- Omdia forecasts a 36% tandem penetration in the OLED tablet and notebook panel market by 2026.
- Apple's strategy with OLED-based iPad Pro and anticipated MacBook Pro drives this growth.
- Tandem OLED panels offer higher brightness and lifespan but come at higher production costs.
According to recent research from Omdia, tandem RGB penetration into the OLED tablet and notebook panel markets has seen a significant surge, jumping from virtually zero to over 30% in 2024. This increase is largely driven by Apple's introduction of OLED-based iPad Pro models, which target the premium segment of the mobile PC market. Apple's strategy leverages tandem OLED technology to enhance display quality, differentiating their products from competitors and legacy devices.
Omdia's study predicts that tandem penetration will rise to 36% by 2026, as Apple is expected to launch its first OLED-based MacBook Pro models. Tandem OLEDs, characterized by double-stacked RGB emission layers, potentially offer twice the brightness and quadruple the lifespan, making them highly attractive to both manufacturers and consumers who prioritize display enhancements.
However, tandem OLEDs come with their own set of challenges. Charles Annis, Practice Leader at Omdia’s Display Research group, noted that while tandem OLEDs offer performance benefits, variations between the emission layers can degrade image quality and make the panels susceptible to crosstalk. Additionally, the production of tandem OLEDs requires more evaporation steps and fine metal masks (FMM), resulting in increased material consumption and reduced production yields. Consequently, manufacturing tandem panels is 50% to 75% more expensive than single-layer OLEDs.
Despite the higher costs, tandem OLEDs are expected to capture significant market share in applications where brightness and longevity are valued, such as automotive displays where tandem penetration is nearing 50%. For RGB notebook and tablet displays, tandem OLED shipments are projected to grow at a robust 25% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2030, outperforming the single-layer OLED market, which is forecast to grow at a 29% CAGR.
Omdia, part of Informa Tech Target (TTGT, Financial), remains a key player in the technology research sector, providing deep insights into tech markets to aid organizations in making strategic growth decisions.
