Fine M-Tec is investing KRW 17.5 billion (USD 12.6 million approx.) in a new facility to expand its high-precision laser processing capacity and component production for the growing foldable smartphone market.
As disclosed in a filing with the Korean Exchange, the investment will run from July 17, 2025, to January 20, 2027. The investment accounts for 10.64% of the company’s equity capital.
Analyst Insight: Key Points from Ming-Chi Kuo’s Report
Renowned industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has detailed Fine M-Tec’s emerging role in Apple’s foldable iPhone supply chain. His latest findings, shared on X (formerly Twitter), indicate that the device will use crease-minimizing display panels developed by Samsung Display, with Fine M-Tec supplying essential structural components.
Apple Turns to Samsung Display’s Flexible Panels
Apple is expected to rely on Samsung Display’s crease-free panel technology instead of creating its own, in order to ensure stable mass production of the foldable iPhone, targeted for late 2026. Fine M-Tec, which supplies internal support plates for these displays, is set to benefit significantly from this decision.
Engineering Out the Crease
Kuo notes that crease formation is typically caused by repeated stress at the fold point. Fine M-Tec’s components redirect stress across the panel to limit fatigue and deformation, engineered to align closely with the display’s folding action.
New Production Capacity in Vietnam
The company aims to begin shipping these structural components in the first quarter of 2026. Each unit is expected to be priced between USD 30 and 35. Shipment volumes could reach 13–15 million units in 2026, accounting for yield losses and repair stock. The company could hold over 80% of the total supply share, according to Kuo.
Shift to Laser Drilling for Higher Precision
To meet Apple’s more demanding crease-resistance standards, Fine M-Tec will switch from conventional etching to laser drilling in its manufacturing process. This approach enables the creation of microstructures that better control stress distribution, resulting in improved durability and higher average selling prices compared to etched parts.
Samsung Foldables Add Near-Term Momentum
In addition to Apple, Fine M-Tec continues to supply components for Samsung’s foldables. Kuo projects Samsung’s Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 shipments will reach about 7 million units in 2025—a 40% increase over the previous year—boosting demand for display metal plates in the near term.
What’s Next
Fine M-Tec’s new facility investment reflects its broader strategy to support upcoming demand from both Apple and Samsung. As recorded in the filing, the board approved the investment on July 17, 2025.
Further announcements are expected as production plans evolve heading into the second half of 2026.
