Report: Only the more expensive models of the ‘iPhone 6’ will have a sapphire screen
If you want an “iPhone 6″ with a sapphire screen, you might need keep saving up. According to a new report in The Wall Street Journal, only the more expensive models of the next-generation device will have the harder screen cover.
Apple’s supplier, GT Advanced Technologies in Arizona, is only expected to start producing sapphire screens for the next-generation iPhone and iWatch this month.
Here’s more from the report:
Apple is considering using sapphire screens in more-expensive models of the two new, larger iPhones it plans to debut this fall, if it can get enough of the material, people familiar with the matter say. Some analysts expect Apple to charge more for the phones than previous new models, because of increased component costs.
If the use of sapphire leads to fewer broken screens, Apple may save money in warranty costs. But Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi says those savings likely wouldn’t offset sapphire’s higher cost.
There is a significant cost different between Gorilla Glass, which is currently used on iOS devices, and the sapphire screens. One analyst interviewed said a sapphire screen could cost as much as $16 per unit, compared with just $3 for a glass version.
The pictured sapphire glass currently covers the camera lens and Touch ID fingerprint reader of the iPhone 5s. Apple is expected to unveil the next-generation device at a media event on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
For other recent “iPhone 6″ news, see: Apple meets with Thai government officials after early approval of the ‘iPhone 6,’ The latest leaked image of the Apple ‘iPhone 6′ shows complete logic board assemblies, and Pegatron contracted by Apple to handle 50 percent of 4.7-inch ‘iPhone 6′ production.
