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All iPads Pencil without a screen protector
- Thread starter BootLoxes
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I used an iPad for two years with no screen protector. I had no issues outside of fingerprints, but I did keep it in a case.
Never used a screen protector for any device for the last 15 years and have never seen any damage. Certainly not to the iPads that I’ve used when Apple Pencil was first introduced. All I’ve ever read about were issues from those using screen protectors. Not everyone will have those issues but enough that I’m convinced I should never use one.
Same here: no screen protector and Apple (and other) Pencil usage for years without any damage. IMHO it’s essential to change the tip when wear down occurs - how fast depend on your usage.
This here begs to differ:
iPad Air 2020 scratches by Apple Pencil - Apple Community
I think the upshot of those few posts is keep your screen clean. I’ve used Apple Pencil from the very first one to the current second generation and have never seen any issue. But I don’t look at my screen under a microscope so who knows.This here begs to differ:
iPad Air 2020 scratches by Apple Pencil - Apple Community
discussions.apple.com
I’m in total agreement with you. But Apple has a base or subset set of customers who are extraordinarily finicky about their purchased products and indeed look for micro-scratches under a microscope…lol. SMH
I have had an Apple Pencil since December and an M1 iPad Pro (11) and I just scratched my screen. It's about 1 cm long and it's a doozy -- I can feel it with my finger. Sucks. I'm not looking under a microscope. And, I'm not looking for micro scratches. It's definitely there.
I keep my screen very clean, but I'm now considering a screen protector. My wife has one on her iPad Air, but I just don't like how it looks/fits. The notch cutout sucks/looks dumb.
I keep my screen very clean, but I'm now considering a screen protector. My wife has one on her iPad Air, but I just don't like how it looks/fits. The notch cutout sucks/looks dumb.
Some time ago, I suddenly noticed a 2-3cm long scratch in my iPad Pro (2018) after using it for a few months. I've been super careful with it and was really surprised when it was there all of a sudden.
Cannot say if it came from the pencil – I actually find it unlikely. However, I also could not identify any other way of it happening, since whenever I didn't use it, the smart keyboard was closed and protecting the screen.
Luckily I managed to get it replaced under Apple Care (for a small fee) and so far all good - not new scratches happened ever since – fingers crossed if will stay like this. I am still not using a screen protector, though was recently thinking about getting one – not even for protection but to improve feeling when drawing and writing on the screen – Paperlike promises to improve the haptics with the Pencil, which I find interesting: https://paperlike.com
Cannot say if it came from the pencil – I actually find it unlikely. However, I also could not identify any other way of it happening, since whenever I didn't use it, the smart keyboard was closed and protecting the screen.
Luckily I managed to get it replaced under Apple Care (for a small fee) and so far all good - not new scratches happened ever since – fingers crossed if will stay like this. I am still not using a screen protector, though was recently thinking about getting one – not even for protection but to improve feeling when drawing and writing on the screen – Paperlike promises to improve the haptics with the Pencil, which I find interesting: https://paperlike.com
Looks dumb with the screen protector but it IS protected. I always have a screen protector to avoid ugly scratches that annoy at certain angles and just detracts from the overall beauty of the device. Both my M1 iPad Pro 11 & M1 12.9 have screen protectors and their own Apple Pencils so I never worry about scratches while using Procreate and editing on LumaFusion.
Screen protectors are a no-brained for me. Especially when I plan to resell. Love when the buyer is totally amazed at the like-new condition when purchasing from me. I have given that experience to buyers of my old products since my 3GS. Last product I sold was my iPad Pro 10.5, 512GB cell variant with all original equipment in original box at a killer deal. I like to pass on a great deal because I have had the fortune of being on the receiving end of phenomenal deals.
Example: I got the M1 iPad Pro 11 256Gb cellular version exactly 1 month after release in June of ‘21 for $400 even. Immediately put a data plan on it and it is what I’m typing on now. Love this thing. So I passed on the savings when I sold my 10.5. The dude was thankful and damn near in tears (no joke). That made me feel great, blessing a fellow human being.
Oh and I recently purchased (like 3 weeks ago literally) an M1 12.9 iPad Pro 2 terabyte cellular variant - brand new in box for $1100 out the door. Original price is $2,400. Less than half price. Year warranty and 2 free Apple services trials. Tech Gods have shone their lights on me…lol
Example: I got the M1 iPad Pro 11 256Gb cellular version exactly 1 month after release in June of ‘21 for $400 even. Immediately put a data plan on it and it is what I’m typing on now. Love this thing. So I passed on the savings when I sold my 10.5. The dude was thankful and damn near in tears (no joke). That made me feel great, blessing a fellow human being.
