that Apple intends to adopt the same dual-layer tandem OLED technology used in the iPad Pro for the MacBook Pro, with OLED integration expected to begin between 2026 and 2027. Additionally, the MacBook Air may transition to OLED by 2029, posing a significant challenge to MiniLED applications in the IT market.

AUO recently announced a collaboration with leading satellite navigation and smart wearable brand Garmin to launch the world's first smartwatch featuring microLED display technology, the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro microLED. The new watch is equipped with a 1.4-inch, 326 PPI high-resolution screen that offers high brightness, ultra-high dynamic contrast, and saturated colors, ensuring clear visibility even under strong light or extreme conditions—making it especially suitable for outdoor sports and adventure needs.

South Korea's display industry has strengthened its global position by advancing dual-layer tandem OLED technology, overcoming years of competition from low-cost Chinese LCD panels. This innovation enhances brightness, lifespan, and performance, allowing South Korean firms to expand their footprint in IT and automotive applications.