All iPads Struggling, screen protector or no screen protector? (Apple Pencil)

[iyiyi]

I'm really struggling guys. I know people have varying opinions on this. I've personally always used protectors on my phones and iPads, but for my recent iPads, I want to do more drawing with the Apple Pencil. I also heard that removing screen protectors can damage or remove the coatings from Apple (is this true?)

Anyway, if using an Apple Pencil will be a bigger part of my workflow, do you recommend a screen protector or no? From what I've seen the "paper" protectors seem kind of gimmicky and hurt the clarity of the screen a little (which I need for my work)

I will be using the Smart Keyboard so the screen will be covered when not in use.

Open to any input at all. Thanks!

 

[Cycom]

I used the Apple Pencil daily with my 11” iPad Pro for a year straight. No scratches, no screen protector.

You’ll be fine ??

 

[AutomaticApple]

I'm really struggling guys. I know people have varying opinions on this. I've personally always used protectors on my phones and iPads, but for my recent iPads, I want to do more drawing with the Apple Pencil. I also heard that removing screen protectors can damage or remove the coatings from Apple (is this true?)

Anyway, if using an Apple Pencil will be a bigger part of my workflow, do you recommend a screen protector or no? From what I've seen the "paper" protectors seem kind of gimmicky and hurt the clarity of the screen a little (which I need for my work)

I will be using the Smart Keyboard so the screen will be covered when not in use.

Open to any input at all. Thanks!

A screen protector isn't necessary if you're using the Apple Pencil (at least from personal experience). Do not worry about it.

 

[wnorris]

I'm really struggling guys. I know people have varying opinions on this. I've personally always used protectors on my phones and iPads, but for my recent iPads, I want to do more drawing with the Apple Pencil. I also heard that removing screen protectors can damage or remove the coatings from Apple (is this true?)

Anyway, if using an Apple Pencil will be a bigger part of my workflow, do you recommend a screen protector or no? From what I've seen the "paper" protectors seem kind of gimmicky and hurt the clarity of the screen a little (which I need for my work)

I will be using the Smart Keyboard so the screen will be covered when not in use.

Open to any input at all. Thanks!

I dropped my 12.9 Pro the first week I got it from knee height. The old smart keyboard is terrible with keeping the iPad in place when moving. The screen broke slightly and the price to repair was ridiculous. I now have a screen protector on both the 12.9 and the 11 Pro. I do not notice the difference and feel better now that I have this extra (cheap) layer of protection.

To each their own, but it is a cheap way to protect the screen that IMO does not impact usability.

 

[iyiyi]

I dropped my 12.9 Pro the first week I got it from knee height. The old smart keyboard is terrible with keeping the iPad in place when moving. The screen broke slightly and cost and the price to repair was ridiculous. I now have a screen protector on both the 12.9 and the 11 Pro. I do not notice the difference and feel better now that I have this extra (cheap) layer of protection.

To each their own, but it is a cheap way to protect the screen that IMO does not impact usability.

What protector do you use?
As of now, I will only be using it in a carpeted apartment, but I guess anything can happen!
[automerge]1601487196[/automerge]
Has anyone heard of issues with protectors harming the Apple screen coatings when removed?

 

[muzzy996]

Everyone's different, I've used a tempered glass protector and a matte film one and preferred the tempered glass despite the glare. Removing either didn't seem to affect the coating on the display noticably.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I've used Anker tempered glass and finally settled on iCarez matte screen protectors. I like them so much I use them on my iPhone now too. I find using the Apple Pencil with this case on - and reading books for hours and hours and hours to be very pleasant. Gets rid of finger prints and glare. The viewing quality isn't significantly effected enough for me to want to remove it. I've used them for years now.

They're pretty cheap - can't hurt to try - if you don't like it - can go right back to the glass. My wife definitely prefers the glass (no screen protector).

 

[Zazoh]

Never used one, no scratches. If you do transport in some type of bag, I’d put in sleeve.

 

[MPclk2006]

I'm really struggling guys. I know people have varying opinions on this. I've personally always used protectors on my phones and iPads, but for my recent iPads, I want to do more drawing with the Apple Pencil. I also heard that removing screen protectors can damage or remove the coatings from Apple (is this true?)

