iPad Pro Apple Pencil & Scratches.

[spiderman0616]

So just as an update to this--the small scratch I found the other day, even though it truly is small, was bugging the crap out of me. What bothers me the most is that I don't really know how it got there and I don't want any more of them. I decided to buy an Anker tempered glass screen protector, and I just installed it this afternoon.

It installed really nicely. If you follow the instructions and use all the resources they give you in the package, you won't get any dust or lint trapped underneath. I did get a couple of stubborn bubbles, but I was able to scribble them out with my Apple Pencil. As I suspected, it did take away from the anti-reflectiveness of the screen, but added peace of mind. I can now use my Apple Pencil without worry of picking up more marks.

PS: Note taking and drawing is working the same as it did without the protector. No perceivable lag so far.

Here's the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SF6VSVG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Perene]

I found this other report warning about this: https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/3xy363/apple_pencil_scratching_your_ipad_pro/

Then I just wondered one thing: http://www.apple-art.com/iPad-Pro-Warning-from-Apple-about-Pencil-damaging-screen_11258746.html

Could this be a result of a faulty tip? And even if it isn't, how are we supposed to know how one tip should be replaced? When the screen is scratched?

 

[Nhwhazup]

If you feel any drag - just stop and check both the screen and tip for any debris and/or degradation of the tip.

This is the problem - you probably won't know until you feel drag and then you might already have some scratching.

I keep my iPad and Pencil very clean and put a screen protector on it day one. Within a week I felt drag and immediately stopped. Nothing I could visibly see but something had to either be on the screen or Pencil tip to cause the problem. Thankfully I had a protector on which did get a decent scratch. Without it, my screen would have taken the hit.

 

[Perene]

Thankfully I had a protector on which did get a decent scratch. Without it, my screen would have taken the hit.

OK, but what I have no idea is this:

1) Can we remove any screen protector anytime we want, and by doing this, will the glass screen still be the same? Or the removal is detrimental to the health of the screen more than the loss of image quality reported here?

2) Assuming you did get a scratch from the Pencil, while using a screen protector... do you know if this has not, in any way, touched the glass screen underneath the screen protector? Because if that's the case, then I would agree with never putting one in the first place.

I never tried to remove my screen protector and I inserted from day one. However, based on this, I am thinking of buying a new iPAD Pro 9.7 just to use this Pencil, for fear that the loss in image quality can't be acceptable, specially because I've been using one iPAD with a screen protector for many years.

What I can tell is that my iPAD 4 is almost like in pristine condition. Now, one person who reported that got a scratch also posted that he brought the iPAD to a trip. I never leave this iPAD of my sight and it never left my house. So I am also skeptical if these people had the same care I have with my old iPAD 4.

And I might also add that my use of the Pencil will be mostly to take notes, not drawing, and this might make a difference in terms of not scratching.

P.S. Another user not recommending the use of a screen protector:
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2015/04/08/does-your-ipad-need-screen-protector/

 

[Nhwhazup]

OK, but what I have no idea is this:

1) Can we remove any screen protector anytime we want, and by doing this, will the glass screen still be the same? Or the removal is detrimental to the health of the screen more than the loss of image quality reported here?

2) Assuming you did get a scratch from the Pencil, while using a screen protector... do you know if this has not, in any way, touched the glass screen underneath the screen protector? Because if that's the case, then I would agree with never putting one in the first place.

I never tried to remove my screen protector and I inserted from day one. However, based on this, I am thinking of buying a new iPAD Pro 9.7 just to use this Pencil, for fear that the loss in image quality can't be acceptable, specially because I've been using one iPAD with a screen protector for many years.

What I can tell is that my iPAD 4 is almost like in pristine condition. Now, one person who reported that got a scratch also posted that he brought the iPAD to a trip. I never leave this iPAD of my sight and it never left my house. So I am also skeptical if these people had the same care I have with my old iPAD 4.

And I might also add that my use of the Pencil will be mostly to take notes, not drawing, and this might make a difference in terms of not scratching.

P.S. Another user not recommending the use of a screen protector:
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2015/04/08/does-your-ipad-need-screen-protector/

If you are concerned about scratching put on screen protector and no worries. I've never had a screen protector damage a screen. In fact for me this is the first device that I actually got a protector on before I got a scratch. I'm super careful and still manage to get surface scratches which drive me crazy. And when I got the new IPP with the Pencil, I figured I was asking for trouble with no protection.

My screen protector that got scratched by the drag with the pencil only damaged the protector and not the screen. The scratch didn't break through the protector but did make a mark on it. I replaced it with a new protector.

