According to Zhitong Finance APP, Industrial Securities released a research report stating that the 3C device industry encompasses three major fields: computers, communications, and consumer electronics. The industrial chain covers front-end component processing, mid-stage module packaging, and back-end complete machine assembly testing, with its development closely related to the iteration of terminal products such as smartphones and computers. In 2024, with the launch of the AI operating system for the iPhone 16, Apple (AAPL.US) will usher in the &#34;era of innovation&#34; defined by Cook. Looking ahead, as hardware module iterations accelerate, production line automation continues to advance, and foldable screens are released, the demand for 3C devices may enter an upward cycle.
<h2>The main viewpoints of Industrial Securities are as follows:</h2>
Apple is the main demand side for 3C devices, with automation demand and technological innovation driving significant development in the equipment industry.
More than 95% of Apple's products, such as iPhones and AirPods, are produced in mainland China, with Chinese suppliers accounting for 45% in 2022. Its strict process requirements and customized equipment demands provide high-value cooperation opportunities for domestic companies. Apple's demand for automation equipment is significant, mainly due to the rapid product iteration, complex processes, and cost-reduction and efficiency-increasing strategies. Taking the iPhone 17 series as an example, its AI performance upgrades and new cooling solutions will drive the iteration of assembly and testing equipment, and the demand for related semiconductor packaging and cooling material equipment is also expected to grow simultaneously. In addition, Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, which is expected to further open up incremental space for equipment. Currently, Foxconn, Luxshare Precision, and other foundries still dominate Apple's production capacity, while domestic equipment manufacturers such as Oat Technology, BOZHON, Quick Intelligent, and Saiteng Co., Ltd. will continue to benefit from Apple supply chain orders due to their technological responsiveness and cost advantages.
Core component technology iteration accelerates, and foldable screen market penetration rapidly increases.
Foldable screen smartphones, as an important direction for innovation in consumer electronics, are gradually penetrating from the high-end market to mainstream consumer groups. From 2021 to 2027, global foldable screen shipments are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 49.48%, reaching 102 million units by 2027; the Chinese market is particularly impressive, with shipments expected to reach 17.3 million units by 2028. On the technological front, hinges and flexible screens have become key innovation areas: water-drop hinges solve the crease problem through multi-dimensional curved surface design, while UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) gradually replaces CPI cover glass due to its high transparency and impact resistance. Among mainstream manufacturers, Huawei and Samsung occupy a first-mover advantage through self-developed hinge technology, while Xiaomi and OPPO accelerate market penetration through cost-performance strategies. In the foldable screen industry chain, the cost share of display modules and hinges exceeds 50%, and related testing equipment and precision processing equipment are expected to benefit from the increase in industry penetration.
Risk Warning: Increased tariff risks; new model sales falling short of expectations; intensified industry competition

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Industrial Securities released a research report indicating that the 3C device industry will enter an upward cycle due to factors such as hardware module iteration, production line automation, and the release of foldable screens. As a major demand side, Apple's demand for automation equipment drives industry development. It is expected that the AI operating system of the iPhone 16 in 2024 will usher in an era of innovation, and the foldable smartphone market will also grow rapidly, with global shipments reaching 102 million units by 2027

- Industrial research from Industrial Securities highlights the 3C device sector, which includes computers, communications, and consumer electronics, closely tied to the evolution of products like smartphones and computers.  
- With the anticipated launch of the iPhone 16's AI operating system in 2024, Apple is set to enter a new era of innovation, driving demand for automated equipment and technological advancements in the industry.  
- The foldable screen market is expected to grow significantly, with global shipments projected to reach 102 million units by 2027, while risks such as increased tariffs and competition remain.

Industrial Securities: Technological innovation drives industry development, and the demand for 3C devices is expected to enter an upward phase