Gorilla Glass vs Ceramic Shield: Which is Better for iPhones?

Published: 29/09/2025

Apple users often ask: “Do iPhones have Gorilla Glass?” or “What glass do iPhones use?” The truth is, Apple has used Corning glass for iPhone models for years. In the latest devices, Apple introduced its Ceramic Shield—a stronger, tougher alternative to traditional Gorilla Glass. But how does it compare?

Table of Content

What is Gorilla Glass?
What is Apple’s Ceramic Shield?
Gorilla Glass vs Ceramic Shield: Key Differences
Do iPhones Use Gorilla Glass or Ceramic Shield?
Which One is Better?
Conclusion
FAQs

Let’s break it down.

What is Gorilla Glass?

Gorilla Glass iPhone protection has been common for years. Made by Corning, it’s a chemically strengthened glass known for scratch resistance and durability.

Found in many smartphones, including some older iPhones.
Variants include Gorilla Glass Victus vs Gorilla Glass 3, showing improvements in toughness and drop resistance.
Offers good clarity and lightweight strength.

What is Apple’s Ceramic Shield?

With the iPhone 12, Apple launched the Apple Ceramic Shield, made in partnership with Corning. It uses nano-ceramic crystals embedded into glass, making it tougher than any previous Corning iPhone glass.

Advertised as 4x better drop performance.
Specifically designed for iPhone durability.
Present in iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and the latest Ceramic Shield iPhone 15 models.

Gorilla Glass vs Ceramic Shield: Key Differences

Feature	Gorilla Glass	Ceramic Shield (iPhone)
Manufacturer	Corning	Corning (custom for Apple)
Durability	Strong, scratch-resistant	More drop-resistant, tougher
Used in	Many smartphones (Samsung, OnePlus, etc.)	iPhones (12 and newer)
Technology	Chemically strengthened glass	Nano-ceramic crystal glass
Example	Gorilla Glass Victus vs Gorilla Glass 3	Ceramic Shield iPhone 15

Do iPhones Use Gorilla Glass or Ceramic Shield?

Many people ask: “Does iPhone have Gorilla Glass?” The answer is yes and no.

Older iPhones: Used Corning glass for iPhone, similar to Gorilla Glass.
Newer iPhones (12 and above): Use Apple Ceramic Shield, which is a special Corning glass developed exclusively for Apple.
So, when someone says “Gorilla Glass iPhone,” it technically refers to Apple’s custom version, but not the same as standard Gorilla Glass found in other phones.

Which One is Better?

When comparing Gorilla Glass vs Ceramic Shield, the winner depends on what you need:

Scratch resistance → Gorilla Glass (especially newer versions like Victus) performs better.
Drop resistance → Apple Ceramic Shield is stronger, especially in Ceramic Shield iPhone 15 models.
Both are made by Corning, but Ceramic Shield is exclusive to iPhones.

Conclusion

So, “What glass do iPhones use?” Today’s iPhones (12 and newer) feature Apple Ceramic Shield, not standard Gorilla Glass. While Gorilla Glass Victus vs Gorilla Glass 3 shows how much Corning has improved over time, Apple’s Ceramic Shield iPhone 15 remains one of the toughest smartphone glass protections available.

👉 In short: If you want maximum drop protection, Ceramic Shield wins. If you value scratch resistance, Gorilla Glass is still ahead.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Gorilla Glass vs Ceramic Shield.

Is Ceramic Shield stronger than Gorilla Glass?

Yes, Apple’s Ceramic Shield is stronger than Gorilla Glass in terms of drop resistance. Apple claims it offers 4x better drop protection, but Gorilla Glass (especially Victus) performs slightly better against scratches.

Is a ceramic screen protector better than glass?

Yes, a ceramic screen protector is generally tougher against drops and shattering compared to regular tempered glass. However, tempered glass usually provides better scratch resistance and is cheaper to replace.

Does Apple use Gorilla Glass?

Yes, Apple does use Corning’s Gorilla Glass technology in its devices. However, from iPhone 12 onward, Apple introduced Ceramic Shield, which is made in partnership with Corning but branded by Apple.

What is Apple Ceramic Shield glass?

Ceramic Shield is Apple’s custom glass technology developed with Corning. It’s infused with nano-ceramic crystals, making it tougher against drops while maintaining clarity. It first appeared in the iPhone 12 series and is used in later models, including the iPhone 15.