It is revealed that Apple has signed a confidentiality agreement with a Korean manufacturer for folding machines, with liquidated damages of tens of billions of won.

On July 25, CNMO noticed that according to "CINNO" reports, Apple is signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Korean component manufacturers on the foldable project, with liquidated damages reaching billions or even tens of billions of Korean won. Apple plans to launch its first foldable product as early as 2026, and is actively developing a variety of foldable products including Clam Shell type (up and down folding) and Book type (left and right folding).

1. Shipment estimates

Apple’s first-year shipments of foldable products are expected to be approximately 15 million units.

2. Panel suppliers

• The specific list of panel suppliers has not yet been announced.
• The industry generally expects Samsung Display to become one of the major suppliers.

3. Samsung Display Advantages

• Samsung Display is the only company among Apple panel suppliers that can produce more than millions of foldable panels annually.
• Samsung Display produced approximately 150 million to 160 million iPhone OLED displays on its A3 production line last year.
• The estimated shipments of 15 million units of foldable products represent a small portion of its total production capacity.
• The existing production lines are flexible enough and there is no need to add additional production lines to cope with this increase.

  

  In order to ensure the launch of foldable products in 2026, Apple needs to complete the construction of the supply chain in the second half of this year.

1. Ultra-thin glass (UTG) cover
   In the research of UTG materials, Apple has explored different technical solutions from Samsung Electronics’ foldable mobile phones, but the best solution has not yet been determined.
2. Hinges
   The hinge supplier has not been finalized yet.

In addition, Apple also needs to consider the market positioning of its foldable products:

1. Clam Shell products
   may form a market overlap with iPhone Pro Max products.
2. Book form
   may form a market overlap with iPad Mini.

The industry predicts that Apple’s first foldable product may be positioned as a potential replacement for the iPad Mini.

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