The short answer is yes. Apple announced its new iPhone 12 models have Ceramic Shield for their screens—offering four times better protection than previous phones if they get dropped.
The good news is the new phone screens are stronger. The bad news is they are not indestructible. One test already found the iPhone 12 Pro screen cracked after a drop of six feet. Here’s what some of the leading tech magazines are saying about screen protectors for the iPhone 12 phones:
- “As any smartphone owner knows, manufacturers may talk a big game about tougher screens, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be silently praying to God when you turn over your phone after an unexpected drop test.” James Vincent at The Verge
- "Better fall protection doesn't mean better scratch resistance.” Vanessa Hand Orellana at CNET.
- “Would you like to shell out anywhere from $700 to $1,100 to find out just how well Ceramic Shield holds up against your keys and whatever else you’ve got in your pockets or purse? Apple said it was 4x tougher—not that it was indestructible.” Victoria Song at Gizmodo
The Gizmodo reporter offers these analogies about why screen protectors are still needed: you still use sunscreen to protect your skin; put sheets to cover your mattress; table cloths on your table; and wood sealants on your furniture.
So how is Ceramic Shield different? Normal glass atoms are random, resulting in more flaws. Ceramic atoms have a regular pattern which means fewer flaws. The Corning product embeds ceramic crystals into glass to reduce flaws and cracks.
Regardless, a screen protector is still needed to prevent scratches, absorb impacts and provide additional peace of mind.
Your bank account will thank you. The cost to repair a screen for iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro is $279. Repairing an earlier model iPhone will cost you anywhere between $129 and $329.
You can get an easy insurance policy against breakage too. Gadget Guard was the first to offer screen protection insurance in case a screen still breaks. Gadget Guard Flex screen protectors can be purchased with up to $250 in insurance and the protectors for iPhone models also include antimicrobial protection that can prolong the life of your screen protector. You can even add Privacy to prevent others from peeking at your screen.
Finally, Song in another Gizmodo article offers this advice: “Just suck it up, buy a case, and use a screen protector.”