Apple is slowly preparing to launch its new smartphone, the iPhone 6. Recent rumors claim Apple is aiming to use sapphire displays for higher-end versions of the iPhone, along with the company's unannounced iWatch or iTime.
A report from The Wall Street Journal says that the plan here is to use sapphire display for the most expensive versions of the iPhone 6, which gives us the impression that Apple might launch a cheaper device similar to the iPhone 5c.
The reasoning behind using sapphire for high-end iPhone 6 devices and the rumored iWatch, is due to the material's ability to withstand scratches and cracks. Still, it is not yet certain how capable sapphire is when compared to Gorilla Glass, but we'll definitely find out when someone smashes an iPhone 6 on YouTube.
Apple is working with GT Advanced Technologies to supply the sapphire displays. We understand the Cupertino tech company has so far acquired enough crystal furnaces to create around 200 million 5.5-inch sapphire displays.
Furthermore, the WSJ is reporting that the first batch of sapphire displays developed by Apple and GT Advanced Technologies, will soon begin to roll out of Apple's manufacturing plant in Arizona.
Tim Cook and company are expected to take the wraps off the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 devices in September. In addition, the iWatch or iTime will be unveiled, though it is not certain in what capacity or if the device will ever be released in time for the holidays.
"Before the Apple investment, I would have said sapphire is a great material with great potential but it's a few years out from becoming a market reality," says Vinita Jakhanwal, director of mobile and emerging display technologies at research firm IHS Technology. "But Apple has invested a significant amount, so it would be fair to say that the company probably expects a return on its investment pretty quickly."
If Apple is unable to manufacture enough sapphire glass for the iPhone 6 and iWatch, it is possible some of these devices might come with regular glass instead, or even Gorilla Glass. To make sure this doesn't become a long-term issue, Apple must do everything within its power to make sure it has the materials to churn out enough sapphire glass to meet demand.
If history is anything to go by, the iPhone 6 will be a huge success; the same could be said for the iWatch.
