Apple is said to be upgrading the display of the iPhone 17, making it anti-reflective and more resistant to scratches, according to a report by Instant Digital on Weibo.
The rumor suggests that Apple has acquired specialized coating equipment from Japan and has transferred it to its supply chain in China.
This equipment is likely intended for future iPhones, possibly the iPhone 17, as it’s too late for the iPhone 16. This move suggests that the iPhone 17 series could sport a “super-hard anti-reflective” display, offering more scratch resistance.
Currently, Apple boasts its “Ceramic Shield” branding for its display glass, manufactured by Corning. However, recent developments, like Samsung’s use of Corning Gorilla Armor on Galaxy S24 Ultra, have pushed the boundaries of scratch resistance and glare reduction.
Even though the report doesn’t mention Corning, Apple has been working with them for a long time. It’s unclear if Apple will switch to Gorilla Glass Armor for the iPhone 17, but it aligns with what the Chinese leaker claims. Alternatively, Corning might offer Apple a similar technology under a different name.
Corning and Apple have a strong partnership, with Gorilla Glass being used in many Apple products. Apple has even invested heavily in Corning’s research, leading to the creation of a Ceramic Shield.
If this report holds true and impacts Apple’s supply chain, it suggests that we’ll be seeing Ceramic Shield, introduced with the iPhone 12, until at least the fall of 2025.