Latest news with #CeramicShield
Tom's Guide
14-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just broke my iPhone — here's what I learned about the durability of today's phones
My iPhone 12 has served me ably for more years than I can count without pausing to think about. It's been there on trips, helping me snap photos, and it's gotten me from point A to point with trusty navigation tips. It's also tested innumerable software updates and features, without complaint or incident. And the other day, I smashed it beyond repair. I was out for one of my evening walks to get my steps in — yes, the Fitness app on my iPhone 12 also encourages me to stay active — and I reached for my phone to start a new podcast to accompany me for the rest of my journey. But while taking the iPhone out of my pocket, it slipped from my hands and took a plunge to the concrete below, bouncing on the sidewalk and then skidding to a stop a few feet away. You can see the after-effects in the photo at the top of this article. My iPhone 12 landed flush on the main camera, cracking the lens for good. The phone is still perfectly functional, but if I want to take a photo with the camera, the end result looks like a Monet painting. Don't feel sorry for me. I got a lot of use out of the iPhone 12. Apple first released that particular model nearly five years ago, and while I haven't been using the iPhone 12 since Day 1, it's been my go-to model for at least three years, maybe four. An upgrade was in the cards anyhow, and my clumsiness merely forced the issue. So I'm not looking for any sympathy. Rather, I'm sharing this story because I think it reveals a couple of important things about today's smartphones and making sure they last as long as possible. When it comes to dropping phones, the incident that finally did in my iPhone 12 wasn't exactly my first rodeo. I would estimate that, conservatively, I've probably dropped that phone once a week for the past three years. Sometimes, it would fall harmless on cushions or padded surfaces. But otherwise — hardwood floors, linoleum, bathroom tiles — this phone has come into contact with it at all, usually at less-than-ideal acceleration. For heaven's sake, the iPhone 12 that finally succumbed to my ham-fisted handling is the same one that wound up at the bottom of the Russian River when I capsized a canoe. And that only knocked it out of commission for the time it took me to expel water from its charging port. Through all that mishandling, the cracked lens from its most recent fall is the only significant damage my iPhone 12 ever suffered. Yes, there were cosmetic scuffs and scrapes, mostly to the phone's frame, but this Apple device definitely took a licking and kept on ticking. And that's by design. The iPhone 12 introduced Apple's Ceramic Shield, a tougher material designed for better drop protection. Mission accomplished, I can safely confirm. And the iPhone 12's IP68 water resistance rating has kept my phone safe from dunks in the water, whether it's the pool at my gym or the aforementioned ravages of the Russian River. More encouraging, if your phone is more recent mine, Apple has only improved durability. The latest iPhone 16 models offer a newer generation of Ceramic Shield for even greater durability. And if you spring for one of the Pro versions, you get a titanium frame that's stronger yet lighter than the typical aluminum materials used in phones. Despite all that, I think you still should get a case for your phone — at least if you want it to last for a very long time. My iPhone 12 was naked as a jaybird when I let it slip from my hands, and I think it's a safe bet that had it been in case, it might have come away from this latest tumble unscathed. Don't be like me — get a case to keep your iPhone safe. • Best iPhone 16 cases• Best iPhone 16 Plus cases• Best iPhone 16 Pro cases• Best iPhone 16 Pro Max cases That's because even the thinnest, low-profile cases offer key protection for the two most vulnerable areas of your phone — the screen and camera array. Any phone case worth its salt has raised edges around those areas, aimed at preventing them from coming into contact with unforgiving surfaces. Throw in even a modicum of drop-protection — Tom's Guide recommends you look for cases that offer at least 4 feet — and there's a good chance that those inevitable accidents won't result in catastrophic damage. Put it this way: if I had been keeping my iPhone 12 in a case on that fateful walk, I'd have the option of upgrading to a new device whenever I wanted instead of having to get a new phone now. With the iPhone 17 launch still a few months away, that extra time might have come in handy. So celebrate the fact that the phone in your hands — whether built by Apple or someone else — is probably a lot more durable than a device you might have owned a few years back. And that's great news if you're one of the growing number of people who try to make their phones last as long as possible. Just make sure you keep a case handy for those late-night walks.
