Unexpected: Screen Protectors Undermine iPhone 17's Anti-Glare Benefits

The iPhone 17 debuts with Ceramic Shield 2, designed to cut glare by about half. However, new tests by Astropad show a caveat: standard protective glass can cancel the anti-glare layer's work.

Key findings

Experts measured glare using a simple percentage (lower is better for visibility in bright light):

• iPhone 16 Pro — 3.8% glare index
• iPhone 17 Pro — 2.0% glare index
• iPhone 17 with protective glass — 4.6% glare index

In plain terms, a bare iPhone 17 handles glare much better than the iPhone 16 Pro, but adding a typical screen protector can worsen visibility, even compared with last year’s model. The reason is that the anti-glare coating is optimized to interact with air; the adhesive layer on extra glass blocks this interaction.

The takeaway for users is straightforward: you can enjoy the improved display quality, or you can opt for protection that may reduce it. A practical workaround could be protective accessories that incorporate their own anti glare layer.

Expert insight

Expert comment: Dr. Maya Chen, a display technology researcher, notes that the trade-off is real and depends on your environment. She recommends looking for protectors with built-in anti-glare functions compatible with Ceramic Shield 2.

Summary

In short, the iPhone 17 offers a notable glare reduction when used bare. However, standard screen protectors can erase that advantage, sometimes making the display less clear than on earlier models. If glare performance matters, look for protectors with built-in anti-glare layers or those specifically designed to work with Ceramic Shield 2. The choice is a balance between protection and visibility.

Key insight: To maximize display clarity on the iPhone 17, prioritize screen protectors that provide their own anti-glare layer and are compatible with Ceramic Shield 2.