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Trendforce: MicroLED Display Technology Is Accelerating Toward Mass Adoption

Optronics Industry | 2025-12-01

MicroLED display technology is moving rapidly toward mass adoption. As supply chains evolve and new packageless LED technologies mature, MicroLED displays are becoming more competitive across both professional and consumer markets. The latest research from Futuresource shows that this shift is not slowing down; in fact, the MicroLED display market is entering a period of accelerated growth.

MicroLED display
MicroLED display made of Kinglight MIP0606 LEDs attracted great attention at SLS Expo 2025

A Market on the Rise

Futuresource estimates that the global market for narrow pixel pitch (NPP) and ultra-narrow pixel pitch (UNPP) LED displays will reach $11.7 billion by 2029. Much of this momentum comes from new manufacturing approaches that improve durability, lower costs, and make MicroLED displays viable for more applications.

A key trend is the rapid expansion of packageless LED technology. Chip-on-board (COB) and chip-on-glass (COG) solutions are forecast to grow at a 75% CAGR over the next five years. In contrast, traditional packaged LEDs such as SMD, IMD, and MiP are showing flat growth. The industry is clearly shifting toward technologies better suited for smaller pixel pitches and premium visual quality.

COB Leads the First Wave of Adoption

COB technology is already transitioning into mass production. As factories scale up, the average selling price of COB-based MicroLED displays is expected to drop by around 30% by mid-2026. This sharp decline will make COB LED walls significantly more accessible.

According to the report, COB is expected to grow at more than 66% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, reaching a market value of $5.1 billion. This growth is driven by its strong protection features, enhanced reliability, and suitability for close-up viewing.

COG Brings MicroLED to a New Level

While COB is scaling first, COG is progressing steadily toward commercial readiness. Major manufacturers— including AUO, BOE, Innolux, Leyard, LG, Samsung, and Vistar—are already investing heavily in COG MicroLED display technology.

Futuresource forecasts that COG will enter small-scale production by 2026 and reach full volume production by 2029. By the early 2030s, it is expected to achieve mass-market economies of scale. In the professional AV sector alone, COG MicroLED displays could reach $1.5 billion in 2029, growing at an impressive 172% CAGR.

MicroLED Displays Compete Directly With LCD and OLED

As pixel pitches become finer and manufacturing costs decline, LED will increasingly challenge LCD and OLED in mainstream environments. Meeting rooms, classrooms, digital signage, and even home entertainment will see stronger competition from MicroLED displays.

Compared with LCD and OLED, a MicroLED display can deliver higher brightness, stronger durability, and better long-term performance. At the same time, its visual quality is continuing to improve, especially in ultra-fine pixel pitch formats.

A Transforming Manufacturing Landscape

Industry analysts describe the current shift as “seismic.” The rise of MicroLED display technology is expected to change the balance of expertise across the entire supply chain. Semiconductor-level precision will become more important than traditional LED packaging experience.

As COB and COG technologies mature, the industry will see new production processes, updated supply chains, and new market opportunities. More importantly, these advancements will expand the global LED market across almost every vertical.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for MicroLED Display Technology

The MicroLED display market is moving quickly toward mass adoption. With strong growth forecasts for COB and COG, falling production costs, and improving visual performance, MicroLED displays are becoming a practical choice for both professional and consumer use. As the technology continues to evolve, it will redefine what is possible in modern display systems and set a new standard for future visual experiences.