LG OLED TV production may slow as focus switches to smaller OLED panels
LG OLED TVs aren't going anywhere, but there may be a change in tactics
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It definitely isn’t all doom and gloom for the future of LG OLED TVs, but recent reports point to the fact that LG Display may be shifting some of their focus to smaller OLED panels such as tablets, laptops, and monitor panels on the 8.6G IT production line. This follows similar moves by Samsung and China’s BOE.
FlatpanelsHD is one outlet to report on this move and it could see OLED monitors become the most popular display type in the near future. It has enjoyed plenty of success on big-screen TVs and larger monitors, but it has become much more commonplace for smaller displays – especially in 2024 with many OLED gaming monitors on the way.
LG invest in new 8.6G OLED IT factory
News that LG Display are investing in smaller OLED panels could have an affect on the larger OLED TVs, to a certain extent. This is because reports suggest that the new 8.6G IT production line will be set up the same P10 factory in South Korea – which was originally built with plans to mass produce OLED TV panels more efficiently with larger 10.5G sheets. Development could start during Q3 or Q4 this year, but it is not known how long this will take to get up and running.
Looking at the image below, it demonstrates that an A6 8.6G panel (which is the size of an average polar bear if you’re interested) can be efficiently split into eighty-eight 14″ panels, which is ideal for smaller screens such as laptops (including the MacBook Pro). This lines up with Apple’s supposed plans to implement OLED panels into their iPad, MacBook, and Mac range in future.
Why are LG making smaller OLED panels?
This mostly comes down to demand. LG have been creating some of the best gaming TVs for some time now thanks to their OLED range in recent years, but demand is now slowing down following a surge of sales, Covid-19 being one key deciding factor for that sales boost. This doesn’t mean that production will stop, but priorities seem to be shifting elsewhere.
Like we mentioned before, Apple are one high-profile brand looking to make the move to using OLED panels for smaller screens. We’ve already seen a number of OLED monitors like the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE announced recently and Samsung’s own QD-OLED panel will be featured in the smaller 27″ OLED G6.
