Asia's MicroLED Race Accelerates as Car Displays and AR Lead Innovation

From Taiwan's breakthroughs to China's patent surge, Asia is rewriting the future of displays. Could your next car screen be the first MicroLED you touch?

, and Administrator

2026 February 20 . 7:42 PM

1 min read

The image shows a close up of a microprocessor chip on a yellow background. The chip is green and... — The image shows a close up of a microprocessor chip on a yellow background. The chip is green and cream in color and has the words "Microsoft" written on it.

Asia's MicroLED Race Accelerates as Car Displays and AR Lead Innovation

The race to develop MicroLED technology is heating up across Asia. While smartwatches and phones may not be the first to feature these screens, other applications like car displays and AR glasses are leading the way. Companies in South Korea, China, and Taiwan are now driving innovation in this fast-growing sector.

Taiwanese firms have taken a prominent role in MicroLED advancements. At Touch Taiwan 2024, Innolux showcased new MicroLED solutions aimed at car screens and digital artists. Alongside AUO and PlayNitride, these companies are now seen as Asia's leading 'MicroLED champions'.

South Korea remains a major player, holding the highest number of MicroLED patents filed between 2012 and 2022. Samsung and LG continue to invest heavily in research, expressing confidence in the technology's future. Meanwhile, China is catching up fast, with a higher growth rate in new patent applications than both South Korea and the USA.

The shift in development focus toward Asia comes as Apple steps back. The tech giant recently ended its MicroLED partnership with AMS Osram, leaving the field more open for Asian competitors. Despite this, no major car manufacturers have yet announced collaborations with Taiwanese producers for vehicle displays.

MicroLED technology is gaining momentum, particularly in Asia, where South Korea, China, and Taiwan are pushing boundaries. While consumer electronics may adopt it later, car screens and AR devices could see the first real-world applications. The region's growing patent activity and industry investments suggest a competitive future for this display technology.