Apple is reportedly moving forward with its debut foldable device by securing ultra-thin glass from Lens Technology and other suppliers. The move, part of an aggressive push into flexible displays, comes as analysts predict a late-2026 launch amid intensifying competition in the mobile market, with industry insiders remaining cautiously optimistic.
In light of the fact that the business is reportedly in contact with producers of ultra-thin glass (UTG), it would indicate that Apple has taken the designs of its first foldable smartphone to a significant new level.
According to a fresh claim from The Elec (via DigiTimes), the Chinese firm Lens Technology is going to become Apple’s primary supplier of UTG for upcoming foldable smartphones. This information comes from the company.
The company is anticipated to secure around 70 percent of Apple’s UTG orders, and it is likely that Corning, which is based in the United States, will supply the raw materials.
It has been noted that Lens Technology has proven substantial benefits in terms of the capability of mass production and the financial resources available for UTG manufacturing. In addition to having glass etching expertise, the company is rumored to be exceptionally skilled at reinforcing glass and reducing the number of side cracks that occur after cutting.
The report states that the supplier intends to increase the size of its UTG production line in the year 2025, which will take place before the debut of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, which is expected to take place in the second half of the year 2026.
It would appear that Apple’s design strategy is centered on reducing the thickness of the UTG while leaving the core portion intact. This allows for a bigger overall thickness and enhanced durability.
Companies such as Dowoo Insys and UTI, both based in South Korea, are rumored to be potential secondary suppliers. Notably, Dowoo Insys was able to obtain two patents in October 2024 that were especially connected to the thinning of the core area of UTG. One of these inventions showed parallels to Apple’s own patent from the same time period.
It is possible that Samsung Display will be the sole provider of foldable screens for Apple’s first foldable gadget, which may be an iPhone that folds up.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for Apple, Jeff Pu, The Information, and The Wall Street Journal have all suggested that a possible launch might take place in the latter half of 2026 or the early part of 2027.
Luis Gochoco is a seasoned managing editor and writer with over a decade of experience covering politics, technology, gaming, and entertainment news. With a keen eye for breaking stories and in-depth analysis, he has established himself as a trusted voice in digital journalism. Luis is one of the key forces behind the success of GameNGuide, contributing to 12 million views through engaging and high-traffic content. He also played a pivotal role in generating 8 million views on International Business Times, shaping the platform’s technology and gaming coverage.
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