Apple May Only Use Sapphire On One New iPhone Model

Advertisement

If Apple uses ultra-durable sapphire glass on the next iPhone, it will likely only appear in more expensive models of the handset, according to the Wall Street Journal's Daisuke Wakabayashi.

Advertisement

The Journal also noted that by incorporating the costly material into the iPhone, Apple has made the largest bet thus far on its appeal to consumers.

You may have come into contact with sapphire glass already. The synthetic material is used to protect the iPhone's camera and Touch ID fingerprint reader on the 5S.

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

It's unclear how Apple will decide to implement sapphire glass on its iPhone models, even though several YouTube users have tested front panels that contain at least some sapphire in them.

Wakabayashi suggested on Twitter that memory size might be the deciding factor, but remained speculative:

Advertisement

If Apple goes ahead with its tiered-pricing structure, the company could maintain its position at the high end of the smartphone market while also offering a less expensive model for potential Android converts.

It would also give Apple users more options to choose from if they want to buy an iPhone, something consumers have wanted for some time now.

Apple's differentiation of the iPhone lineup would also hedge the company from any possible loss it could experience if its rumored smartwatch, which will reportedly debut in October, turns out to be a dud.