Micro LED chip market to reach $580M by 2028
Market will be focused on head-mounted devices and automotive applications, says TrendForce
TrendForce’s '2024 MicroLED Market Trend and Cost Analysis Report' reveals that the market value of MicroLED chips is projected to reach $580 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 84 percent from 2023 to 2028.
Efforts to reduce the cost of MicroLED chips through size miniaturisation are ongoing. Companies like LGE, BOE, and Vistar continue to invest in large display applications, while AUO has been focusing on developing smartwatch products. There is also growing demand for new display applications in head-mounted devices and for automotive uses.
The inability to reduce costs and technical challenges were major factors behind the cancellation of Apple’s MicroLED watch. Therefore, continuous optimisation of production processes remains critical for the development of the MicroLED industry, says TrendForce.
The evolution of mass transfer technology is expected to shift from single to composite technique, such as combining laser transfer with stamp transfer and potentially achieving a transfer solution with bonding capability with no stiction.
Inspection and repair processes are critical for improving yield rates and reducing MicroLED costs. Current electrical testing methods are being upgraded, focusing on high-precision probe cards and contactless testing. These advancements are not only leading the development of electrical testing but also present significant business opportunities for equipment manufacturers.
The cancellation of the Apple Watch has prompted chip supplier Ams Osram to consider selling its 8-inch plant in Malaysia. If the buyer is a company within the current MicroLED supply chain, this could positively impact the industry’s technical development and cost structure optimisation. Considering the shift in technology routes and target markets, Chinese compound semiconductor manufacturers developing 8-inch SiC power semiconductors are also potential buyers. This would allow them to expand into international markets, providing chip manufacturers with a means to increase profitability.
Opportunities in the MicroLED industry
MicroLED still retains distinct advantages over competing technologies like Micro OLED. In AR glasses, which require light engines and high brightness and small volume, MicroLED light engines have now achieved sizes smaller than 0.2cc. With brightness levels advancing toward 350,000 nits, MicroLED is well-suited for high-brightness, all-weather, and all-scene recognition. The rapid development of AI-assisted tools is also expected to drive demand for AR glasses with MicroLED displays over the next 1 to 2 years.
In the automotive sector, displays do not require extremely high PPI but demand higher contrast and reliability. MicroLED technology, with its high brightness, contrast, wide colour gamut, and fast response, can enhance the driving experience when integrated into smart cockpit display solutions with unique shapes, curves, flexibility, and feedback. This expands the potential applications of MicroLED in automotive scenarios—such as AR-HUDs and P-HUDS—as well as innovative display technologies for car windows using transparent displays.
