Comprehensive analysis of AU Optronics touch display technology: from Air Bond t

Date:2026-07-01

Comprehensive analysis of AU Optronics touch display technology: from Air Bond to Direct Bond

Comprehensive analysis of AU's main EOL models from 2026 to 2027 and their shutdown management strategies

In the field of industrial displays, the end of life (EOL) of panel models often affects the nerves of the entire supply chain. AUO Display Plus is well versed in this area. In its Q2 2026 product roadmap, it not only showcases a rich new product plan, but also clearly lists the upcoming discontinued models and their final ordering times in two complete tables (pages 65-66). This transparent EOL management, combined with advance notification, compatible substitution, and final procurement window, constitutes AU's unique shutdown management strategy. This article will be based on the official EOL Summary, systematically sorting out the main display module models discontinued by AU from 2025 to 2027, analyzing their discontinuation patterns and alternative paths, and summarizing the best practices for customers to cope with discontinuation.

1.Overview of EOL Models: Time Span and Scale

According to pages 65-66 of the roadmap, AU has listed dozens of models planned to be discontinued from December 2025 to March 2027, covering sizes ranging from 3.5 inches to 32 inches, with technology covering TN, AHVA, AMVA, and assembly modules with touch. The following table summarizes the main models in order of shutdown time:

Note: Some models appear simultaneously in the New Model and EOL Summary (such as G240HVN02.0, G230HAN01.1), which may be due to overlapping information during document preparation. But most EOL models are old versions with clear replacement products.

II.Typical characteristics and reasons for discontinuation of EOL models

By summarizing the above models, several patterns of AU's shutdown management can be identified:

1. Technological generational upgrade: from TN to AHVA, from non touch to integrated touch

The extensively discontinued models are TN technology (such as A080STN01.0, G104STN series) or early AMVA. Alternative models commonly use AHVA, providing a wider viewing angle and better color consistency. For example:

G104STNxx (TN) → G104SAN01.0 (AHVA)

G101EVN01. x (AHVA early version) → G101EAN03. x (AHVA improved version)

In addition, the resistance touch (R-TP) model G043FTT01.0 has been replaced by the capacitance touch (P-Cap) model G043FAT02.0, which conforms to the trend of the market transitioning from resistance to capacitance. 

2. Brightness and reliability improvement

The old model such as A035QN02 VG has a brightness of 430 nits, while the new model A035QTN07.0 has increased it to 500 nits; G101EVT05.1 has been discontinued (SOL 2021), and its replacement G101EAT04.0 may maintain the same or higher brightness from 440 nits (old). At the same time, the wide temperature range is also expanding, for example, the new 10.4-inch AHVA supports -30~85 ℃, while the old TN only supports -10~60 ℃. 

3. Natural expiration of product lifecycle

Some models were mass-produced earlier (such as A080STN01.0 in July 2015, EOL in December 2026, with a lifecycle of over 11 years), far exceeding AU's promised 3-year timeline. The discontinuation of such long tail models is a natural elimination, and customers have sufficient time to migrate. 

4. Optimization of Touch Assembly Solution

After the EOL of touch enabled models (such as G170ETT01.0, G190ETT01.1), AU did not immediately provide a clear touch replacement model. Instead, it recommended that customers switch to an updated assembly platform or pair their own touch screen. This indicates that AU is streamlining its touch product line and focusing on a few mainstream sizes (such as 10.1 ", 15.6", 21.5 ", etc.).

III.The core strategy of shutdown management: transparency, advance, and compatibility

The EOL management strategy of AU can be summarized into three keywords: 

1. Transparent and open

List EOL models in a dedicated chapter (pages 65-66) in the official roadmap, including EOL time and LTB deadline. Customers do not need to guess or inquire through informal channels, greatly reducing the risk of information asymmetry. 

2. Advance notice and sufficient LTB window

AU promised to issue EOL notification more than one year in advance, but actual observation: 

G101EVN01. x: EOL March 2027, LTB deadline September 2026 → 6 months ahead of schedule (nearly a year? Based on the notification release time, the roadmap will be released in Q2 2026, about 9 months ahead of schedule). 

G043FTT01.0: EOL June 2026, LTB deadline August 2025 → 10 months ahead of schedule. 

A035QN02 VG: EOL March 2027, LTB until September 2026 → 6 months ahead of schedule. 

Overall, provide customers with a stocking window of at least 6-10 months, sufficient to assess their needs and place orders. 

