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OMNIVISION's new LCoS panel OP03021, highlighting its compact size and high resolution.

Next Generation AR and AI Glass Display Innovation: OMNIVISION LCoS Panel and JBD MicroLED New Products

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OMNIVISION, which supplies LCoS to Meta’s smart glasses ‘Ray-Ban Display’, unveiled a high-resolution LCoS panel ‘OP03021’ for next-generation AR (augmented reality) glasses on December 16, 2025, and predicted mass production of the panel in the first half of 2026.

OMNIVISION's next-gen LCoS panel OP03021 for AR glasses

OMNIVISION’s 0.26-inch LCoS panel ‘OP03021’ with 2.5x higher resolution than previous models. (Source: Omnivision OP03021)

The newly released panel supports 1632 x 1536 resolution in a 0.26-inch optical format. This is an increase of about 2.5 times in resolution and nearly 6 times in total number of pixels compared to the existing 0.14-inch model (648p). When this panel is applied, it can secure a wide viewing angle of 30 to 40 degrees beyond the existing narrow viewing angle (20 degrees) limit, or dramatically increase the number of pixels per angle (PPD) to read web pages or e-mail text clearly. The volume of the optical engine equipped with the corresponding panel by integrating the driver IC is estimated to be about 1.5cc and the weight is about 4g.

Specification comparison table between the existing model and the new OP03021 model

The new OP03021 model features approx. 2.5x higher resolution and 1.85x larger panel size. (Source: UBI Research)

Meanwhile, JBD also officially announced that Hummingbird II, a next-generation microLED projector scheduled to be released in the first half of 2026, won the CES 2026 Innovation Award. It supports 500 × 380 resolution and 480Hz scan rate, and is an ultra-small and ultra-light product of 0.2cc and 0.5g that halves the volume and weight compared to previous generations. It emphasized that it is a full-color display solution optimized for AI and AR smart glasses for consumers by operating at low power of 95mW while implementing high luminance of up to 4,000 nits.

JBD Hummingbird II MicroLED projector on a fingertip

JBD’s ultra-compact MicroLED projector ‘Hummingbird II’, winner of the CES 2026 Innovation Award. (Source: JBD Hummingbird II)

The next-generation wearable display market is expected to clearly distinguish application fields according to technology characteristics.

  • MicroLED: Ultra-small size of 0.2cc is the strength, suitable for ‘everyday AI glasses’ that display simple data while maintaining the original design of glasses
  • LCoS: Responsible for the ‘universal AR glass’ market, which is suitable for web surfing or augmented reality information delivery, with high resolution and favorable characteristics for securing viewing angles.
  • OLEDoS: Based on high contrast ratio and color reproduction, market in the ‘MR headset and media glass’ area where video content consumption and immersion are important.

The industry is paying attention to the possibility of dualizing the smart glass lineup into ‘light AI glasses’ and ‘display-oriented AR glasses’ in the future. Expectations are growing for the possibility that new technologies such as OMNIVISION’s LCoS panel and JBD’s microLED will be applied to next-generation AR glasses of various global companies such as Meta, Apple, Google/Samsung.

Changho Noh,  Senior Analyst at UBI Research (chnoh@ubiresearch.com)

▶XR Industry Trends and OLEDoS Display Technology & Industry Analysis Report

▶2025 Micro-LED Display Industry and Technology Trends Report

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JBD and Chinese companies unveil Micro-LED AR/AI glasses and optical solutions at CIOE 2025

Accelerating the Advancement of Chinese Companies’ Technology and Supply Chain in Micro-LED Displays and Optical Solutions for AR/AI Glasses

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The 26th China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE) was held at the Shenzhen International Convention Center on September 10, 2025. At this exhibition, new Micro-LED-based AR products from companies like JBD and Goeroptics were prominently unveiled.

