Apple CEO Tim Cook is doubling down on his company’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, spotlighting a new $2.5 billion partnership with Corning to produce Ceramic Shield 2 glass for all iPhones and Apple Watches worldwide.
Speaking in a recent CNBC interview, Cook said the investment will not only strengthen Apple’s product durability but also boost the U.S. economy by creating new jobs in Corning’s Kentucky glass facility. “There’s a lot that we’re doing in the United States, and a lot more that we can do,” Cook teased.
Ceramic Shield 2: Stronger, Clearer, Made in America
The iPhone 17 lineup and the new iPhone Air are the first to feature Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is 50% stronger than the first generation, with better scratch resistance and reduced glare. While Cook admitted no glass can be “unbreakable,” he emphasized Apple’s partnership with Corning ensures customers get the best available protection.
Part of a Bigger U.S. Production Strategy
The $2.5 billion investment is just one piece of Apple’s broader $600 billion U.S. spending plan over the next four years, which includes chip manufacturing with TSMC. By moving critical components like display glass stateside, Apple is edging closer to a future where more of the iPhone is built in America—though a fully U.S.-made iPhone is still far off.
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Why Corning Matters
Corning, known for Gorilla Glass, has been Apple’s glass partner for over a decade. This exclusive deal cements Apple’s priority status, ensuring Ceramic Shield 2 remains unique to iPhones and Apple Watches—at least for now. Rivals like Samsung rely on Corning too, but Apple’s massive investment gives it the edge.
The Bigger Picture
For Apple, the move is strategic on multiple fronts:
- Job creation in Kentucky
- Stronger differentiation from rivals
- A supply chain less dependent on China and Vietnam
While Ceramic Shield 2 won’t make iPhones indestructible, it signals Apple’s push toward premium durability and U.S. industrial revival—with Cook promising that “a lot more” local investments are on the horizon.
