iPad With Apple Pencil (Screen Protector, Scratch, Pro)


Although Apple Pencils are a unique construction for the iPad, you might notice some scratches and fear that they were from frequent stylus use. If you are an artsy person that often scribbles on their tablet and are worried that you are damaging the screen, this article is committed to finding answers. 

So, do I need a screen protector for iPad with Apple Pencil? Using a screen protector for your iPad when using the Apple Pencil is not necessary, but it is a personal preference. While the iPad’s display is designed to be durable and scratch-resistant, a screen protector can provide additional protection against scratches, smudges, and even cracks due to accidental drops.

Some benefits of using a screen protector with your iPad and Apple Pencil include:

  1. Added protection: A screen protector can protect your iPad’s display from scratches caused by the Apple Pencil or other objects, as well as from smudges and fingerprints.
  2. Improved writing and drawing experience: Some screen protectors, like those with a matte or paper-like finish, can provide a more natural drawing and writing experience by adding a bit of texture to the iPad’s smooth glass surface.
  3. Reduced glare: Matte screen protectors can help reduce glare from bright lights, making it easier to see the iPad’s display in various lighting conditions.

However, there are some potential downsides to using a screen protector:

  1. Reduced display clarity: Some screen protectors, especially matte ones, can reduce the display’s clarity and sharpness, which might be an issue for users who value image quality.
  2. Bubbles or dust: If not applied correctly, screen protectors can trap air bubbles or dust particles, which can be visually distracting.

Ultimately, whether to use a screen protector with your iPad and Apple Pencil comes down to your personal preferences and how much you value added protection and a textured drawing experience compared to the potential reduction in display quality.

A screen protector will be handy if you regularly use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. It protects your phone from scratches that arise from debris on the screen, which can cause the pen’s pressure and friction while gliding to form scratches. The Pencil’s tip may also wear out, causing marks with continued use. It is safer to use a protector to prevent direct contact and potential abrasion, and while at it, regularly wipe the surface and tip every time before use. 

An Apple Pencil requires a smooth screen for seamless performance, but this would be tricky with a damaged display. The iPad is a sleek, stylish design with an incredible display, and the Apple Pencil is the best accessory to help in your tasks. Since the screen is quite sensitive, it is understandable to be concerned that it may damage with frequent use of the pen. If you want to keep your iPad safe, you need to know whether you need a screen protector.

It is advisable to use a screen protector if you frequently use an Apple Pencil. The stylus can cause damage if there are debris on the surface, causing friction during use. Similarly, you can expect some scuffs if the pen’s tip is worn out or has parts sticking out.

Pressing it too hard can also lead to lines and permanent marks. The safest bet is to use a screen protector to shield the iPad from direct contact with the pen, and it is also crucial to wipe the surface and pen before use and make tip replacements when necessary.

The Apple Pencil complements the iPad, and the developers ensured that there are apps to help users complete their projects. Though the glass is tough, it’s still smooth, while the stylus tip is hard plastic, enabling the pen to glide across when in use effortlessly. However, if you spend hours a day writing or drawing, you may worry that the sensitive screen may damage under the constant tapping and sliding, warranting a screen protector.

The Pencil’s design makes it safe for use with the iPad. However, the display and the tip are susceptible to dust and sand, debris that can cause scratches when the pen presses against them while in use.

Many make it a habit to wipe the stylus and the surface every time before use to avoid such instances. You don’t need to clean the screen with solvents thoroughly; only wipe away any debris with a cloth and pinch the tip between your fingers to eliminate any logged particles.

It is also crucial to inspect the Apple Pencil tip because wearing can affect the screen. It should always be smooth and intact whenever you use it, and you can check that no rubber pieces are hanging outside. A tip in bad shape looks rugged, and in extreme cases, you can see the metallic part sticking out the end. The hard plastic cover specifically cushions the glass screen from abuse and using a worn-out tip will be too harsh.  

The good thing is that you can easily replace the tip. Your purchase comes with an extra one in-box, and there are cheap options in the market, usually in packs of four. Cheaper knock-off versions are also available in the Apple originals and seem too pricey. You only need to twist the damaged tip clockwise until it comes off, then place the new one and screw it the same way, careful to avoid tightness and not bend the metal sticking out the end.

Using a screen protector is the surest way to keep your iPad safe from Pencil related damage. It forms a replaceable cover between the tip and the surface such that any scratches don’t transfer to the screen; it is cheaper to replace the protector, unlike the screen.

