The European Commission has launched a new antitrust investigation that may have implications for Apple once again.
According to the EC, they are looking into whether Corning, a vital supplier for Apple, “may have abused its dominant position in the global market for a specific type of glass used primarily for protecting the screens of portable electronic devices, including smartphones.”
Corning and Apple have maintained a longstanding partnership, with Corning providing glass for the iPhone from a manufacturing facility in Kentucky. This collaboration dates back to the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007.
However, the European Commission is now investigating whether “anti-competitive exclusive supply agreements” between Corning and “mobile phone manufacturers” might have impacted market competition:
The Commission has raised concerns that Corning might have distorted market competition through anti-competitive exclusive supply agreements with mobile phone manufacturers (Original Equipment Manufacturers or ‘OEMs’) as well as companies that handle raw glass (‘finishers’).
There are worries that the agreements established by Corning with OEMs and finishers may have sidelined competing glass manufacturers from significant market segments, which could lead to decreased options for customers, higher prices, and hindered innovation, ultimately affecting consumers globally.
The EU’s announcement does not explicitly cite Apple or the iPhone, and it’s also important to note that Corning collaborates with other companies, including Samsung.
Over the years, Apple has made several direct investments in Corning. In fact, Corning was the first recipient of funding from Apple’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund in 2017, with subsequent investments made in 2019 and 2021 following the launch of the Ceramic Shield glass on the iPhone 12.
