Core Viewpoint - The Apple supply chain is entering a significant upgrade cycle in 2025-2026, with attention on new model inventory, specification upgrades, and stock performance [1]. Group 1: New Model Inventory - The inventory for the iPhone 17 series in the second half of 2025 is slightly above 90 million units, remaining stable compared to last year's 90-95 million units [2]. - Market concerns about a year-on-year inventory decline of 5%-10% have eased due to reduced tariff pressures on Apple products [3]. - Key suppliers like Largan and Zhen Ding reported stable sales in July, confirming the trend of steady inventory [4]. Group 2: Specification Upgrades - The iPhone 17 series will introduce a "slim" version to replace the Plus model, featuring a titanium shell, a single rear camera, and increased use of flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) [10]. - The Pro series will see upgrades including a periscope lens and front camera enhancements to 48 million and 24 million pixels, respectively, along with a 50%+ increase in cover glass average selling price [10]. - Benefiting suppliers include Cowell (camera modules), Lens Tech (cover glass), Zhen Ding (PCB/FPC), Largan (lenses), and AAC (acoustics/thermal) [11]. Group 3: Stock Performance - Historically, supply chain stock prices tend to rise before new product launches and may retreat post-launch due to profit-taking; however, during upgrade cycles, stock prices recover more quickly [16]. - Since May, key suppliers' stock prices have averaged a 13% increase [16]. - The performance post-launch will be influenced by Apple's pricing strategy and consumer feedback, which will affect fourth-quarter demand and stock performance [17]. Group 4: Stock Recommendations - Lens Technology - H: Initiated coverage with a "Buy" rating and a target price of 26 HKD [19]. - Lens Technology - A: Initiated coverage with a "Buy" rating and a target price of 29 CNY [19]. - AAC Technologies: Upgraded to "Buy" with a target price of 57 HKD [19]. - BYD Electronics: Downgraded to "Neutral" with a target price of 42 HKD [19]. - Cowell: Rated "Buy" with a target price of 35 HKD [19]. - Zhen Ding Technology: Rated "Buy" with a target price of 185 TWD [19].

据悉，在一份研究报告中，郭明錤提到"2026年MacBook将搭载高端M5处理器"，以及iPhone 18的A20芯 片将采用WMCM（晶圆级多芯片模块）技术进行封装。 来源：环球网 根据彭博社马克·古尔曼近期的报道，苹果正在考虑将搭载 M5 系列芯片的下一代 MacBook Pro 机型的 发布推迟到 2026 年。 【环球网科技综合报道】8月13日消息，继外媒预测苹果M5版MacBook Pro 将推迟发布日期，天风国际 证券分析师郭明錤近日也在一份报告中暗示了这一信息。 古尔曼表示，这并不令人意外。但这确实使得我们在年底前看到新款 MacBook Pro 的可能性比以往任 何时候都要小。（思瀚） ...

8月4日，韩媒The elec报道称， LG Display 2024年 年底向苹果提出了 简化串联 OLED技术， 随后苹果就该技术向三星显示进行了咨询。 通常情况下，苹果确定量产计划后，需经过2年多的开发才会推出相关产品。鉴于苹果目前尚未决 定其iPhone是否采用LG Display、三星显示等企业的串联OLED技术，若该技术最终得以应用， 预计最早也要到2028年之后才能在产品上实现落地（即iPhone 18系列）。 "简化"这一说法源于与标准双串联方式的对比，后者是将所有RGB子像素均堆叠为两层。去年， 苹果首次推出的OLED iPad平板电脑面板，便采用了将RGB子像素全部堆叠为两层的双串联 OLED技术。由于iPad的更换周期比智能手机长，且OLED iPad属于高端机型，因此苹果选择在 该产品上应用双串联OLED技术。 值得注意的是，苹果公司与LG Display和三星显示三家公司之间存在立场差异。 LG Display向苹果提出的简化串联OLED方案，似乎映射了其对串联技术的信心。事实上，早在数 年前，LG Display就曾向苹果公司提议将串联OLED技术应用于iPhone。当时苹果公司回 ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a strong positive outlook on the AI application-driven demand for computing power, indicating a sustained high growth trajectory in the industry [2]. Core Insights - The computing power industry is experiencing a resurgence in interest, particularly in the domestic market, as the supply chain begins to address critical bottlenecks such as advanced process capacity and supply of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) [2][3]. - The report highlights the ongoing tight balance in domestic computing power supply, with expectations that key challenges will gradually be overcome, leading to continuous positive news for the industry [2]. - The report suggests that the second half of the year and into next year will present significant investment opportunities in domestic computing power [2]. Summary by Sections Domestic Developments - Domestic AI applications are launching new products, with notable advancements such as Alibaba's Tongyi Qianwen 3 achieving significant breakthroughs in programming capabilities, comparable to top-tier closed-source models [3]. - Tencent's CodeBuddy IDE is set to enhance software development efficiency by allowing users to create applications through natural language dialogue, eliminating the need for coding knowledge [3]. Overseas Developments - The report recommends focusing on high-end PCB, optical modules, and server ODM sectors within the overseas computing power supply chain, anticipating sustained high demand and profitability [3]. - The supply of key materials for AI servers, such as fiberglass cloth and M8 CCL materials, is expected to remain tight, leading to potential price and profit margin increases [3]. Investment Recommendations - Key domestic computing power hardware companies, such as Cambricon and SMIC, are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [4]. - The report also suggests monitoring traditional analog chips, which are benefiting from domestic substitution and local demand, with wafer fab utilization rates remaining high and terminal prices increasing by 10-20% [6]. - The report identifies potential investment opportunities in the Apple supply chain, particularly with the upcoming iPhone 17 and 18 models, which may lead to upward revisions in market expectations [9].