And I also use the Pencil for mainly taking notes and annotating presentations and PDFs. I do artwork but on a canvas with thick paint and knife edge. I've never gotten into it on the IPP.

The only problem with a protector is that you do lose the anti reflective property of the IPP. For me, I'd rather have a bit of than scratches. I want to use my device and not worry.

 

[Perene]

OK, here's my final verdict after receiving and testing this Pencil for the 1st time:

http://imgur.com/a/ADV9e

Absolutely out of the question to use it in a naked iPAD screen. And anyone that says otherwise have no idea what is talking about.

I tried using very gently, and I could tell from the very first second that this will, without a doubt and with 100% certainty, scratch the screen eventually. We simply cannot compare what the Pencil does with our fingers. In the first use, it did nothing, however, I didn't apply any pressure in the screen (which is required, unless we want to write in a very smooth and impractical way, to prevent any damage). When more pressure is applied we can even hear the sound of the Pencil touching the screen. No one would feel happy to see a US$ 1000 glass being "bullied" all the time like this.

I am not going to recommend the use of any screen protector, not for fear they might hinder the experience with this Pencil, instead it is due to the loss of image quality we will notice from any of them.

So I am going to buy a cheaper iPAD model just for use with this device. The more expensive one will be used for anything, except the Pencil.

I am already selling an old iPAD 4, and I planned to take notes in Good Notes while reading ebooks, not in the same iPAD, but with two different iPADs at the same time. At first I was planning on doing this with the 4th (the one I am selling) and the Pro, now I'll do it with two Pros.

P.S. And for the record, particules of dust accumulate easily in the iPAD. The chances of the tip of this Pencil scratching eventually are very high. The thing is, do you guys buy something to use for a few months/years or for the rest of your lives?

 

[RadioGaGa1984]

AppleCare+ does not cover cosmetic damage. It would do nothing for scratches. I use a glass protector. No fear of scratching now...

Of course AppleCare+ Does cover cosmetic and accidental damage that's the whole point of the 2 incidents.

 

[Perene]

As I mentioned before, I was going to buy another IPP 9.7. And I did, this month:
http://imgur.com/a/fZdK7

The Smart Cover will be here tomorrow. So now I have a 128 GB wifi only for using the Pencil and the 256 GB wifi + cel.

Now I don't have to worry about a screen protector or my main iPAD. I was going to use two anyway, since I plan to read ebooks and make notes at the same time, among other things.

 

[ibookg409]

I apologize if this has already been covered, but has anyone noticed any scratches starting to form on the screen of their iPad Pro, due to moderate or heavy usage of the Apple Pencil? I personally have not. I'm just curious as to whether or not this could become an issue somewhere down the road. Again, sorry if this has been covered already. Thank you!

That's why I bought a ZAGG Glass screen protector before I bought the Pencil. Now I have no worries of scratches and ZAG has a lifetime replacement warranty.

 

[Defender2010]

OK, here's my final verdict after receiving and testing this Pencil for the 1st time:

http://imgur.com/a/ADV9e

Absolutely out of the question to use it in a naked iPAD screen. And anyone that says otherwise have no idea what is talking about.

I tried using very gently, and I could tell from the very first second that this will, without a doubt and with 100% certainty, scratch the screen eventually. We simply cannot compare what the Pencil does with our fingers. In the first use, it did nothing, however, I didn't apply any pressure in the screen (which is required, unless we want to write in a very smooth and impractical way, to prevent any damage). When more pressure is applied we can even hear the sound of the Pencil touching the screen. No one would feel happy to see a US$ 1000 glass being "bullied" all the time like this.

I am not going to recommend the use of any screen protector, not for fear they might hinder the experience with this Pencil, instead it is due to the loss of image quality we will notice from any of them.

So I am going to buy a cheaper iPAD model just for use with this device. The more expensive one will be used for anything, except the Pencil.

I am already selling an old iPAD 4, and I planned to take notes in Good Notes while reading ebooks, not in the same iPAD, but with two different iPADs at the same time. At first I was planning on doing this with the 4th (the one I am selling) and the Pro, now I'll do it with two Pros.

P.S. And for the record, particules of dust accumulate easily in the iPAD. The chances of the tip of this Pencil scratching eventually are very high. The thing is, do you guys buy something to use for a few months/years or for the rest of your lives?

