Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2025-09-24 11:48Core Viewpoint - Major panel manufacturers are heavily investing in the 8.6-generation OLED production lines, with total investments reaching approximately 150 billion yuan, aiming to dominate the mid-size IT panel market for laptops and tablets [1][4]. Investment Overview - BOE is investing 63 billion yuan, Visionox 55 billion yuan, and TCL Huaxing 29.5 billion yuan in the 8.6-generation OLED production lines [1]. - TCL Huaxing's recent announcement marks a significant shift from its previous stance of not planning new investments in OLED production lines [1][2]. Market Dynamics - The shift towards 8.6-generation OLED production is driven by the need for larger glass substrates that enhance cutting efficiency for mid-size IT panels [3]. - The new 8.6-generation glass substrate size of 2290mm x 2620mm allows for more efficient production of larger displays compared to the previous 6-generation lines [3]. Technological Pathways - Different manufacturers are adopting varied technological approaches: - BOE and Samsung Display are using the mature "evaporation" process [2][10]. - TCL Huaxing is focusing on "printing" technology, which aims to reduce costs and improve yield rates [12][13]. - Visionox is investing in its proprietary "ViP" technology, which utilizes semiconductor lithography [15]. Market Potential - The release of Apple's OLED iPad Pro in May 2024 has catalyzed the transition from LCD to OLED in the high-end IT market, prompting significant investments from manufacturers [4][5]. - Despite initial optimism, the actual sales of the iPad Pro fell short of expectations, leading to cautious approaches from some manufacturers like LG Display [5][16]. Competitive Landscape - Manufacturers are divided into three strategic paths: - Path 1: Companies like BOE and Samsung Display are betting on established technologies for certainty and speed [10][18]. - Path 2: TCL Huaxing and Visionox are pursuing innovative technologies to gain cost advantages [12][15]. - Path 3: Companies like LG Display and Deep Tianma are opting for a conservative approach, focusing on existing profitable segments while delaying large investments [16][18]. Financial Performance - As of mid-2025, major Chinese panel manufacturers reported improved financial results, with BOE achieving a revenue of 101.28 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.45% [9]. - In contrast, LG Display faced a complex financial situation, with a slight revenue decline despite a significant reduction in losses [9].