At CES 2026, Samsung Electronics publicly showcased its first 130-inch Micro RGB large display, highlighting the limits of LCD panel sizes. However, the event's technical standout emerged behind closed doors: a 140-inch self-emissive microLED TV featuring an innovative bezel extension enabled by AI analysis, which breaks traditional screen border constraints.
Taiwan's two major panel makers posted their highest combined revenue in four years in 2025, with December showing both month-over-month and year-over-year growth. As China now dominates the global LCD panel market, both companies have spent recent years pushing transformation initiatives. Market expectations for 2026 suggest that AU Optronics' (AUO) display revenue could drop below 50% of total revenue.
Benefiting from increased shipments of new and existing electric vehicle (EV) models, LED automotive lighting module maker Laster Tech reported consolidated revenue of NT$2.201 billion (approx. US$69.5 million) for the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a quarter-over-quarter growth of 8.83%. The company plans to adopt a selective order strategy in the Chinese market while enhancing its competitiveness within the North American supply chain.
Mini LED backlight TVs clearly dominated the show floor at CES 2026, overtaking OLED TVs as the next leading display technology. As major global brands jostle for position with the new technology, Mini LED TV shipments are expected to exceed 20 million units in 2026.
South Korea's optoelectronics industry once grew rapidly with Gwangju as its center, but growth slowed under competition from China. The National Assembly of South Korea recently held a forum to discuss the current state of the photonics market, including opportunities and challenges for Gwangju, which was once a major photonics hub. As optical technologies become core infrastructure supporting AI, cloud computing, and autonomous driving, South Korea's industry is calling for Gwangju to make a transformative integration.
LED driver IC designer Macroblock stated that Micro LED applications based on PCB substrates have been rolled out one after another, while Micro LED applications using glass substrates are expected to enter the mass production stage starting in 2026. The company expects double-digit annual growth, with more than 10 new vehicle models set to adopt its automotive IC products in 2026. Macroblock is optimistic that the share of automotive products will increase from 14% to nearly 20% in 2026.
CES has increasingly become a key platform for the automotive industry, often dubbed an alternative auto show in recent years due to the rising presence of car-related technologies. From concept vehicles and autonomous driving to electrification, automakers' displays frequently outshine traditional consumer electronics.
TCL has risen to second place worldwide in TV shipments, trailing only Samsung Electronics, as the Chinese electronics group leverages supply chain integration and display technology development to gain share in the global TV market.
Although CES 2026 is not traditionally a smartphone-focused event, TCL drew attention with its new NxtPaper 70 Pro smartphone. The device features NxtPaper 4.0 display technology, with its most notable difference from conventional smartphones being a dedicated shortcut key that allows users to switch display modes.
Touch panel makers General Interface Solution (GIS) and TPK Holding are stepping up their transformation strategies.
Samsung Electronics is reportedly evaluating whether to source OLED display panels from China's BOE Technology Group for its flagship Galaxy S smartphone lineup, as it looks to rein in component costs while weighing legal and quality risks.
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