American glass maker announces “manufacturing readiness” of a new technology

Jan 4, 2014 11:44 GMT  ·  By

Corning, the company that makes the glass panels for all of Apple’s iPhones and iPads, has announced a new version of its high-strength glass which could make its way into next-generation iPhones, and even the rumored iWatch.

According to a press release from the New York-based company, “ Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today announced the manufacturing readiness of a novel 3D glass-forming technology to shape Corning Gorilla Glass.”

The company points out that “More than half of the top 10 smartphone manufacturers already market devices that incorporate cover glass with subtle curves, and the demand for even more-dramatic form factors is increasing.”

Apple has been actively seeking manufacturing prowess to create ever-more durable glass, including curved sheets of glass for various patented applications.

However, although Corning seems to be onto something big here, Apple is also known to have a acquired a sapphire glass maker for its future products.

“Corning’s 3D-forming technology can achieve precise tolerances and high throughput on a platform that is more economical than alternative two-mold forming methods,” Corning says.

“This technology uses Gorilla Glass of uniform thickness, assisting designers to introduce thinner and lighter devices and leverage the emergence of conformable displays for mobile and wearable applications,” the company adds.


It remains to be seen which type of glass will be going to the iPhone 6 and the rumored iWatch.

Corning could supply a portion of its 3D-shaped Gorilla Glass for a certain Apple set of devices, while the sapphire could be used for other products.

According to a recent report from Taiwan, Apple is using Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Technology to make the chassis of its upcoming smart-watch. This could mean Apple is finally ready to put Liquidmetal to the test.