After a year and a half, how did your screen hold up against the Pencil

[aevan]

I just got my 2017 12.9" iPad Pro, upgrading my previous iPad Pro. I am an illustrator, iPad Pro is one of my main tools - so I was happy to upgrade.

Of course, I love the new one. The glass surface does feel a bit different and a bit better to use with the Pencil, but it's still not as good as with a good matte screen protector (I use Photodon ones which feel a lot more like paper).

However, it's kinda close, so I'm considering using it without the screen protector. Now, I never use screen protectors on other devices - all Apple screens held pretty well for me over the years, and I don't mind microscratches that I can't see without direct light. But this new coating feels almost more delicate (most likely it's just in my head).

HOWEVER - it's one thing to use your soft, squishy finger on a screen and another to go wild accross that thing with a firm Pencil. I've been using an iPad Pro for a year and a half, but I had the screen protector on it. As I said, mostly it was because of the paper-like feel, but I did also feel more comfortable to do hard and fast strokes on the screen. Sure enough, the plastic protector picked up quite a few scratches after some time, but no big deal, right?

Now, I don't really like screen protectors, especially on a beautiful screen like the iPad's. It's another layer that diffuses light, adds (admittedly imperceivable) thickness.... I would prefer not to use it.

So, my question to Pencil using iPad Pro owners that don't use the screen protector is: how did it hold up after a year?

 

[sjleworthy]

i'm a pro artist using the 1st gen 12.9 incher with Pencil heavily every day since day 1 in it's au'natural form. no protection for me

my screen has so far held up exactly perfect! not a blemish. i must say, i do prefer the tactile feel of a screen protector as drawing and writing on pure glass is not as enjoyable as one might think, but on the other hand, i much much prefer the ipad in it's natural state than covered up.

 

[Bryan Bowler]

You don’t have to worry about scratches. Glass is a lot tougher than plastic.

 

[aevan]

Thank you all for the replies!

 

[c14nhl]

I've had the 9.7" since launch and used it for note taking in the office most days.

No screen protector used and zero scratches from Pencil use.

 

[badmojo69]

Wonder why Apple doesn't make different types of tips. The one that comes with the Pencil is a little hard and loud. I'd like a softer tip.

 

[gigaguy]

its not so much the pen that may scratch the glass but debris and dirt onscreen that the pencil might interact with. Keeping it clean may do more to avoid scratches - I'm not a pencil expert but...I do envy creative arteest types..

 

[aevan]

You don’t have to worry about scratches. Glass is a lot tougher than plastic.

Sure, but is it tougher than the coating ON the glass? That's what I was worried about.

 

[4389842]

Sure, but is it tougher than the coating ON the glass? That's what I was worried about.

You shouldn't worry. Also did a lot of writing on the thing. Not a scratch to be seen ...

 

[Bryan Bowler]

Sure, but is it tougher than the coating ON the glass? That's what I was worried about.

I totally understand where you’re coming from and it’s a good question. Just glad to hear multiple reports of users not seeing any scratches whatsoever from Apple Pencil usage.

 

[Krevnik]

I totally understand where you’re coming from and it’s a good question. Just glad to hear multiple reports of users not seeing any scratches whatsoever from Apple Pencil usage.

I will say be somewhat mindful of dirt. You can get some hard grains that stick to the pencil which you would then push around on the screen and start to scratch it.

 

[darksoul78644]

jus curious. Will pencil cause scratches on screen. I paid $950 n want to be careful.

 

[44267547]

jus curious. Will pencil cause scratches on screen. I paid $950 n want to be careful.

It Has the potential to. The Apple Pencil could move debris around the display that that's not visible to the eye and scratch it without you being aware of it. I would just keep the display as clean as possible and if you're really concerned, you could apply a screen protector to help avoid issues in those situations.

 

[Boneheadxan]

I just picked up one as well. Curious, would a screen protector be the way to go? Does it affect the response?

Hoping to use the device for a couple of years, wouldn't want the screen all scratched up when I decide to sell.

 

[darksoul78644]

I just picked up one as well. Curious, would a screen protector be the way to go? Does it affect the response?

Hoping to use the device for a couple of years, wouldn't want the screen all scratched up when I decide to sell.

I went ahead and ordered a tempered glass one. Will deal with glare to protect investment

 

[44267547]

I just picked up one as well. Curious, would a screen protector be the way to go? Does it affect the response?

Hoping to use the device for a couple of years, wouldn't want the screen all scratched up when I decide to sell.

Using high quality tempered glass protector on the iPad and there is no difference in sharpness or touch sensitivity, even with the Apple Pencil. It does have some glare, but it's the drawback with a screen protector.

 

[The Game 161]

I wouldn't worry never had any issue and I use my pencil a lot to write in notes at work.

 

[off_piste]

AppleCare+ and get the screen replaced near the end of the two years if it's scratched.

 

[Steve686]

i'm a pro artist using the 1st gen 12.9 incher with Pencil heavily every day since day 1 in it's au'natural form. no protection for me

my screen has so far held up exactly perfect! not a blemish. i must say, i do prefer the tactile feel of a screen protector as drawing and writing on pure glass is not as enjoyable as one might think, but on the other hand, i much much prefer the ipad in it's natural state than covered up.

Do you use an artist glove or just wipe the screen often to eliminate oils and debris?

 

[maflynn]

It Has the potential to

I hadn't thought about that.

I run hot and cold on a tempered glass protector on my iPad. I probably should, I use them on my iPhones (mine, wife, kids).

 

[Ffosse]

I think you'd have to press really hard with the Pencil to cause any damage.

I just bought a Pencil last week and love taking notes on my iPad.

 

[Kiimora]

Coming from Air 2, the Pencil takes the whole iPad experience to a different level; i got mine ahead of the iPad. The usability factor is remarkable, i now use the Pencil more than the index finger.

 

[Bryan Bowler]

There is an existing thread, just a couple of threads down that is already talking about this exact subject. Why start a new thread?

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-up-against-the-pencil.2052872/#post-24731699

 

[sracer]

The Apple Pencil is less likely to pick up grit that scratches the screen than those fat rubber-tipped capacitive styli. Even one's finger can do that as well. I've never seen the need to use a screen protector but if you know that you'll be in places or doing things that would increase the chances of scratching, then get a protector.

 

[max2]

The Apple Pencil is less likely to pick up grit that scratches the screen than those fat rubber-tipped capacitive styli. Even one's finger can do that as well. I've never seen the need to use a screen protector but if you know that you'll be in places or doing things that would increase the chances of scratching, then get a protector.

Which one do you recommend ?