The recommended option for the Pencil is the paper-like protector. While the iPad’s glass screen usually feels slippery when trying to draw, this cover makes the surface look like paper, which is better for use with the pen. 

The matte finish on the surface enhances the texture, offering you more friction when the pen glides across. You won’t have to deal with sliding and will find it easier to draw and write. On the downside, increased friction means faster wearing of the delicate tips. Luckily, there are other protective materials like glass, TPU, and PET. Besides preventing harsh contact with the pen, they also protect the iPad from cracks and scuffs. 

Do You Need a Screen Protector for iPad Pro 2021?

The long-awaited iPad 2021 finally arrived in the sleek signature style that all Apple fans love about the company’s products. Professionals, hobbyists, and students find it ideal for all their tasks, but first-time users question whether it is okay to use the iPad 2021 as is, given the risks of cracking. Therefore, does it need a screen protector?

Whether you need a screen protector for your iPad Pro 2021 depends on your personal preferences and usage habits. While the iPad Pro 2021 display is designed to be durable and scratch-resistant, a screen protector can offer extra protection and some additional benefits. However, it is not a requirement for every user.

Reasons to consider using a screen protector for your iPad Pro 2021:

  1. Extra protection: A screen protector can help safeguard your iPad Pro’s display from scratches, smudges, and even cracks due to accidental drops or contact with sharp objects.
  2. Enhanced writing and drawing experience: If you use an Apple Pencil, some screen protectors, such as those with a matte or paper-like finish, can provide a more natural drawing and writing experience by adding texture to the iPad’s smooth glass surface.
  3. Reduced glare: Matte screen protectors can help minimize glare from bright lights, making it easier to see the iPad Pro’s display in various lighting conditions.

However, there are also potential downsides to using a screen protector:

  1. Reduced display clarity: Some screen protectors, especially matte ones, can slightly reduce the display’s clarity and sharpness, which might be an issue for users who prioritize image quality.
  2. Bubbles or dust: If not applied correctly, screen protectors can trap air bubbles or dust particles, which can be visually distracting.

Ultimately, deciding whether to use a screen protector on your iPad Pro 2021 is a matter of personal preference, considering your usage habits and the importance of additional protection versus potential reductions in display quality.

You may need a screen protector for your iPad Pro 2021 to keep it safe from inevitable falls and damages due to collisions with other objects. Such dents can interfere with using the Apple Pencil, which needs a smooth glide to work. Therefore, screen cracks mean costly repairs, especially since the iPad Pro has one of the most advanced display technologies.

Conversely, you are not obligated to use a screen protector if you rarely use the iPad or fear it will interfere with the aesthetics or responsiveness. You can opt for a removable cover instead and leave the display intact.

The 2021 iPad Pro is a pretty pricey gadget, as you can tell from the impressive XDR display. If anything happens to the screen, be it dents or multiple cracks, it will be equally expensive to foot the bill for a replacement.

Apple generally makes high-quality products resistant to damage, but there are chances of the screen giving in to excessive impact. The iPad has a sleek, sensitive display, and even when very careful using it, something may fall onto it and crack it.

Therefore, it is only sensible to find a screen protector to prepare for such instances. Only the extra layer will receive the impact if anything happens, leaving the screen intact. Since the protector is removable, you can always get rid of it and buy a cheap one for replacement, a process that is less costly than replacing the Pro’s screen. This protective layer is not only to guard against falls; there are also chances of the iPad colliding with other sharp objects inside your bag, causing permanent scuffs.

Another reason for a screen protector is when children have access to the iPad. Regardless of how careful or responsible they are, your gadget will likely drop, and you can expect other issues. Additionally, protecting your Pro’s screen is handy if you are a device collector. If you love to stock new equipment and later sell them, you would want to maintain its value as much as possible. Any seller knows that any damage to the screen will significantly reduce its market value.

If you have a protective layer, you can always peel it off if it has scratches to leave the original screen seamless. All the above are convincing reasons to install a screen protector on your iPad Pro 2021, but there are also logical reasons to not interfere with the display.

Many are concerned that it ruins the iPad’s aesthetics and reduces the user experience for which Apple products are known. It mainly occurs when you use cheap sub-standard products covering the fantastic display.

Moreover, some materials negate the screen’s responsiveness and hinder the glass-like feel. If these reasons are a deal-breaker for you, you are warranted to leave your tablet intact as long as you can take excellent care of it. An alternative approach is to use cases that come with plastic shields for added protection. Besides, some versions have keyboards to limit the frequent touching of the screen.

