Apple announced a $ 45 million allocation to Corning, which develops screen protectors for smartphones and other devices. Note that this is not Apple’s first investment in this company: $ 200 million was allocated in 2017 and $ 250 million in 2019. The investment will focus on expanding Corning’s manufacturing facilities in the United States and stimulating research and development on innovative new technologies that ensure product reliability and durability.

The collaboration between the two companies began with the release of the first iPhone. They collaborated last year to create the Ceramic Shield glass for the iPhone 12 series of smartphones. Apple claims that it “tougher than the glass of any smartphone”, And gives its flagships four times more resistance to damage from falls. Note that Corning Gorilla Glass is also used in Android smartphones by many manufacturers.

Apple hasn’t specified how Corning will use the new investment, but recent reports of Apple’s plans to launch a foldable iPhone in 2023 suggest a flexible version of Gorilla Glass.

Corning said in February this year that devices with its new flexible glass will hit the market in 12-18 months. If successful, Corning’s flexible glass will allow for rugged foldable smartphones that don’t require a layer of plastic protection like Samsung’s flexible screen devices.