Apple

Report: Foxconn assembles 100 Apple iPhone prototypes using sapphire glass screens

posted by Alan F. / Jan 24, 2014, 2:10 PM

Report: Foxconn assembles 100 Apple iPhone prototypes using sapphire glass screens

At a Foxconn factory in Shenzhen, the contract manufacturer reportedly has assembled 100 prototypes of the next-gen Apple iPhone. What sets these units apart from others is that the display on all of the units is made of sapphire glass. Replacing the Gorilla Glass used on the handset with a material that is one of the hardest on the planet has made the manufacturing process more difficult. But that is something that Foxconn has apparently been able to overcome with this test.

The two companies that Apple is relying on for sapphire material, Synopsys and Bern Optics, have recently expanded their production facilities. Both provide the material for the rear camera and the TouchID fingerprint sensor on the Apple iPhone 5s. Apple is believed to consume 10% of the world's manufactured sapphire and the expansions seem to indicate further use of the material by the Cupertino based tech titan.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, during an interview broadcast on ABC today, confirmed that the company's new facility in Arizona will be used to produce sapphire glass that could be used for future iPhone models, or for the expected Apple iWatch.

source: AppleDaily (translated) via AppleInsider

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59 Comments

1. Phullofphil

Posts: 1729; Member since: Feb 10, 2009

That is probably the coolest thing I've heard in a while I would be pretty excited for something like that. I would like to do more research on how that would affect your screen thickness and the ability to never have to use screen protectors but that could be just a pipe dream

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 2:28 PM 3

10. Finalflash

Posts: 4050; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

Well seeing as how this is Apple rumors/news, don't expect it until it becomes either free to make or very cheap. Otherwise like hell they'll lower their margins to actually give additional value to their customers for free.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:36 PM 2

49. nctx77

Posts: 2540; Member since: Sep 03, 2013

Actually what you described sounds more like Samsung. This is one thing Apple would not have to worry about them copying lol! They are scared to make an aluminum phone lol!

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 10:12 PM 0

53. willard12 unregistered

I guess you didn't read all the comments. If you did, you'd know Samsung already uses sapphire glass, lol!

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 11:09 PM 0

46. willard12 unregistered

"If you’re worried about scratches diminishing the look of the Galaxy Gear, you can sleep easy knowing that it’s protected by the layer of sapphire glass over it – giving it a very slick feel to the touch." - Phone Arena

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 7:29 PM 0

2. Phullofphil

Posts: 1729; Member since: Feb 10, 2009

After all hardness doesn't always equal durability also

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 2:30 PM 2

3. joseram695

Posts: 79; Member since: May 28, 2012

Thats awsome that there is going to be that type of glass on the screen, now how about some other phones as well?, S5 Note 4, HTC M8? Just hoping.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:11 PM 1

4. darkkjedii

Posts: 30499; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

It has begun. Be prepared iHaters

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:20 PM 6

7. Finalflash

Posts: 4050; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

Lol that's a long wait to be prepared for, I guess 2025 can't come soon enough.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:27 PM 4

29. reckless562

Posts: 1153; Member since: Sep 09, 2013

lol! try 2030!! but seriously jus kuz its got the glass All phones should have in the First place, Doesnt make the ipiece-off-crap-phone Any Better. "ooohhh!!! i dont need a screen protecter!!" but can u upload a custom Rom???? HAAAAA!!!

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 6:12 PM 0

8. good2great

Posts: 1042; Member since: Feb 22, 2012

hey dark you got facebook bro? i'd like to link up with you outside of phonearena.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:27 PM 0

11. darkkjedii

Posts: 30499; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

Yeah I do, but how do I get you my info without exposing it to these idiot haters on here.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:41 PM 0

14. Finalflash

Posts: 4050; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

Set up a temp email account and exchange info there.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:43 PM 1

30. reckless562

Posts: 1153; Member since: Sep 09, 2013

u have to go slow so the Apple user can understand why thad idea will work

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 6:14 PM 2

15. EclipseGSX

Posts: 1766; Member since: Oct 18, 2011

Awww that's cute, you guys should tell us about your first date.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 4:11 PM 5

16. darkkjedii

Posts: 30499; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

Case and point, post #15

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 4:13 PM 5

37. EclipseGSX

Posts: 1766; Member since: Oct 18, 2011

You're not that interesting bro, get over yourself

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 6:32 PM 4

41. reckless562

Posts: 1153; Member since: Sep 09, 2013

Preach

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 6:38 PM 0

22. applesucker

Posts: 81; Member since: Oct 29, 2013

prepared for the overpricing

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 5:40 PM 1

5. bigstrudel

Posts: 543; Member since: Aug 20, 2012

RIP Screen Protectors.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:20 PM 3

47. wtmana

Posts: 55; Member since: Nov 27, 2013

Jajajajajaja. You to much.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 8:50 PM 0

6. good2great

Posts: 1042; Member since: Feb 22, 2012

and they say APPL doesn't innovate. pfft... oh and... "what are they doing with $400,000,000,000?" YOU SEE NOW iHATERS?!!!

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:27 PM 2

9. Caralho

Posts: 119; Member since: Jun 18, 2012

Zzz...

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:35 PM 5

13. Finalflash

Posts: 4050; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

How come all the iClowns think this has already happened? It isn't happening for a decade, they only do this so the other manufacturers jump the gun and invent a cost effective way to make it and then Apple patents it and pretends to invent it 10 years later.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:42 PM 3

19. a_merryman

Posts: 749; Member since: Dec 14, 2011

You're so wise, please tell us more about Apple's future products. You have a line directly with Tim Cook and Mr. Ive I am assuming.

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 4:35 PM 1

12. WHoyton1

Posts: 1635; Member since: Feb 21, 2013

there is a difference between hating and telling the truth... and innovation is doing something that no one has done before...http://www.corninggorillaglass.com/news-events/Corning-Gorilla-Glass-vs.-Sapphire http://www.nextpowerup.com/news/6324/lg-and-htc-to-use-sapphire-glass-in-next-flagship-smartphones.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_Nr_0sThe0 now go graze somewhere else....

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 3:41 PM 5

17. EclipseGSX

Posts: 1766; Member since: Oct 18, 2011

First, calm the F down. Second, its just a rumor. It's not innovation unless they are the first to do it and it is readily available to markets, governments and society. Try again fanboy

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 4:15 PM 4

23. applesucker

Posts: 81; Member since: Oct 29, 2013

well it's not their innovation, sapphire glass is already been used by vertu so what the heck are you talking about iloser

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 5:41 PM 3

24. applesucker

Posts: 81; Member since: Oct 29, 2013

sapphire glass on a phone is not apple's innovation, sapphire is already been used by VERTU YOU SEE NOW ILOSER!!!!!!

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 5:52 PM 3

31. reckless562

Posts: 1153; Member since: Sep 09, 2013

how is that an inovation??? sapphire glass, IT ALREADY EXIST!!! THEY DONT EVEN MAKE IT THEMSELVES!!! sooooo. its an "Application" of technology. one that they hope their customers will accept.... u never know with an iphone user

posted on Jan 24, 2014, 6:18 PM 2

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