Apple(US:AAPL) HUAXI Securities·2025-07-07 07:05Investment Rating - The industry rating for the foldable screen mobile phone sector is positive, with expectations for accelerated growth driven by Apple's entry into the market [4]. Core Insights - The foldable screen mobile phone market is set to grow significantly, with global shipments projected to reach 17.8 million units in 2024 and potentially 70 million units by 2027, reflecting a CAGR of 57.8% from 2024 to 2027 [1][20]. - Apple's anticipated launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026 is expected to further stimulate market growth and increase shipments [20]. - The industry is transitioning from traditional smartphones to innovative foldable designs, which are becoming the new standard in mobile technology [15]. Summary by Sections 1. Foldable Screen Mobile Phones - The global smartphone market is rebounding, with a projected shipment of 1.238 billion units in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 6.4% [12]. - Foldable screen technology is recognized as a key innovation in the smartphone sector, addressing the need for larger screens while maintaining portability [15]. - The market is characterized by a shift towards lighter and more affordable foldable devices, with average prices decreasing significantly [31]. 2. Hinge Technology - Hinges are critical components in foldable phones, requiring high durability and precision, with designs evolving towards lighter and more robust solutions [38]. - The predominant hinge types are water-drop and U-shaped, with water-drop designs becoming the preferred choice due to their reduced screen wear and improved folding mechanics [40]. - The global market for foldable phone hinges is expected to grow from approximately $3.2 billion in 2024 to $15.4 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 21.69% [47]. 3. Cover Glass Technology - Flexible cover glass is essential for foldable screens, with ultra-thin glass (UTG) increasingly replacing traditional materials due to its superior properties [3]. - The market share of UTG in domestic foldable smartphones has risen to 70% in 2023, indicating a strong trend towards this material [3]. - The production of UTG involves complex manufacturing processes, with a focus on improving yield and consistency [6]. 4. Investment Recommendations - The report highlights several key beneficiaries in the foldable screen supply chain, including: - UTG: Lens Technology - Hinges: Linyang Precision, Tonglian Precision, and Jingyan Technology - Liquid Metal: Yian Technology - 3D Printing: Huashu High-Tech and Plit [7].