Feb 07, 2014 01:15 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Apple is apparently ready to start developing sapphire-crystal displays for its next iPhone, according to records obtained by 9to5Mac.

In Nov., Apple announced it would be opening a manufacturing plant in Mesa, Ariz. for producing sapphire crystals for future devices. The facility was also a deal with GT Advanced to produce these products and the details of the agreement have since been kept secret.

As 9to5Mac reported earlier in the year, Apple is reportedly trying very hard to make the sapphire plant operational some time in February. According to import/export records, GT Advanced is producing sapphire displays and not Touch ID fingerprint readers or camera lenses. 9to5Mac analyst Matt Margolis said the records show GT Advanced has ordered Intego Sirius Sapphire Display Inspection Tool components.

Apple already uses sapphire, a synthetic manmade product, as opposed to the actual stone, for camera lenses and the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. The company has not used sapphire for any of their devices' displays. A sapphire display would be virtually scratchproof, according to this video from 9to5Mac showing an iPhone coated in sapphire meeting a cinderblock.

What's more is GT Advanced is reportedly using machines meant for creating "display-grade component," as opposed to the tiny pieces that would cover the camera or Touch ID button. GT Advanced may have a deal in place with Apple, but the tech giant does not own the manufacturer. Still, the documents imply that the sapphire work is meant specifically for Apple.

The iPhone's camera has not been upgraded since the 4S started shooting pictures at eight megapixels. Apple has recently filed two patents for camera-related technology, Apple Insider reported. The patents are for attachable filters that can be added to the outward-facing camera to enhance the shot.

Other unconfirmed rumors have stated that the next iPhone will have a 10-megapixel camera.

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