Apple CEO Tim Cook discusses iPhone Air battery life at Corning's glass factory
In a video interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook visits a Corning factory, one of the world's largest glass manufacturers, which produces iPhone cover glass. Cook is questioned about the ultra-thin iPhone Air's short battery life.
Tim Cook addresses iPhone Air battery life in new interview - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/12/tim-cook-iphone-air-battery-interview/
On September 12, 2025, the American news network CNBC released a video of Apple CEO Tim Cook visiting Corning's glass factory in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, USA, and asking Cook questions about the latest iPhone 17 series and other topics. The reason Cook visited Corning's glass factory is because Corning is a critical part of Apple's supply chain. In recent years, Apple has been adopting its own proprietary display cover glass, Ceramic Shield, rather than Corning's. This Ceramic Shield was also jointly developed by Apple and Corning, and is manufactured by Corning.
There are two videos, the first of which features CEO Cook and popular CNBC host Jim Cramer promoting the new features of the iPhone 17 series and AirPods Pro 3.
Jim Cramer speaks with Apple CEO Tim Cook at Corning plant in Harrodsburg, KY - YouTube
In the video, CEO Cook emphasized that Apple and Corning have had a partnership for over 15 years, and that the technology developed at the Harrodsburg factory he visited is used in Apple products sold around the world. He also highlighted that Corning's Harrodsburg factory is part of Apple's investment of more than $600 billion in American manufacturing. According to Apple, this investment will ensure that 100% of the tempered glass used in iPhones is made in America. Thousands of workers are employed at the Harrodsburg factory, and Apple also highlighted its contributions to the local community.
Apple announces investment of over 88 trillion yen in the US, iPhone tempered glass will be 100% made in the US, and President Trump will receive a glass and gold commemorative gift - GIGAZINE
In the interview, Cook described the iPhone Air as a 'small, pro-grade model,' claiming that it's designed to satisfy even those who have used the Pro model. Furthermore, when asked by Cramer if the battery life was shorter, Cook responded, 'The battery life is great, and we think users will love it.'
'iPhone Air' appears, only 5.6mm thin with a 6.5-inch display - GIGAZINE
In addition, by using only eSIM in the iPhone Air, the space required to store the SIM card slot can be used for battery capacity. The eSIM model of the iPhone 17 Pro, as well as the iPhone Air, has a slightly increased battery capacity compared to the model with a SIM card slot.
'iPhone 17 Pro' and 'iPhone 17 Pro Max' have been released, a new high-end model with a new design and new heat dissipation system - GIGAZINE
In another interview video, Cook, Cramer, and Corning CEO Wendell Weeks discussed Apple's investment in Corning.
Apple CEO Tim Cook: We're working together to produce all iPhone glass in US factory - YouTube
When Cramer pointed out the stereotype that manufacturing in the United States is too expensive, Weeks emphasized the company's deep roots in the region, with Corning factories in the area dating back to the 1950s. He noted that some families have worked at Corning factories for three generations. Corning first produced Gorilla Glass in its Harrodsburg plant 17 years ago, and revealed that it all started with a phone call from Steve Jobs.
With Apple's investment, Corning plans to triple the size of its Harrodsburg plant, which will enable it to produce all of the glass used in iPhones and Apple Watches at the plant. Cramer praised Apple's investment, calling it 'a massive shift that breaks the stereotype that you can't make things in America.'
Cook emphasized that the Ceramic Shield cover glass, which is the first to be used on the back of the iPhone Air, is an innovation made possible by the collaborative efforts of Apple and Corning teams.