Smartwatch display unit shipments are expected to grow 250% year-over-year, reaching a record 34-million units in 2015, led by demand for the new Apple Watch.
According to IHS, the leading global source of critical information and insight, the display market is still assessing the staying power of smartwatch demand, so as not to overshoot display supply needs in the coming year.
Smartwatch display shipments are forecasted to decline to 6,5-million units in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2015.
Because both Apple Watch and Samsung Gear rely on active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) panels, that technology will comprise the majority (58%) of total smartwatch panels shipped. Based on the latest information from the HIS Quarterly Small/Medium Shipment and Forecast Report, Apple Watch is expected to make up 84% of AMOLED smartwatch panels and 49^ of total displays for smartwatch shipped in 2015.
“Apple Watch has attracted a lot of attention from consumers, which has led to increased demand,” says Hiroshi Hayse, director of analysis and research at IHS Technology. “The display market is carefully watching consumer response to products in the smartwatch category, which should help to improve future display technologies.”