It's been widely rumored that Apple next iPhone will make use of sapphire glass for its display, but recent reports suggest the material will not be used on the iPhone 6.
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CNET cited market researchers from LEDinside, who claim that the sapphire glass orders needed to imply wide-scale use by Apple in time for a September iPhone launch have not been making their way through the supply chain.
The material is definitely in use, meaning a limited launch of sapphire glass phones could happen, but it may take a later release--or a wait until the next device--to see it mass produced. The expected 4.7-inch iPhone will most likely launch in September without it, though, despite the original reports that hinted it would be a key feature of Apple's next phone.
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Sapphire glass is used for its high quality and extreme scratch-resistance, as demonstrated in the video below. Corning, the company behind Gorilla Glass, posted an article extolling the benefits of its technology over sapphire glass, concerned that public perception is shifting towards the alternative material.
Sapphire glass may be tougher (though Corning debates that claim) but is also more expensive and thicker. This makes it well-suited for use in high-end watches, but will be heavier and less responsive on mobile devices, according to Corning. Because of these factors, it's also difficult to mass produce, which could be limiting Apple's ability to have it ready.
A recent report based on observations from industry analyst Gene Munster states that the iPhone 6 should be coming late in September rather than early or mid-month, which will impact Apple's financial reporting.
"We believe the guide suggests a launch on the last Friday of September (9/26) vs. our prior thinking of a 9/19 launch," Munster said. "This means Apple will only benefit from 5 days of iPhone 6 sales vs. 12 in our prior expectation."