The iPhone 17 is set to introduce a significant advancement in display glass technology that could reduce or even eliminate the need for traditional screen protectors. This new technology centers around a “super-hard anti-reflective layer” applied to the outer glass, which is reportedly more scratch-resistant than Apple’s current Ceramic Shield used in the iPhone 15 series[3].
Enhanced Scratch Resistance and Anti-Reflective Properties
Apple’s current Ceramic Shield, developed in collaboration with Corning, has been marketed as one of the toughest smartphone glasses, offering four times better drop performance than previous generations. However, rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 will feature a next-generation glass technology that surpasses this durability. The new glass is said to incorporate a coating process that significantly improves scratch resistance, potentially allowing users to experience “zero scratches” on their screens under normal use.
In addition to toughness, the glass will have enhanced anti-reflective properties. This coating aims to reduce glare and reflections by a substantial margin, improving screen visibility in bright environments. This feature is comparable to Corning’s Gorilla Glass Armor, which debuted on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra and is known to reduce reflections by up to 75% while resisting micro-scratches that accumulate over time[3].
Production Challenges and Current Status
Despite the promising technology, Apple has faced challenges in scaling the production of this new anti-reflective coating. Reports indicate that the coating process is slow relative to the volume of devices Apple manufactures, leading to delays or cancellations of this feature in the initial rollout of the iPhone 17 Pro models[1]. As a result, the iPhone 17 may launch with either the current Ceramic Shield or a modestly improved version rather than the fully realized new glass technology.
Impact on the Need for Screen Protectors
The enhanced scratch resistance and anti-reflective properties of the iPhone 17’s glass technology could significantly reduce the need for external screen protectors. Users may find their devices less prone to everyday scratches and better readable under direct sunlight, addressing two major concerns that typically drive the use of protectors. However, some trade-offs exist; for example, the new coating might show finger oil marks more readily, which could affect screen cleanliness and user experience over time.
Apple’s Glass Technology Evolution
Apple’s investment in Corning’s research and development, totaling nearly half a billion dollars, has been instrumental in advancing smartphone glass technology. Since introducing Ceramic Shield in 2020 with the iPhone 12, Apple has continuously sought to improve display durability. The rumored iPhone 17 glass technology represents the next step in this evolution, potentially rivaling or surpassing other industry-leading solutions like Gorilla Glass Armor[3].
Conclusion
While the iPhone 17’s new glass technology promises to deliver a more scratch-resistant and anti-reflective display that could reduce reliance on screen protectors, production hurdles have delayed its full implementation. Nevertheless, this innovation underscores Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing device durability and user experience through advanced materials science, setting the stage for future breakthroughs in smartphone glass technology.
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1kaqtp2/report_apple_cancels_iphone_17_pros_new/
[2] https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/28/iphone-17-pro-anti-reflective/
[3] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/19/iphone-17-anti-reflective-display/