**Abstract**
The iPhone 6 hasn’t arrived yet, but the focus is already on sapphire. Recent patents from Apple suggest that the company may be planning to use sapphire crystal glass—commonly known as sapphire—on both the front and back of its next smartphone. This move has sparked a lot of interest in the industry.
According to a report from an interview, Shenzhen has made significant progress in breaking through the upstream manufacturing process for sapphire, which could lead to its widespread use in mobile phones. Previously reserved for high-end or luxury devices, sapphire is now expected to become more accessible to a broader range of consumers.
Industry analysts predict that sapphire camera lenses in Shenzhen will exceed 10 million units this year, with projections reaching around 30 million units next year. This signals a growing demand for the material in the smartphone sector.
Apple's pursuit of sapphire has been well-documented. Although it hasn't officially confirmed using sapphire on the iPhone 6 screen, its interest in the material is clear. Some reports suggest that the iPhone 6 may feature sapphire on both sides, offering greater scratch resistance and durability compared to traditional glass.
An Zineng, secretary-general of the Nanshan District Mobile Industry Federation, stated that sapphire is gaining popularity among smartphone manufacturers due to its superior strength and resistance to scratches. The iPhone 5S uses sapphire for its fingerprint sensor, and the iPhone 5’s camera lens also benefits from sapphire protection.
Currently, major Chinese brands like Huawei and ZTE have started incorporating sapphire into their camera lenses, while companies like Coolpad, OPPO, and Meizu are testing the material. Many experts believe that sapphire camera lenses will soon become standard in mid- to high-end smartphones.
The industry expects sapphire applications to focus on camera lenses and fingerprint sensors in the second half of this year, with large-scale adoption anticipated by the end of next year.
Shenzhen-based companies have made great strides in sapphire production. One such company, Shenzhen Jinglandi Optoelectronics, has achieved an annual production capacity of 20 million sapphire camera lenses. According to the company’s chairman, Liu Shiquan, they are now mass-producing 5.5-inch display panels, a challenge that had previously been considered difficult on a global scale.
The key to Jinglandi’s success lies in continuous R&D. The company holds 65 patents and collaborates with top research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and several universities. Their efforts have positioned them as a leader in the sapphire manufacturing space.
In late 2014, Apple signed a $576 million deal with GTAT to secure sapphire supply for the next three years, further boosting the material’s market appeal. While sapphire has been used in luxury phones for years, its recent integration into smartwatches and other devices marks a shift toward mainstream adoption.
With the rising demand for sapphire, Shenzhen’s independent R&D efforts are seen as a positive step for both the industry and consumers. Analysts predict that over the next five years, the smartphone market could create a $2 billion opportunity for sapphire manufacturers. By 2018, sapphire penetration in smartphone displays is expected to reach between 5% and 18%.
Experts also note that once sapphire becomes widely available, its cost could drop to one-third of what it is today. This could make it more affordable for everyday users.
While sapphire has not yet entered the daily lives of most phone users, its growing presence suggests it’s getting closer. As production scales up, its price will likely become more “consumer-friendly.†In the past, sapphire was only found in premium devices, but this is expected to change soon.
However, with the increasing competition, there are concerns about whether domestic manufacturers can sustain their growth. Without core technology and strong market positioning, some fear that sapphire products might face challenges similar to those seen in other industries.
Despite these concerns, the outlook for sapphire remains optimistic. With its growing applications in smart devices and the “Apple Effect†driving demand, the industry boom is expected to last for at least two years.
For now, the focus is on camera lenses and fingerprint sensors, with full-scale adoption expected in the second half of next year. Local manufacturers should continue developing sapphire technology, absorbing global advancements, and working closely with research institutions to overcome technical and market barriers.
Ultimately, the goal is to make “Shenzhen-made†sapphire a true industry leader and strengthen the city’s position as a global hub for mobile phone components.
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