Ceramic shield on iPhone 16 | Image credit: Apple
The European Union is investigating Corning over concerns that the company may be abusing its dominant position in the global market for alkali-aluminosilicate glass, commonly used in smartphone displays.
If you own a smartphone, the glass used to make the screen is likely from Corning. In 2016, the New York-based company achieved an impressive feat 73% share of the smartphone display market, thanks in large part to Gorilla Glass. Currently, Corning supplies 40% of the glass for the entire display market, which includes smartphones, tablets, laptop screens, wearables, and more.
Apple’s Ceramic Shield, which has been used in iPhone models since the iPhone 12, was also developed by Corning.
Because of this market saturation, the company has put itself in an awkward position with European regulators. The European Commission has He expressed his concerns In connection with Corning’s alleged distortion of competition through exclusive supply agreements with smartphone manufacturers and entities involved in raw glass processing.
Corning has allegedly established exclusivity agreements that require smartphone manufacturers to source nearly all of its alkali aluminosilicate glass from Corning. In addition, Corning offers discounts to companies that comply with exclusive contracts.
Corning also appears to have established similar exclusivity agreements and imposed non-challenge clauses in its contracts with companies that process raw glass.
As a result, the European Commission will conduct an in-depth investigation into Corning’s actions. Corning is permitted to provide comments to address the committee’s concerns.
Corning receives massive funding from companies like Apple. In fact, in 2021, Apple gave the glass maker $45 million from its Advanced Manufacturing Fund for company expansion and research and development.
