May 20, 2026 - According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, global capital expenditure on display equipment is projected to grow 53% year-over-year in 2026. OLED spending is expected to surge 77%, while LCD spending will see only modest 1% growth.
The report identifies major OLED growth drivers as Visionox's V5 project, TCL CSOT's t8 project, and Tianma's TM18 Phase 3-1 line. On the LCD side, the primary contribution is expected to come from Tianma's TM19 Phase 3 project.
Pixel Formation Technology Trends
Panel manufacturers are actively finalizing next-generation OLED pixel formation processes. Visionox has already replaced traditional Fine Metal Mask (FMM) evaporation with photo patterning technology. The new process has entered mass production for smartwatch panels on its G6 V3 line. TCL CSOT plans to adopt RGB inkjet printing technology on its t5 line to support mass production of notebook and monitor panels.
Samsung Display and LG Display are also developing photo patterning technology for OLED.
While non-FMM pixel formation methods currently face relatively low yield rates, Counterpoint expects yields to improve progressively as mass production continues.
Additionally, Chinese panel maker HKC is expected to launch its IPO around June. Part of the proceeds will be allocated to investment in a G6 OLED production line. HKC currently focuses on LCD TV panels at its G8.6 fab, but its G6 LCD project has been confirmed. The line will utilize equipment relocated from Japan Display Inc.'s (JDI) Maebashi factory, supplemented by newly purchased equipment.
