Steve Jobs' Bold Presentation Changed Smartphone Displays for Good

Apple's groundbreaking partnership with

Inc. for the original iPhone display was sparked by an intense and daring proposal from Steve Jobs, as shared by the glassmaker’s CEO. Wendell Weeks, who remains at Corning’s helm, recalled how Jobs challenged the company’s hesitation in 2007, accusing its executives of being "afraid" to take a chance on a game-changing device. This crucial encounter, according to an , set the stage for a collaboration that transformed the smartphone landscape and established Corning as a vital Apple supplier.

Back then, Corning was reluctant to sign on to manufacture the iPhone’s glass screen, with internal voices suggesting the deal should be declined. Jobs, however, used his reputation for relentless standards and boldness to persuade Weeks. "Do you know what your problem is? You're afraid. You know, you're afraid I'm going to launch the biggest product in history, and I'm not going to be able to do it because you failed, and I'm going to eviscerate you," Jobs reportedly told Weeks, according to AppleInsider. The conversation, described as a masterclass in persuasion, convinced Corning to take the leap, resulting in the creation of Gorilla Glass, which soon became the industry norm for smartphones.

The alliance has since progressed, with Corning now providing the advanced Ceramic Shield 2 for the iPhone 17.

recently revealed a $2.5 billion investment to manufacture iPhone and Apple Watch glass in the United States, a move that will triple output at Corning’s Harrodsburg, Kentucky plant and increase its workforce by 50%, according to AppleInsider. This shift to domestic production fits with Apple’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, as demonstrated by the recent move of M5 Vision Pro production to Vietnam, as reported in a .

At the same time, Apple continues to deal with legal disputes, including its appeal in the Epic Games App Store lawsuit. The company is trying to overturn a federal court order that prevents it from collecting commissions on purchases made outside the App Store, arguing that the decision imposes excessive financial burdens, according to

. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to issue a decision by early 2026, which could impact Apple’s $10 billion annual App Store income, as detailed in a .

Investor outlook remains cautiously positive, with Loop Capital upgrading Apple to a "Buy" rating and increasing its price target to $315, citing strong demand for the iPhone 17 and expectations for sustained growth through 2027, according to a

. Recent figures also show impressive results, with iPhone 17 sales rising 14% year-over-year in major markets such as the U.S. and China, as noted by .