As Samsung is closing in on its next Galaxy Unpacked launch event, reports say that a new player, Fine MTech, is seeking to put its name on Samsung's list of partners as a foldable phone hinge supplier. Whether Fine MTech will enter Samsung's supply chain through the Galaxy Z Flip 6 isn't entirely clear.
Fine MTech manufactures select phone components, including foldable phone hinges. The firm was established in 2022 as a Fine Technics off-shoot and made investments worth 30 billion won ($22 million), intending to become a Samsung foldable phone hinge supplier (via The Elec).
So far, Fine MTech has supplied Samsung with metal plates, which are a structural component for foldable phones and their hinges. However, the company aims to become a Samsung hinge supplier and increase its global foldable hinge market share from 0.1% (recorded in 2023) to 10%.
Fine MTech assigned as a Samsung backup supplier
According to Korean media reports, Samsung has approved Fine MTech as a backup supplier of foldable phone hinges, but the component manufacturer has yet to receive approval for the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6.
The recent reports aren't entirely clear on the current agreements between Samsung Electronics and Fine MTech. But as a backup supplier, Fine MTech might step in if one of Samsung's existing suppliers runs into problems and will fill the production gap to help Samsung prevent a supply shortage.
Once again, Fine MTech hasn't received approval for Galaxy Z Flip 6 hinges, according to the reports, but it's unclear if the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is off the table or if Fine MTech might get approved for the Flip 6 later this year.
When the component supplier confirmed in a meeting that they've been approved by Samsung, it added that “Sales will increase in earnest starting in 2024.”
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In the meantime, Samsung is preparing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 for a market release this summer. The two phones will supposedly boast a slightly refined design.
In addition, reports indicate that Samsung might release Slim versions of both the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 early next year, around the time the Galaxy S25 should be announced.
These Slim foldable versions may require advancements in hinge designs and manufacturing to help the foldable phones achieve thinner profiles.
