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Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone in the second half of 2026, and according to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company plans to use Samsung Display’s crease-free screen technology instead of developing its own. This move is aimed at making sure production goes smoothly and at scale, something Apple always prioritises.
One of the biggest winners from this decision is Fine M-Tec, a company that supplies key components for foldable screens, specifically the internal metal plates that help the screen bend without leaving a visible crease. These plates help spread out the pressure during folding, which keeps the display looking smooth and durable.
Fine M-Tec is expected to begin shipping these parts in early 2026, ahead of Apple’s mass production schedule. The parts are priced around $30 to $35 each, and the company is projected to ship between 13 to 15 million units that year. That number is higher than the number of foldable iPhones Apple is expected to make, since extra parts are needed to account for manufacturing defects and repair inventory.
To meet Apple’s strict quality demands, Fine M-Tec will use a laser drilling method to create tiny structures that help guide stress more effectively when the screen folds. This approach is more advanced than the method currently used in Samsung’s own foldable phones and allows Fine M-Tec to charge a higher price for its parts.
Fine M-Tec isn’t just riding the Apple wave, it’s also supplying parts for Samsung’s upcoming foldable phones, the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, which are expected to ship around 7 million units in 2025. That would be a 40% jump from this year.
To keep up with all this growing demand, Fine M-Tec plans to expand its production facilities in Vietnam. All in all, Apple’s upcoming foldable phone is not just a big step for the company, it’s also opening up major growth opportunities for the suppliers behind the scenes.
Credits – Investing.com