Apple hardware chief doesn't want you to use iPhone screen protectors, here is why
What is the first thing you do when you buy an iPhone – or any other smartphone? Most of us likely buy a tempered glass screen protector and a case to protect our phone from damage if we accidentally drop it somewhere. But Apple’s new VP of hardware engineering, Tom Marieb, does not want you to put a screen protector on your iPhone.
Marieb recently shared his thoughts on screen protectors being used on iPhones, admitting that he, in essence, hated to see it. "Personally, when I see someone put a screen protector on their iPhone, it makes my skin crawl,” he told TechRadar.
Tom Marieb was appointed as VP of hardware engineering at Apple after John Ternus – who previously held this role – succeeded Tim Cook as CEO.Why Apple VP doesn’t want screen protectors on iPhones
You may wonder why this would be a concern for Apple’s new hardware chief. Tom Mariab explains, “because we work so hard to make beautiful front screens.”
According to Marieb, Apple had been working on ensuring that Ceramic Shield 2 – the protective glass on the latest iPhones – was able to withstand scratches while also remaining wear-resistant. "We could have made it more scratch-resistant, but it would have been a little less wear-resistant. It’s the long life we’re looking for against both of those loads over time," he said, describing Ceramic Shield 2 as a balance between the two.
Apple first introduced Ceramic Shield 2 with the iPhone 17 series in September 2025. The same protection is being used on the displays of the iPhone 18 Pro models. The iPhone Duo – Apple’s first foldable iPhone – uses it on its outer screen.
On top of that, the company also accounts for regular wear and tear. “We worry about scratching, which is obviously very dependent on having [material that can withstand] very sharp things going into the screen,” Tom Marib added. “But we also worry about wear over time; as people use the screen, whether they’ll wear away that surface. And it turns out that those things are a little counter indicated in a lot of materials.”
Apple says that Ceramic Shield 2 offers up to 3x better scratch resistance compared to the original Ceramic Shield you find on older iPhones such as the iPhone 16. While the company does not give a similar figure for drop resistance, it says that it is “tougher than any smartphone glass.”
Tom Marieb also said Apple’s testing was built around how people actually use their phones rather than older industry standards. "We try to say, ‘How are customers actually using this? What exactly are they exposing it to in the real world?’ And we make tests that mimic those things," he explained. He added that Apple tries to compress years of real-world use into a short engineering cycle, saying the company can simulate five years of life, or more, within a couple of weeks of testing.
Though you may not want to ditch the tempered glass on your iPhone just yet. After all, there is always a chance of sustaining damage to your device’s display if you drop it accidentally. But using a poor quality screen protector can hamper the viewing experience.
Marieb’s comments come just days after Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The two phones bring in some notable upgrades, including variable aperture for the main sensor, and bigger vapour cooling chambers. The iPhone 18 Pro series went on sale in India last Friday, with fans lining up outside Apple Stores for hours. The iPhone 18 Pro starts in India at Rs 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max will set you back by Rs 1,79,900.
Apple will be launching the iPhone Duo next month with a starting price of Rs 2,99,900 in India.- EndsPublished By: Armaan AgarwalPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 10:31 ISTAlso Read | Apple is set to pay some iPhone users, website goes liveAlso Read | Apple cuts jobs in second layoff round in two months, report saysAlso Read | Sold gold to buy iPhone 18 Pro for wife, Delhi man says as new iPhone goes on sale and buyers wait for hours
