You may recall the Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in January, was the first major smartphone to feature Corning’s new “Gorilla Armor” display coating, which greatly improves scratch resistance and takes a big leap forward in reducing glare. At the time, we noted that Apple should incorporate the tech in the iPhone.
Apple might have heard our pleas. According to a Weibo account (via 9to5Mac) that has previously shared accurate future iPhone details, Apple bought the necessary equipment for a new “super-hard [anti-reflective] outer glass” for the iPhone The timing appears to be too late for the iPhone 16, whose parts begin manufacture long in advance of the fall release. Though the report doesn’t mention Corning, it would be surprising for Apple to abandon 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 tech. Corning’s latest advancement looks like a huge leap forward in both scratch resistance and glare reduction. We assumed some 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 effect on the Apple supply chain timetable is accurate, we’re going to be stuck with Ceramic Shield, which debuted with the iPhone 12, until the fall of 2025.
Before the iPhone 17 arrives, we’re expecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone SE 4 to launch. iPhone 16 will arrive at a September launch event – find out how to watch the Apple September event live stream. For iPhone SE 4 and other new Apple products, see when is the next Apple event. You might also like our iPhone buying guide, best iPhone deals, and comparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.