LG’s new OLED breakthrough could deliver much longer-lasting displays

LG Display has introduced a new OLED manufacturing method that could make a pretty big difference to the next generation of monitors and TVs. Called FLiPP, or FMM-Less innovative Pixel Patterning, the technology gets rid of one of the more expensive parts of traditional OLED production while potentially making panels brighter, more efficient and longer-lasting.

Traditional OLED manufacturing relies on Fine Metal Masks (FMMs) to position individual subpixels. These masks essentially work like stencils, but they also take up space that could otherwise be used by the pixels themselves. LG's FLiPP process removes the need for those masks, increasing the usable pixel area by 55%.

According to LG, that extra space allows more light to escape from each pixel, potentially boosting OLED brightness by 1.6 times. The company also claims FLiPP could extend panel longevity by 2.4 times while cutting power consumption by around 13%. The improved efficiency could have another major benefit: less heat. Since the panel needs less power to produce the same amount of light, it should generate less heat, which could help reduce the risk of OLED burn-in while also improving overall brightness.

There are some manufacturing advantages, too. With traditional FMM production, LG needs different masks whenever it changes the panel's size, resolution or pixel arrangement. FLiPP eliminates that requirement, potentially reducing production costs while making it easier to produce OLED panels in more configurations.

The technology could also make large OLED panels easier to manufacture. Fine Metal Masks can sag in the middle when they become particularly large, potentially causing alignment problems and defective pixels. By removing the mask entirely, FLiPP avoids that issue. LG says the process can also improve the use of its 8.5-generation mother glass substrates, with FLiPP reportedly increasing glass utilization by 64% compared with conventional FMM-based OLED production.

And perhaps the most interesting part is the range of sizes LG says FLiPP can support. The technology could theoretically produce OLED panels ranging from 1 inch to 100 inches, covering everything from wearables and VR/AR displays to massive TVs.

LG plans to begin mass production as early as late 2027, meaning the first commercial products using the technology could arrive in the following years. If everything goes according to plan, LG's 2028 and 2029 OLED lineups could look very different from today's panels.

As always, for the latest news on OLED technology, gaming monitors, display innovations, and developments across the hardware industry, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.