Himax Technologies and AUO announced a new front‑lit liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) microdisplay designed for augmented‑reality (AR) glasses and wearable devices. The 720 × 720‑pixel module consumes only 200 mW of power while delivering up to 350,000 nits of brightness, a performance level that could enable all‑day outdoor use of AR wearables.
The collaboration combines Himax’s industry‑leading LCoS technology with AUO’s high‑efficiency waveguide, producing a module that is 0.09 cc in volume and weighs 0.21 grams without a collimator lens. With a 140 % sRGB color gamut and ultra‑low power consumption, the display addresses the key barriers to mass adoption of AR glasses—brightness, power, and form factor—while keeping the optics compact enough for consumer‑grade headsets.
Himax’s push into AR follows a period of mixed financial results. In Q3 2025 the company reported revenue of $199.2 million, a 7.3 % sequential decline driven by a lower mix of large‑panel driver ICs and a seasonal slowdown. After‑tax profit fell to $1.1 million, and EPS of $0.01 missed consensus of $0.0408, reflecting the impact of lower revenue and a modest increase in operating expenses. Management highlighted that the decline was largely due to a low season and a shift away from automotive‑related products, while the AR initiative is positioned as a long‑term growth engine.
The AR glasses market is projected to reach $9.98 billion by 2030, growing at a 59 % CAGR, and the LCoS microdisplay market is expected to hit $3.5 billion by 2032. Himax’s new module competes with MicroLED and OLED technologies, offering a lower power envelope and higher brightness that are critical for outdoor visibility. AUO’s waveguide expertise complements Himax’s display ICs, creating a differentiated solution that could attract OEMs seeking a lightweight, high‑performance AR platform.
CEO Jordan Wu said the partnership “combines the deep expertise of both companies in optics and waveguide technologies to take LCoS technology to an entirely new level.” CTO Dr. Wei‑Lung Liau added, “Partnering with Himax, we’ve combined AUO’s high‑efficiency waveguide with Himax’s leading LCoS display to deliver an AR solution that offers exceptional brightness, ultra‑low power, and a sleek, lightweight design.”
The module will be showcased at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where Himax and AUO plan to engage potential OEMs. The announcement follows a Q4 2024 earnings release that saw a revenue beat and a positive market reaction, while the Q3 2025 earnings produced a mixed reaction due to the EPS miss. The new microdisplay is expected to broaden Himax’s revenue mix and support its strategy to diversify beyond automotive displays into high‑growth AR and AI markets.
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