Gorilla Glass has long been synonymous with robust screen protection, offering peace of mind against the dreaded scratches and cracks from accidental drops. However, its dominance in the mobile device market is now under scrutiny. The European Commission (EC) is investigating whether Gorilla Glass’s popularity is solely due to its durability or if other factors are at play that hinder fair competition.
The investigation centers around claims that Corning, the manufacturer of Gorilla Glass, employs anti-competitive tactics that make it difficult for device manufacturers to consider alternatives. Allegedly, Corning secures “exclusive sourcing” agreements with companies producing smartphones, tablets, and even laptops, coupled with enticing rebates that discourage these companies from exploring other suppliers for the Alkali-AS compound, the key to producing durable glass.
Consequently, even if these Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) wish to partner with other Alkali-AS producers, they may find it challenging to switch suppliers due to Corning’s competitive pricing strategies. If Corning is found to be deliberately excluding competitors, this could violate Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), leading to potential financial penalties.
Corning has defended its practices, asserting compliance with all applicable regulations and expressing a willingness to collaborate with regulatory bodies to address these concerns. Yet, the investigation highlights why other companies, like Apple and Huawei, have developed their own proprietary screen protection solutions, such as Ceramic Shield and Kunlun Glass, respectively.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Corning maintains that its Gorilla Glass products, including its advanced Victus and Armor varieties, remain superior in resisting drops and scratches compared to competing Alkali-AS products—a claim underscored by their use in premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