Anyway, if using an Apple Pencil will be a bigger part of my workflow, do you recommend a screen protector or no? From what I've seen the "paper" protectors seem kind of gimmicky and hurt the clarity of the screen a little (which I need for my work)

I will be using the Smart Keyboard so the screen will be covered when not in use.

Open to any input at all. Thanks!

I’ve had screen protectors on all my devices and removed it off my iPhone and I’ve noticed tiny “scratches” on the screen now. I also have used my Apple Pencil with my iPad and screen protector and have not had any issues. I STRONGLY recommend a case and screen protector, but that’s my personal opinion.

 

[sparksd]

I removed and tossed the tempered glass screen protector I had on my 12.9 Pro - the reflectivity was horrendous and I'm glad I removed it.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I removed and tossed the tempered glass screen protector I had on my 12.9 Pro - the reflectivity was horrendous and I'm glad I removed it.

I can't stand tempered glass on my iPhone or iPad anymore because of this ... this became a huge issue with dark mode. I'm tempted to get rid of my matte screen protectors ... the clarity is amazing after years of using matte .

My wife doesn't use screen protectors and her iPhone and iPad are near perfect.

 

[macdogpro]

No screen protector is the best viewing experience, however, although you won’t scratch the glass by normal usage, if you use the ipad outdoors or you have plenty dust indoors, the dust particle might scratch the glass from swiping it with finger or Pencil. I recommend use protector. Not to mention the glass is finger oil magnet. Looks gross.

For Pencil usage, I like paper like matte film protector. It gives me more precise control.
Just don’t buy the overly expensive original “PaperLike” protector. They’re expensive and easy to get scratch.
Buy well known matte screen protector brands. I personally use SwitchEasy. Many suggest iCarez. ESR also an okay product many says. Also avoid the really cheap ones.

Yes matte screen protector reduce contrast and clarity significantly, but I get used to it in no time. Much better than glarry and oily screen previously on naked screen.
Matte protectors also said to wear off the Pencil tip faster, but they’re cheap anyways.

I’ve heard people said removing screen protector also removes the coating, but my guessing is they use cheap protectors with cheap adhesive, hence, avoid cheap products.

I don’t like glass screen protector for drawing, the slight gap makes the touching less accurate for detailed drawing.

 

[glenthompson]

I don’t like screen protectors. My wife likes having them so she got one for her iPad that makes the pencil feel like you’re writing on art paper. With her art background she likes it.

 

[wnorris]

What protector do you use?
As of now, I will only be using it in a carpeted apartment, but I guess anything can happen!
[automerge]1601487196[/automerge]
Has anyone heard of issues with protectors harming the Apple screen coatings when removed?

I got JetTech tempered glass film for both. I looked at Paperlike and others, but wanted this for protection more than writing feel. So far I am very happy as the application was simple and it is only noticeable if you make an effort.

I have not noticed the glare, but now in reading all the comments in this thread I am sure I am going to start noticing.

 

[sparksd]

I got JetTech tempered glass film for both. I looked at Paperlike and others, but wanted this for protection more than writing feel. So far I am very happy as the application was simple and it is only noticeable if you make an effort.

I have not noticed the glare, but now in reading all the comments in this thread I am sure I am going to start noticing.

It was the JetTech that I removed from my 12.9. For me, the reflection was an issue when watching letterboxed videos or videos with lots of dark scenes - I could see my face and background in the dark areas and it was really distracting. In dark scenes, it washed out the picture. On a bright screen it wasn't a problem.

I held a Pro without a protector over half of the screen of the Pro with one - the reflectivity difference really surprised me and that's when I removed it. I do miss the ease of cleaning, though.

 

[darngooddesign]

It's not like screen protectors are expensive; I usually get a multi-pack. Buy one and try for yourself.

You can get anti-reflective ones as well.

 

[spiderman0616]

I've gone back and forth on this so much, but have moved back to using JETech screen protectors on my last couple of iPad Pro models. It's not the Apple Pencil itself that scratches your screen--plastic can't scratch Gorilla Glass on its own. It's actually the dust and grit that gets trapped between the Pencil tip and the iPad screen that causes the scratches. There are abrasive particles all over the place that are harder than glass and can scratch it easily. If you catch something like that just right with the Pencil and drag it across the screen, that's where your scratches come from.

