Tracking Hong Kong stock concepts | Apple's foldable screen iPhone is scheduled to start mass production at the end of July, and the industrial chain is expected to usher in a turning point for rapid development (with concept stocks)

According to media reports, Apple's first foldable screen iPhone will start mass production at the end of July. Although there were delays due to hinge issues recently, Apple still plans to release the new phone in September as scheduled. A previous research report by AiJian Securities stated that under optimistic predictions, Apple's foldable screen phone sales may reach 14 million units by 2026. The high-end positioning of the iPhone itself and its huge sales volume are expected to drive the entire industry chain to a turning point in rapid development. Supply chain sources revealed that Apple has confirmed the core specifications of the foldable screen iPhone, such as the display screen, casing, and structural components. The product is now in the mass production preparation stage, with the initial production to be handled by Foxconn. Apple completed the first round of trial production in April, and it is expected to officially start mass production around the end of July, with the planned release still proceeding as scheduled in September. The foldable screen iPhone will use foldable OLED panels supplied by Samsung Display, along with hinge modules, cover glass, and structural components. Samsung Display has recently received approval from Apple and will supply the first batch of foldable OLED modules from its factory in Vietnam. Previously, there were reports that hinge issues might cause delays, and some analysts believe that even if Apple releases the new phone in September as scheduled, the official launch date could still be postponed. As Apple's first foldable screen product, Apple may implement stricter quality controls before mass production. With the addition of foldable screen models to the product line, Apple may adjust the annual release schedule of the iPhone. The September new product launch event is expected to focus on the Pro series and foldable screen models, while the standard iPhone may be released separately at a different time. A supply chain source from Apple mentioned that this year's release lineup will mainly consist of Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra (foldable screen) models. After the foldable screen iPhone is added to the existing product line, the standard iPhone may be delayed until next spring for release. The market has high expectations for Apple's potential launch of a foldable screen iPhone. If this product is launched, it will be one of the most significant design changes in iPhone history. Surveys show that about 27% of global iPhone users are "extremely interested" in foldable screen devices, with this proportion reaching nearly 40% in the Chinese market. US bank analyst Wamsi Mohan also stated that the foldable screen iPhone, as a significant form factor innovation, is expected to have strong initial demand. The supply chain is preparing for shipments of 10-20 million units, significantly higher than competitors. Counterpoint Research released a report on the foldable screen smartphone market forecast, showing that with support from factors such as Apple's expected entry, the continued premiumization of the smartphone market, and increased OEM participation, global shipments of foldable screen smartphones are expected to grow by 20% in 2026. With Apple preparing to launch its first foldable screen iPhone, the foldable screen smartphone market will enter a new competitive stage in 2026. AiJian Securities stated that foldable screen phones are a core innovation category in the smartphone field, with hinges and flexible display modules as core components. Under optimistic predictions, Apple's foldable screen phone sales are expected to reach 14 million units by 2026. The high-end positioning and huge sales volume of the iPhone are expected to drive the entire industry chain to a turning point in rapid development. Related concept stocks: SUNNY OPTICAL (02382): A global leader in optical lenses, mobile camera module, and automotive lens supplier. Provides high-end camera modules and optical lenses for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, serving as a core supplier for Apple's imaging system. The company expects its net profit attributable to shareholders to increase by 70% to 75% from around 45.89 billion to 47.24 billion yuan in 2025, compared to 2024's profit of around 26.99 billion yuan. Q TECH (01478): Focuses on mobile camera modules, fingerprint recognition modules, and automotive imaging systems. Supplies mid to low-end camera modules for iPhone and has a deep relationship with Apple's mid-range models in the supply chain. The company expects a year-on-year increase in net profit of around 400% to 450% in 2025. AAC TECH (02018): Global leader in acoustics, providing speakers, receivers, microphones, linear motors, and RF devices. Core supplier of acoustic components for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods, specifically supplying some high-end linear motors. COWELL (01415): Core supplier of Apple's camera modules, structural components, and acoustic components. Morgan Stanley believes that the adjusted iPhone product line in the second half of this year will benefit COWELL, as its business share in the Pro and Pro Max models is high and continues to expand. The company is expected to gain additional market share in the main rear camera module field by 2027. The bank has increased its profit forecast for 2025-2027 by 3% to 9% and expects profits to grow by 23% and 26% in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The company's valuation is expected to be reassessed, with a reiterated "hold" rating and a target price of HKD 44. Lens Technology (06613): Core supplier of glass cover plates and metal frames for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch. Starting multiple new Apple projects in the second half of 2025, benefiting from UTG ultra-thin flexible glass for foldable screen iPhones, significantly increasing the value per unit.