Does the Screen Protector Work With the Apple Pencil?

The Apple Pencil has made writing and drawing faster and more fun for users with iPads. Since the surface should be seamless, adding a protective layer to the screen is essential to avoid cracks and marks. The only skepticism is whether this new layer will interfere with the Apple Pencil’s performance. 

Screen protectors are designed to work with the Apple Pencil, and using one should not significantly impact the Pencil’s functionality or responsiveness. Many screen protectors on the market are compatible with the Apple Pencil and specifically designed to maintain the touchscreen’s sensitivity while providing additional protection.

In fact, some screen protectors, such as those with a matte or paper-like finish, can even enhance the Apple Pencil’s drawing and writing experience by adding a bit of texture to the iPad’s smooth glass surface. This texture can make it feel more like writing or drawing on paper, which some users prefer.

However, it’s essential to choose a high-quality screen protector designed for compatibility with the Apple Pencil. Low-quality or poorly designed protectors may interfere with the Pencil’s accuracy and responsiveness. To ensure the best performance, look for screen protectors with good reviews, specifically mentioning Apple Pencil compatibility, and follow the installation instructions carefully to avoid issues like air bubbles or misalignment.

A screen protector can work effortlessly with an Apple Pencil and is advisable in some cases. Thankfully, the digitizer technology ensures that the iPad’s screen can feel the tip of the Pencil even through an extra layer. Also, the Apple Pencil is quite sensitive such that applying a little pressure on it will communicate with the actual iPad screen.

Therefore, the distance between the display and the stylus pen cannot obstruct you from completing your projects, and if you find the right one, it may help improve your writing experience.

A good screen protector can work effectively for your iPad when using a stylus pencil. Many new users have reservations about buying one because they believe that the pen will not directly contact the screen.

The layer is always too thin, and even materials like glass don’t interfere with the display’s sensitivity. The iPad and Apple Pencil technology enable the two to sense pressure even at a small distance. 

There are numerous screen guard designs that you can choose for your iPad, depending on your preference and taste. You can opt for a tampered glass, plastic and even paper-like screen options. The tasks you often perform on your tablet will also help determine the ideal material for you. For instance, an artist would prefer a layer with friction to gain control of the pen and avoid unnecessary slipping.

Therefore, a paper-feel matte layer would be suitable in this case. Since using a quality screen guard isn’t an impediment to using an Apple stylus, the next question is whether the cover material affects your Pencil, especially its tip. Your choice of a display guard usually plays a significant role in determining how long your pen’s rubber tip lasts. A matte screen layer is generally rougher than the smooth iPad display.

Thus, you may need to brace yourself for frequent tip replacements because the friction eats away at the material faster. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your matte screen guard doesn’t use up many pencil tips, saving you the extra replacement costs. First, you can use Apple Pencil tip covers to minimize abrasion. They may add an extra layer to the display but won’t mess with the sensitivity.

You can draw and write smoothly, but you may experience hitches with higher precision tasks. It may also help to apply less pressure when using the pen because the screen is sensitive and can detect any actions. Apple considers the iPad screen tough enough to resist everyday scratches, explaining why it doesn’t recommend the usage of particular screen guards.

The screen is scratch-resistant, but it isn’t immune to inevitable instances like abrasions due to contact with other objects or falls. Sharp and metallic items in your bag can affect the screen, let alone drops from higher grounds which may cause severe and permanent damage. Therefore, if you often handle your device, you are likely to carry it in the bag with other stuff or stumble and drop it.

If you want to avoid these accidents, it is best to buy an affordable, high-quality screen guard that will work best for your tasks with the Pencil. It will offer solid protection for heavy iPad use, and the best part is that you can opt for glass material for a more robust layer. However, if you barely use your iDevice and are sure that there are few chances of falling or making contact with sharp objects, you are still free to use the tablet without a cover.

Wrap Up

If you are a frequent user of the Apple Pencil, buying a screen protector may be advisable. Although the two are designed to work together, there are still some instances where the tip can scratch the surface. If you have dust particles on the screen, you can expect the end to press against them and cause scuffs in the process.

Worn out pen tips and excessive pressure during use can also ruin the display. Luckily, the extra protective layer doesn’t affect the Pencil’s responsiveness. Moreover, some materials like paper increase friction and improve the pen’s performance. The extra layer will effectively keep your tablet safe from accidents and maintain its crispy looks for years.

Bal Kang

Bal Kang is a technology expert based in the UK, with experience across a number of technology areas from phones, tablets, computers to gaming.

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