Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Introduces Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2, the Industry’s First Anti-Reflective Glass Ceramic for Mobile Devices

Rhea-AI Summary

Corning (NYSE: GLW) and Samsung Electronics announced that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2, the industry's first scratch-resistant, anti-reflective glass ceramic cover material for mobile devices. This new technology represents a significant advancement in display protection and clarity.

Key features of Gorilla Armor 2 include enhanced durability with survival drops of up to 2.2 meters on concrete-like surfaces, compared to competitive materials failing at one meter. The material demonstrates over four times more scratch resistance than competitive lithium-aluminosilicate cover glasses with anti-reflective coating. The technology also significantly reduces surface reflections in both indoor and outdoor settings, improving display contrast ratio.

Positive

• Introduction of innovative Gorilla Armor 2 technology demonstrates market leadership in mobile display protection
• Superior product performance with 2.2-meter drop survival capability
• 4x better scratch resistance compared to competitors
• Partnership with Samsung for flagship device implementation strengthens market position

Negative

• None.

Insights

Materials Technology Analyst

The introduction of Gorilla Armor 2 on Samsung's flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a strategic coup for Corning in the $4.5 billion smartphone glass market. This breakthrough in glass ceramic technology delivers two important competitive advantages: superior drop resistance (2.2 meters vs. competitors' 1 meter) and enhanced scratch resistance (4x better than alternatives).

From a business perspective, this exclusive launch with Samsung, the world's largest smartphone manufacturer, positions Corning to potentially capture a larger market share in the premium segment. The anti-reflective properties and improved durability could command premium pricing, potentially expanding profit margins in Corning's Mobile Consumer Electronics segment, which historically accounts for a significant portion of the company's revenue.

The strategic implications are particularly noteworthy: 1) This strengthens Corning's already robust relationship with Samsung, potentially leading to more exclusive launches, 2) Creates a technological moat against competitors in the glass protection space, 3) Could accelerate adoption by other smartphone manufacturers seeking to match Samsung's durability standards.

Looking at market dynamics, this innovation addresses two primary consumer pain points - screen durability and visibility - which could drive increased demand for premium devices featuring this technology. The timing aligns well with the trend toward more expensive smartphones, where enhanced protection becomes a important selling point.

However, investors should note that the real financial impact will depend on: 1) Production scalability and costs, 2) Adoption rates by other manufacturers, 3) Pricing strategy and margins compared to previous generations. The initial exclusive partnership with Samsung provides a strong foundation, but broader market penetration will be key to long-term value creation.

Corning^® Gorilla^® Armor 2 sets a new standard of durability while delivering superior mobile display clarity on the Galaxy S25 Ultra

CORNING, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature Corning^® Gorilla^® Armor 2, the industry’s first scratch-resistant, anti-reflective glass ceramic cover material for mobile devices. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra devices showcase this revolutionary innovation on their front displays, marking an impressive milestone in mobile display technology.

Gorilla Armor 2 is a landmark achievement in glass ceramic technology, combining superior toughness with excellent clarity on a smartphone display.

Samsung's choice to incorporate Gorilla Armor 2 into its Galaxy S25 Ultra devices underscores the enduring collaboration between Samsung and Corning and the two companies’ shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

“The Galaxy S25 Ultra represents significant progress toward providing our users with the most resilient mobile experience yet,” said Kwangjin Bae, EVP and Head of the Mechanical R&D Team of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our partnership with Corning continues to push boundaries in display performance, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.”

Compared to first-generation Corning^® Gorilla^® Armor, Gorilla Armor 2 offers enhanced durability – devices equipped with Gorilla Armor 2 are even better able to withstand the rough and unpredictable nature of daily life. Specifically, when dropped on rough, challenging surfaces, Gorilla Armor 2 is engineered to better resist damage, such as breakage, more effectively than ever before.

Gorilla Armor 2’s anti-reflective properties dramatically reduce surface reflections in both indoor and outdoor ambient settings. These properties can enhance the display contrast ratio, delivering an exceptional user experience in various lighting conditions.

In Corning lab tests, Gorilla Armor 2 survived drops of up to 2.2 meters on a surface replicating concrete. Alternative glass ceramic materials failed when dropped from one meter. Additionally, Gorilla Armor 2 maintained its exceptional scratch resistance, demonstrating over four times more scratch resistance than competitive lithium-aluminosilicate cover glasses with an anti-reflective coating.¹

“Samsung and Corning have a long history of collaborating to provide consumers with the most advanced and innovative technologies,” said David Velasquez, Vice President and General Manager, Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass. “With Gorilla Armor 2, we offer consumers an unparalleled user experience with the first durable, optically advanced glass ceramic cover material ever used on a Galaxy mobile device.”

