Apple is known for making strategic investments into companies that may provide the tech giant better solutions in the future. This is the reason why it invested USD 410 million in the company that provides Apple with VCSELs and LiDAR sensors. Not it has awarded USD 45 million to Corning. The amount has been awarded from the company’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund. Corning is the company that provides glass for products like the iPad, iPhone, and even Apple Watch. The two companies have been working together ever since the original iPhone was launched. Last year, the two companies came together for Ceramic Shield technology used in the iPhone 12 lineup.
Apples said that Ceramic Shield technology is four times more resistant to damage when a phone is dropped. Also, the company claims that it is tougher than any smartphone glass. There are countless numbers of Android smartphone manufacturers that are using Corning’s Gorilla Glass. This also included high-end Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Apple has not revealed how Corning is going to use the amount awarded by it. However, some experts have pointed out that development comes at a time when Apple is rumored to launch a foldable iPhone in 2023. There were reports in 2019 that Corning was working to develop a bendable version of its glass. In February 2020, the company even said that products using the technology are expected to be available in the market in 12 to 18 months.
If this happens, it will pave the way for foldable smartphones that will no longer require a layer of plastic protection, as used in foldable phones launched by Samsung. It is worth mentioning that Corning got USD 450 million investment over the past four years. The US-based company used the investment to develop Ceramic Shield. Apple chief operating officer Jeff Williams said both the companies have a long history of accomplishing the impossible. “For making the first iPhone glass to manufacturing Ceramic Shield that is being used in iPhone 12 lineup, our collaboration has always proved that we capable of changing the landscape of smartphone cover design and durability. Ceramic Shield is the latest example of what happens when deep innovation joins hands with the power of American manufacturing. We are proud of working in collaboration with Corning,” Williams said in a statement.
Jeffrey is acting editor in chief of AmazingNews24 with over seven years of experience in the field of online news under his belt. Jeffrey has worked with multiple media houses and is currently leading a team of journalists, sub-editors and writers through his entrepreneurial endeavours.