I spoke to Apple’s new VP of Hardware Engineering about why he's ‘especially proud’ of the iPhone Duo’s hinge durability and the reliability of Ceramic Shield 2: ‘When I see someone put a screen protector on their iPhone, it makes my skin crawl’

Tom Marieb, Apple's new Vice President of Hardware Engineering, expressed particular pride in the iPhone Duo's hinge durability and the reliability of Ceramic Shield 2. When he sees people covering their iPhones with screen protectors, Marieb finds it disconcerting because the company has worked diligently to create displays that resist scratches while also being wear-resistant.

For Ceramic Shield 2, Apple's goal was to strike a balance between scratch resistance and wear resistance. The new glass exhibited a 3x improvement in scratch resistance compared to the original Ceramic Shield, and Apple's tests simulated five years of usage in a short testing period. This ensured that the glass would maintain its quality under various real-world conditions.

The iPhone Duo presented a unique challenge for Apple, as it had to protect not only the display but also the hinge mechanism. The Duo can be used in multiple modes, including a half-folded orientation, and Apple aimed to create a hinge that feels solid both when closed and open. This required careful consideration of the hinge's torque profile to ensure it remains reliable and safe during various uses.

Marieb's dedication to crafting a high-quality hinge reflects Apple's commitment to producing durable and reliable devices.