iFans are eagerly awaiting the launch of the much-rumored iPhone 6, which is anticipated to debut this fall and now they can catch a glimpse of the smartphone's Sapphire display thanks to a gamut of videos that have popped up online.
The rumors pertaining to the iPhone 6, which is expected to come in two screen sizes - 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches - are gaining traction as the September release of the iconic smartphone nears.
On Monday, July 7, a new video courtesy Apple blogger Sonny Dickson has surfaced online, which shows off the flexible Sapphire display cover of the iPhone 6.
"The new Sapphire glass screen on the iPhone 6 looks great, guys. Prepare to be amazed!" tweeted Apple blogger Sonny Dickson.
Close on the heels of the video by Dickson, yet another video that shows off the scratch-resistant front panel of the 4.7-inch variant of the iPhone 6 has surfaced online thanks to YouTube user Marques Brownlee.
"The 4.7" Apple iPhone 6 will have a sapphire crystal display made by $GTAT. Sapphire crystal is used in high-end watches & camera lenses already. Let's put it through its paces!" per Brownlee.
In the 5-minute long video, Brownlee subjects the front panel to a battery of stress tests, including scratching and bending to test the toughness of the Sapphire display. The video shows Brownlee scratching the alleged prototype front panel of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 with keys and knives. He also bends the panel by putting it underneath his shoe and tugging at it forcefully. Brownlee also uses his hands to pull and bend the panel, but it does not break. There is no significant damage barring fingerprint and dust marks per Brownlee.
While Brownlee says that the panel is made of sapphire crystal and has been procured from Apple's assembly unit in Asia, there is no validation for his claim. Gorilla Glass, which is currently used by Apple in its products, is also durable. Moreover, Apple is believed to be deploying Gorilla Glass 3 in the next iPhone, which will be more flexible, scratch resistant as well as less prone to shattering.
That said; Apple recently opened a manufacturing unit in Arizona which will produce sapphire crystal components. It is believed that this plant will manufacture new displays for future iDevices. While expensive when compared to aluminosilicate glass, Sapphire crystal is known for its clarity and durability.
Previous rumors have suggested that Apple will deploy the Sapphire display only for the 5.5-inch variant of the iPhone 6 because of supply limitations. However, Brownlee's video which shows a comparison of the 4.7-inch sapphire front panel with the iPhone 5s suggests that the smaller sibling will also benefit from a Sapphire screen.
Check out the robustness of the iPhone 6 in the videos below.
