Apple R&D

I was interested to read recently about Apple's Advanced Manufacturing Fund which invests in partnerships with suppliers to support and develop key research projects in the US, at companies that make parts for Apple devices.

Earlier this month, Apple said that it would award key supplier, Corning with $250 million from the company's $5 billion fund. The investment will help Corning to cover its R&D expenses of coming up with ever stronger glass to go on the outside of the iPhone, Apple Watch and other products. The latest deal comes on top of the $200 million Apple put into Corning in 2017. The original scratch-proof "gorilla" glass was invented by Corning in 2007.



Apple isn't saying exactly how the deal is structured, but it is part of a much broader relationship in which Apple and Corning work together on glass and billions of dollars change hands. The key Corning facility is in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

Apple spent a collective $60 billion with 9 000 American suppliers in 2018, supporting 450 000 jobs in all 50 states and manufacturing locations in 36 states. Other notable fund investments include $390 million to sensor component maker Finisar, and $10 million to the Elysis aluminium partnership.

Apple likes to talk up these deals, to underscore that their devices are not just made in China. More about the Corning glass partnership here.