Apple Details the Durability Work Behind iPhone Duo and Ceramic Shield 2

TechRadar’s Axel Metz reports that Apple’s durability work is a major focus for the iPhone 18 Pro and the upcoming iPhone Duo. The report examines comments from Tom Marieb, Apple’s new Vice President of Hardware Engineering.

Ceramic Shield 2, first introduced on the iPhone 17 line, returns on the iPhone 18 Pro. TechRadar says it has delivered 3x better scratch resistance 12 months after its release. The iPhone Duo is described as having an IP68 resistance rating that beats the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Marieb said Apple worked to balance scratch resistance with resistance to wear over time. He said Apple’s testing is designed to reflect how customers use its products rather than rely on older military specifications or standards. The testing can represent five years of use, or more, within a couple of weeks.

Marieb also discussed the Duo’s hinge. Apple adjusted its torque profile so the hinge would feel solid when opened, closed, or held in a half-folded position. The phone includes Seated and Standing modes for different folded angles, along with a 7.6-inch nano-texture display.