Apple’s progress on its first foldable device appears to be moving forward, as the company is reportedly looking to lock down suppliers for the ultra-thin glass (UTG) needed for the device’s foldable display.
A new report from The Elec (via DigiTimes) claims Chinese manufacturer Lens Technology is in line to become Apple’s primary supplier of UTG for upcoming foldable devices. The company is expected to secure approximately 70% of Apple’s UTG orders, with US-based Corning expected to provide the raw materials.
Lens Technology has reportedly shown Apple that it offers significant advantages in mass production capabilities and financial resources for UTG manufacturing. Glass strengthening and minimizing side cracks are said to be among the company’s strengths.
The display provider is planning to expand its UTG production line during 2025, which could put Apple in a position to debut its first foldable device sometime in 2026, says the report. Apple is apparently focusing on thinning only the central part of the UTG, which would allow for greater overall thickness and improved durability.
South Korean firms Dowoo Insys and UTI are said to be potential secondary suppliers. Dowoo Insys recently secured two patents specifically related to the thinning of UTG’s central part. One of the patents shares similarities with Apple’s own patent from the same time period.
