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What is the case ?
Samsung Display plans to bring in its first IT 8th generation OLED deposition machine, Great news right ?
Samsung is currently in the process of acquiring the essential equipment needed to establish production lines for its eighth-generation OLED panels. While one might presume that this investment is solely geared towards catering to Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro lineup, set to adopt OLED technology in the future, that assumption would be incorrect. According to a recent report, the company is also striving to position itself as a supplier for other laptop manufacturers.
Samsung is gearing up for the establishment of its OLED production line, with the delivery of new evaporator equipment from Japan’s Canon Toki scheduled for March this year. According to The Elec, the factory is expected to become operational in the latter half of 2025. Interestingly, the initial batch of OLED panels won’t be designated for Apple and its upgraded MacBook Pro models. Instead, Samsung appears to be targeting HP and Dell as potential recipients for these panels. This implies that these companies could enter into competition with the California-based giant by incorporating higher-quality panels into their products at an earlier stage.
What step has been taken by Samsung ?
Various estimates suggest that Apple is unlikely to adopt OLED technology for the MacBook Pro for several years. A prior report indicates that Apple’s supply chain partners have not yet established dedicated production lines for this transition. The earliest projection for the introduction of the first OLED MacBook Pro is around 2026 or 2027, creating a significant production timeline gap for Samsung’s factory.
During this period, the manufacturer could potentially receive orders from various other notebook makers, including those mentioned earlier, thereby expanding its customer base. This strategy would allow Samsung to continue its operations, recover the billions it invested, and sustain momentum. On a different note, BOE reportedly invested in an eighth-generation OLED production facility last year. However, it remains unconfirmed whether BOE will supply OLED panels to Apple for its future MacBook Pro models.
Updating you all from TheELEC
What official news says ?
Samsung Display is set to integrate its initial deposition machine into its Gen 8 OLED production in the coming month, as revealed by TheElec.
This machine, manufactured by Japan’s Canon Tokki, will be utilized in producing Gen 8 OLED panels, with Samsung Display targeting the production of OLED panels specifically designed for PCs and tablets.
The first batches of these OLED panels are intended for customers Dell and HP, as Samsung Display works towards eventually manufacturing OLED panels for Apple’s MacBook lineup. Notably, there has been no second order placed with Canon Tokki as of now.
The chambers for the initial machine are currently in production by H&iruja, ICD, Wonik IPS, and Pine Solution.
The Gen 8 OLED production line is expected to become operational next year, considering the time required to establish proper production processes after the installation of the machines.
What is the motto ?
In the previous year, Samsung Display announced a plan to invest 4.1 trillion won by 2026, with the goal of achieving a production capacity of 10 million units per year by that time.
In contrast, competitors BOE and LG Display are facing challenges. BOE expressed its intention to invest in Gen 8 OLED production but has yet to finalize the deposition machine vendor. LG Display is currently dealing with financial constraints and must secure liquidity before initiating investments in Gen 8 OLED production.