Hong Kong Stock Concept Tracking | Apple’s foldable iPhone is set to begin mass production at the end of July, and the industry chain is expected to welcome a rapid development turning point (with related concept stocks)

According to media reports, Apple's first foldable iPhone is set to begin mass production at the end of July. Despite recent concerns about delays due to hinge issues, Apple still plans to release the new device in September as scheduled. A previous research report from Aijian Securities optimistically predicts that Apple’s foldable phone sales could reach 14 million units by 2026. The high-end positioning and large sales volume of the iPhone itself are expected to drive the entire industry chain towards a rapid development turning point.

Supply chain sources reveal that Apple has confirmed the core specifications for the foldable iPhone's display, casing, and structural components, and the product has entered the mass production preparation stage, with the first batch of production being handled by Foxconn. Apple completed the first round of trial production in April and is expected to officially enter mass production around the end of July, with the September release plan likely to proceed as scheduled.

The foldable iPhone will feature a foldable OLED panel supplied by Samsung Display, along with hinge modules, cover glass, and other structural components. Samsung Display has recently received approval from Apple to supply the first batch of foldable OLED modules from its factory in Vietnam.

There were previous reports that hinge issues could lead to product delays, and some analysts believe that even if Apple releases the new device in September as planned, the official sale date may still be postponed. As Apple's first foldable product, the company may implement stricter quality control before mass production.

With the addition of foldable models to its product line, Apple may adjust the annual release rhythm of the iPhone. The September product launch event is expected to focus on the Pro series and foldable models, while the standard version of the iPhone may be launched separately at a later date.

An Apple supply chain insider stated that this year's release lineup will mainly consist of the Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra (foldable) models. After the foldable iPhone joins the existing product line, the standard version of the iPhone may be delayed until spring next year.

The market has high expectations for the potential launch of the foldable iPhone. If this product is released, it will represent one of the most significant design changes in the history of the iPhone. Surveys show that about 27% of iPhone users globally are "very interested" in foldable devices, with this figure approaching 40% in the Chinese market.

Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan also stated that the foldable iPhone, as a significant form innovation, is expected to see strong initial demand, with the supply chain preparing for a shipment scale of 10 to 20 million units, significantly higher than competitors.

Counterpoint Research's report on the "Foldable Smartphone Market Forecast" indicates that global shipments of foldable smartphones are expected to grow by 20% by 2026, supported by Apple's anticipated entry, the continued high-end trend in the smartphone market, and increased OEM participation. With Apple preparing to launch its first foldable iPhone, the foldable smartphone market will enter a new competitive phase in 2026.

Aijian Securities stated that foldable phones are a core innovative category in the smartphone field, with hinges and flexible display modules as core components, effectively balancing the core contradiction between large-screen experience and device portability. They optimistically predict that Apple’s foldable phone sales could reach 14 million units by 2026. The high-end positioning and large sales volume of the iPhone itself are expected to drive the entire industry chain towards a rapid development turning point Related Concept Stocks:

Sunny Optical Technology (02382): A global leader in optical lenses, mobile phone camera modules, and automotive lenses. It provides high-end camera modules and optical lenses for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and is a core supplier for Apple's imaging systems. The company expects a net profit attributable to shareholders of approximately RMB 4.589 billion to RMB 4.724 billion in 2025, an increase of about 70% to 75% compared to the estimated profit of approximately RMB 2.699 billion in 2024.

Q Technology (01478): Focused on mobile phone camera modules, fingerprint recognition modules, and automotive imaging systems. It supplies mid-to-low-end camera modules for iPhone and is deeply integrated into Apple's mid-range model supply chain. The company anticipates a year-on-year growth of approximately 400% to 450% in comprehensive profits for the fiscal year 2025.

AAC Technologies (02018): A global acoustic leader, providing speakers, receivers, microphones, linear motors, and RF components. It is a core supplier of acoustic components for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods, exclusively supplying some high-end linear motors.

GoerTek (01415): A core supplier of camera modules, structural parts, and acoustic components for Apple. JP Morgan believes that the adjusted iPhone product line in the second half of this year will benefit GoerTek, as its business proportion for Pro and Pro Max models is high, and its market share continues to expand. The firm expects the company to gain additional market share in the main rear camera module field by 2027. It has raised its profit forecasts for 2025 to 2027 by 3% to 9%, expecting profits in 2026 and 2027 to grow by 23% and 26% year-on-year, respectively, and believes the company's valuation should be reassessed, reiterating an "overweight" rating with a target price of HKD 44.

Lens Technology (06613): A core supplier of glass covers and metal frames for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch, launching multiple new projects for Apple in the second half of 2025. The UTG ultra-thin flexible glass benefits from the foldable screen iPhone, significantly increasing the unit value