Microchannel plate (MCP) photon detectors with picosecond timing properties are expected to transform future particle physics experiments. Herein, the development and commercialization process of large-area flat-panel MCP photon detectors were briefly reviewed, the basic design elements of MCP photon detectors were summarized, and the factors influencing time resolution characteristics were analyzed. Moreover, the existing physical limitations and technical bottlenecks related to the development and commercialization of large-area flat-panel MCP photon detectors are summarized.