With the increasing demand for active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) panels from smartphones, it is expected that by 2020, shipments of flexible AMOLED panels will account for more than 50% of total AMOLED panel shipments.
According to data provided by IHS Markit, by 2020, shipments of flexible AMOLED panels are expected to reach 335.7 million units, exceeding rigid AMOLED panel shipments (315.9 million units). At that time, flexible AMOLED panels are expected to reach 52.0% of total AMOLED panel shipments, up from 38.9% in 2018.
Jerry Kang, senior principal analyst of display research at IHS Markit, said: "As the demand for curved or full-screen displays increases, the industry's demand for flexible AMOLED panel smartphones has also skyrocketed since 2016. Major smartphone brands have been Promoting flexible AMOLED screens for their premium products makes a big difference from products with rigid AMOLED and low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. "
Apple Inc. adopted a flexible AMOLED panel for its iPhone X model for the first time in 2017, and it is expected that the second mobile phone launched in 2018 will also be equipped with a flexible AMOLED panel, which is slightly larger than the first. Consumer demand for the new iPhone is expected to help drive shipments of flexible AMOLED panels.
Kang said: "Another factor is that high-end smartphone brands now plan to launch foldable products by using flexible AMOLED panels, and this series of products is unlikely to use rigid AMOLED or LTPS LCD panels. In the short term, foldable AMOLED panels are expected Will be the key to changing the demand for mobile devices. "
It is estimated that the total shipment of flexible AMOLED panels will reach 157.6 million in 2018, which is more than three times that of 46.5 million in 2015, and the average annual compound growth rate will reach 50%.