According to the latest OLED research by TrendForce, with TCL CSOT's recent official announcement of the groundbreaking for its t8 project—an 8.6-generation OLED production line—global investments in large-generation IT OLED panels have entered a flourishing phase. The report highlights that both the FMM (Fine Metal Mask) and FMM-free camps are rapidly expanding their production line investments, signaling a future of diversified competition in the IT OLED panel supply chain.
Currently, the FMM camp holds advantages such as stable client relationships and extensive production experience, while the FMM-free camp is still in its early stages. Technologies like ViP (Visionox intelligent Pixelization) and IJP (Inkjet Printing) face challenges such as lower yields and material development hurdles. However, due to strong market interest, the FMM-free camp still has potential to catch up with the FMM camp.
TrendForce notes that South Korean panel manufacturer Samsung Display (SDC) is the market pioneer, having initiated investments in 8.6-generation OLED production lines ahead of others. Chinese manufacturers like BOE, Visionox, and TCL CSOT have also followed suit with their own 8.6-generation OLED line investments.
SDC announced its 8.6-generation investment plan in 2023, utilizing traditional FMM evaporation technology. To extend screen lifespan, SDC also plans to adopt Tandem OLED processes. Equipment installation is already complete, and the Tandem OLED technology has gained favor from Apple, with products expected to debut in the new MacBook Pro series in 2026. Mass production is anticipated to begin as early as Q2 2026.
Following SDC, BOE announced its 8.6-generation OLED production line investment at the end of 2023, also adopting FMM evaporation and Tandem OLED technology. Equipment installation has been underway since Q2 2025, with production lines expected to start operation in the first half of 2026. Additionally, BOE's existing supply of OLED notebook panels to Chinese and Taiwanese brands via its 6th-generation lines lays a foundation for future client demand once its 8.6-generation line enters mass production.
Meanwhile, Visionox and TCL CSOT are part of the FMM-free camp. Visionox employs its self-developed ViP technology, which promises higher PPI (pixels per inch) and aperture ratios compared to traditional FMM. The company announced plans for its 8.6-generation OLED line in Q2 2024, with factory construction expected to conclude by Q4 2025 and mass production targeted for Q1 2027.
TCL CSOT, on the other hand, utilizes inkjet printing (IJP) technology, which simplifies the production process and theoretically reduces material waste by about 30%. Following the recent groundbreaking ceremony for its 8.6-generation OLED line, the company aims to achieve mass production by Q4 2027.