Endures over 10 drops onto rough surfaces in laboratory tests. Motorola is set to release its first device featuring Gorilla Glass Ceramic.
This material surpasses competing aluminosilicate glasses. It is developed based on Corning’s legacy in collaboration with Apple’s Ceramic Shield.
Corning’s Gorilla Glass Ceramic: Next-Gen Durability for Devices
Corning has elevated the standards for smartphone durability with its newest innovation: Gorilla Glass Ceramic. Engineered to withstand severe drops on abrasive surfaces, this new cover material aims to transform mobile device protection.
As Motorola prepares to launch the first device equipped with Gorilla Glass Ceramic in the upcoming months, here’s what you should know about this groundbreaking technology.
Lab-Tested Toughness: 10x Drop Survival
Corning’s Gorilla Glass Ceramic stands out as more than just an additional protective layer; it is designed for genuine durability in real-world conditions.
In internal laboratory tests, the material withstood 10 consecutive drops from a height of one meter onto surfaces that resemble asphalt, while rival aluminosilicate glasses failed upon the initial impact.
- Rough surface optimization: Tailored to handle asphalt, concrete, and gravel.
- Enhanced fracture resistance: Nano-ceramic crystals strengthen the glass matrix.
- Thinner yet stronger: Maintains sleek device designs without compromising durability.
While independent verification is pending, Corning’s track record with Apple’s Ceramic Shield lends credibility to these claims.
Motorola to Launch First Device with Gorilla Glass Ceramic
Motorola is set to launch its first smartphone or tablet equipped with Gorilla Glass Ceramic, solidifying its partnership with Corning that began in February 2024.
While details are still confidential, the device is anticipated to appeal to users who prioritize durability, including outdoor enthusiasts and those prone to accidents.
- Portfolio-wide adoption: Motorola plans to use Gorilla Glass across all future devices.
- Market differentiation: Positions Motorola as a leader in ruggedized consumer tech.
Legacy of Innovation: From Ceramic Shield to Gorilla Glass
Corning’s Gorilla Glass Ceramic builds on the success of Apple’s Ceramic Shield, which was introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020. While both materials employ high-temperature crystallization to integrate ceramic nanocrystals into glass, Gorilla Glass Ceramic refines the formula specifically for Android devices.
- Higher drop resistance: Optimized for rough surfaces vs. Ceramic Shield’s focus on overall toughness.
- Broader compatibility: Designed for diverse Android form factors, including foldables.
Apple’s Ceramic Shield remains exclusive to iPhones, including the latest iPhone 16 lineup.
The Future of Smartphone Screens
With Gorilla Glass Ceramic, Corning is addressing a critical pain point: 85% of smartphone repairs involve damaged screens (Source: SquareTrade). By prioritizing drop performance onto rough surfaces, the material:
- Reduce repair costs for consumers.
- Extend device lifespans in emerging markets.
- Enable thinner, lighter devices without fragility trade-offs.
