The global tablet display market is poised for a significant shift in 2026, driven by a sharp rise in OLED panel adoption. According to new analysis from Omdia’s Tablet and Notebook Display and OEM Intelligence Service, OLED tablet panel shipments are expected to climb by 39 per cent year-on-year to reach 15 million units. This marks a major turnaround after years of slower than anticipated growth and is projected to serve as the main catalyst for overall tablet panel shipment expansion next year.

Preliminary feedback from supply chain manufacturers points to a 1.4 per cent year-on- year increase in total tablet panel shipments in 2026, which would bring volumes to 301.5 million units. LCD technology will continue to dominate, with LCD tablet panel shipments forecast at 286.4 million units, a figure that remains close to last year’s level. While Chinese suppliers anticipate continued growth from domestic customers, companies that depend heavily on Apple or major global tablet brands are planning more cautiously due to the unusually strong shipment base recorded in 2025.

“OLED tablet panel shipments are finally becoming the main engine of tablet panel growth,” said Linda Lin, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia. “In 2026 we expect OLED shipments to grow 39 percent year on year to 15 million units, while LCD remains at roughly the same shipment level as 2025, so most of the incremental demand comes from OLED.”

Samsung Display’s higher shipment expectations for the Apple iPad Pro and the upcoming iPad mini are set to play a major role in the OLED surge. Chinese manufacturers are also preparing to increase shipments of both rigid and flexible OLED tablet panels. BOE, ChinaStar and Visionox in particular are aiming for elevated flexible OLED volume for Huawei devices in 2026.

The momentum follows a strong 2025, during which tablet panel shipments are projected to reach 297.4 million units. This would represent an 8 per cent year-on-year rise and the highest annual volume ever recorded. It would also mark the first time the market approaches the 300 million unit threshold. Robust demand from the first through the third quarter of 2025 has encouraged leading brands such as Apple, Lenovo and Samsung to expand their market share aggressively.

Historically, panels used for non tablet applications have accounted for roughly 50 to 55 percent of total tablet panel shipments each year. In 2025 that share is expected to slip below 50 per cent due to stronger than anticipated tablet demand from top tier brands.

By technology, LCD remains the growth driver in 2025. LCD tablet panel shipments are expected to reach 286.5 million units, an 8.3 percent year on year increase. OLED tablet panel shipments, in contrast, are projected to decline by 3.5 percent to 10.9 million units, reflecting weaker demand in the premium segment. Chinese suppliers including BOE, ChinaStar, HKC Display and Tianma have been particularly aggressive in expanding their supply to major domestic brands such as Lenovo, Huawei, Honor and Xiaomi.

Omdia’s Tablet and Notebook Display and OEM Intelligence Service provides detailed tracking and forecasts of tablet and notebook panel shipments by technology, supplier and brand. The service is designed to help industry participants understand market demand trends and supply dynamics across the global display sector.