LEDs Dominate Global Sapphire Applications

LED remains the dominant sapphire application of 2016, according to a report by Yole Développement.

After a dip in the second half of 2015, LED substrate demand has been growing strongly through 2016 and is now at record high levels, even triggering a limited shortage of high-quality 4-in. materials and wafers.

However, smartwatch usage was lower than expected, decreasing below 2015 levels. Smartphone display screen opportunities were also less than expected. Prices are low and stable after seemingly volatile 12 months.

Overall, the worldwide quarterly sapphire wafer consumption for LEDs has reached 28.5 million of TIE in the third quarter of 2016.