What is Apple’s Ceramic Shield?
Almost all smartphones now rely on our touch to function, so the last thing anyone wants is a cracked screen. This is something Steve Jobs was worried about before the release of the first iPhone, which, during the development stages, had a plastic screen. The reinforced glass display that was eventually used on iPhones in 2007 was developed in partnership by Apple and Corning Incorporated, a specialist in glass technology, and is now known as Gorilla Glass. It’s since become a staple for screen protection, not only on smartphones but also car windscreens and TVs too.
To further protect the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13series, Apple partnered up once more with Corning in 2020, producing the cutting-edge Ceramic Shield. This addition was debuted in iPhone 12, and is featured across the whole range. It was then continued to cover the entire iPhone 13 range.
Join us as we unpack exactly what makes Apple Ceramic Shield stand out, how it compares to other screen protections on the smartphone market, and the best ways of keeping your iPhone protected.
What’s Apple’s Ceramic Shield made from?
Apple has suggested that Ceramic Shield offers its most robust screen protection to date, claiming that it can provide 4x drop protection compared to previous iPhone models. The secret to the structure of the Ceramic Shield very much lies in its name.
Apple’s latest development in screen protection uses ceramic nanocrystals for increased reinforcement and durability. They’re embedded into the glass matrix, thanks to a high temperature crystallisation manufacturing process. By blending crystals into the structure, Apple has ensured that the screen becomes less susceptible to chips or cracks.
Another level of reinforcement is added by a dual ion-exchange, which increases the size of the ions, turning them into a more solid structure. This mirrors the approach taken to the glass layer on the rear of an iPhone, and means that the effect of any scratches and blemishes sustained will be minimised. Most importantly, the glass will be held together, even if it suffers any damage.
Ceramic Shield vs Gorilla Glass Victus
Since its creation of Gorilla Glass for the iPhone, Corning has continued to develop screen protection for the smartphone market, working extensively with Samsung as well as Apple. In 2020, Corning released its latest update – Gorilla Glass Victus, which is featured on both the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The big question is how does it compare to Ceramic Shield?
The major difference between the two is their structure. Rather than the glass-ceramic combination used for Ceramic Shield, Victus is constructed from a strengthened alumino-silicate glass. This compound is perfect for protecting smartphones because of its scratch resistance, strength and low weight.
When constructing both Ceramic Shield and Victus, Corning’s focus was to ensure that the screen was more robust than before, but also that the display would feature a thin, sleek profile. This high performance is proven by both screen protectors, when tested.
Along with its promise that the Ceramic Shield featured on iPhone 12 offers greater protection than its predecessors, Apple has claimed that it’s the toughest smartphone glass on the market. In return, Corning has said that Victus can provide up to a two-metre drop protection, regardless of the surface. It also gives double the scratch resistance offered by the previous update, Gorilla Glass 6.
How to protect your iPhone
We know that it can bring peace of mind to have a built-in protective layer on your device, but you can always take even more precautions when looking after your iPhone.
• If you want to safeguard your smartphone’s display even further, a screen protector will help to prevent any scratches or blemishes. Screen protectors come in both plastic and glass varieties, suitable for the exact dimensions of your screen, and are easy to apply.
• Even the most coordinated smartphone user will occasionally drop their device, and this is where a durable phone case can come in handy. An iPhone has a strong metal-based construction, but you still don’t want to drop it from a height or onto an uneven surface. There’s a selection of phone cases to choose from, depending on your preference. A rugged phone case, for example, is the perfect form of protection if you need to cover all angles. A stylish option is a wallet case, which also provides all-round protection, thanks to a book-like design. They’re available in traditional leather, alongside synthetic alternatives such as polyurethane and vegan leather.
• Keep an eye on where you put your iPhone - there can always be a potential hazard around. Be careful with having your keys in the same pocket as your smartphone, as they can pose a risk to the exterior. Plus, you’ll want to keep your iPhone clear of any drinks, because there’s the chance that there might be a spillage.
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