You may remember that the Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in January, was the first major smartphone to feature Corning’s new “Gorilla Armor” screen coating, which significantly improves scratch resistance and takes a big step forward forward in reducing glare. At the time, we noted that Apple would have to integrate the technology into the iPhone.
Apple may have heard our calls. According to a Weibo account (via 9to5Mac) that has already shared specific details about the upcoming iPhone, Apple has purchased the necessary equipment for a new “super tough.” [anti-reflective] “outer glass” for the iPhone The moment seems to be too late for the iPhone 16, the manufacturing of parts of which begins well before the fall release. Even though the report doesn’t mention Corning, it would be surprising if Apple abandoned the company after so many years.
Apple’s long partnership with Corning dates back to the original iPhone and continues with the iPhone 15’s durable Ceramic Shield technology. Corning’s latest advancement feels like a huge step forward in terms of scratch resistance and glare reduction. We thought a version of Gorilla Armor, perhaps using different branding, would appear on iPhones this year, but the latest rumors claim that’s not the case.
If this report and its effects on Apple’s supply chain timeline are accurate, we’ll be stuck with Ceramic Shield, which debuted with the iPhone 12, until fall 2025.
