Apple(US:AAPL) 高工锂电·2025-09-07 10:55Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant shift in the consumer electronics supply chain driven by the adoption of steel shell batteries, particularly in smartphones, highlighting the financial forecasts and technological advancements in laser welding and battery design [2][3][29]. Group 1: Market Trends and Company Developments - Laser equipment manufacturer Lianying Laser reported that orders for welding equipment for small steel shell batteries reached 400 to 500 million RMB in the first half of 2025, with expectations for continued growth [2]. - Apple is expected to adopt steel shell batteries across all models of the iPhone 17 series, following the introduction of this technology in the iPhone 16 Pro [3]. - Samsung is actively developing its SUS CAN stainless steel shell solution, aiming for application in flagship smartphones by 2026 [5]. Group 2: Technological Advancements in Battery Design - The evolution of battery packaging is moving from soft-pack winding to soft-pack stacking and now to steel shell stacking, indicating a structural transformation in battery design [4]. - Steel shell batteries offer superior physical properties, allowing for thinner and more robust smartphone designs, with the iPhone 17 series potentially featuring batteries as thin as 2.5 mm [8][9]. - The use of steel shell batteries has improved space utilization in smartphones by 18% and increased battery capacity by 9% in the iPhone 16 Pro [12]. Group 3: Safety and Cost Benefits in Power Batteries - In the power battery sector, the application of steel shells is driven by cost savings, safety, and integration with vehicle structures, with steel battery casings potentially reducing costs by up to 50% compared to aluminum [17]. - The structural strength of steel shells provides better protection against battery failures due to chassis impacts, with steel shell strength reaching 550 MPa compared to 95 MPa for aluminum [17]. - Steel's higher melting point offers better safety in extreme conditions, providing longer escape times for passengers during thermal runaway events [18]. Group 4: Manufacturing Innovations - The scalability of steel shell batteries relies on advancements in manufacturing processes, particularly in laser welding and stamping technologies [21]. - Lianying Laser has developed high-speed turret welding technology to address precision challenges in welding steel shells for batteries [22]. - The introduction of new stamping techniques, such as DWI, has improved the efficiency and yield of steel shell production [26]. Group 5: Supply Chain and Material Developments - The domestic production of pre-plated nickel steel strips, essential for high-end battery casings, is set to enhance cost efficiency and supply chain security [27]. - Recent breakthroughs in material science have improved the forming characteristics of steel under extreme conditions, increasing production yield rates significantly [28].