TrendForce seems to be bullish on one display technology right now saying, global MicroLED chip revenue is on track to hit around $38.8 million in 2024, with large-display applications contributing most of the momentum. By 2028, as AR glasses technology matures and automotive displays gain traction, revenues could soar to about $489.5 million, says the company.
Several obstacles still stand in the way of broader MicroLED adoption. For starters, shrinking chip sizes to bring down costs remains a tough challenge, and the high price tags of current large displays aren’t drawing in many buyers. On the wearables side, the spotlight has shifted from new hardware to smart software integration, which doesn’t do much to encourage the switch to MicroLED. While the automotive world is intrigued—especially by transparent and heads-up displays—these technologies are still being tested and refined, making near-term sales growth pretty limited.
On the technical side, manufacturers are focusing on making production more efficient and reliable. Increasing yields in backplane production could save both time and money, especially as they try moving to larger backplanes to cut down on complicated assembly steps. Meanwhile, improving light extraction through smarter design and materials can help boost brightness without adding unnecessary cost.
As mass transfer techniques get better, the industry also needs to step up its game in testing and quality control. Current LED inspection methods need an upgrade to handle the tiny size and huge volumes of MicroLED chips. Getting these testing processes right is a top priority right now.
Despite all this, MicroLED still has a lot going for it. It offers standout features—like incredible brightness, contrast, and transparency—that can bring futuristic applications to life. Think see-through screens built right into car windows or next-level AR head-up displays. Paired with silicon substrates, MicroLED can also power bright, durable near-eye displays in AR glasses—something the industry sees as the future for cutting-edge wearable tech.
TrendForce stresses that the MicroLED market shouldn’t put all its eggs in the usual consumer electronics basket. Instead, it should lean into MicroLED’s unique strengths and combine them with different sensor technologies to unlock unexpected uses. Taking this more adventurous approach could help MicroLED find its way into all sorts of new niches, spurring both innovation and steady growth.