JBD’s ‘Hummingbird II’ Micro-LED color light engine and AR glasses (Source: UBI Research)

JBD’s showcased ‘Hummingbird II’ color light engine and AR glasses (Source: UBI Research)

AR display image as seen through JBD’s ‘Hummingbird II’ light engine (Source: UBI Research)

AR display as viewed through the Hummingbird II light engine (Source: UBI Research)

JBD showcased its latest products, including the Micro-LED 0.1-inch micro display and the ‘Hummingbird II’ color light engine.  It achieved an ultra-compact size of 0.2cc and an ultra-lightweight of 0.5g through its X-Cube structure. Innovision exhibited a development sample with a 2.5 mm pixel size and 0.06-inch display. Micro-LED display sizes are progressively shrinking from 0.13 inches to 0.1 inches, and further to 0.06 inches. Resolve introduced a light engine equipped with a 0.13-inch PowerMatch1 full-color Micro-LED display. The engine’s volume is only 0.18cc, and its weight is just 0.5g, enabling lighter AR glasses.

Chinese companies also showcased advanced new products in AR glasses optical technology at this exhibition. Goeroptics unveiled new AR/VR optical products.  They drew significant attention with diverse products ranging from silicon carbide etched waveguides to ultra-compact optical modules for full-color AR glasses and monocular 4K VR/MR pancake solutions. Utilizing Micro-LED Full color (X-cube) and silicon carbide etched waveguide technology, they achieved a 30° field of view (FOV) and a weight of 4g (see photo below).

AR glasses with SiC waveguide exhibited by Goeroptics (Source: UBI Research)

Goeroptics’ exhibited AR glasses with SiC waveguide (Source: UBI Research)

Specifications of Goeroptics AR glasses with Micro-LED and waveguide (Source: UBI Research)

Specification sheet of Goeroptics exhibited AR glasses (Source: UBI Research)

In addition, numerous Chinese companies including Raypaitech (理湃光晶), SHOUJING Sci. & Tech (首镜 科技), and North Ocean Photonics (鲲游光电) showcased a large number of waveguide and smart glasses solution products. The Chinese industry has already established a smart glasses supply chain, encompassing not only micro-displays, waveguides, and optical engines, but also companies providing complete smart glasses solutions. This supply chain is accelerating its pace of development.

Namdeog Kim, Senior Analyst at UBI Research(ndkim@ubiresearch.com)

▶2025 Micro-LED Display Industry and Technology Trends Report

Entrance of the 26th China International Optoelectronic Expo highlighting Micro LED AR showcases

At the China CIOE Optoelectronics Exhibition, JBD, Goeroptics, and other companies unveiled new AR products using Micro-LEDs

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The 26th China International Optoelectronics Exhibition (CIOE) opened at the Shenzhen International Convention Center on September 10, 2025. This expo, the world’s largest, attracted over 3,800 participating companies. The exhibition focused on “IC Design and Application,” “IC Manufacturing and Supply Chain,” and “Compound Semiconductors,” with participation from companies in key fields such as semiconductor materials, advanced processes, packaging testing, and optoelectronic chips.

Entrance of the 26th China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE) (Source: UBI Research)

Entrance view of the 26th China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE) (Source: UBI Research)

At this exhibition, new products for AR using Micro-LEDs were unveiled, including from JBD and Goeroptics.

JBD’s new 0.1-inch Micro LED light engine (Source: UBI Research)

JBD’s exhibited new product, 0.1-inch Micro-LED light engine (Source: UBI Research)

JBD showcased its latest products, including a 0.1-inch Micro-LED microdisplay and the Hummingbird II color light engine. The X-Cube structure achieved an ultra-compact size of 0.2cc and an ultra-light weight of 0.5g. Goeroptics showcased a product utilizing Micro-LED full color (X-cube) and silicon carbide etched light guide technology, achieving a 30° field of view and a weight of 4g.

Across the board, companies achieved breakthroughs in various technologies, including three-color combination, color conversion, and vertical stacking. Amidst the trend toward lightweight design, the “Micro-LED + light waveguide” solution has become a relatively mainstream technology. The exhibited products show that the size of Micro-LED light engines is gradually shrinking from 0.13 inches to 0.1 inches and even 0.06 inches, demonstrating the rapid advancement of this technology toward smaller volumes and higher brightness.

