DigiTimes综述：LG Display保留microLED研发但暂缓大规模量产投资，无新增订单或财务事实

LG Display (LGD) has reportedly continued developing microLED technology despite Apple Inc. ending its microLED project, though it has put large-scale mass-production investment on hold. The South Korean display maker is using external pilot lines to preserve its technical capabilities and prepare for potential future market growth.

According to industry sources cited by South Korean media outlet Dealsite , LGD remains engaged in microLED development. However, because it cannot independently secure all the necessary equipment, the company is currently conducting research through pilot production lines operated by external partners.
Analysts said LGD is prioritizing lower research and development costs over an early investment in production equipment, given the difficulty of predicting when microLED technology will become commercialized.
Tiny chips, big hurdles
MicroLED is a panel technology that uses micrometer-scale LEDs as pixels. Compared with OLED, currently the mainstream technology for high-end displays, microLED offers advantages including higher brightness and a longer service life.
However, the mass-transfer process required to move and attach extremely small LED chips to a substrate is highly challenging. Achieving high pixel density on small displays such as smartwatches requires precise placement of the chips while keeping defect rates to a minimum.
In addition to reaching technical maturity, microLED must also overcome yield and production-cost challenges, which have become major obstacles to commercialization.
Apple's exit cools investment
Apple had initially viewed microLED as a next-generation technology to replace OLED. According to South Korean media outlet Aju News , LGD had also prepared to participate in the related supply chain.
However, high manufacturing costs and unresolved technical challenges led Apple to end its microLED project for the Apple Watch in 2024. The decision reduced LGD's incentive to make a large-scale investment in mass production.
Rivals press ahead
MicroLED has not completely lost its commercial prospects. Even after Apple exited the business, overseas companies have continued investing in the technology and have made progress in bringing actual products to market.
For example, AU Optronics (AUO) has partnered with PlayNitride Inc. to develop microLED production lines. In September 2025, the companies worked with Garmin to launch the fēnix 8 Pro smartwatch featuring a microLED display.
Companies in China are also actively developing microLED technology. Analysts said China has both companies capable of efficiently producing LEDs and an established production base for display substrates, allowing it to leverage existing industrial strengths to accelerate its shift toward microLED.
As a result, South Korea's display industry cannot rule out future growth in the microLED market. Industry observers said this is why LGD has continued its related technology research even though it has temporarily decided not to begin mass production.
Investing with caution
LGD is strengthening the competitiveness of its OLED business while also evaluating whether to invest in next-generation OLED panels for IT applications. Under these circumstances, committing substantial funds to a technology with an uncertain commercialization timeline is difficult. LGD therefore needs to assess investment carefully, but that does not mean it must stop internal research and development.