Daily Record
04-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Apple iPhone 16 is available at just £28 per month in latest Sky deal
The iPhone 16 Pro features a lightweight yet durable titanium design with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display and a tough Ceramic Shield front Apple fans hunting for a solid deal on the latest iPhone might want to take a closer look at Sky's latest offer. The network is selling the iPhone 16 Pro for just £28 a month with a £12 upfront fee, a total of £1008 over three years. That's only slightly more than buying the phone outright from Apple, and it comes with the added convenience of monthly payments. As always with Sky, there's a key detail to keep in mind. Most of its phones are sold on 36-month contracts, so shoppers should be sure they're comfortable with that commitment before signing up. However, there are perks. Sky allows customers to upgrade their handset after 24 months, meaning you won't be locked into the same phone for the full term. You can also trade in your old device for credit to help reduce the monthly cost, Express reports. The iPhone 16 Pro itself is a top-tier device. It features a lightweight yet durable titanium design with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display and a tough Ceramic Shield front. It's built to support Apple Intelligence, the company's new AI system that boosts productivity while maintaining user privacy. Camera upgrades include a 48MP Fusion main sensor, 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision video, and an enhanced Ultra Wide lens for macro and wide-angle shots. The new Camera Control feature also makes switching between settings easier than ever. Users can apply and reverse Photographic Styles for more creative control. Under the hood, the powerful A18 Pro chip boosts speed, supports advanced photo and video features, and handles AAA gaming with ease. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "Battery life has also improved, offering up to 27 hours of video playback, and charging is faster with USB-C or MagSafe. For those considering alternatives, Carphone Warehouse, and Giffgaff all have iPhone 16 Pro deals worth exploring. The phone was almost awarded a perfect score by our tech experts when it launched. "Tech Editor Dave Snelling said: ' The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max get some nice updates, including those bigger displays, improved battery life and faster charging. 'The A18 Pro chip sets a new standard, and the rear camera is better than ever. "There's also the addition of that Camera Control button on the side, and you get some new colours to choose from, including the striking Desert Titanium. 'These are great iPhones, but if you have an iPhone 15 Pro in your pocket, there's probably not enough here to warrant an upgrade especially as those 2023 devices will also get Apple Intelligence via a software update. "That said, if you haven't upgraded in a while and want the best iPhone of the bunch then the 16 Pro and Pro Max are top-notch call makers that will be contenders for phone of the year.'
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Forbes
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Key Feature Canceled, Report Claims
Apple will release the iPhone 17 series, its 2025 flagship phones, in a matter of months (almost certainly in September). However, one predicted feature, an all-new screen technology, may have been ditched, it seems. Previously, it had been rumored that the next Pro models of the iPhone, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, would have a different display technology that would add a new anti-reflective layer. If you've seen the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, for instance, you'll know that anti-reflective is a very good thing indeed, making for much easier viewing in brighter light situations. The earlier rumors also said that the new covering would be more durable, too. However, in a new report from MacRumors, Juli Clover says that new information throws all this into doubt. 'Apple may have canceled the super scratch resistant anti-reflective display coating that it planned to use for the iPhone 17 Pro models, according to a source with reliable information that spoke to MacRumors,' it claims. The original report is more than a year old, coming from Instant Digital, a leaker on Weibo with a decent, though not perfect, track record. They claimed that a new anti-reflective display layer that was more scratch-resistant than Ceramic Shield, was on its way, destined for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. The report claims that the reason we haven't heard any more about this report is down to Apple hitting problems when it tried to introduce the display technology at scale. 'The process for adding the anti-reflective coating to the iPhone display was too slow when taking into account the millions of devices that Apple produces, so even though it was only planned for the Pro models, it still seems that it wasn't feasible this year,' Clover says. Just as intriguing as the lack of reflections onscreen was the prospect of better resistance to scratches. As someone who has grazed their display in the most innocent of gestures repeatedly over the years, scratch-resistance is high on my wishlist. Ceramic Shield is exceptional for preventing the front of the iPhone shattering when it falls, but those scratches can still be a nuisance. If not this year, a future generation may still deliver this. Fingers crossed.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
iPhone 17 Pro may not come with anti-reflective display coating as Samsung- Details
