An Original Discovery (1960s)

In 1959, scientists at Corning were experimenting with chemically strengthened glass. During one experiment, a glass sample was accidentally heated to a much higher temperature than intended. When a technician attempted to discard it, the glass bounced instead of shattering.

However, the market was not ready for this new glass, and the technology remained largely dormant for decades.Forty years later the

Smartphone Revolution

In 2006, Steve Jobs was preparing the first Apple iPhone. Early prototypes used plastic screens, but Jobs reportedly became frustrated when scratches appeared after carrying a prototype in his pocket by his keys. Apple needed a stronger transparent material quickly.

Jobs contacted Corning and asked whether the company could produce a modern version of its old chemically strengthened glass technology. Corning revived and improved the Chemcor process and created what became known as Gorilla Glass. The first iPhone launched in 2007 with Gorilla Glass covering the display, helped to establish a new industry standard.