Research|Optics: CIOE Takeaway - 2026 Orders Extend into 2027, Supply Determines Who Delivers First

The clearest takeaway from this year’s CIOE is that 1.6T orders and production schedules now extend into 2027. Demand is growing rapidly, and the availability of DSPs, lasers and PCBs will determine the pace of deliveries and vendor market share. Zhongji InnoLight (InnoLight), Eoptolink, Coherent and Lumentum have all entered volume production of 1.6T products, supported by the strongest customer bases and most secure supply chains. For second-tier vendors such as Cambridge Industries Group (CIG), Linktel and Source Photonics, growth will come first from higher 800G shipments, followed by the introduction of 1.6T products. Adoption of near-packaged optics (NPO) is broadening, creating additional demand for high-power light sources, fiber arrays and connectors. Demand is also taking shape for 2028: Rubin Ultra, TPU v9 and Chinese supernodes already incorporate optical interconnects into their designs.

Held in Shenzhen on 9–11 September, the show recorded nearly 190,000 visits over three days, up 32% year on year and a record for CIOE. The halls were packed, visitors queued to see samples at popular booths, and many exhibitors posted recruitment notices. One exhibitor said that, having booked late, it could secure only a small booth.

1. Order visibility extends into 2027 and supply determines the pace of shipments