[NewsPoster]

Apple is "considering" using sapphire screens for more expensive models of the new iPhones it's planning to ship this fall, sources tell the Wall Street Journal. The prospect is said to be dependent on whether or not it can get enough sapphire. Numerous earlier reports have gone back and forth about whether Apple will use the material, which is costly in large part because it's in short supply.

The company has partnered with GT Advanced on sapphire production, but has yet to receive the material in bulk from GT's Mesa facility. Some analysts have argued that Apple will therefore limit sapphire to camera lenses and Touch ID sensors, at least until next year. The material could potentially be applied to the iWatch, which as a wearable will need to be tough.

Sapphire is highly desirable for mobile devices since it's thinner than conventional glass but substantially more durable. The material is impossible to scratch in normal scenarios.

[jdonahoe]

One word, nooooooooooo! The 4.7" must include sapphire.

[jdonahoe]

One word, nooooooooooo! The 4.7" must include sapphire. At least use the sapphire on the 64GB version of the 4.7".

[FireWire]

where is walter white when we need him to produce large quantity of crystal.. (jesus, marie! they're minerals!)

[qazwart]

> Apple is "considering" using sapphire screens for more expensive models of the new iPhones it's planning to ship this fall, sources tell the Wall Street Journal.

It's a bit too late. Those phones must already be in production now.

[FastiBook]

I have scratched saphire, but i think it would have much better shatter resistance.