Yes, the screen protector adds some glare and makes the screen a little more slippery, but to me it's worth the peace of mind knowing that I don't necessarily have to be super careful when using my Apple Pencil.

 

[rui no onna]

I've gone back and forth on this so much, but have moved back to using JETech screen protectors on my last couple of iPad Pro models. It's not the Apple Pencil itself that scratches your screen--plastic can't scratch Gorilla Glass on its own. It's actually the dust and grit that gets trapped between the Pencil tip and the iPad screen that causes the scratches. There are abrasive particles all over the place that are harder than glass and can scratch it easily. If you catch something like that just right with the Pencil and drag it across the screen, that's where your scratches come from.

Yes, the screen protector adds some glare and makes the screen a little more slippery, but to me it's worth the peace of mind knowing that I don't necessarily have to be super careful when using my Apple Pencil.

Yep. That's my issue as well so I don't like using Apple Pencil directly on the display. I use tempered glass and it seems the oleophobic coating on that reduces drag as well.

I can't use the matte ones. The light refraction (rainbow effect) gives me headaches.

 

[augustya]

I removed and tossed the tempered glass screen protector I had on my 12.9 Pro - the reflectivity was horrendous and I'm glad I removed it.

The OP in his original question had expressed his inhibition that he had heard from somewhere that removing the Screen Protector from the iPad after a while also with it removes the Oleophobic Coating along with it. Since you just removed your Screen Protector, do you feel any difference in that ? Do you feel that the Olepohobic Coating of your iPad has also worn off ?

 

[sparksd]

The OP in his original question had expressed his inhibition that he had heard from somewhere that removing the Screen Protector from the iPad after a while also with it removes the Oleophobic Coating along with it. Since you just removed your Screen Protector, do you feel any difference in that ? Do you feel that the Olepohobic Coating of your iPad has also worn off ?

No on both questions.

 

[augustya]

One thing though that I would like to add here is, I was always from the No Screen Protector Camp till the time I applied one on my 11" iPad Pro there are certain pros & cons of having it. It definitely gives you the peace of Mind, No Scratches, No Finger Prints on the screen You are 100% relaxed that your iPad is safe with normal usage, but on the Flip Side (I maybe nit picking here) But I do feel a reduction in screen display quality by about 10%-15% So if one is ok with it, there is no looking back.

 

[darngooddesign]

The OP in his original question had expressed his inhibition that he had heard from somewhere that removing the Screen Protector from the iPad after a while also with it removes the Oleophobic Coating along with it. Since you just removed your Screen Protector, do you feel any difference in that ? Do you feel that the Olepohobic Coating of your iPad has also worn off ?

I recently removed a screen protector I've had on my 9.7 iPP for at least two years, the coating was fine.

 

[jmgregory1]

I love my matte finish plastic screen protector on my iPad Pro 12.9”, and it literally just last night saved my screen from getting scratched when the iPad fell onto my brick patio (came out of the keyboard folio as I was carrying it and a bunch of other things). It’s also nice that it doesn’t add much thickness, compared to the glass screen protectors, and the matte finish offers a more paper-like feel without the Paper Like cost. I paid $12 on Amazon for the iCarez brand. It’s been on for the past nine months. Another benefit, is it’s easier to clean and doesn’t seem to get as dirty as the unprotected screen. I liked it so much, I added the same protector to my iPhone Pro Max and my wife’s XR.

 

[Johnny Steps]

After fiddling with the bare glass, elecom matte screen protector, and a tempered glass screen protector.. I decided to stick with the bare glass. Giving the benefit of the doubt to Apple’s engineering team, the tip of the pencil and bare screen of the iPad work best together. I did enjoy using the matte protector, but man that screen degradation does get to you at some point. Plus it sucks just having to invest this money and not fully using the iPad in all its glory.

 

[Natzoo]

but man that screen degradation does get to you at some point.

I have been using a matte screen protector since I got my ipad and man watching media on it is horrible. Also, I need to keep my ipad at 85-90% brightness otherwise it feels too dull. I want to remove it but its so much easier to write with the protector on. I think my ipad had coating issues since day 1 since some spots were slippery, but i just "owned up" and got a screen protector. Thinking about it, I should have returned it and re-ordered it but I didnt want to wait 2 months or get a refurbished device through replacement.