iPhone 6 Release Date, Features & Rumors: Scratch Resistant High-Res 4.7 & 5.5 Inch Screen?
Vagueness has always been in Apple's marketing playbook: say just enough to get their fans intrigued and interested without elaborating and giving away closely protected product ideas. The currently speculation is that Apple is working on two new iPhone models that have larger screens. But, perhaps the most interesting rumor is that these new iPhones may be equipped with a display produced with sapphire crystal to replace the current Gorilla Glass.
In a current SEC filing, as well as other company documents Apple's current manufacturing partner; GT Advanced, has acquired new machines that will allow them to begin producing sapphire crystal for display components. These machines are rumored to only be able to create sapphire screens, this will not include camera lenses or the home button. A sapphire screen would be a stand out new features on any new iPhone models that Apple decides to release as it is much more durable than their current displays. Sapphire is scratch resistant and will not crack or shatter as easily as the Gorilla Glass.
This filing also shows that GT Advanced will only produce products with sapphire crystal for Apple, and in order for them to produce this feature for anyone else, they would require written consent directly from Apple Company. This could be a huge game changer in the world of mobile devices.
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has admitted in the past that they have a plant in Mesa, Arizona that would have the capabilities of being able to produce sapphire crystal for their devices in the future, but in true Apple style, did not say any more. Analysts are stating that Apple now has more than enough manufacturing abilities to be able to produce more than 100 million five inch sapphire crystal displays on a yearly basis. This would fit into the rumors of Apple working on new iPhones.
In addition to the new hardware specs, the new operating system plans to have bug fixes as well as a male Siri voice.