The Foldable iPhone Revolution: Why Lens Technology Is Poised to Explode—and What Investors Must Do Now
Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone may still be on the horizon, but one company is already capturing the spotlight—and savvy investors should take note. Chinese glass manufacturer Lens Technology is emerging as a critical player in the foldable smartphone supply chain, and the implications for investors go far beyond a simple product launch.
Citi analysts, led by Kyna Wong, recently pegged Lens Technology as a key beneficiary of the foldable iOS device ecosystem. Their projections are eye-opening: foldable iPhones could account for 5% of Lens Tech’s revenue in 2025 and surge to 12% by 2027. This isn’t just speculation—Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo continues to affirm that Apple is on track to release a foldable iPhone as early as next year. While Apple remains tight-lipped, the ripple effects on suppliers like Lens Tech are already in motion.
Lens Technology’s July 9 Hong Kong IPO was a blockbuster event, raising HKD 4.77 billion ($610 million) on the busiest day ever for listings on the exchange. This fresh capital is earmarked in part for expanding foldable screen production capacity and R&D—critical moves to secure Lens Tech’s dominance in a rapidly evolving market. Notably, U.S. hedge fund titan Steve Cohen has taken a significant position, owning over 8% of the company’s voting shares, signaling strong institutional confidence.
Here’s where Extreme Investor Network goes deeper: Lens Tech’s strategy to diversify beyond Apple is a game-changer. Their largest customer, though unnamed, is a Nasdaq-listed giant with a 20-year partnership—almost certainly Apple. But Lens Tech is also expanding into smart vehicles with another Nasdaq-listed American company founded in 2003, and tapping into emerging sectors like AI glasses and robotics, with clients including Chinese startups Rokid and Zhiyuan Robotics. This diversification shields Lens Tech from overreliance on any single client and positions it well for multi-industry growth.
UBS analysts forecast at least 20% annual earnings growth for Lens Tech in 2026 and 2027, driven by foldables, AI glasses, and robotics. Even without the foldable iPhone, Lens Tech stands to benefit from supplying cover glass for the iPhone 17, expected to feature a slimmer design this year.
But investors should be aware of risks: Lens Tech shares took a hit after U.S. tariff announcements in April, dropping 30%. However, the company’s limited direct exports to the U.S. and plans to expand production in Vietnam and Thailand mitigate geopolitical risks, a smart move in today’s trade environment.
What does this mean for investors and advisors?
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Position Early in Supply Chain Winners: Lens Tech’s role in foldable and advanced smartphone glass makes it a rare upstream play in a high-growth tech segment. Investors should consider adding exposure before broader market recognition.
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Watch Diversification as a Hedge: Companies like Lens Tech that expand into AI, robotics, and smart vehicles are less vulnerable to single-industry shocks. This multi-sector exposure is crucial in volatile markets.
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Monitor Geopolitical and Trade Developments: Lens Tech’s strategic expansion outside China shows foresight. Advisors should keep an eye on how trade tensions evolve and which companies are best positioned to navigate them.
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Consider the Longer-Term Growth Horizon: While foldable iPhones may arrive next year, the real revenue ramp-up for Lens Tech is projected for 2026-2027. Patient investors who understand the product cycle stand to benefit from outsized returns.
A recent example reinforcing this trend: Samsung’s foldable smartphone sales grew 70% year-over-year in Q1 2024, according to Counterpoint Research, validating strong consumer demand for foldable tech. Apple’s entry will likely accelerate this market significantly, and suppliers like Lens Tech are the hidden winners.
In conclusion, Lens Technology is not just riding the wave of foldable smartphones—it’s strategically positioning itself at the intersection of multiple high-growth tech frontiers. For investors looking to capitalize on the next big leap in consumer electronics and beyond, Lens Tech offers a compelling, diversified opportunity. The key is to act now, before the broader market fully prices in these transformative trends.
Sources: Citi Research, UBS, Counterpoint Research, CNBC
Source: If Apple makes a foldable phone, analysts say this stock will benefit