“If Apple Inc.’s new iPhones that feature a new touch technology are a hit with consumers, a handful of component suppliers across Asia and the U.S. stand to be key beneficiaries,” Lorraine Luk reports for The Wall Street Journal.
MacDailyNews Take: If? Make that when.
“The Cupertino, Calif. company on Wednesday unveiled a pair of new iPhones with “3D Touch” technology, which can distinguish between a light tap and a heavier press, allowing users to control their device differently depending on how hard they push on a surface,” Luk reports. “Apple is the first company to feature the technology in its smartwatches and MacBook computers.”
“‘The new touch technology is expected to bring in new demand to the supply chain and it could be a catalyst to stimulate smartphone demand,’ said China-based touch screen maker TPK Holding Co.’s chief financial officer Freddie Liu,” Luk reports. “Apple’s 3D Touch requires a special process combining layers of components by using heat and pressure. This has put Chinese touch-screen makers TPK and Foxconn unit, General Interface Solution Ltd., in the spotlight. Both suppliers failed to win orders for iPhones since late 2012 as Apple switched to a new display technology to make its phone screens thinner. But in the latest iPhones, these companies will combine 3D Touch components with the display’s backlight, according to people familiar with the matter.”
“3D Touch also requires flexible printed circuit boards to connect the processor with other electronic components,” Luk reports. “People familiar with the matter said U.S. based Analog Devices Inc. will be the exclusive supplier of the component. Morgan Stanley last month raised Analog Devices’ price target to $62 from $60, citing strong demand for the company’s 3D Touch processor for Apple’s iPhones.”
Much more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Viva lah 3D Touch revolution!
SEE ALSO:
3D Touch iPhone 6s/Plus: Apple’s pressure-based screens deliver a world beyond cold glass – September 10, 2015
Engadget hands-on with iPhone 6s/Plus: Using 3D Touch feels completely natural – September 9, 2015
Apple unveils the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus with 3D Touch, Apple A9, 12MP iSight camera, 4K video and more – September 9, 2015
Apple’s new Force Touch patent application reveals stylus, virtual paint brush, 3D buttons interactions – May 28, 2015
“But in the latest iPhones, these companies will combine 3D Touch components with the display’s backlight, according to people familiar with the matter.”
Like every one who saw the presentation yesterday and watched the cool video.