¹ Performance claims for Corning^® Gorilla^® Armor 2 are based on Corning’s internal lab testing. Actual performance may vary.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this release and related comments by management that are not historical facts or information and contain words such as “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “see,” “would,” “target,” “estimate,” “forecast” or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include estimates and assumptions related to economic, competitive and legislative developments. Such statements relate to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the company’s future operating performance, the company’s share of new and existing markets, the company's revenue and earnings growth rates, the company’s ability to innovate and commercialize new products, the company's expected capital expenditure and the company’s implementation of cost-reduction initiatives and measures to improve pricing, including the optimization of the company’s manufacturing capacity.

Although the company believes that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions regarding, among other things, current estimates and forecasts, general economic conditions, its knowledge of its business and key performance indicators that impact the company, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws.

Some of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: global economic trends, competition and geopolitical risks, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and China or other countries, and related impacts on our businesses' global supply chains and strategies; changes in macroeconomic and market conditions and market volatility, including developments and volatility arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, interest rates, the value of securities and other financial assets, precious metals, oil, natural gas and other commodity prices and exchange rates (particularly between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen, new Taiwan dollar, euro, Chinese yuan and South Korean won), the availability of government incentives, decreases or sudden increases of consumer demand, and the impact of such changes and volatility on our financial position and businesses; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact across our businesses on demand, personnel, operations, our global supply chains and stock price; possible disruption in commercial activities or our supply chain due to terrorist activity, cyber-attack, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, international trade disputes or major health concerns; loss of intellectual property due to theft, cyber-attack, or disruption to our information technology infrastructure; ability to enforce patents and protect intellectual property and trade secrets; unanticipated disruption to Corning’s, our suppliers’ and manufacturers’ supply chain, equipment, facilities, IT systems or operations; product demand and industry capacity; competitive products and pricing; availability and costs of critical components, materials, equipment, natural resources and utilities; new product development and commercialization; order activity and demand from major customers; the amount and timing of our cash flows and earnings and other conditions, which may affect our ability to pay our quarterly dividend at the planned level or to repurchase shares at planned levels; the amount and timing of any future dividends; the effects of acquisitions, dispositions and other similar transactions; the effect of regulatory and legal developments; ability to pace capital spending to anticipated levels of customer demand; our ability to increase margins through implementation of operational changes, pricing actions and cost reduction measures; rate of technology change; adverse litigation; product and component performance issues; retention of key personnel; customer ability to maintain profitable operations and obtain financing to fund ongoing operations and manufacturing expansions and pay receivables when due; loss of significant customers; changes in tax laws, regulations and international tax standards; the impacts of audits by taxing authorities; the potential impact of legislation, government regulations, and other government action and investigations; and other risks detailed in Corning’s SEC filings.

For a complete listing of risks and other factors, please reference the risk factors and forward-looking statements described in our annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Web Disclosure

In accordance with guidance provided by the SEC regarding the use of company websites and social media channels to disclose material information, Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) wishes to notify investors, media, and other interested parties that it uses its website (https://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/about-us/news-events.html) to publish important information about the company, including information that may be deemed material to investors, or supplemental to information contained in this or other press releases. The list of websites and social media channels that the company uses may be updated on Corning’s media and website from time to time. Corning encourages investors, media, and other interested parties to review the information Corning may publish through its website and social media channels as described above, in addition to the company’s SEC filings, press releases, conference calls, and webcasts.

About Corning Incorporated

Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping its customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250121653884/en/

Media Relations:

Jamie Post

(607) 974-4843

postjl@corning.com

Investor Relations:

Ann H.S. Nicholson

(607) 974-6716

nicholsoas@corning.com

Source: Corning Incorporated

FAQ

What are the key improvements in Corning's GLW Gorilla Armor 2 compared to previous versions?

Gorilla Armor 2 offers enhanced durability with 2.2-meter drop resistance, 4x better scratch resistance than competitors, and superior anti-reflective properties for better display contrast in various lighting conditions.

How does the drop resistance of GLW's Gorilla Armor 2 compare to competitors?

Gorilla Armor 2 survives drops of up to 2.2 meters on concrete-like surfaces, while alternative glass ceramic materials fail at one meter.

What is the scratch resistance capability of GLW's new Gorilla Armor 2?

Gorilla Armor 2 demonstrates over four times more scratch resistance compared to competitive lithium-aluminosilicate cover glasses with anti-reflective coating.

Which smartphone will be the first to feature GLW's Gorilla Armor 2?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will be the first smartphone to feature Corning's Gorilla Armor 2 on its front display.