As part of early leaks, the iPhone 17 Pro was rumoured to come with an anti-reflective display coating, replacing Apple's popular Ceramic Shield for enhanced scratch resistance and reduced glare. However, this upgrade may not come in this year's iPhone Pro model, therefore, Apple may stick to the Ceramic Shield or fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating as the current iPhone models. While other tech giants, including Samsung, are providing anti-reflective coating, Apple is yet to bring such upgrades to its iPhones. Therefore, know what might have changed in the plans. iPhone 17 Pro anti-reflective coating In early leaks, a tipster who goes by the name Instant Digital highlighted Apple's plan for bringing an anti-reflective display coating for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This new display technology was supposed to be used to make smartphones more scratch-resistant, and first for iPhones as well. These anti-reflective coatings are also available in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra models, which not only make visuals pleasing by reducing reflection but also make the smartphone more scratch-resistant. 7% OFF 14% OFF Now, according to a Macrumor report, Apple has dropped plans of bringing anti-reflective display coating to iPhone 17 Pro models. Reportedly, the process for applying the anti-reflective coating on iPhones was quite slow, considering Apple makes millions of units that are sent across the world. Therefore, it was not possible to integrate the technology this year, despite its benefits. Not sure which mobile to buy? iPhone 17 Pro: What to expect We are still a few months away from the iPhone 17 Pro launch, but rumours circulating on the internet have given us a great understanding of what Apple could launch. This year, Apple is planning for a major design change with a new camera module and the comeback of the aluminium frame. Furthermore, we may get a thicker and heavier body due to a bigger battery and plans for bringing a vapour cooling system. Apart from design, the iPhone 17 Pro models will likely be powered by the A19 Pro chip paired with 12GB of RAM. We may also get 48MP triple camera setup, with upgraded sensors for improved camera performance. One more thing! We are now on WhatsApp Channels! Follow us there so you never miss any updates from the world of technology. To follow the HT Tech channel on WhatsApp, click here to join now! First Published Date: 29 Apr, 09:28 IST
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sky customers can get the Apple iPhone 16 Pro for £28 a month
The 128GB smartphone comes in four stylish colours and features Apple Intelligence technology Sky's latest offer on the Apple iPhone 16 Pro may be the answer to anybody looking for a new smartphone. The sleek 128GB titanium device comes in four stylish colours and has a 6.3-inch display. The phone features Apple's latest-generation Ceramic Shield front, which claims to be twice as tough as any smartphone glass. Sky is now offering the iPhone 16 Pro for £28 per month over a 24-month contract, with an upfront cost of £12. Sky's deal is a 36-month contract, but customers can swap to a new phone anytime after 31 days or when the 24-month contract is up at no extra cost. This is one of the cheapest monthly payments on offer, with Three selling the same phone for £38.71 a month over a 24-month contract with an upfront cost of £30. As reported by the Express, the iPhone 16 Pro's battery life provides up to 27 hours of video playback. It boasts a 48MP Fusion camera with an Ultra Wide lens and shoots videos in 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision. The smartphone has an A18 Pro chip, offering more speed and larger memory bandwidth, while Apple Intelligence helps you get tasks done quickly. The device also comes with privacy protections, ensuring not even Apple can access your data. For shoppers wanting to explore other smartphone options, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently on sale for £1,099 or £30.53 a month and has a slightly larger 6.9-inch display. The 256GB device is available in several colours, comes with a handy S-Pen and features Galaxy AI. Amazon is offering a 22% discount on the Google Pixel 9, now available for £699 down from £899. This device boasts a 6.3-inch screen, comes in a choice of four colours and features Google AI. The iPhone 16 Pro hasn't been reviewed on the Sky website, but over at Amazon where it costs £899, many buyers have shared their thoughts. The device has received an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars, with one happy shopper saying: "The iPhone 16 Pro has been a great upgrade option for me, combining a sleek design and built for the new Apple Intelligence features due to be released. The first thing I did notice is the new display - it feels crisp and vibrant. "The improved refresh rate makes everything from scrolling to gaming feel incredibly smooth. Performance-wise, the new A18 chip delivers decent speeds, effortlessly handling multitasking and demanding apps - gaming on my iPhone feels a lot smoother, and the phone itself just feels a lot faster compared to my old iPhone 13 Pro Max. "The battery life has also seen a decent boost, easily lasting a full day even with heavy use - I often have my phone on low power mode, and still runs decently and the battery has lasted way over 24 hours despite using it often. The camera system, always a standout feature for the Pro models, has been further refined. "The improved low-light performance is actually insane to be honest, and along with the new AI-enhanced photography tools, it allows for stunning photos and videos in any condition. The new camera button on the iPhone 16 Pro is actually incredibly useful, and it can be customised to open various apps - it felt a little weird at first and the button felt in the way, but I got used to it after a day or so." However, they did mention a slight issue: "The only downside is that the outer black titanium case feels plasticky oddly - I think it feels rather cheap, but I have my phone in a Spigen hybrid case, so it doesn't bother me that much. Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro is a powerhouse device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do - I highly recommend it." Unfortunately one Amazon shopper was left underwhelmed, explaining: "I wouldn't recommend getting this phone for solely two reasons. The battery life is horrible and so disappointing. I upgraded because my iPhone 13 battery was dying. After spending £1,099 I expected the battery to at least last a day. In reality I had to charge it twice a day with minimum usage. Literally my phone could be sitting idle and the battery was running out. It is not worth the upgrade." Someone else disagreed, as their glowing review reads: " This phone is probably one of the greatest from the Apple line. The design is so great and the colour is outstanding, the functionality is great and the strong outer casing feels nice in the hands. The battery life is great and lasts for hours on end and the best thing is it's light weight. "The value for money is great because of its features, with the new camera button you can become a professional and take amazing stunning photographs. The 48-megapixel camera shows its potential in all areas, and photos come out at a professional level. The 120 hz display is so good and feels smooth when using." You can get the Apple iPhone 16 Pro on Sky's £28-a-month contract here. By trading in your old device, you may save even more money on the smartphone.
