Numerous reports have suggested that Apple (AAPL 2.12%) is working on sapphire cover glass for its iPhone, with some rumors optimistic that consumers could see it as early as the iPhone 6, allegedly slated for release later this year. Corning (GLW 2.20%) could potentially lose out if Apple switched to sapphire, while GT Advanced Technologies (NASDAQ: GTAT) stands to gain. In fact, Apple probably plays a large role in GT Advanced's optimistic guidance for 2014.
An Apple patent application originally filed in 2012 that was just made public detailed sapphire displays, and now a new report suggests that Foxconn has already begun trial production of a sapphire iPhone, which would be about 100 units. In this video from Monday's Tech Teardown, Motley Fool tech and telecom bureau chief Evan Niu makes his guess for when this might make its appearance, who the winners and losers would be from a sapphire-screened iPhone, and why there have been no rumors thus far that competitors are trying to leap out ahead of Apple on this move.
Evan also tells investors what is known so far about just how close this product could be.