ICH to expand supply as Apple Inc.'s 'iPhone Duo' becomes a hit

[Financial News] ICH, a specialist in advanced and composite materials, said on the 23rd that supplies of related materials are expected to increase, buoyed by strong initial sales of Apple Inc.'s first foldable smartphone, the 'iPhone Duo.' The company expects supply volume in the fourth quarter of this year to reach at least twice its original plan.
ICH supplies polyethylene (PE) foam for the iPhone Duo. The material absorbs impact inside the device and improves durability at the fold. An ICH official explained, "We secured the order on the strength of our quality competitiveness and vertically integrated processes, which enable us to respond quickly to changes in customer requirements and supply volumes."
The iPhone Duo, officially launched today, is seeing strong sales early in its release, with initial stocks selling out shortly after preorders opened. Industry observers expect shipments of Apple Inc.'s foldable phones to reach around 14 million units by next year.
ICH expects PE foam supplies to increase as well, in line with this sales trend. The company's forecast for fourth-quarter supply volume is at least twice its original plan, with the value of monthly supplies in the 2-billion-won range.
ICH also supplies key materials for Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.'s foldable phones. It is currently supplying cushioning polyurethane foam and electromagnetic-wave-shielding gaskets for the Galaxy Z8 series. The company expects increased sales of foldable phones from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Apple Inc. to drive up demand for materials and help improve its performance.
An electronic materials industry official said, "Since foldable phones are designed to be repeatedly folded and unfolded, materials that support impact absorption and durability at the fold play an important role." The official added, "For companies supplying materials to major manufacturers, expanded sales and increased production at their customers can lead to additional supplies."

[email protected] Choi Doo-seon Reporter