High-generation OLED (organic light-emitting diode) capacity has become a key battleground for leading players in the global semiconductor display industry. China currently has three 8.6-generation OLED production lines under construction, with recent progress updates from multiple projects.

Industry experts suggest that as Chinese companies ramp up high-generation OLED production starting next year, domestic semiconductor display manufacturers are expected to further increase their market share in the high-end segment, solidifying their dominance in the global industry.

**Accelerated Capacity Expansion** Universal Display Corporation (BOE) announced in November 2023 its investment in an 8.6-generation AMOLED production line, primarily targeting high-end touch OLED displays for laptops, tablets, and other smart devices. A company representative recently disclosed that the Chengdu 8.6-generation line is progressing smoothly, with core equipment installation completed four months ahead of schedule in May. Initial production is expected to begin in December, with mass production targeted for the second half of next year. BOE is collaborating with key domestic and international clients, with some products already undergoing verification at its Chongqing 6th-generation line.

Meanwhile, TCL China Star Optoelectronics (CSOT), a subsidiary of TCL Technology, commenced construction of its 8.6-generation printed OLED production line (T8 project) in October. The project, jointly funded by CSOT, the Guangzhou Municipal Government, and the Guangzhou Economic & Technological Development Zone, involves a total investment of approximately RMB 29.5 billion. According to Cao Weiran, head of CSOT’s printed OLED division, the T8 line is expected to achieve mass production within 24 months, targeting late 2027. Initial output will focus on mid-sized applications like monitors, notebooks, and tablets, with potential expansion into TVs and smartphones based on market demand.

Additionally, Visionox signed a cooperation agreement with the Hefei Municipal Government in May last year to jointly invest in an 8.6-generation flexible AMOLED production line, with a projected total investment of RMB 55 billion. Recently, Visionox announced plans to issue shares to raise up to RMB 2.937 billion, which would shift its controlling stake to Hefei Jianshu Investment Co., under the administration of Hefei’s Shushan District Government.

Overseas, Samsung Display announced in April 2023 a KRW 4.1 trillion (RMB 21.5 billion) investment to convert its large-size LCD line in Asan, South Korea, into an 8.6-generation OLED facility. CEO Lee Cheong confirmed that mass production is slated to begin around Q3 2026.

**Expanding Market Opportunities** According to Minmetals Securities, OLED technologies include FMM OLED, ViP OLED, and printed OLED. The combined investments by Samsung Display, BOE, Visionox, and CSOT in 8.6-generation OLED lines approach RMB 170 billion, with other manufacturers likely to follow suit.

Industry insiders predict that as global OLED capacity surges between 2024 and 2028, production costs will decline, driving rapid market growth and expanding applications from small-sized devices to medium and large-sized products.

Cao Weiran noted that Chinese companies now account for nearly 50% of global OLED production. With three domestic players launching high-generation OLED lines, this share is projected to exceed 50%, transforming China from a "chip and panel importer" to a "panel and supply chain leader."

Liang Zhenpeng, a senior industry analyst, emphasized that Chinese firms are not only expanding their global semiconductor display market share but also strengthening competitiveness in high-end segments. Beyond OLED, advancements in Micro-LED and other cutting-edge technologies further position China as a leader in the global display industry.