In October 2022, Apple released Ceramic Shield, an improved front glass offering better scratch and drop resistance than its competitors. While the new solution did increase the display’s longevity, Samsung took it one step further. With the Gorilla Armor display on the S24 Ultra, the Korean giant turned its attention toward improving the display tech that has been around for quite some time. Now, it looks like Apple is following suit, as a new rumor claims the company has invested quite a lot in procuring new display coating equipment.
Apple Invests Billions In Screen Coating Equipment
According to Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, Apple has invested billions in the purchase of screen coating equipment, which will make its way to the Chinese supply chains. However, the shipment will be the deadline for the iPhone 16, and instead, it could be used for the iPhone 17 series. Moreover, the specialized coating material will make the iPhone 17’s display more resistant to scratches. Further, it will also add anti-reflective capabilities, similar to what we’ve with the Gorilla Armor glass on the S24 Ultra. Translating the Weibo post from Chinese, “the outer glass of the iPhone 17 series will all be made of a super-hard AR layer.”
The New Screen Coating On iPhone 17 Could Be Similar To Corning’s Gorilla Armor
In one of our previous posts, we explained what Corning Gorilla Armor glass is and how it helps the Galaxy S24 Ultra provide a superior viewing experience with significantly fewer reflections and better color quality. From what it looks like, Apple is trying to achieve something similar for its iPhone. After all, the company looks for the best possible hardware and software solutions for its customers, and the competition’s anti-reflective glass has recently made quite a lot of buzz.
There’s a good chance that Apple will brand the new coating, which adds anti-reflective characteristic (and improves visibility) to its iPhone, as an improved Ceramic Shield. Currently, the company claims that its Ceramic Shield is tougher than other smartphone glasses and provides up to four times better drop resistance. However, not many people know that behind Ceramic Shield is the same company that provides Gorilla Glasses to Android phones – Corning.
Given that both companies have worked in the past, it seems likely that Apple could collaborate with Corning to bring the Gorilla Glass Armor, or perhaps an even better solution, to its iPhones in 2025. However, since the iPhone 17 is a year and a half away from seeing the light of day, there’s a chance that the company could change its plans or make any amendments.
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