Core Viewpoint - Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states that the upcoming foldable iPhone will feature a "no crease" laser-drilled display panel similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 [1] Group 1 - The foldable iPhone is expected to adopt advanced display technology [1] - The comparison with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 highlights competitive advancements in foldable smartphone design [1]

Core Viewpoint - Fine M-Tec announced an investment of approximately 175 billion Korean Won to expand its precision laser capacity in response to the growing foldable phone market, with the investment period from July 17, 2025, to January 20, 2027 [1] Group 1 - The announcement aligns with previous predictions that Apple will use laser drilling technology for the display metal plates of its foldable iPhone due to higher requirements for a seamless design [1] - Samsung is expected to launch the new foldable phone Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the second half of 2026, which will also utilize higher-priced laser-drilled display metal plates to compete with the foldable iPhone, with Fine M-Tec as the exclusive supplier, enhancing its ASP/profit margins significantly in 2026 [1] - Fine M-Tec's investment for the foldable iPhone is not yet complete, indicating that further investment announcements are anticipated [1]

Investment & Capacity Expansion - Fine M-Tec announced an investment of approximately KRW 175 billion (approximately USD 13 million based on current exchange rates) to support the growing foldable device market and increased demand for ultra-precision laser processing capacity [1] - The investment period spans from July 17, 2025, to January 20, 2027 [1] Competitive Landscape & Market Dynamics - Apple's stricter crease-free requirements for the foldable iPhone are expected to accelerate the adoption of laser drilling for display metal plate production [1] - Samsung's new 2H26 Galaxy Z Fold 8 will also adopt higher-ASP laser-drilled display metal plates to better compete with the foldable iPhone [2] Supplier Relationships & Revenue Implications - Fine M-Tec will serve as the exclusive supplier for Samsung's Fold 8 (vs primary supplier for Fold 7), suggesting a significant increase in ASP and profit contribution from Samsung in 2026 [2] - Additional investments related to the foldable iPhone are expected from Fine M-Tec [3]

Investment and Production Expansion - Fine M-Tec plans to invest approximately ₩175 billion (approximately $130 million USD) from July 17, 2025, to January 20, 2027, to expand production capacity for precision laser technology due to the growing foldable phone market [1] - The investment is partly driven by anticipated demand from Samsung for Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is expected to use higher-priced, laser-drilled display metal plates to compete with the foldable iPhone [2] Competitive Landscape and Supplier Dynamics - The industry anticipates that foldable iPhones will utilize laser drilling technology for display metal plates to meet Apple's high standards for crease-free screens [1][2] - Fine M-Tec is expected to be the exclusive supplier of laser-drilled display metal plates for Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, potentially increasing the company's ASP (Average Selling Price) and profits significantly in 2026 [2] - Fine M-Tec is also expected to benefit from the adoption of SDC (Samsung Display Corporation) display solutions for foldable iPhones [3] Future Outlook - Further investments from Fine M-Tec related to the foldable iPhone are expected in the future [3]