Apple's new hardware chief says seeing screen protectors used on iPhones makes his "skin crawl"

Apple's new vice president of hardware engineering, Tom Marieb, expresses a strong personal aversion to seeing screen protectors on iPhones. He explains that the company's engineers have worked diligently to create a beautiful front screen, and the use of a protector contradicts this effort. This sentiment reflects Apple's high confidence in its latest display material, Ceramic Shield 2, which is featured in the iPhone 17 lineup, the iPhone 18 Pro, and the outer screen of the new iPhone Duo foldable.

Ceramic Shield 2 was introduced to address the common issue of screens getting scratched during normal usage. However, Apple aimed for more than just scratch resistance; they also wanted the coating to maintain durability as the device aged, as these two properties often conflict with each other in most materials. The material provides significantly higher scratch resistance compared to its predecessor, three times more, according to Apple.

Marieb believes that Apple's display technology is robust enough that users should not need to cover the front glass with an additional layer. The company argues that its technology is strong enough to provide a visually appealing experience without the need for a screen protector. However, many iPhone users disagree. For them, a protector is more about preventing costly screen repairs that can run into hundreds of dollars out of warranty.

Some also use protectors for other reasons, such as privacy or glare reduction, which cannot be achieved with the Ceramic Shield's inherent properties.

These considerations are also relevant to the iPhone Duo. In addition to its foldable design, the Duo features an inner display and hinge system that Apple had to carefully design to ensure it feels secure in all positions, from open to closed and partially folded. The hinge was engineered to provide a secure, high-quality feel, similar to that of a premium car door, rather than a loose or floppy mechanism.

Marieb emphasizes the extensive effort Apple put into perfecting the hinge design. The Duo's inner screen also has a matte finish aimed at minimizing the visibility of any changes around the fold compared to a glossy display.