You sound awfully sure of yourself. I've been using the iPad/pencil combo for months. No protector on my screen. It's pristine, not a mark or blemish. If you keep your screen and pencil clean you will not get scratches. It's up to you the user to make sure there is nothing (e.g. Dust, grit) on your screen or pencil - don't blame the design- which you are doing in as many words. Just relax and use the tools you have without fear.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

Agree with @Defender2010 ,

I've had the pro and pencil since November and I don't have any scratches on the screen. The key is to keep your screen free of dirt/debris prior to use and keep the pencil tip clean. These are super simple things one can do to protect the tablets screen.

 

[bmac89]

You sound awfully sure of yourself. I've been using the iPad/pencil combo for months. No protector on my screen. It's pristine, not a mark or blemish. If you keep your screen and pencil clean you will not get scratches. It's up to you the user to make sure there is nothing (e.g. Dust, grit) on your screen or pencil - don't blame the design- which you are doing in as many words. Just relax and use the tools you have without fear.

My brand new iPad Pro has scratch after using Apple Pencil for one day. Screen and pencil pristine clean and both brand new. Was very cautious when using the pencil and neither product has left the house.


My original post - 14th June:

Brand new Ipad pro and Apple Pencil.....

Day 1 using Pencil and I have a scratch!

I have been extremely meticulous making sure screen is clean and wiping pencil nib with silk cloth before use. I have not taken the Ipad or Pencil out of the house. My eyesight is perfect and the screen and pencil are visually pristine and free of dirt and grit. Obviously there is some seriously tiny grit which was dragged by the pencil creating a scratch in a straight line. This is despite inspecting screen and very gently wiping the screen over with silk cloth prior to use.

 

[GerritV]

I have scratches on all of my devices, from a relatively old iPhone 4S to my newest iPad Air2.
Yes, I'm relatively careful - meaning not OCD-overprotective. I'm OK with some scratches, they just come with daily use.
Gorilla glass is a nice story, but IMHO a theory that I don't believe a word of ;-)

 

[SDColorado]

I have yet to scratch any of my devices screens and I am not particularly gentle on them, particularly the phones. I mean, I just toss them in my pocket, often with other items in there. My wife tends to scratch her phones without screen protectors, but she throws them in her purse with cars keys and whatever else she has in there.

I use mine constantly for notes, coloring etc. I am a heavy handed colorer too. I don't know why, but I am. I start off gentle, but by the time I am done, my hand hurts and I have worried that I have rubbed the surface off the pencil nib, which of course I have not.

I have colored 60+ pictures in pigment alone and I can't think of how many pages of notes, but no scratches so far.

However I do take the time to wipe down my screen and the pencil tip before I begin. So, I guess I would have to say that I am in agreement with Defender2010 and A.R.E.A.M. From my own experiences, scratches seem avoidable.

 

[xaqt93]

Call me crazy, but I haven't really used my Apple Pencil for this reason alone. I am scared to scratch it. I tried it last night and it seemed to be okay. I ordered a screen protector and it gets here in two days so hopefully my screen will be okay until then. Here's to hopening.

 

[SDColorado]

Call me crazy, but I haven't really used my Apple Pencil for this reason alone. I am scared to scratch it. I tried it last night and it seemed to be okay. I ordered a screen protector and it gets here in two days so hopefully my screen will be okay until then. Here's to hopening.

6 weeks of heavy pencil use and still no scratches

 

[Perene]

For the record, after two weeks of using the pencil, I haven't noticed anything AT ALL, and I am really meticulous, nothing different in my naked screen. Like I said, I bought two iPads for studying, while I check the contents in one, the other is used at the same time while I make notes using GOODNOTES. However, I must stress that I carry with me all the time the microfiber cloth for gadgets from 3M:
http://www.dx.com/pt/p/3m-scotch-brite-hi-tech-cleaning-cloth-for-gadgets-6816

It is amazing how this thing can clean the screen better than everything I used in my life.

Without it, it would have been impossible to remove the constant dust particles that are everywhere and the dirt that always accumulate in my iPads. Of course I haven't used for long and in the future something might change it, but for now I can really say the way I have used can't create any scratch, unless someone applies a lot more pressure or I may caught a dust particle without noticing or over time the screen generates this as an inevitable consequence.

What I can tell you is that it doesn't make any sense for me to have a single iPad Pro if the pencil is going to be used. That sounds like an advice to benefit Apple, but is far from it, specially considering how much money I had to pay for all of this. It was worth it, since I always used a whiteboard for this sort of stuff.

Some pics (the iPAD used with it is the gray model):
http://goo.gl/0shx85

(As you can see from one image, I had to put in the tip of the blue cloth water to clean some particles that could only be removed from the screen that way, at least once a week this happens, the rest of the dirt is removed easily with the dry cloth).