TDK Corp., a prominent supplier of batteries for Apple’s iPhones, is set to introduce an enhanced version of its cutting-edge product this year. This development aims to address the increasing power requirements of mobile devices equipped with integrated AI technologies.
According to Chief Executive Officer Noboru Saito, mass production of the company’s third-generation silicon-anode cells is expected to commence in late summer. Although silicon batteries are more complicated to manufacture, they offer greater energy storage compared to traditional batteries. Many leading Chinese smartphone manufacturers have already adopted this technology, and Saito anticipates further opportunities for growth.
“Our sustained investment in research and development is one of our business’s key strengths, and we plan to enhance that momentum,” stated Saito, who has been with TDK for over thirty years.
Hong Kong-based subsidiary Amperex Technology Ltd., a leading global battery supplier, launched lithium-ion cells with silicon anodes in 2023 after extensive research and development. These cells demonstrated a five percent increase in energy density over graphite-anode batteries, with that improvement forecasted to rise to 15 percent in the upcoming 2025 model. This advancement has led to products like the recently released Vivo X200 Pro, which, despite matching the size and weight of phones with 5,000 milliampere-hours of capacity, features a 6,000mAh cell.
TDK’s competitors, including LG Energy Solution Ltd. and Samsung SDI Co., are also recognizing the potential of silicon batteries and are exploring their applications in electric vehicles. Group14 Technologies Inc., a U.S.-based supplier of silicon anodes for TDK and ATL, has positioned itself with Porsche AG as a strategic investor, viewing EVs as the next significant opportunity for this technology following smartphones.
“Almost all car manufacturers are considering silicon batteries due to their substantially quicker charging times,” remarked Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe in an interview. He elaborated that silicon-based car batteries could be fully charged in just five to seven minutes, compared to graphite-based batteries that often take 40 minutes or longer.
TDK is not only focusing on production capacity but is also committed to continuous research and development, according to Saito. He views the company’s rapid transition to mass production and ATL’s skills in integrating various components as key advantages. As noted by Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda, TDK currently stands as the sole manufacturer capable of mass-producing silicon batteries, a feat that is complicated due to the intricacies involved in large-scale assembly. While this exclusivity serves as an advantage for TDK, it raises concerns for its customers regarding supply stability.
“Having a component produced by only one firm can precipitate supply shortages, which often hampers the broader adoption of that technology,” Yasuda warned.
Despite the relatively small share of silicon-anode products within TDK’s overall business, Saito remains optimistic that customers will recognize the value of this technology, leading to gradual growth over time.
© 2025 Bloomberg L.P.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
