Apple's new iPhone 6 smartphone could have a screen that cannot be destroyed CNET reported Tuesday.
"GT has accelerated the development of its next generation, large capacity ASF (advanced sapphire furnaces) to deliver low cost, high volume manufacturing of sapphire material," Apple said in a statement. "Although the agreement does not guarantee volumes, it does require GT to maintain a minimum level of capacity."
GT Advanced Technologies recently announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in Mesa, Ariz. that will produce a minimum 700 jobs in its first year of existence, and 1,300 construction jobs, along with others.
Apple and GT are collaborating on the endeavor where GT is expected to possess and manage the structure's advanced sapphire furnaces, along with similar equipment under terms of the project's multi-year agreement PC Magazine reported.
The iPhone 6 screen is expected to be plant manufactured from industrial sapphire or gem-like material created from artificial crystal, at a cost more than the glass on phone's made today CNET reported. According to PC Magazine, Apple is giving GT a $578 million pre-payment, which GT will then reimburse the company for throughout a five year period beginning in 2015.
"Sapphire is much more expensive than Gorilla Glass, heavier, and has other shortcomings; however, it is widely viewed as more difficult to scratch," Brian White, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald told PC Magazine.
Apple, which currently uses the material in its Touch ID fingerprint sensor on its iPhone 5S smartphone, could put it on future devices it makes. Other smartphone makers have already used the material on original models, and other high quality phones.
The iPhone 6, due out in the second fiscal quarter of 2014 is expected to have a 4.8 inch display, 0.8 larger than its current iPhone 5 models. These include the 5C, and 5S, and are selling well Know Your Mobile reported.
