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All iPads To those who don't use a screen protector, how's the screen holding up?

D

djdelarosa25

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 29, 2021
10
6
Philippines
Just got the 9th gen iPad a few days ago and was debating on slapping on a tempered glass screen protector on it (I hate matte film ones) or no. I don't use screen protectors on my phones and I never drop them, but after a few years of use, there are a ton of microscratches and the oleophobic coating has worn out on the parts where touch the screen the most. With the screen on, the scratches are invisible, though.

As for the iPad, I don't know if adding an additional layer of glass will affect the Apple Pencil's input. I also don't know if it will exacerbate the air gap. I already have a folio-style cover on it. Would that be enough? To those who haven't used a screen protector on their iPads for a while, how's it holding up?
 
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Generally speaking the screens of all of my iPads over the years have held up very well without any additional protection. I once had an issue with the coating being scratched from a Logitech keyboard case.
When using the pencil make sure the screen is wiped clean before you use it and you should be fine for a very long time.
 
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When I got my iPad Pro I tried a matte screen protector, then a glass screen protector. Both did have a slight impact on touch in the corners, don’t really know if it was the iPadOS or the screen protector. I have since gone back to nothing on and using a pencil silicon nip. I find the nip does not effect sensitivity and writing and or using scribble is fine. The screen is fine, at this time no defects or scratches.
 
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I've never had issue without screen protector on pro iPads. I do trade them in with every new model (work required), so no long term experience.

I hate screen protectors, they almost immediately degrade the look of the display.
 
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I haven't used a screen protector on my iPads since the Mini 2(I think) and have had no problems, no scratches. I just keep a cover on it when I'm throwing it in my bag. I personally dislike screen protectors so was very glad when the screens improved enough to not need one.
 
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I try to keep my iPad in near pristine shape so when I want to buy a new one, I can get the full trade in value so I always use a screen saver and case. Not really seeing the downside of having a screen saver installed.
 
djdelarosa25 said:
Just got the 9th gen iPad a few days ago and was debating on slapping on a tempered glass screen protector on it (I hate matte film ones) or no. I don't use screen protectors on my phones and I never drop them, but after a few years of use, there are a ton of microscratches and the oleophobic coating has worn out on the parts where touch the screen the most. With the screen on, the scratches are invisible, though.

As for the iPad, I don't know if adding an additional layer of glass will affect the Apple Pencil's input. I also don't know if it will exacerbate the air gap. already have a folio-style cover on it. Would that be enough? To those who haven't used a screen protector on their iPads for a while, how's it holding up?
Click to expand...
2018 iPad Pro no scratches looks new.
 
I traded my 2013 air in back in the summer, it was mint, no marks whatsoever and no protector and it had travelled the UK with me with work (just a case with lid). This new pro though, the screen is picking up usual muck and seeming worse for it as a the pen might move through it. Might try a protector but not sure what I am trying to achieve apart from the worry the pen will impact the screen somehow.
 
skyhawkmatthew said:
I’ve never put screen protectors on my iPads. My household currently has a 6-year-old Air 2 and a 3-year-old 11” Pro; both screens are still in perfect condition despite daily use.
Click to expand...

Moof. You're one of a kind.

I, personally, prefer to use the thinnest possible protector and then let the games begin. No care in the world - wipe as you please, when you please, etc. I mean, not abuse and throw things around. Just be assured that it's safe.
 
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I have a 9 year old iPad, no protector, not a single scratch. I took the protector off both mine and my wife's iPhones about a year ago, our phones get shoved into handbags and pockets with keys and loose change, no scratches. New iPhone 12 mini arrives today, I will not be adding a screen protector, just a silicon case. In my experience, screen protectors inhibit the responsiveness and resolution of the screen. They will also invariably get bubbles under them and end up looking an eyesore.
 
I am very careful with my electronic devices and every time I try to go without a screen protector, I get those tiny surface scratches - even more so from using the Pencil on the iPad.

I have tried a ton of different screen protectors. My absolute favorite for iPad is the Power Support Crystal film protector. Not terrible to install (in a steamy bathroom) but has the best silky feel to it. They are pricey for sure, but the best for me. Highly recommend.
 
Perfectly fine. Not a single scratch on my iPad Air 4. I never use screen protectors. The Apple Smart Folio case has offered sufficient protection.
 
I have never used a screen protector on an iPad. You are not likely to any scratches that you will notice in everyday use. Now will you see micro-scratches when you are looking at the right angle under direct light with the screen off? Probably, but who cares?
 
I quit using screen protectors including tempered glass. I took a pair of car keys to a bricked iPad 2 and tried to scratch the living hell out of the screen. The keys made no scratch marks on the screen. My new 9th Gen iPad doesn’t have a screen protector of any kind.
 
Not a single scratch on my Air 4. I am pretty with all of my Apple devices, so I'm not a huge fan of installing a screen protector on either my iPhone or iPad.
 
I use a screen protector now, but not to worry about scratches or dents. I went a couple of years without one, I just bought it so I wouldn’t have to bother cleaning my screen if I wanted it looking sharp.
 
My problem has less to do with scretches and more to do with greasy smudges from fingers. I have an old Mini 3 and have never had a problem with the screen. Never needed to clean it. Now I have an Air 3 and I'm always cleaning finger smudges on it. My guess is that they were made of different glass. ( And, no, I don't eat when I am using it!)
 
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