Core Viewpoint - TSMC's 2nm technology is experiencing unprecedented demand, with significant implications for the semiconductor industry and TSMC's revenue growth [2][3]. Group 1: TSMC's 2nm Technology - TSMC is set to mass-produce 2nm chips in H2 2024, which is expected to drive approximately NT$73 trillion in global product value over the next five years [2]. - The anticipated revenue for TSMC in 2024 is NT$2.8943 trillion, a 2.79 times increase from NT$762.8 billion in 2014, with a gross margin rising from 49.5% to 56.1% [3]. - Major clients such as AMD, MediaTek, Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Meta are actively pursuing 2nm technology for high-end products, indicating strong market interest [2][3]. Group 2: Future Developments - TSMC plans to build four 1.4nm wafer fabs in the Zhongke Phase II park, with the first expected to begin risk production by the end of 2027 and mass production in H2 2028 [4][5]. - The initial monthly production capacity for the 1.4nm process is projected to be around 50,000 wafers [6]. - The Zhongke Phase II expansion will also accommodate other semiconductor-related companies, enhancing the local supply chain ecosystem [8].

Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Outperform the Market" indicating that the overall return of the industry is expected to exceed the market benchmark index by more than 5% in the next 6 months [12]. Core Insights - Leading companies in the industry are actively investing in foldable screen products, with Apple's first foldable iPhone expected to launch in the fall of 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series [2]. - The smart glasses market is experiencing explosive growth, with transaction volume increasing over 8 times year-on-year, and a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 60% from 2025 to 2029 [3]. - Major players like Meta and Apple are also entering the smart glasses market, with Meta's new headset expected to be priced above $300 and Apple's AI glasses anticipated to launch by the end of 2026 [3]. Summary by Sections Foldable Screen Products - Industry leaders are focusing on foldable screen technology, with significant product launches planned by major companies such as Apple, Honor, and Samsung [2]. Smart Glasses Market - The smart glasses market is projected to see a shipment volume of 12.8 million units globally by 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 26%, and the Chinese market expected to exceed 2.75 million units with a staggering growth of 107% [3]. Investment Opportunities - Suggested areas for investment include 3D printing applications, automation assembly equipment, automation testing equipment, Android-based 3C devices, foldable screen hinges, and components like middle frames and back covers [4].

Group 1 - Apple is expected to hold two iPhone launch events annually starting in 2026, breaking the tradition of one event per year since the iPhone's inception in 2007 [1][2] - The strategy aims to address the declining market share, particularly in China, where Apple's market share fell to 13.7% in Q1 2025, marking seven consecutive quarters of decline [2] - The introduction of the iPhone 16e in February 2025 contributed to Apple's market leadership, achieving a 19% market share in the global smartphone market for Q1 2025 [3] Group 2 - The new launch schedule includes the release of multiple models, such as iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 series, along with Apple's first foldable iPhone, indicating a robust product pipeline [2] - The growth in sales is attributed to the success of the iPhone 16e and strong performance in emerging markets like India and the Middle East, despite stagnant sales in major markets like the US and Europe [3] - Analysts caution that potential trade barriers and economic uncertainties could lead to a slight decline in Apple's overall shipment volume for the year [3]

