Taiwan-based panel makers AU Optronics (AUO) and Chimei Innolux (CMI) will both introduce AMOLED panel products in 2012 to compete against Korean rivals who have been dominating the market for a technology that poses a strong challenge to TFT LCD in the display market.

AUO has showcased four different sizes of AMOLED panels in exhibitions and plans to introduce small- and medium-size AMOLED panel products in 2012.

CMI is currently using its 3.5G LTPS TFT LCD capacity to produce AMOLED products. The firm plans to ship small-size AMOLED products in third-quarter 2012.

China-based peers have also been expanding their AMOLED capacities. BOE and Tianma have been setting up 5.5G LTPS production lines. China makers will likely begin mass production of AMOLED panels in 2012-2013.

AMOLED technology development has been dominated by South Korea-based Samsung Mobile Display (SMD). It currently has over 90% of the small- and medium-size AMOLED market. SMD also has 4.5G and 5.5G production lines.

LG Display has been developing large-size AMOLED products. Currently, its 55-inch AMOLED TV panel has been put to production. The two South Korea-based firms have been planning to set up 8G AMOLED production lines in 2012.