In Apple's first-generation MR product Vision Pro, the most expensive components are two Micro-OLED displays, using the most advanced silicon-based OLED technology, and SeeYA Technology is Apple's No. 1 supplier, accounting for more than 50%. Micro OLED Display Technology, an advanced microdisplay solution that is ideal for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices.
Micro OLED displays manufacture self-illuminating OLED pixels directly on a silicon substrate, which has the following distinguishing features compared to traditional LCD or large OLED panels:
High Contrast & Pure Blacks: Because each pixel of the Micro OLED is self-illuminating and does not rely on a backlight system, it can achieve extremely high contrast and true black displays.
Compact size and thin design: Micro OLED displays are compact and can achieve small size and low thickness, which is essential for headsets that require lightweight and comfortable wearing.
Fast response time: The very fast response time of the Micro OLED helps reduce motion blur and lag for a smoother and more immersive experience in virtual reality environments.
High pixel density and detailed image quality: Due to its miniaturization, Micro OLED can achieve extremely high pixel density (PPI) to provide an extremely clear and sharp visual experience.
Low-power performance: Compared to other types of display technologies, Micro OLED can effectively reduce energy consumption and extend battery life due to its self-illuminating pixels and the need for no additional backlight components.
Customization and integration advantages: The micro OLED screen used in Apple's Vision Pro is deeply customized, which allows the display elements to be better integrated with other hardware to adapt to the unique needs of the product.
Micro OLED Industry Chain & Merchants:
1) Silicon-based IC design and manufacturing: IC design factories are generally Novatek, Ruiding, and Chipone, and wafer foundries are TSMC and SMIC. The lithography scheme requires the use of equipment such as a ** machine, a gluing machine, an etching machine and a developer machine. **The machine is generally made of Nikon and Canon, and the gluing machine is generally made of Japan's TEPCO Electronics Tel and Toray, etc., while the domestic etching machine and other equipment can be used.
2) OLED process: The evaporator is the largest single value in the equipment investment, and the investment of an evaporator needs to exceed 200 million. Evaporation machines are generally used by Japanese and Korean manufacturers**, such as Tokki, Sunic and Yas, etc.
3) OLED packaging process: The equipment used in the packaging section includes PECVD and ALD, etc., which are generally used by foreign manufacturers.
4) CF process: Using lithography technology, the equipment is similar to that of anode manufacturing equipment.
5) Cutting, SMD and module testing: Manufacturers include Liande Equipment, Yitian, Shenzhen Keda and Zhiyun Co., Ltd., and the total value of FPC and polarizer lamination equipment on a production line is less than 50 million.
2. Micro OLED manufacturers and production capacity:
1) Abroad: Sony is the leading manufacturer of more than 50% of Micro OLED products on the market. There is a 12-inch mass production line with a monthly production capacity of 10k. Samsung is in R&D and has not yet mass-produced, and LG is still in the device stage with a slower progress.
2) Domestic: BOE currently has an 8-inch R&D line and a 12-inch mass production line. The 12-inch mass production line has a monthly production capacity of 10k, and is currently in the yield ramp-up stage. SeeYA currently has a 12-inch mass production line with a monthly production capacity of about 9K, and will have two production lines with a monthly production capacity of 18K in September next year. Kunshan Mengxian, Xitai, and Lakeside are building 8-inch R&D lines, and there is no mass production.
3. About SeeYA Micro OLED products:
1) Yield: 40%-50%, the yield improvement depends on the circuit yield and evaporation package yield. With mass production, the packaging yield can be increased by about 10% per year. The circuit yield is about 60%-70%, which is difficult to improve.
2) Share distribution in Apple: It depends on Sony, the first is to look at the sales of MR next year, and the second is to look at Sony's ** ability, Sony's ** gap will be filled by manufacturers with production capacity and cooperative relations with Apple.
According to previous information, Apple initially chose Sony as the exclusive supplier of Vision Pro Micro OLED display, but it was later reported that LG Display has also successfully entered the **chain system, breaking Sony's exclusive ** situation, which not only helps to increase production capacity, but also may promote cost optimization and technological progress through competition. This decision undoubtedly reflects Apple's optimism about the future of Micro OLED technology and its recognition of the key role that the technology plays in Apple's Vision Pro products.
Given the importance of these two Micro OLED displays in Apple's Vision Pro and SeeYA's role as a major leader, we can foresee that this advanced display technology will play a key role in the development of MR VR AR devices in the future, and may further promote the development of the entire industry to a higher level of technology. By adopting Micro OLED display technology, Apple has not only successfully improved the performance of Vision Pro products, but also led the innovation trend of next-generation display technology in the field of consumer electronics to a certain extent.