Apple invests $45 million in Corning's Ceramic Shield, may feature in iPhone 13 series

It is worth adding that a previous $450 million investment from Apple’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund helped Corning develop the Ceramic Shield and support its workforce in the US.

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini in the Purple colour.  (Apple)

Apple introduced its own version of hard, shatterproof glass for iPhones last year in the form of Ceramic Shield. And it seems like there is no intention to stop the usage of that component anytime soon as the iPhone maker just announced another $45 million investment for it. It is worth adding that a previous $450 million investment from Apple's Advanced Manufacturing Fund helped Corning develop the Ceramic Shield and support its workforce in the US. The new investment indirectly means that the tech might be coming to iPhones this year as well. However, it is not for sure if it will be limited to iPhones or not.

It is worth adding that Apple and Corning have been working together ever since the first iPhone. For now, the company offers precision glass for iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad. The new funding from Apple is supposed to expand Corning's manufacturing capacity in the US while driving more research and development into the new technologies.

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“Apple and Corning have a long history of working together to accomplish the impossible,” said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer. “From the very first iPhone glass, to the revolutionary Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 lineup, our collaboration has changed the landscape of smartphone cover design and durability. Ceramic Shield is a prime example of the technologies that are possible when deep innovation meets the power of American manufacturing. We're so proud to work alongside Corning, whose 170-year-old legacy is a testament to the ingenuity of the US workforce.”

So, what does it mean for future iPhones?

Although Both Apple and Corning have not confirmed it, an additional funding from Apple definitely seals the deal of bringing Ceramic Shield glass to iPhone 13 as well. The tech might stay the same if not better. And like it was the case with iPhone 12 series, we may see it coming to all four rumoured iPhone 13 models as well. Same can be said for future Apple Watch and iPad models.