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When I first started out, I didn't have any screen protector. I coddled my 9.7" iPP and had a Smart Keyboard cover on it. Was very careful about putting it in its special pocket in my backpack and using only a clean microfiber cloth to wipe it off. Guess what? It got scratches on the screen. No matter what you do, I guarantee you'll have scratches a year in. So when I got a replacement iPad after software issues, I put a tempered glass screen protector right on that baby out of the box. Quite frankly I love it. The oleophobic coating on the protector makes it really nice and smooth and not a fingerprint magnet like the screen without it. Whenever it gets a little bit worn down and fingerprinty, I just buy a new one for 9 bucks. The Apple Pencil still works perfectly. Most importantly, the screen underneath is in factory condition. Don't listen to the people saying not to get one. The reasons not to are really pretty flimsy.
I believe that you experienced what you say you have, but that is not a "guarantee" that others will experience the same.

Prior to using a matte protector on my 12.9 Pro, I never used a screen protector on any of my iPads... going back to day-1 of the iPad 1 release. I never experienced any scratches on any of my iPads.... even when using styli that have a reputation for catching grit on their disc and causing scratches. The only reason why I started using a protector was because with the Air 2, Apple changed the coating on the screen. By all means, if one is worried about their screens, go ahead and apply a protector, but peddling fear is not helpful.
 
When I first started out, I didn't have any screen protector. I coddled my 9.7" iPP and had a Smart Keyboard cover on it. Was very careful about putting it in its special pocket in my backpack and using only a clean microfiber cloth to wipe it off. Guess what? It got scratches on the screen. No matter what you do, I guarantee you'll have scratches a year in. So when I got a replacement iPad after software issues, I put a tempered glass screen protector right on that baby out of the box. Quite frankly I love it. The oleophobic coating on the protector makes it really nice and smooth and not a fingerprint magnet like the screen without it. Whenever it gets a little bit worn down and fingerprinty, I just buy a new one for 9 bucks. The Apple Pencil still works perfectly. Most importantly, the screen underneath is in factory condition. Don't listen to the people saying not to get one. The reasons not to are really pretty flimsy.
I agree with you here. I think a lot of people who say “I’ve never had a scratch on any of my iPhones or iPads” are talking about obviously noticeable scratches and don’t really look under good lighting.

My wife’s iPhone 5 didn’t have any noticeable scratches on it, but when you looked at it under good light there were some pretty good ones on the screen, and when we traded it in to upgrade, it got downgraded to “good” condition instead of “like new”. We lost trade in value because of that, so her new phone was more expensive than mine that had always had a screen protector on it.

I actually have not been using screen protectors on my iPads lately, but I have one on mine now because I just put a new keyboard case on it, and wanted to avoid scuffs from that. I’m also about to take it on vacation with me, so that’s another thing adding to my paranoia.
 
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I believe that you experienced what you say you have, but that is not a "guarantee" that others will experience the same.

Prior to using a matte protector on my 12.9 Pro, I never used a screen protector on any of my iPads... going back to day-1 of the iPad 1 release. I never experienced any scratches on any of my iPads.... even when using styli that have a reputation for catching grit on their disc and causing scratches. The only reason why I started using a protector was because with the Air 2, Apple changed the coating on the screen. By all means, if one is worried about their screens, go ahead and apply a protector, but peddling fear is not helpful.
I wasn't really trying to peddle fear, just sharing my cautionary tale. I don't even have a case on my iPad other than the ASK. The screens are prone to micro scratches no matter how well you treat it. Perhaps I shouldn't have said to disregard other arguments, because I suppose some might be valid for rare situations, but for the most part there is no negative to a glass screen protector and a whole lot of positive.
 
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I wasn't really trying to peddle fear, just sharing my cautionary tale. I don't even have a case on my iPad other than the ASK. The screens are prone to micro scratches no matter how well you treat it. Perhaps I shouldn't have said to disregard other arguments, because I suppose some might be valid for rare situations, but for the most part there is no negative to a glass screen protector and a whole lot of positive.
I agree with you. Micro-scratches but scratches none-the-less will come. I am so careful with my electronics and they look like new when I sell them. But the times that I got new phones before the screen savers were released, I got the dreaded micro scratches. I did figure out what caused them - my earrings touching or rubbing the screen during a call.

I’ve been pretty lucky with my iPads though - able to get the protectors on quickly for all of them.

I have family out of the country who wait to buy my phones and iPads when I get new ones. So I like to keep them in the best condition that I can.
 
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I wasn't really trying to peddle fear, just sharing my cautionary tale. I don't even have a case on my iPad other than the ASK. The screens are prone to micro scratches no matter how well you treat it. Perhaps I shouldn't have said to disregard other arguments, because I suppose some might be valid for rare situations, but for the most part there is no negative to a glass screen protector and a whole lot of positive.
I understand that. But when you say things like, " I guarantee you'll have scratches a year in." and "Don't listen to the people saying not to get one." it crosses the line from being a cautionary tale to stirring up fear.

