iPhone 16 screen scratching easily for some despite Apple's '50% tougher' claims

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series at its ‘Glowtime’ event on September 9, they didn’t hold back on the hype. Apple claimed the iPhone 16’s front display was now 50% tougher than the Ceramic Shield first introduced with the iPhone 12, and, apparently, twice as strong as any other smartphone glass. For those of us who’ve learned the hard way that gravity and glass don’t mix well, this was music to our ears.

But as the iPhone 16 makes its way into the hands of eager buyers, not everyone is experiencing the durability promised. In fact, some users are finding scratches on their brand-new devices — sometimes within hours of unboxing.

Despite Apple’s bold durability claims, reports are emerging of deep scratches and micro-abrasions appearing on the iPhone 16’s “toughest-ever” screen. Some owners have noticed scratches forming within a day of use despite treating their devices with the utmost care. And we’re not talking about people tossing their iPhones into a pocket full of keys or coins — these are users who claim to keep their phone in its own pocket or a soft microfiber cloth.

So what’s going on here?

The buzz surrounding the iPhone 16’s Ceramic Shield was clear: it’s built to handle drops like a pro. And yes, that might very well be true. The screen may indeed be more shatter-resistant, which is a lifesaver for those of us with butterfingers. But, here’s the catch: while Ceramic Shield might help your iPhone survive a dramatic tumble, it doesn’t necessarily prevent those frustrating surface scratches.

Drop resistance and scratch resistance are two different things. The iPhone 16’s Ceramic Shield may be 50% stronger than the iPhone 12, but like all glass surfaces, it’s not invincible. This could explain why, even with the impressive toughness stats, some users are already finding scratches.

Adding to the debate is JerryRigEverything’s famous durability test, which many look to for an honest breakdown of whether a device lives up to its marketing. During his test of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the phone’s screen scratched at a level 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, with deeper grooves forming at level 7. This is fairly typical for smartphone screens, but it’s not the glowing indestructible claim many were hoping for. Despite Apple’s marketing, it’s clear the screen can still scratch under standard use.

One reason for the discontent is that some iPhone veterans have never seen this kind of scratching on previous models. Several users switching from the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 to the iPhone 16 claim to find more scratches in a few days than they’d accumulated over years of use with older models. Some buyers who never bothered with screen protectors in the past are now second-guessing that decision.

Is this a widespread problem? It’s tough to say for sure, but the number of complaints is enough to raise a few eyebrows. It’s clear that some iPhone 16 users are having issues, even if the majority might not be. For those who haven’t jumped on the iPhone 16 bandwagon yet, this might be a sign to rethink the no-screen-protector approach. Ceramic Shield is strong, but if you’re the type to wince at the sight of a scratch, an extra layer of protection is a good idea.

If you’re eyeing a trade-in down the line, those scratches might come back to haunt you. A slightly damaged iPhone often doesn’t fare well in Apple’s trade-in program, which can dramatically reduce the trade-in value — or worse, render your device worth nothing. While the scratches are an annoyance, it’s important to remember that the iPhone 16 is still a powerhouse. The new Ceramic Shield may be more drop-resistant than ever, and that’s a win for clumsy folks who tend to send their phones flying. Just don’t expect it to stay scratch-free without a little extra protection.

Apple’s iPhone 16 series is still a fantastic upgrade, but if you want that pristine display to last, consider investing in a screen protector or case.