Apple's new sapphire manufacturing plant could open for operations in Arizona in February.
Apple announced plans for the plant in November, which is anticipated to make special sapphire glass, or industrial or gem-like material created from artificial crystal at a cost more than the glass on phones made today for its next iPhone product, the iPhone 6 Tech Times reported.
"This high-tech manufacturing process will create a critical new sub-component of Apple Products to be used in the manufacture of the consumer electronics that will be imported and then sold globally," Apple said in papers about the project Tech Times reported.
The plant will produce a minimum 700 jobs in its first year of existence, and 1,300 construction jobs, along with others.
Apple and GT Advanced Technologies will also collaborate 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.
"Apple is indisputably one of the world's most innovative companies and I'm thrilled to welcome them to Arizona," Jan Brewer, governor of Arizona told PC Magazine in November. "Apple will have an incredibly positive economic impact for Arizona and its decision to locate here speaks volumes about the friendly, pro-business climate we have been creating these past four years. (Apple's) investment in renewable energy will also be greening our power grid, and creating significant new solar and geothermal power sources for the state," Brewer told PC Magazine.
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 PC Magazine reported.
These include the 5C, and 5S, and are selling well Know Your Mobile reported.
Apple plans to phase out the 5C when the iPhone 6 comes out The Wall Street Journal reported
