Apple may use ultra-thin glass for foldable iPhone

Apple is making significant progress in the design of its first foldable device, with reports that the company is looking for suppliers of ultra-thin glass (UTG) materials. According to The Elec, Lens Technology, a Chinese manufacturer, will become Apple's main UTG supplier, expected to secure around 70% of the company's UTG orders. Corning, a US-based company, is likely to supply the raw material for the product.

Lens Technology is said to have demonstrated superior mass production capabilities and strong financial resources for UTG production. The company is notable for its ability to reinforce glass and minimize cracks after cutting, and possesses advanced glass engraving technology.

According to the plan, Lens Technology is expected to expand the UTG production line in 2025, before Apple launches its first foldable device in the second half of 2026. Apple's design seems to focus on thinning the center of the UTG, increasing the overall thickness and improving the durability of the product.

In addition to Lens Technology, Korean companies such as Dowoo Insys and UTI are also considered potential secondary suppliers. Notably, Dowoo Insys secured two patents in October 2024 related to thinning the center portion of UTG, one of which bears similarities to Apple's patent.

Samsung Display is likely to be the exclusive supplier of panels for Apple's first foldable device, likely a foldable version of the iPhone. Analysts Ming-Chi Kuo, Jeff Pu, The Information, and The Wall Street Journal have all predicted a potential launch date of late 2026 or early 2027.

David Pac

Update 18 February 2025