Summary of Conference Call on Zhongcai Technology Industry Overview - The demand for specialty glass fiber materials is surging due to advancements in AI technology, particularly in high-end hardware like NVIDIA's GB200 and M8-grade copper-clad laminates, which are essential for data centers and 800G switch upgrades. The Ethernet switch market is growing faster than computing power, creating strong demand for low dielectric and low expansion materials [2][7]. Company Insights: Zhongcai Technology - Zhongcai Technology is positioned as a leading player in the specialty glass fiber sector, focusing on low dielectric electronic cloth, low expansion fiber cloth, and quartz fiber cloth. These materials are crucial for AI hardware applications, including mobile chips, servers, and switches [4]. - The company is expected to benefit from the unexpected boom in specialty glass fiber cloth, with projections indicating an increase in average prices by 2026 due to a shift towards high-margin products like second-generation electronic cloth and low expansion materials [2][8]. - Zhongcai Technology's production capacity is anticipated to reach 20 million meters by 2026, with a tight market supply expected to persist unless new entrants emerge [5][16]. Competitive Landscape - The global supply of specialty glass fiber materials is limited, with only a few suppliers for low dielectric electronic cloth and low expansion fiber cloth. Key players include Nitto Denko, AGY, and Taishan Glass Fiber [6][18]. - Nitto Denko holds a significant market share of approximately 30%, followed by AGY and Zhongcai Technology, which is the second company to master low expansion coefficient technology [17][18]. Market Demand and Applications - The demand for low expansion fiber cloth is driven by advanced packaging techniques like TSMC's CoWoS, which are increasingly used in AI chips and high-end mobile applications, such as the upcoming iPhone 18 [12][13]. - The automotive sector is also showing rapid growth in demand for low expansion fiber cloth due to advancements in autonomous driving technologies [14]. Future Performance Expectations - Zhongcai Technology's future performance is expected to be robust, with significant contributions from its specialty glass fiber business. The company is projected to achieve high growth rates in 2025, driven by increased demand for AI server applications and IC substrates [20][22]. - The company is also involved in wind power blade and diaphragm businesses, which are performing well, further enhancing its investment appeal [22]. Investment Outlook - The estimated market value of Zhongcai Technology is projected to be around 25 billion, based on a 1.2x price-to-book ratio, with significant contributions from specialty glass cloth. The company is expected to achieve high growth rates in 2025, benefiting from its entry into the semiconductor supply chain [23]. Conclusion - Zhongcai Technology is positioned for significant growth in the specialty glass fiber market, driven by technological advancements in AI and strong demand across various applications. The company's unique position and expected performance make it a valuable investment opportunity in the current market landscape [22][23].

Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Outperform the Market" [7] Core Insights - Huawei's nova 14 series and Harmony OS computer product launch event is scheduled for May 19, 2025, marking it as one of the most significant events for Huawei in 2025 [3] - Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to be released in the fall of 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, with a projected global shipment of 3.8 million foldable smartphones in Q4 2024, a year-on-year decline of 18% [4] - Huawei holds a 31.2% market share in the foldable smartphone segment, while Samsung's market share has decreased to 26.7% [4] Summary by Sections Product Launches - Huawei's upcoming launch includes the nova 14 series and a new Harmony OS computer, potentially the first foldable PC from Huawei [3] Market Trends - The foldable smartphone market is experiencing a decline, with a significant drop in shipments, but Apple's entry is expected to revitalize the market due to its strong brand and integration capabilities [4] Investment Opportunities - Suggested areas for investment include 3D printing applications (e.g., Huazhu High-Tech, Plittech), automated assembly equipment (e.g., Bozhong Precision, Kuaike Intelligent), and automated testing equipment (e.g., Oatmeal Technology, Jepter) [5]

Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Outperform the Market" [13] Core Insights - Apple is actively expanding into 3D printing, having posted job openings for a Rapid Prototyping Manager and a Design Engineer in Additive Manufacturing, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing manufacturing capabilities [3][4] - The first foldable iPhone from Apple is expected to launch in the fall of 2026, which could significantly impact the foldable smartphone market, currently dominated by Huawei and Samsung [4] - The Chinese smartphone market saw a 5% year-on-year increase in shipments in Q1 2025, with Xiaomi leading the market [4] Summary by Sections 3D Printing - Apple is hiring for positions related to 3D printing, emphasizing the importance of rapid prototyping and manufacturing solutions [3] - Companies to watch in the 3D printing application space include Huazhu Gaoke and Bolite [5] Foldable Smartphones - Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market is anticipated to revitalize the segment, which saw a decline in shipments in Q4 2024 [4] - The foldable smartphone market is currently led by Huawei with a 31.2% market share [4] Smartphone Market - The Chinese smartphone market is experiencing growth, with significant contributions from brands like Xiaomi and Huawei [4] - The report suggests monitoring companies involved in automation assembly and testing equipment, as well as those producing components for Android devices and foldable smartphones [5]