Namdeog Kim, Senior Analyst at UBI Research(ndkim@ubiresearch.com)

▶2025 Micro-LED Display Industry and Technology Trends Report

JBD, Completes Pre-B Round Financing, Plans to Fully Advance Consumer AR Ecosystem Development

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JBD MicroLED-based AR glasses display structure

JBD MicroLED AR glasses display structure (Source: JBD)

Shanghai JBD Company announced on August 21 that it has successfully completed a B1 round of investment worth hundreds of millions of yuan. The funds from this round of investment will primarily be used for research and development of core technologies in MicroLED micro-displays, expanding production capacity, and deepening ecosystem collaborations. This initiative aims to address the anticipated surge in global demand for AR+AI devices in the coming years.

With the accelerated application of AI, the deep integration of AI and AR is expected to bring new experiences in human-machine interaction and emerge as a core area of competition among global technology giants. As a leader in MicroLED micro-display technology, JBD aims to collaborate with partners to drive the upgrade of the AR industry and build an open and collaborative consumer AR ecosystem. 

MicroLED micro-display technology is widely recognized as the next-generation solution for AR glasses displays. The recently completed funding will significantly strengthen JBD’s research and development capabilities and production capacity, accelerating the widespread adoption of MicroLED micro-display technology in the AR display sector. This is expected to further expand JBD’s influence in the global AR micro-display industry.

JBD, established in 2015, is a leading player in the MicroLED micro-display field, aiming to become a leading provider of AR display solutions. Over the past year, JBD has achieved significant results in various areas, including market expansion, product upgrades, and technological innovation. In terms of the market, there are currently about 50 smart glasses products using JBD’s MicroLED micro-display technology, recording rapid growth compared to the same period last year. Key products include Rokid Glasses, INMO GO2, Rayeo X3 Pro, and Alibaba Quark AI glasses, among other well-known Chinese brands. In terms of products, the ‘Hummingbird Mini II’ monochrome light engine launched last year features an ultra-compact size of 0.15 cc. Additionally, the new ‘Hummingbird I’ color optical module achieves a brightness of 6,000 nits. JBD’s upcoming ‘Hummingbird II’ color light engine is expected to become the industry’s first consumer-grade lightweight AR glasses-compatible color display solution.

Namdeog Kim, Senior Analyst at UBI Research(ndkim@ubiresearch.com)

▶2025 Micro-LED Display Industry and Technology Trends Report

China’s WSMT Attracts $14 Million Investment…. Technology Competition with JBD in the MicroLED Market is in Full Swing

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Westlake Smokey Mountain Technology (WSMT)

Westlake Smokey Mountain Technology (WSMT), headquartered in Hangzhou, China, has recently successfully attracted a pre-series A investment of approximately RMB 100 million (approximately US$14 million). The investment was made by Shenzhen Capital Group (SCGC), Ivy Capital, Moganshan Fund, Lenovo Capital & Incubator Group, and others, suggesting that WSMT has entered into full-scale preparations for Micro-LED mass production.

 WSMT is a company developing Micro-LEDs with a vertically stacked structure of RGB elements based on technology from Westlake University (Westlake University). Unlike the conventional RGB separated structure, this technology vertically stacks red (R), green (G), and blue (B) LEDs on a single chip, fundamentally solving the problem of pixel alignment accuracy, and is regarded as an advantageous structure for realizing high-resolution small displays.

The company is currently building an epi-wafer production line for Micro-LEDs in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, which is expected to be in production by the end of 2025.WSMT emphasizes that this technology will enable ultra-high resolution of over 5,000dpi, a lifetime of over 100,000 hours, low power (<50mW, 10K nits standard) The company emphasizes that this technology can be used not only for microdisplays for AR/VR, but also for scalability of large-area displays of 8 inches or larger.

 At the same time, Jade Bird Display (JBD), located in Shenzhen, China, also started sample shipments of its “Phoenix series” of RGB vertically stacked micro-LED microdisplays. ㎛JBD also plans to mass produce 0.3-inch, 4K resolution products by the end of 2025.

