Apple to Launch First Foldable Phone on Sept 9, Chinese Suppliers in Chain

Apple will hold its fall new-product event on September 9 local time in the United States (early morning September 10 Beijing time) and introduce its first foldable smartphone. The event will be the first product launch under new Chief Executive Officer John Ternus.

Based on disclosures from listed companies, Chinese firms have joined the supply chain for certain components of Apple's foldable phone, mainly in areas such as UTG glass, hinge parts, MIM precision components, thermal management, and flexible printed circuits. Most of these companies serve as secondary component suppliers. Because Apple imposes strict supplier management, many firms have not publicly identified specific customers or order details.

Lens Technology said in late August 2026 during investor communications that, starting in the second half of 2026, it would supply UTG, CPI film, UTG support plates, and 3D glass covers for a major customer's foldable-screen project. Shipments of the related products began at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and have now entered volume delivery.

Jingyan Technology has developed MIM precision components and hinge assembly for foldable screens, but said specific cooperation details are restricted by confidentiality agreements. Lingyi iTech also cited signed non-disclosure agreements with customers, declining to disclose specific clients or orders. Changying Precision said its consumer electronics business works with leading domestic and international customers, but due to strict customer supplier management, it cannot disclose specific client information. Furong Technology explicitly stated it does not supply structural components for Apple's foldable phone, with its related business mainly targeting tablets and laptops. ZDT (Pengding Holdings) said it cooperates with major customers across its full product line, with specific products supplied depending on circumstances, and order information can be referenced in its monthly revenue reports.

From these corporate responses, the core system of Apple's foldable phone supply chain remains dominated by overseas companies, while Chinese firms have participated in multiple component and manufacturing segments.