After Foldables, AI Glasses: FPC's New Growth Engine Emerges

Foldable phones are boosting FPC demand, while AI glasses emerge as a new growth driver for flexible circuits, miniaturization and high-density connections.

Introduction

 

Foldable phones are driving higher FPC demand as device structures become more complex and compact. Now, AI glasses are emerging as a promising new application for flexible printed circuits.

 

Foldable Phones Are Driving FPC Demand

 

 

The latest wave of foldable smartphone launches is creating new opportunities for the FPC industry. Huawei and Apple both introduced new foldable products in September 2026, highlighting the continued expansion of the category.

 

Unlike conventional smartphones, foldable devices require flexible connections around hinges, dual displays, batteries, cameras, and other modules. As a result, FPC content per device can increase significantly.

 

Industry reports indicate that traditional flagship smartphones typically use around 10–15 FPCs, while some mainstream foldable models use more than 28. One industry forecast suggests that Apple's iPhone Duo could require more than 50 FPCs because of its dual-screen and hinge structure.

 

This growth is important not only for FPC volume, but also for product value. Foldable devices require circuits that are thinner, more flexible, and more resistant to repeated bending. This is pushing manufacturers toward higher-density designs and more advanced production processes.

 

Why AI Glasses Could Be the Next Growth Area

 

 

AI glasses have a different form factor, but their internal design creates many of the same challenges.

 

A compact pair of AI glasses may include cameras, microphones, speakers, processors, wireless communication components, batteries, and sensors. These components have to fit into a very limited space, particularly around the temples and frame.

 

FPCs are well suited to this environment because they can provide electrical connections while remaining thin, lightweight, and flexible. They can also route signals through narrow or curved spaces that are difficult for rigid PCBs to handle.

 

The AI glasses market is also moving closer to commercial deployment. In September 2026, Snap introduced new AI and enterprise features for its Specs AR glasses, with applications covering areas such as manufacturing, retail, navigation, and field services.

 

As more companies develop AI-powered glasses, demand for compact flexible interconnect solutions could increase.

 

Foldable FPC Technology Can Transfer to AI Glasses

 

One of the biggest advantages for the FPC industry is that AI glasses do not require manufacturers to start from zero.

 

Technologies developed for foldable smartphones—including ultra-thin circuits, fine-line routing, dynamic bending, rigid-flex structures, and high-density integration—can also be applied to wearable devices.

 

Recent industry research suggests that a significant portion of the equipment and process platforms used for foldable-phone FPC production can be adapted to AI glasses.

 

This means established FPC suppliers may be able to leverage existing manufacturing experience as AI glasses move from product development to mass production.

 

For manufacturers, the opportunity is therefore more than a new customer segment. It is a chance to extend existing FPC technologies into a broader flexible-electronics market.

 

Miniaturization Will Become a Key Requirement

 

The growth of AI glasses is likely to raise the technical requirements for FPCs.

 

Because space and weight are critical in wearable devices, future FPC designs may require finer circuits, smaller footprints, greater bending reliability, and higher integration. Rigid-flex solutions could also become increasingly important as electronic components are distributed across the frame.

 

Meanwhile, suppliers are already expanding their exposure to the AI-glasses market. Hongxin Electronics has disclosed cooperation with leading customers on FPC solutions for both foldable phones and AI glasses.

 

This indicates that AI glasses are beginning to move beyond the prototype stage and into the supply-chain discussion.

 

What This Means for the FPC Industry

 

The significance of AI glasses lies in diversification.

 

For years, smartphones have been one of the primary demand drivers for FPCs. Foldable phones are now increasing FPC content and technical requirements, while AI glasses could provide another application with strong demand for flexible, lightweight, and highly integrated circuits.

 

The broader trend extends beyond glasses. XR devices, smart wearables, robotics, and other compact intelligent products may also create new opportunities for FPC manufacturers.

 

However, the actual impact will depend on AI-glasses shipments, device adoption, FPC content per unit, and the pace of mass production.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Foldable phones are proving that more complex hardware can create greater demand for advanced FPCs.

As AI glasses move toward wider adoption, flexible circuits could become an important enabling technology for the next generation of wearable electronics.