Japanese electronic component manufacturer TDK is preparing to launch a new generation of batteries that will power smartphones through artificial intelligence tasks. At the same time, TDK's main customer, Apple, is also preparing to launch a thinner and lighter phone.
TDK CEO Noboru Saito stated that the Tokyo based component manufacturer will begin shipping third-generation silicon anode cells at the end of June. He said that this is earlier than TDK's original plan to ship in the third quarter, which may give smartphone manufacturers enough time to use these batteries in thinner models launched this year.
We have made good progress and will ship soon, "he said." Some phone manufacturers may use this new battery in their products one generation ahead of schedule
TDK's battery technology is helping Apple achieve product slimming without shortening battery life. Its latest lithium-ion battery uses silicon as the anode instead of the commonly used graphite, which can store 15% more energy in the same space compared to traditional rechargeable battery packs.
Samsung Electronics launched the 5.9mm thick Galaxy S25 Edge this week, which is 30% thinner than the company's high-end product S25 Ultra, and has also promised to launch a camera with new editing and other artificial intelligence features.
Apple will also launch a thinner phone - iPhone 17 Air, which features a new industrial design, and Apple may release thinner phones in the future.
Data shows that Apple and Samsung are TDK's largest customers, each contributing about 10% of the Japanese company's total revenue. Saito refused to disclose the pricing of the new battery and its customers, but stated that TDK will provide the component to all customers who recognize the value of the technology.
Silicon anode battery technology can be applied to batteries of various sizes, used in various products, from small tools to electric vehicles. According to Saito, TDK's battery subsidiary Amperex is a leading manufacturer of small silicon batteries used in smartphones, holding a "very large share".
We plan to launch the fourth generation silicon battery at some point in the next fiscal year to further expand our leading advantage, "he said. Large scale production of silicon cells requires special technology. This cannot be achieved by putting materials together
TDK expects global smartphone production to increase by 1% this year, reaching 12 billion units, although the company warns that US trade policies may eventually erase this growth. Last month, the company first proposed an annual outlook with an interval instead of a single number, citing uncertainty over US tariffs.
Saito stated that the company needs to be prepared at all times to respond to developments beyond its control and make dynamic and flexible responses to customer requirements.
For TDK, this means diversification of production locations. Amperex mainly assembles batteries in China, but it is building a new factory in India that will start production in September. Saito said that the initial production capacity of the Indian factory is not large, but it is not difficult to produce silicon batteries on the graphite battery production line. However, he refused to disclose which type of battery TDK plans to produce in India.
More and more manufacturers are establishing production capacity outside of China, with Apple expanding production capacity in India and Nintendo expanding production capacity in Vietnam and Cambodia. Saito said that how TDK distributes production between China and India will depend on customer requirements.
