Apple hardware VP criticizes use of iPhone screen protectors

Tom Marieb, Apple’s Vice President of Hardware Engineering, has expressed strong disapproval of users applying screen protectors to their iPhones. Marieb stated that seeing such protectors makes his “skin crawl” because of the extensive engineering effort invested in creating high-quality, beautiful front displays.

The criticism centers on the durability of Ceramic Shield 2, a material introduced with the iPhone 17 series and utilized in the iPhone 18 Pro and the outer display of the new foldable iPhone Duo. This material reportedly offers three times the scratch resistance of previous generations. Marieb noted that Apple’s engineering goal was to balance immediate scratch resistance from sharp objects with long-term wear resistance to ensure the coating does not degrade over years of use.

Regarding the iPhone Duo, the device features a dual-material display system. The outer screen uses Ceramic Shield 2, making traditional tempered glass protectors a viable option. However, the inner display consists of a custom polymer laminate with a nanotextured finish. Apple does not recommend covering this inner screen with protectors, as it could interfere with its anti-reflective properties and specialized texture.