iPhone 15 could be a lot less screen-protector friendly — here's why

A render of the alleged iPhone 15 Pro — (Image credit: 9to5Mac)

A minor change to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro leaked by Max Weinbach could have major consequences for keeping the phone free of damage.

That change has been tipped to be a "0.1mm slope on the display edges," which Weinbach says will make using screen protectors difficult. That makes sense given a previous leak from Weinbach that suggested that Apple's adding curved edges to the back and sides of the phone, which would require other changes around the phone to compensate for the new shape.

Unlike many leading Android phones, iPhones don't have pre-applied screen protectors, so anyone who wants one will need to apply it themselves. Apple may well argue they're not necessary since the Ceramic Shield glass that recent iPhones use is pretty tough. Still, as any unfortunate iPhone user will tell you, even Ceramic Shield displays will scratch and shatter under the right circumstances, so adding an extra protective layer can be a wise move.

Hopefully, the third-party iPhone screen protector manufacturers hearing this rumor now will have time to adapt their products for the iPhone 15 series, assuming what Weinbach has to say is accurate. It could prove difficult, especially when it comes to making hard, tempered glass protectors, but they've at least got plenty of time. If Apple keeps to its usual schedule, the iPhone 15 series will debut in September, another seven months off.

Until Apple actually tells us what's what with its new iPhones, you can keep up with all the leaks and rumors with our iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro news hubs.

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Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.