China-based glass cover maker Lens Technology is eyeing touch module orders for Apple's iPad devices, having a chance to cut into the related supply chain by winning orders for a forthcoming 8.3-inch entry-level model, according to industry sources.
Taiwan-based TPK Holding and General Interface Solution (GIS) are the primary touch module suppliers for iPad series products.
Lens is currently a major supplier of cover glasses for Apple's iPhone products and has extended the applications to include wearable devices, tablets and automotive products.
Lens Technology intends to expand its product reaches to include iPad touch modules, said the sources, adding that the Chinese cover lens maker has delivered touch module samples to the target customer.
The sources that added Lens will likely venture into the related supply chain by securing orders for the entry-level iPad models by the end of this year and may land orders for 10-inch models later.
Lens posted revenue of CNY9.839 billion (US$1.377 billion) for the first quarter of 2023, increasing 5.41% from a year earlier. First-quarter net profit totaled CNY64.55 million, reversing a losing trend experienced in the previous year.
Regarding increasing competition in the touch module segment, TPK said it has been transforming into an EMS firm beyond its previous core touch module business, with its new business including 3D printing, cholesteric liquid crystal, energy saving devices, LiDAR and other automotive applications.
TPK posted revenue of NT$5.26 billion (US$173.58 million) for June, down 4.3% sequentially and 34.7% on year. Second-quarter revenue totaled NT$16.23 billion, decreasing 6.3% from the previous quarter and 27.3% from the prior year.
According to industry sources, GIS counts over 80% of its revenue from Apple, with main items including touch modules for the high-end 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro series products.
Article translated by Steve Shen
