Apple Executive Expresses Discomfort Over iPhone Users' Use of Screen Protectors
Many iPhone users enjoy adding screen protectors, such as tempered glass, to their phones for extra protection. However, this phenomenon actually gives Apple’s Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Tom Marieb, the chills.
“Every time I see someone putting a screen protector on their iPhone, it gives me the chills, because we work so hard to create a beautiful front display,” said Marieb, as quoted from Tech Radar.
This statement is particularly relevant for Apple’s latest phone lines, such as the iPhone 17, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone Duo. This entire range of new phones is equipped with an advanced protective material called Ceramic Shield 2.
The screen glass is claimed to have scratch resistance up to 33 times better than the previous generation. This claim of robust durability is also featured on Apple’s first foldable phone.
Marieb explained that Ceramic Shield 2 is the first type of iPhone glass that the company can fully rely on, as it brings massive quality improvements compared to the original version.
“We wanted to develop a new layer that could resist scratches, but also ensure that this layer is resistant to wear and tear. We were concerned about scratches that depend heavily on materials that can withstand sharp objects hitting the screen. We were also concerned about wear and tear over time,” he explained.
These factors are what drove Apple to continue optimising the quality of its screen materials, which was ultimately realised through Ceramic Shield 2 technology.
Marieb added that Apple always strives to focus on the real needs of customers. Therefore, they no longer rely solely on outdated military-standard testing, but instead test devices based on real-world daily usage conditions.
“We try to understand, ‘How do customers use it? What do they actually face in the real world?’ Then, we create testing that mimics that,” he said.
Specifically for foldable phone lines like the iPhone Duo, the engineering challenges faced by Apple lie not only in the display sector but also in the hinge component, which is a primary focus.
Apple designed the thin foldable phone to be used in various modes, including flex mode. Marieb revealed that his team worked hard to create a hinge that feels sturdy and precise both when opened and closed by the user.
“We worked really hard on the torque profile, which means changing many mechanical properties of the hinge so that it feels very robust. The sensation is like closing a high-end car door,” Marieb concluded.