AMOLED display market will reach $16bn by 2020

Already commercialised in handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy Round, rigid plastic OLED displays are not manufactured on glass but on a polyimide substrate (this plastic is known for its resistance to high temperatures). IDTechEx believes that the first flagship phone with a flexible display will ship in 2017 and, based on this, that the market for plastic and flexible AMOLED displays will grow to $16bn within the next six years.

Plastic and flexible OLED display revenue forecast

In order to provide a granular analysis, the market forecast have been split into eight major market segments: mobile phones, tablets & notebooks, TVs, automotive & aerospace, wearable electronics, industrial/professional, microdisplays and others.

With the proliferation of wearable technology, such as smart watches and fitness bands, sales of very small (less than 2") OLED panels are increasing.

Recently introduced, OLED TVs (differentiated by the extended colour gamut, high contrast, ultra-thin form factor and curved panel) are believed to be critical for the growth of the OLED display market. While this market is currently relatively small, IDTechEx project it to have a CAGR of 42% over the next ten years.

OLED displays - CAGR by market segment (2014-2024)

As well as the market forecast, the 'OLED Display Forecasts 2014-2024: The Rise of Plastic and Flexible Displays' report features an extensive description of the technologies available with company profiles of key players. Years of tracking the various components of OLED displays (substrates, TFT, barrier films, etc.) has enabled IDTechEx to critically assess the technical challenges for the future. A chapter is also included on the progress of printing in OLED display manufacturing.