3. Provide compatible alternative models as much as possible

Most EOL models have clearly recommended alternative models and emphasize ME/EE interface compatibility. For example: 

G101EVN01.0 → G101EAN03.0 (same size, installation hole position, interface definition) 

G213UAN01.0 → G213UAN01.01X (suffix X indicates upgraded version, basically compatible) 

For those without direct replacement (such as G190ETT01.1), AU will recommend customers to redesign the touch part or adopt a standard module with third-party touch solutions. 

IV.Best practices for customers to cope with shutdowns

Based on AU's EOL management strategy, customers can take the following actions to ensure business continuity: 

1. Regularly review the roadmap and EOL announcements

Visit the official product information of AU or contact sales representatives at least quarterly to obtain the latest EOL plan. Especially for projects that are currently in mass production, it is important to monitor the status of the models used 12 months in advance. 

2. Reasonably calculate the quantity of LTB orders

After receiving the EOL notification, calculate the following three requirements: 

Maintenance spare parts: Estimated failure rate of deployed equipment multiplied by remaining service life. 

Last order production: The quantity required for an unfinished but finalized old project. 

Buffer inventory: It is recommended to increase by an additional 10% to 20% to cope with unexpected losses. 

For example, if 1000 units of a certain device have been installed and the expected failure rate is 5% in the next 3 years, 50 spare parts are needed; There is another final order of 200 units, requiring 200 pieces; A total of 250 pieces, with 20% buffer added, will result in 300 pieces. Place an order before the LTB deadline. 

3. Verify alternative models in advance

Don't wait until the last moment. Once AU announces a replacement model, immediately request samples for mechanical, electrical, optical, and environmental testing. Key focus: 

Are the external dimensions and installation hole positions completely consistent. 

Definition of interface pins and compatibility of timing (LVDS/EDP differences). 

Whether the brightness, color temperature, and viewing angle meet the design requirements. 

If it is a touch model, do the drivers and firmware need to be updated. 

4. Sign a Long Term Supply Agreement (LTA) with AU

For ultra large projects such as high-speed rail on-board displays and medical imaging equipment, the standard 3-year lifecycle may not be sufficient. Customers should negotiate LTA with AU, lock in supply for the next 5-7 years, and pay a certain capacity reserve fee. 

5. Reserve compatibility during design

In the new product design phase, try to choose models marked as "Long Lifecycle" or newly released in the AU roadmap, and avoid selecting models that have already entered EOL preview. At the same time, design the installation compatibility of multiple panels structurally for future switching. 

V.Case: Smooth transition of 10.1-inch product line

Taking the 10.1-inch WXGA series as an example, demonstrate how AU achieves the replacement of old and new through EOL management: 

Old model: G101EVN01.0 (MP 2019?), expected EOL in March 2027. 

Transition model: G101EAT02.6 (with touch) is still in mass production, but non touch users need to migrate. 

New models: G101EAN03.0/03.1/03.2, will be mass-produced in Q3, Q3, and December 2027. 

Time window: From the release of the Q2 roadmap in 2026 to the discontinuation of old models in March 2027, customers have 9 months to evaluate new model samples. The new model will be mass-produced as early as Q3 2027, with a six-month gap period (2027.4-2027.9) in between. Customers need to purchase sufficient G101EVN01. x as transitional inventory before the LTB deadline (September 2026) to support the launch of the new model. 

This "overlapping" transition is common in the industrial sector, and customers need to plan their funds and warehousing in advance. 

VI.Summary: The Industry Value of AU's Shutdown Management Strategy

The EOL management strategy of AU Display Plus is not just a simple "shutdown notification", but a complete lifecycle management loop: setting a minimum lifespan of 3 years from the product planning stage, transparently informing at least one year before shutdown, providing LTB order windows, and striving to launch compatible alternative models. For customers, this means predictable supply security, lower risk exposure, and controllable maintenance costs. 

Compared to other panel suppliers, AU's EOL management transparency is at the forefront of the industry. Many small and medium-sized manufacturers do not even issue formal EOL notices, resulting in sudden interruptions of customer projects. And AU not only released it, but also included it in the public roadmap, demonstrating a profound understanding of the core demand of "long-term stable supply" in the industrial market.

Therefore, when selecting a display module supplier, in addition to evaluating technology and price, it is also important to examine their EOL management history and strategic maturity. AU's approach in this regard is worth referencing as an industry benchmark. For customers, actively embracing AU's EOL process and establishing internal response mechanisms are necessary to ensure continuous display supply in the fierce market competition.

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