Oh and I recently purchased (like 3 weeks ago literally) an M1 12.9 iPad Pro 2 terabyte cellular variant - brand new in box for $1100 out the door. Original price is $2,400. Less than half price. Year warranty and 2 free Apple services trials. Tech Gods have shone their lights on me…lol
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The pencil does a few scratches on the iPad screen so you better put on a screen protector so you can sell your device for a higher price. You can try the Gadgetshieldz screen protector that I'm using for a long time, it sticks well, self-heals the scratches that occur on it, and is smooth to use with Apple Pencil! I sold my iPad for the best price without any scratches on the screen and the back...
No screen protectors ever and my devices are always pristine when sold or traded. I don’t do any real drawing with the pencil, some doodling and signing of documents as well as basic stylus stuff. Now with an M2 iPP and hover the Pencil acts like the pointer/cursor of a trackpad expanding links to show complete posts here on Macrumors. And pulling up video previews on YouTube. If you’re not using a trackpad keyboard with an iPad the pencil is very useful, and no scratches.
I used my 12.9 iPad Pro with Apple Pencil 1 for nearly the first year without a screen protector and the screen was fine. Since then, I only use my Apple Pencil (still using the Pencil 1, 5 years later) with a matte screen protector because the bare glass is too slippery and there's an inconsistent feel when the pencil glides across fingerprint smudges.
But I must be doing something far differently than most others because my pencil still has the original nib on it. It isn't worn, and I use it a few hours every weekday for the past 5 years.
Most scratches come from grit on the pencil tip not grit on the screen. Many users continually wipe off their screens but don't talk about cleaning the nib.
I've used my iPad Pro 2018 regularly drawing in ProCreate and I don't have any scratches. The Apple Pencil won't scratch it, if that's what you're asking.
I tried the PaperLike texture cover but I didn't really like it so I went back to bare.
Only issue is skin oils getting on it so it just needs to be wiped down more than I tend to do.
I tried the PaperLike texture cover but I didn't really like it so I went back to bare.
Only issue is skin oils getting on it so it just needs to be wiped down more than I tend to do.
That’s one of the reasons to use a keyboard - Smart Keyboard Folio, Magic Keyboard. I have one but sometimes I just like to keep it light and simple and use a standard case, no keyboard. I do a lot more wiping then but the Apple Pencil also helps cut down on fingerprints.
Same here. I‘ve had this iPad for over two years. I don’t use a protector and I use the pencil a lot everyday. No scratches that I can see without a loupe.
On the version 1 pencil I used to change the nib from time to time. With the version 2 pencil I’ve changed it once or twice just because, not that I needed it.
I tried Paperlike but didn’t like how it looked.
On the version 1 pencil I used to change the nib from time to time. With the version 2 pencil I’ve changed it once or twice just because, not that I needed it.
I tried Paperlike but didn’t like how it looked.
No issues with scratches on my screen with the Apple Pencil, as some others have mentioned I would replace the tip based on usage, but since they are one of the few things that isn't expensive with Apple if you are unsure I would just replace it better safe than sorry
Have an iPad Pro for a few months and have used the Pencil extensively with Procreate. No scratches at all - after a long period without cleaning I will have the screen filled with dragmarks that just look like the pencil dragging my finger prints everywhere, but thats it.
That said I would consider a screen protector due to how much I've invested into this, but for now its holding up quite well.
That said I would consider a screen protector due to how much I've invested into this, but for now its holding up quite well.
What issues with screen protectors? Putting them on? I have no issues getting a clean install every time using the steamy bathroom method. I also have no touch issues. And best of all, I can change it up when the oleophobic coating wears off.
The problem is if you get a tiny piece of dirt under the pencil while using it. I put a huge dig /mark when I was using a pencil and it had some resistance. Must have been a spec of dirt. I keep my electronics clean but surface scratches do happen. My biggest issue is the oleophobic coating that wears off after use and cleaning. Love the feeling of a brand new protector every few months or so.
There will be scratches. You just probably hadn’t noticed. Apple Pencil scratches the glass with normal use, whether doodling, signing of documents or doing basic stylus stuff. Probably not deep scratches but scratches nonetheless which would require more discerning attention during inspection. Some people are that fastidious when purchasing if such claims are made in the description. I describe my devices as such because of the kind of care I employ during ownership.