Apple COO Visits Lens Technology: Automated Production Line Witnesses the Birth of iPhone Back Glass, Both Sides Deepen Cooperation to Promote Green Manufacturing

Apple COO Visits Lens Technology: Automated Production Line Witnesses the Birth of iPhone Back Glass, Both Sides Deepen Cooperation to Promote Green ManufacturingOn October 23, reporters visited Lens Technology's manufacturing plant in Changsha, witnessing the entire process of a piece of glass becoming an iPhone back panel. From polished glass entering the production line to becoming a qualified back panel for the iPhone 16 series, the entire process is almost entirely automated, with the entire production line being fully automated

Apple COO Visits Lens Technology: Automated Production Line Witnesses the Birth of iPhone Back Glass, Both Sides Deepen Cooperation to Promote Green Manufacturing

On October 23, reporters visited Lens Technology's manufacturing plant in Changsha, witnessing the entire process of a piece of glass becoming an iPhone back panel. From polished glass entering the production line to becoming a qualified back panel for the iPhone 16 series, the entire process is almost entirely automated, with the entire production line being fully automated.

The iPhone back glass assembly line visited on this occasion is the result of Lens Technology's cooperation with Apple to vertically integrate the supply chain. In addition to the back glass, Lens Technology is also responsible for assembling critical components like the hook, aluminum middle frame, stainless steel small parts, and the three rear camera lenses.

One of this years engineering innovations is the upgrade of the pressure station. Lens Technology and Apple teams worked together to achieve simultaneous heating of two hot-melt adhesives during a single pressure operation, using two different temperatures. This significantly saves equipment, factory space, and energy consumption.

On the same day, Jeff Williams, Apples Chief Operating Officer, also visited Lens Technologys Changsha factory and had an in-depth exchange with Zhou Qunfei, Chairman of Lens Technology.

Williams recalled the beginning of Apple's cooperation with Lens Technology 18 years ago. The back panel of the first-generation iPhone was originally designed to be a plastic panel, and it wasn't until the last moment before mass production that it was decided to switch to a glass panel. This was a huge challenge at the time because no manufacturer had ever used glass material on a large-screen phone.

We spent a long time with Zhou Qunfei, Chairman of Lens Technology, overcoming numerous difficulties to create an exceptional product, said Williams. After all these years, Ive returned to Lens Technology to see such significant changes, with the entire production and manufacturing process fully automated. This is particularly moving for me, and we will continue to maintain our cooperation with Lens Technology.

Williams told reporters that during his visit to China, he saw significant progress in automation at Lens Technology and Luxshare Precision. These advanced manufacturing processes help Apple produce better products. To continue creating more advanced products, Apple needs Chinese suppliers. 80% of Apple's 200+ global suppliers are located in China.

Every time I come to China, it inspires me, said Williams. Beyond the suppliers innovations in manufacturing technology, I am also encouraged by their commitment to energy conservation and environmental protection. For example, Chairman Zhou Qunfei just told me that solar panels are installed on all the rooftops of the production park. Apples goal is to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2030. I am delighted to see that two-thirds of suppliers in China are already using clean energy for production. Achieving this kind of accomplishment is thanks to the cooperation with suppliers like Lens Technology.

Lens Technology also announced that it will build a new key research and development institution in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. The institution will cover a total area of 143,000 square meters, with a total construction area of 166,000 square meters. It will include an office building, two R&D buildings, a fixture and tool center, a testing center, and a small-scale production demonstration factory.

Zhou Qunfei revealed that the research institute will focus on research and development in metal materials and metal parts, assembly business, and new business areas. It is scheduled to be put into use next year in the first quarter, and plans to recruit hundreds of top research personnel globally for scientific research and innovation, focusing on serving Apple.

In recent years, Lens Technology's business for Apple has been expanding, and it currently produces products for Apple including the iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. Since 2020, Apple's spending on Lens Technology has nearly doubled. Lens Technology currently has 130,000 employees and has made significant progress in intelligent manufacturing, with 70% of its production lines already automated.

Williams also confirmed to reporters that the R&D center built by Lens Technology is another force in addition to Apple's own R&D center in China. Apple will continue to invest in China, mainly focusing on intelligent and green manufacturing.

In fact, in the past 5 years, our investment in China has reached 20 billion dollars, said Williams.

In addition to automated production and green manufacturing, Lens Technology is also at the forefront of research and development. The newly built research institute will focus on research and development in metal materials and metal parts, assembly business, and new business areas. This will further enhance Lens Technologys R&D capabilities and provide Apple with better products and services.

The in-depth cooperation between Lens Technology and Apple is not only a partnership between two companies but also a strong alliance between China's manufacturing industry and the worlds leading technology company. This cooperation has not only promoted the intelligent and green development of China's manufacturing industry but also provided valuable experience for Chinese companies to participate in global technological competition. It is believed that in the future, Lens Technology and Apple will continue to deepen their cooperation, jointly promote technological innovation, and bring more and better products to consumers worldwide.

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