The iPhone 17 is poised to bring significant improvements in the durability of its display glass, aiming to surpass the already robust Ceramic Shield used in current models. Apple has reportedly invested heavily in developing a new glass technology that is more scratch-resistant and features enhanced anti-reflective properties, promising a better user experience in terms of screen clarity and longevity.
Enhanced Scratch Resistance Beyond Ceramic Shield
Apple’s current Ceramic Shield, introduced with the iPhone 12, is a glass-ceramic material co-developed with Corning, which Apple claims is tougher than any other smartphone glass and offers up to four times better drop protection than previous iPhones. For the iPhone 17, rumors from credible sources like the Chinese leakster Instant Digital suggest the new glass will be even more scratch-resistant than the Ceramic Shield. This advancement is expected to come from a “super-hard anti-reflective layer” applied to the exterior glass, which Apple has been developing with substantial investment in coating equipment in Japan, now transferred to Chinese manufacturing partners for scaling.
Anti-Reflective Properties and Production Challenges
Alongside scratch resistance, the iPhone 17 was also slated to feature an anti-reflective coating that would reduce screen glare and improve visibility in bright conditions, similar to the Gorilla Glass Armor technology recently used by Samsung in its Galaxy S24 Ultra. This coating could potentially cut reflections by up to 75%, enhancing color accuracy and contrast outdoors. However, reports indicate that Apple encountered significant difficulties in scaling the production process for this coating. The application process was reportedly too slow to meet Apple’s mass production demands, leading to the cancellation of this feature for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models at launch[1][2].
Durability Expectations and User Experience
Despite the cancellation of the anti-reflective coating for the initial iPhone 17 release, the new glass is still expected to offer superior scratch resistance compared to previous generations. Users might experience less screen damage from everyday use, such as keys or coins in pockets, and improved screen clarity under various lighting conditions, even without the anti-reflective layer. However, there are concerns about the longevity of such coatings, as anti-reflective layers typically last 1-2 years and can develop oily marks as they wear off, a problem observed in other Apple devices like MacBooks.
Apple’s Ongoing Investment in Glass Technology
Apple’s collaboration with Corning remains a cornerstone of its glass innovation strategy. The company has invested nearly half a billion dollars in Corning to advance glass manufacturing processes, which has led to breakthroughs like the Ceramic Shield. While the anti-reflective coating for the iPhone 17 faced setbacks, Apple’s continued investment suggests that such features might be introduced in future models once production hurdles are overcome.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 is expected to showcase a notable leap in glass durability, primarily through enhanced scratch resistance that surpasses the current Ceramic Shield. Although the anticipated anti-reflective coating was scrapped due to production challenges, Apple’s ongoing commitment to glass innovation signals that future iPhones could still benefit from these advancements. For now, users can look forward to a tougher screen that better withstands daily wear and tear, continuing Apple’s tradition of durable smartphone displays.
[1] https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/articles/iphone-17-pro-pro-max-135401231.html
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/28/iphone-17-anti-reflective-coating-canceled/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1ka5yt6/iphone_17s_scratch_resistant_antireflective/