Apple's "Foldable Screen Blueprint" Released: Foldable iPhone Equipped with Ultra-Thin Glass Expected to Ship 25 Million Units in 2027

According to Zhitong Finance APP, analysts in the consumer electronics industry generally expect Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) to launch iPhone and iPad smart devices with foldable screens starting in 2026. Meanwhile, a widely followed analyst in the Apple supply chain believes that these upcoming foldable smart devices will all use so-called "ultra-thin glass."

"General Interface Solution (GIS) is collaborating with Corning (GLW) — the exclusive supplier of raw UTG (ultra-thin flexible glass) for the iPhone — to manage and oversee the backend processes," said Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst from TF International Securities, in a recent blog post. "The backend steps that GIS is responsible for include cutting, edge/corner processing, inspection, internal/external packaging, and shipping."

Kuo added that General Interface Solution (GIS) has obtained a so-called "exclusive role" to assist in the development of Apple's ultra-thin glass, with contributions expected to begin next year. Kuo focuses on the "Apple supply chain" and consumer electronics industry research, having accurately predicted updates to Apple's next-generation iPhone, iPad, and other product lines multiple times.

Kuo stated that ultra-thin glass is "highly sensitive" to cracks at the edges, as well as to particles and stress, making it more difficult to manufacture compared to traditional smartphone glass. Its cost is also higher, potentially two to four times that of traditional smartphone glass. Once Corning completes the processing, it will send the glass to its large cutting base for cutting according to the specific dimensions of the foldable screen iPhone, and then it will be sent to panel manufacturers for bonding and lamination.

Despite the related supply chain and manufacturing process issues, Kuo noted that Apple's management and consumer electronics industry analysts seem very confident about the sales prospects of the foldable screen version of the iPhone.

Kuo indicated that the latest expectations for Apple's foldable screen smartphone devices have been significantly raised, with the shipment forecast for 2026 adjusted from the previous 6 to 8 million units to 8 to 10 million units, and even an expected shipment range of about 20 to 25 million units in 2027, far exceeding the previous market forecast of 10 to 15 million units.

The analyst added that the expected shipment volume for the foldable screen iPad in 2028 is approximately 500,000 to 1 million units.

Apple Inc. is scheduled to release the latest version of the iPhone series and other new Apple products on September 9.

What is "raw UTG"? Why did Apple choose Corning and GIS to create ultra-thin glass?

UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) is a type of bendable special ultra-thin glass, typically measuring in the tens of micrometers, which can achieve extremely small bending radii after chemical strengthening and backend processing, used for the "inner screen cover/cover substrate" layer of foldable screens. Corning and SCHOTT are among the leaders in this field "Original UTG" refers to the uncut, unedged, and unlaminated glass substrates produced by upstream glass manufacturers; it then requires cutting, edge treatment, inspection, packaging, and shipping in the "post-processing" phase, before being handed over to panel manufacturers for lamination and assembly. According to the latest research report by Ming-Chi Kuo, Corning is the exclusive supplier of "original UTG" for iPhone foldable models, while General Interface Solution is responsible for the aforementioned post-processing of ultra-thin glass.

Compared to ordinary cover glass, UTG is more susceptible to edge micro-cracks, particles, and stress concentration. These micro-defects can become sources of cracks during repeated folding, directly affecting lifespan and yield. Therefore, cutting and chamfering/polishing are particularly critical, which is where the value of "post-processing" lies. To achieve the unity of the four elements of "glass feel + folding lifespan + low crease + high yield" in foldable screens, there are significantly higher requirements for the uniformity/reinforcement depth of the UTG body, clean cutting and stress management in the post-processing phase, as well as the layering and coating systems compared to traditional cover glass.

UTG has a longer processing time, higher costs, and is more sensitive to yield compared to traditional cover glass. Historically, Apple usually manages the key nodes of raw materials, post-processing, and lamination separately before mass production of new form factor products, collaborating with leading suppliers that have global mass production capabilities for iterative development.

The "crease visibility" and "indentation rebound" of foldable screens are strongly correlated with glass thickness, stress distribution, adhesive/OCA, and module layering. To achieve small creases, low orange peel, low birefringence while maintaining high transmittance and low haze, it is essential to start with the uniformity and residual stress of the original UTG, and complete cutting, edge treatment, stress release, and lamination in a post-processing ultra-clean environment. Apple's consistent standards for display and touch (including potential needs for stylus/writing, anti-fingerprint, and uniformity of anti-reflective coatings) imply that the material and process windows must be narrower.

Foldable panels are most vulnerable to point impacts combined with bending loads, with edge micro-cracks being the primary cause of failure; thus, edge treatment and the depth/distribution of chemical strengthening are critical processes for control. Apple's introduction of the division of labor with "Corning supplying original UTG + GIS responsible for post-processing precision" is precisely to achieve replicable mass production levels for edge strength and micro-crack control