iPhone 6 release date, expected to take place in the third quarter of the year, was speculated to ditch sapphire display and replaced with Corning Gorilla Glass.

The shares of GT Advanced Technologies, a Sapphire glass manufacturer, escalated by 15%. Thanks to the on-going rumors that iPhone 6 will pack this technology and will make the next iPhone sturdier and less prone to damage.

Although Apple currently uses Sapphire glass in the fingerprint sensor, new reports claimed iPhone may turn to Corning's Gorilla Glass to protect the iPhone's entire screen. Taiwanese publication Economic Daily News reported two iPhones will arrive this year with Gorilla Glass and not Sapphire screen.

Gorilla Glass beats Sapphire glass in many aspects. It is a strong type glass created through a chemical process, while sapphire glass is derived from sapphire crystals. One of the perks of using sapphire crystals is strength. There is no denying that Sapphire can withstand four times the pressure than Gorilla Glass.

Sapphire glass is about 67% heavier than Gorilla Glass, which can be a problem if Apple aims to make the smartphone even lighter. According to Corning, it would be impossible for Apple to make an even thinner iPhone than iPhone 5S with the inclusion of Sapphire glass.

Another advantage of Gorilla Glass is the price point. Gorilla Glass is cheaper to mass produced than Sapphire glass. Sapphire glass would cost as much as three or four times more to produce than Gorilla Glass. This would affect the overall cost of the device. If Apple wants to offer the next iPhone for the same price, it may have to shy away from other upgrades.

Rumors claimed Sapphire glass will be used in iPhone 6 and iWatch. An Apple patent found heavily suggested iPhone 6 will pack such feature.

Moreover, rumors said iPhone 6 features will include bigger screen display of around of 4.8 to 6 inches, faster and better A8 processor and iOS 8. Consumers can also expect big improvements on iPhone 5S' fingerprint sensor. But Apple has not disclosed the official iPhone 6 specs and features yet.

Meanwhile, iPhone 6 release date is expected in June alongside the iOS 8 at the Worldwide Developers' Conference. But other reports claimed the next iPhone will be launched in September.