No worries though. This is really more about me than about you. I have this quirk that I try to be sensitive to others who are less informed that may be lurking (and not necessarily posting) who read things on this forum and go away thinking something that may not be quite correct.
 
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......it crosses the line from being a cautionary tale to stirring up fear.

No worries though. This is really more about me than about you...

We agree. :D "stirring up fear"???

Why all the drama? We ARE talking about something that can cost less then 2 cups of coffee at Starbucks, is completely temporary, and like coffee if you don"t like it after you've tried it you can throw it away.
 
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I have never used a screen protector on any of my iPads. I have had 5 different models since 2010 and have never had any issues; I just now inspected my iPad 2017 that I have had since last June and can't see a single scratch, even with the screen off.

I almost exclusively use an Apple brand smart cover. As far as use case goes, I'm usually either on the couch/in bed at home, hauling it around the office to meetings, and every once in a while watching something while I am on a machine at the gym.
 
I just got a 12.9 pro used and decided to slap a protector on it picked a glass one up for 8 bucks on amazon and it feels really nice. I don’t notice much of a difference for the pencil and it actually feels better on the fingers than the screen did, it that might be because the prevoius owner didn’t do a great job taking care of it.

For 8 bucks I’m super happy and even if I end up taking it off in a few months I won’t feel like I wasted money on it.
 
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I got a 10.5 when they first came out. Loved it, but couldn't stand the smudging and fingerprints, so I returned it. I saw another one on sale a few months after that and bought it. I also got a glass screen protector for it, given my past experience with fingerprints. It's been the best thing ever. I have no problems whatsoever with smudging or fingerprints now. I never had one on my old iPad3, and that didn't smudge up nearly as much as the 10.5. I understand that the IPP screen is coated with something to support the pens, which I don't have. Anyway, YMMV, but I've been very happy with my screen protector. I'd recommend one for anyone buying an IPP.
 
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I used to use a glass screen protector on my iPad. I stopped using it a few years ago when I got the pro model because it takes away the anti-reflective effect on the screen. I also don't take my iPad out of the house very often. I used the Smart Cover to protect the screen and use whoosh to keep the screen clean of finger prints.
 
Screen covers are very much a matter of taste. I was horrified recently to find that my brother, quite a perfectionist, never uses them or gets AC+, whereas I have both.

I feel much happier having a screen protector as I can replace it whenever it gets a bit grubby or tatty if I want to and my screen is still beautiful for the next person.

One thing about having a smart cover type case for them being enough protection, I always think when they're folded back being a stand, they might pick up debris from the surface and then transfer them to your screen when you close them. I like those covers, but like having the extra reassurance of a screen cover. I always use the thin film ones and have never used a glass one.

There is no guarantee either way that someone WILL or will NOT get scratches without a cover, but having one is reassuring for some of us. Neither camp is wrong or better, we just have different opinions on this.
 
I used to use a glass screen protector on my iPad. I stopped using it a few years ago when I got the pro model because it takes away the anti-reflective effect on the screen. I also don't take my iPad out of the house very often. I used the Smart Cover to protect the screen and use whoosh to keep the screen clean of finger prints.

Whoosh is a great product. It’s actually the same product Apple stores use to clean the iPhones and iPad displays as well. But like you, I don’t really venture my iPad outside my house, and therefore I really don’t see the need for a screen protector, as I just use the portfolio case with a soft felt lining inside, and that meets my expectations to protect the dispay.
 
I haven't had any protectors on any of the iPads I've owned and have had no issues. My Air 2 has a Logitech keyboard cover though and my iPad Pro 12.9 has the Smart Cover. I feel those serve the same purpose.
 
I had the iPad 3 when it first came out and then I upgraded to the iPad air 2. Used the devices all the time for both home and work. Have not gotten scratches on either device. My spouse also has an iPad air 2 and not gotten any noticeable scratches. We both use apples smart covers. Never needed anything more.

As long as you remember these are extremely expensive devices and treat them with the care they deserve, there is no need for a screen protector.

Saving money is not a crime.
 
Lasted just over a week with an anti-glare screen protector. I should have known better.

Initially, I bought both the anti-glare and crystal clear protectors for my new IPP 9.7 in 2016. I first put on the anti-glare. Loved the feel of the anti-glare and also the feel of the Pencil on it. During the first week or so, I must have gotten a speck of dust either on the Pencil tip or the protector - felt a drag which resulted in a pretty good scratch on the protector. So then I installed the PS clear protector which I kept on for the last two years with no incident.

The clear film protector after 2 years needed replacing, so I tried the anti-glare again. Once again loved the feel of it but hated the clarity reduction. I thought I might get used to it but alas - pulled it off this morning and now back to a PS clear film protector.

I do like the Power Support protectors but really wish some company would come through with anti-reflective properties without the reduction in clarity. They can do it for eyeglass lenses, why not for protectors?
 
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