JBD has until recently secured tens of millions of dollars in funding through the A4 strategic investment round and A3 round, with major global companies such as Alibaba, Samsung, BYD, and Geely as major investors. In particular, JBD is working with BYD on the joint development of Micro-LED displays for vehicles. Currently, JBD is operating a $92 million mass production line in Hefei with a total capacity of 120 million 0.13-inch panels per year.

 WSMT and JBD are both developing Micro-LED technology based on the vertically stacked RGB structure, but WSMT, as a research-oriented startup, is emphasizing the perfection of the technology and the potential for large-area deployment, while JBD is securing an advantage in terms of commercialization and speed of market entry.

 The competition between WSMT and JBD is part of China’s strategy to secure technology leadership in the global MicroLED ecosystem. The competition between WSMT and JBD can be interpreted as part of China’s strategy to secure technology leadership in the global MicroLED ecosystem, and is expected to influence the strategic choices of Apple, Meta, Samsung Electronics, and others in the future.

Joohan Kim, Analyst at UBI Research (joohanus@ubiresearch.com)

▶UBI Research’s Micro Display Report

“AI/AR Glasses Growth, Significant Expectations for the Development of Micro-LED Displays”

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AI technology is making a soft landing and the AI era is opening up. Recently, the competition among big tech companies to become the winner of the AI war has become more intense. It is expected that the multimodal technology of AI will renew the market’s perception of AI functions through interactions such as voice, video, and photos. AI/AR glasses are expected to be more popular as they have a viewing function and are equipped with various sensors such as cameras, microphones, and speakers to access data, voice, or displays in real time to complete interactions. Accordingly, AI/AR glasses have received a lot of attention in the past year.

Ray-Ban META AI Glasses (left) and META Orion AR Glasses Prototype (right) (source: META)

Ray-Ban META AI Glasses (left) and META Orion AR Glasses Prototype (right) (source: META)

The Ray-Ban smart glasses can be seen as Meta’s present, and the Orion project as its future. In September 2024, Meta unveiled the Orion glasses prototype, showcasing the new possibilities of AR glasses with innovative display technology. Micro LED was adopted as the display solution for the Orion AR glasses. AR glasses require ultra-high brightness (5,000 nits or more, ideally 10,000 nits or more) to be visible in outdoor environments. In addition, micro-LEDs are essential for lightweight, compact display engines that are required for AR glasses to be very slim and stylish when they are worn.

JBD “Hummingbird Mini II” mono-color engine (0.15cc, 0.3 grams) and daily-use glasses (source: JBD)

JBD “Hummingbird Mini II” mono-color engine (0.15cc, 0.3 grams) and daily-use glasses (source: JBD)

“AI” was the highlight of CES 2025, and AI smart glasses were one of the main attractions. Companies such as Vuzix, Rokid, Goertek, and RayNeo introduced new AI glasses products that use micro-LEDs.

Among the manufacturers of micro-LED displays, China’s Jade Bird Display (JBD), a company specializing in micro-LED microdisplays, has begun mass production at its facility in Hefei with a manufacturing capacity of more than 100 million 0.13-inch micro-LED panels per year. In addition to US and European companies, Chinese and Taiwanese companies such as Sitan and Raysolve are moving quickly to develop and prepare for the production of LEDoS displays. At UBI Research’s seminar held on on February 14, a presentation was given on micro-LED technologies for XR and trends in the industry. AI glasses began to blossom in 2024 with the development of AI and AR technology, and more large manufacturers are expected to enter the market in 2025. AI/AR smart glasses are expected to promote the accelerated development of the AI/AR industry, and there are high expectations for the development of micro-LED technology.

UBI Research published a report on micro-LED technology for XR in January. This report summarizes the technology related to the production of LEDoS panels required for XR glasses. It will help to improve the understanding of LEDoS’s micro-LED technology and will be an important reference for companies developing micro-LED display technologies to plan the future direction of technological development.

UBI Research Nam Deog Kim Analyst(ndkim@ubiresearch.com)

▶Micro-LED Display Technologies for XR Applications Report Sample