ITM Secures Order for KT&G’s New Heated Tobacco Product Lil Hybrid 4.0, Set to Launch in 2026

Jul.28.2025
ITM Secures Order for KT&G’s New Heated Tobacco Product Lil Hybrid 4.0, Set to Launch in 2026
ITM Semiconductor has secured an order for KT&G’s new heated tobacco device “Lil Hybrid 4.0,” set for 2026 launch. The upgraded product offers faster charging, shorter preheat time, larger liquid capacity, and cartridge level display. ITM aims to expand its product line and reinforce its role as KT&G’s top device supplier.

Key points:

 

·ITM Semiconductor has secured an order from the major South Korean tobacco group KT&G for their new heated tobacco product "Lil Hybrid 4.0." 

 

·The new product is scheduled to be launched in 2026 with significant upgrades in functionality.

 

·ITM Semiconductor will expand its domestic and international product line of heated tobacco devices to solidify its position as the largest supplier of heated tobacco products for KT&G.

 


【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report from Metro Seoul on July 28th, ITM Semiconductor has successfully secured an order for the new heated tobacco product "Lil Hybrid 4.0" from the South Korean tobacco conglomerate KT&G.

 

In mid-July, ITM Semiconductor signed a supply contract with KT&G for Lil Hybrid 4.0 and announced the news on the 28th.

 

The new product that received the order is planned to be launched in 2026. Compared to existing models, its features have been significantly upgraded, including super fast charging, shortened preheating time, increased liquid capacity, and a pod function that displays the remaining amount.

 

Therefore, the company is accelerating the upgrade of its tobacco product production technology to meet customers' new demands. With this new order, ITM Semiconductor is poised to further expand its range of heating tobacco product equipment for both domestic and global markets, significantly increasing pod production.

 

In particular, through this contract, ITM Semiconductor has secured orders for Lil Hybrid 4.0, in addition to ensuring the production of the current Lil Hybrid 3.0 and future products for the global market. This further solidifies their position as the supplier with the most orders for heated tobacco products among KT&G's partner companies.

 

ITM Semiconductor's heated tobacco product business achieved sales of 117.2 billion Korean won (approximately 100 million US dollars) last year, representing a 22% year-on-year increase. With products from previous orders set to be produced starting in the second half of 2025 and full supply of all models expected to begin in 2026, the company is poised to achieve substantial growth in sales.

 

Representative of ITM Semiconductor, Mr. Nahevi, stated:

 

“The heated tobacco product business has been rapidly growing each year, driving the overall performance of the company. We will strive to achieve future growth and increase shareholder value through continued business diversification and new technology development.”

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Philip Morris International Says Part of Owensboro ZYN Output Is Exceeding Market Demand
Philip Morris International Says Part of Owensboro ZYN Output Is Exceeding Market Demand
Philip Morris International said its Swedish Match facility in Owensboro will adjust part of its production schedule this summer in response to changing market conditions. According to a notice the company gave union leadership and employees on April 22, parts of ZYN production will shift from a 24/7 schedule back to a 24/5 schedule. The ZYN Flagship department will return to a five-day, three-shift operation.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Capital Group Takes 5.61% Stake in KT&G, Joining Major Foreign Shareholders
Capital Group Takes 5.61% Stake in KT&G, Joining Major Foreign Shareholders
KT&G disclosed in a regulatory filing on Friday that Capital Research and Management Company, the investment management arm of Capital Group, had acquired a 5.61% stake through purchases made on April 22 and May 4. The move places Capital Group among KT&G’s prominent foreign shareholders, alongside BlackRock, First Eagle Investment Management and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Hosts UK Vape Duty Stamp Compliance Exchange in Shenzhen
2Firsts Hosts UK Vape Duty Stamp Compliance Exchange in Shenzhen
2Firsts held a UK vape duty stamp compliance exchange in Shenzhen on May 14, bringing together representatives from nearly 20 companies. The session addressed Vaping Products Duty, duty stamp applications, UK agency qualifications and warehousing, while introducing 2Firsts Compliance Solutions’ UK service.
Events
May.17
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on May 5, 2026 that it authorized the marketing of four Glas electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway. The authorized products are Classic Menthol, Fresh Menthol, Gold and Sapphire pods, each containing 50mg/ml, or 5%, tobacco-derived nicotine.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Set to Enforce Liquid Vape Ban in Smoke-Free Areas, but Welfare Ministry Abruptly Adds Two-Month Guidance Period
South Korea Set to Enforce Liquid Vape Ban in Smoke-Free Areas, but Welfare Ministry Abruptly Adds Two-Month Guidance Period
Local governments across South Korea recently issued press releases saying they would intensively crack down on the use of liquid e-cigarettes in smoke-free areas. Since the revised Tobacco Business Act, passed in December last year, included liquid e-cigarettes within the definition of tobacco and took effect on April 24, local authorities had prepared to begin enforcement immediately.
Apr.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
As the European Commission reviews its tobacco and advertising rules, two experts who provided written comments to 2Firsts argue that future EU policy should not overlook adult smokers’ alternatives. Dr Garrett McGovern and Dr Carmen Escrig say regulators should weigh relative risk, adult switching, flavours, consumer behaviour and scientific uncertainty alongside youth protection.
Industry Insight
Jun.01