- Apple is en-route to launch its first foldable iPhone sometime next year and has already secured UTG panel supplier for it.
- Lens Technology will handle 70% of the total shipments as it enters mass production later this year followed by increasing the volume as the device approaches launch.
- Both UTI and Dowoo Insys will act as secondary UTG suppliers while Corning will fulfil delivery of raw materials.
Seems like Apple literally recently pulled a fast one on its upcoming first foldable iPhone (or iPad). It has reportedly secured a supplier for ultra-thin glass (UTG) to be used on top of the foldable panels. The Chinese maker Lens Technology will take care of the ultra-thin glass (UTG) ensuring they are made to stay resilient against scratches and dents.
Lens Technology to Supply Ultra-Thin Glass for Apple’s First Foldable iPhone
According to DigiTimes, Lens Technology has successfully secured 70% of the total order of UTG panels for Apple’s upcoming foldable device. Lens has an upper hand in UTG mass production and the resources it would need to manufacture the same. U.S.-based Corning will act as a supplier for raw materials for Lens Technology as well ensuring uninterrupted production of UTG panels that will be ultimately used on Apple’s foldable devices.
Having a durable UTG panel ensures resistance against scratches and dents. It is great to prevent any side cracks and good for etching technology. Moreover, the Cupertino-based giant is working towards lowering the thickness of the UTG panel right around the center to minimize the effect of creases caused due to folding and unfolding of a device.
Apart from that, South Korea-based UTI and Dowoo Insys will act as secondary suppliers for the UTG panel required to fulfill the rest of the orders. Without any surprise, the actual foldable display will be exclusively manufactured by Samsung Display which has been handling the majority of Apple display panels over the years.
Apple is planning to launch a foldable device in the second half of next year. It remains to be seen whether we are talking about an iPhone or a massive 20″ iPad. A previous report dictates how Apple is planning for a foldable iPad that will stretch to a whopping 20-inch when opened.
Anyway, the supplier aims to kick-start production of UTG panels by the second half of 2025 followed by expanding it in 2026 when the first foldable iPhone or iPad from Apple is due. Both Lens Technology and Dowoo Insys have secured patents around UTG panels and thinning at the central part that goes in line with Apple’s patent filed around the same time period.
