Traditionally, it is said that screen protectors are a great way to keep your screen safe from scratches and dirt and make it much easier to clean your iPad screen.
There are two opinions on whether the iPad needs a screen protector. Some people argue the iPad doesn’t need a screen protector, while others recommend using a screen protector for various reasons.
After hearing everything, you might be confused about whether or not to use a screen protector on your iPad.
We will discuss every aspect of using and not using a screen protector on an iPad and conclude whether or not you should get one for your iPad.
Do You Need a Screen Protector For Your iPad?
An iPad does not need a screen protector in most cases. But it can help you keep your iPad’s screen free of dust, dirt, oil, fingerprints, and, most importantly, scratches. Using a screen protector on the iPad helps to protect the oleophobic coating on top of the screen and keeps the iPad fresh and new.
Every iPad comes with an oleophobic coating. This is a coating that will help to keep oil off the screen. Furthermore, the iPad screens are fingerprint-resistant too.
As you use the iPad daily, the oleophobic coating on top of the screen will slowly fade away. At a point, it will almost disappear from most used parts of the screen.
The oleophobic coating should last relatively longer under normal usage. But it diminishes the coating faster if you use cleaning products like screen cleaning solutions.
Once the oleophobic coating completely wears over, the screen will become more prone to scratches and fingerprints.
Arguably, this is one of the main reasons people prefer using iPads with screen protectors.
Why Use Screen Protectors on iPad?
Using a screen protector on the iPad helps you to preserve the oleophobic coating for a longer duration. The oleophobic layer will be intact as you interact with the screen protector rather than directly with the screen.
The oleophobic coating on the iPad makes it scratch-resistant and also fingerprint resistant. Keeping the scratches away is one of the reasons why people use screen protectors on iPad.
In general, the screen protectors add an additional layer of protection against natural wear, scratches, fingerprints, and oil particles, among others.
It will slightly help you protect the screen from severe drops as well.
If you use the iPad regularly and keep it in your bag with other stuff, like keys, lipstick, wallet, pens, etc., then you should consider using a screen protector to keep your screen safe.
If you use your iPads outdoors more or have a rough usage pattern, then a screen protector is recommended.
For example, if you work at a construction site, your iPad will be more prone to scratches, so it is recommended that you use a screen protector.
So far, we have seen the benefits of using a screen protector on an iPad. Now let’s look at why using a screen protector for an iPad is not absolutely necessary.
Why Not To Use Screen Protector On iPad?
Sure, the iPad’s screen protector helps keep the screen away from scratches, dirt, fingerprint, and oil content. Furthermore, it helps you preserve the oleophobic coating for much longer.
On the contrary, a screen protector may not be necessary for certain types of people.
For example, a screen protector may not be necessary if you are a person who uses the iPad mostly indoors.
A couple of my friends use their iPads mostly in their rooms and do not take them outdoors often. They keep it docked on a stand or use it within their office or room.
In this case, you don’t need to worry about your iPad bumping into other objects or scratching the screen with keys, wallet, etc.
The new iPad Pro comes with a very sleek design.
The overall build quality is superb, and it’s very thin. If you love the new form factor of the iPad Pro and want to keep it the same way, then using the iPad without the screen protector would be the option for you.
Adding a screen protector may make the screen look a bit bulkier, which not many like.
The design side of things is a subjective choice, depending on an individual’s taste.
If you want to keep your iPad as it is, you may prefer not to use the iPad with a screen protector.
A screen protector will help to preserve the freshness of the screen. After a couple of months, if not years, you may take off the screen protector to reveal the screen, which looks like it was just unboxed for the first time.
It will drastically improve the resale value of your iPad since the screen is fresh, free of any scratches, and intact.
If you’re really concerned about the protection of your iPad, it is recommended that you use a hard case, which has strong protections to the corners and edges to protect it from drops and to collide with other objects.
It will also help you avoid scratches on the iPad’s exterior.
Does Apple Pencil Scratch The Screen?
You might be wondering if the Apple Pencil scratches your iPad screen.
Apple Pencil in itself won’t cause any scratches to the screen. But there may be dirt particles stuck on the pencil’s tip that may cause scratches.
In that case, it is good to use a screen protector.
Does Apple Pencil Work Properly With Screen Protector?
Another critical question many people ask is whether the Apple Pencil works correctly when the screen protector is applied to the top of the screen.
Apple Pencil works flawlessly even with the screen protector on. It does not make any visible changes at all.
But there is one thing to note.
Every time you draw something on the screen, you rub the tip of the pencil with the screen. Remember the oleophobic layer we talked about earlier?
The coating may diminish faster when using an Apple Pencil regularly.
The impact can be minimized to nil if a screen protector is applied.
If you are an extreme Apple Pencil user, I recommend using a screen protector to keep the freshness of the screen even for years to come.
Screen Protectors For iPad?
By now, you may have made up your mind as to where or not to use a screen protector on your iPad.
Even though technically it is not needed, if you prefer to use one, below are the different types of screen protectors available for iPads.
Below is the different kinds of screen protectors available for iPad and their features:
- Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is the most common type of screen protector for iPad. It gives the same look and feels as the original iPad screen. It also offers maximum protection.
- Paperlike: If you use the Apple Pencil a lot, then the Paperlike type is something you should consider. It provides good protection and excellent grip for Apple pencils.
- TPU Screen Protector: This type of screen protector has self-healing capabilities, which will naturally heal the scratches on it. It has a bit more elasticity to help with natural healing.
- PET Screen Protector: This is the cheapest type of screen protector for iPad. It has a shiny finish and is made of plastic. Although the protection is not that good, it should be sufficient to protect your iPad screen from scratches and dirt.
Wrapping Up
It’s up to your personal preference and the way you use the iPad to decide whether to use a screen protector.
If you have rough use with iPad mostly outdoors or use the Apple Pencil extensively and want to preserve the oleophobic coating, then applying a screen protector is recommended.
On the other hand, a screen protector may not be necessary if you must use your iPad indoors and rarely bumps into other objects. It will also help you use the iPad how it is built without adding bulkiness.