ComputInsights #33 – Weekly Computing Market Insights

Market Growth

Global Display Market Shifts as OLED Acceleration Challenges LCD Dominance

The global display market is expanding steadily, yet the rapid rise of OLED technology is reshaping competitive dynamics and placing continued pressure on LCD-focused regions such as Taiwan. While the industry is projected to reach US$131.5 billion by 2026, strong OLED momentum, driven by IT applications, automotive displays and major investments from leading manufacturers, threatens the viability of mid- to high-end LCD production. Taiwan’s panel makers are responding with a mix of premium innovation, vertical integration and diversification, but China’s expanding LCD capacity and the forthcoming mass production of high-generation OLED lines in 2026–27 will intensify competition and force further restructuring across the sector.

Company-Specific News

Foxconn Unveils Advanced Humanoid Robotics as It Targets 2026 Factory Deployment

Foxconn has introduced its first bipedal humanoid robot and dexterous robotic hand, signalling a major step toward integrating next-generation robotics into its manufacturing ecosystem. Developed in partnership with Nvidia, the robots are set for proof-of-concept deployment in Foxconn factories by early 2026, supporting tasks such as inspection, transport and assembly. With advanced joint modules, high-precision hand design and specialised robot variants, Foxconn is positioning itself to compete across both full-robot systems and critical component technologies.

Micron Reaffirms 2026 HBM4 Launch as Production Fully Booked

Micron has dismissed rumours of an HBM4 redesign and confirmed that the product remains on schedule for a 2026 launch, with all capacity for both HBM3E and HBM4 already fully allocated. Executives reiterated that shipments will begin in the second quarter of 2026, countering reports of delays linked to Nvidia’s specifications. Despite industry debate over its manufacturing approach, Micron maintains confidence in its design strategy and expects faster yield improvements and stronger margins as HBM4 enters production.

SK Hynix Ramps Up 1c DRAM as AI-Driven Memory Super Cycle Accelerates

SK Hynix is dramatically expanding its 1c DRAM capacity – rising from 20,000 wafers per month to as high as 190,000 next year – as it positions itself for the AI memory super cycle, with more than one-third of its DRAM output to be dedicated to AI applications. The company has also confirmed that HBM4 prices have surged over 50% and that its 2026 production is fully sold out, aligning with TrendForce forecasts placing global DRAM revenues at US$231 billion in 2025. This surge underscores the industry’s entry into an unprecedented growth phase, fuelled by rising demand for high-bandwidth memory across AI accelerators and advanced computing systems.