On Wednesday, Apple and Corning revealed an expansion of their long-standing collaboration. The California-based technology firm will invest an additional $2.5 billion—approximately Rs. 21,900 crore—to manufacture cover glass for every iPhone and Apple Watch at Corning’s facility in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Both companies stated that, for the first time, all cover glass for these devices sold globally will be produced in the United States, which is expected to lead to a significant increase in the local workforce. Additionally, an innovation center will be established at the plant to foster technological advancements.
Production of All iPhone and Apple Watch Cover Glass to Transition to US
According to a press release issued by Apple, the cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches will soon be exclusively manufactured at Corning’s Harrodsburg facility. The production shift marks a significant milestone, as all cover glass for these devices will now be sourced from within the United States. Currently, Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass is produced at the same location.
Corning’s Harrodsburg plant has been described as the most advanced smartphone glass production line in the world and will now focus solely on manufacturing for Apple. This strategic alignment is anticipated to boost Corning’s Kentucky workforce by 50 percent. In tandem with this expansion, Apple and Corning plan to launch an Innovation Centre at the facility, aimed at developing cutting-edge materials and advanced manufacturing techniques for future Apple products.
This $2.5 billion investment is part of Apple’s broader initiative to allocate $600 billion (approximately Rs. 52,63,508 crore) in the United States over the next four years. It remains unclear if all glass covers for the upcoming iPhone 17 series will be produced at Corning’s Harrodsburg plant.
Apple is poised to unveil the iPhone 17 series later this year, which is expected to include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Reports suggest the company might eliminate the Plus variant, substituting it with the new Air model, which is rumored to be just 5.5mm thick, thereby becoming the slimmest iPhone to date.
