Apple products’ lightweight and glossy design makes them look impressive but requires you to be cautious. Otherwise, your brand-new MacBook Air or Pro may slip, cracking the screen. Screen protectors have worked for the iPhone and iPad, and you may wonder whether it is also practical with Apple computers.
So, do MacBook need screen protectors? It is not necessary to install a screen protector on your MacBook unless you want peace of mind that it will be safe from severe impact. The protector will receive the effect of falling or scratching, leaving the true screen intact.
Luckily, the display is a special construction to withstand minor scuffs and slight bumps. Besides, there are concerns that the screen guards interfere with Mac’s silky display making it dull.
A laptop’s screen protector is a glass layer with a sticky surface that attaches to your computer’s screen. It protects your MacBook by absorbing all the impact in case of drops, shielding the actual screen from cracking. Given the delicate nature of the MacBook’s display, you may want to use the protector.
It is not necessary to have a screen protector on a MacBook unless you want an additional layer if your laptop is prone to accidents, and you want to guard it against cracks, scratches, and dirt. However, Apple assures that the glass display is a durable material that withstands any impact.
Also, there are concerns that some screen protectors interfere with the display quality and cause more damage during installation and removal. Therefore, it is a personal decision whether to place one, but it is advisable to use a high-quality version that doesn’t harm the MacBook.
Making Apple products sleek may have its downsides. New users are always afraid that something will happen to their MacBook screen and will do anything to protect it. Besides, the repair costs are pretty hefty, let alone the price of a laptop replacement.
You may feel that getting a protector is a tiny investment, unlike incurring massive bills. You are free to use a cover on the screen, but you should know what it means for your MacBook Pro or Air.
You may not need a screen protector if you are very careful with your laptop. However, if you are forgetful or clumsy, frequently dropping your devices, it will be necessary. If you find it essential to avoid replacing the screen, remember to always choose a well-fitting option that matches your MacBook model, not too small or too big.
There are several options online and in physical stores; you can pick any that matches your needs.
If you are uncertain about getting a Mac screen protector, the following are the ups and downsides.
- Protecting the Screen
Although Mac’s screen is relatively durable, accidents tend to happen even to the most careful users. The laptop can slip off your grasp and land at the wrong angle, leading to costly cracks on the display and damage to some internal components.
Moreover, you can also drop something on your open computer. A protector is a sure way to prepare for these accidents as it will significantly help reduce the impact.
- Shield Against Scratches and Dirt
If you want to keep your Mac display as pristine as when new, avoiding scratches and dirt particles would be a big deal. It helps if you plan to resell your Mac because it remains with the same new screen since only the cover gets scratched during use. You can remove the layer later when it wears out and reveal your crystal screen.
- Protection from Fingerprint Marks
If you use your laptop for school or work projects, you likely use the keyboard frequently. If your hands are oily or have any lingering wetness, the marks stay on the keys’ surface and may later transfer to the screen when you close the MacBook and place it in a tight place with other items. An additional layer can guard against such issues.
- Saves you the repair costs
The MacBook display is one of the best in the market, explaining why it is expensive to replace the screen in case of cracks and general wear and tear. If you want to avoid paying more to fix the display on an already expensive gadget, one sure way is to use a screen protector. In case of accidents, the additional layer will be enough cushioning to prevent the impact from damaging the screen.
- Protection for Your Eyes
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) occurs due to excessively using your computer. The images, flickering lights, and screen brightness can lead to eye irritation and other related issues. With time, you can have problems with headaches, blurred or double vision, and other complications.
However, you can find a screen protector with anti-glare properties that will help reduce the strain from staring at the computer screen for too long.
- Change in Look
On the downside, installing a screen protector reduces the aesthetic appeal of the shiny MacBook. You can find an ill-fitting version that alters Mac’s look or make it appear bulkier.
Even when you buy one that fits properly, it doesn’t guarantee that the computer will maintain the great looks and high-quality display it is known for worldwide.
- Interference with the Display
Apple has made the MacBook retina display one of its kind with exceptional pixel quality. You get all the tiny details that significantly enhance your viewing experience but covering the screen with a protective layer reduces the display’s quality, especially if the film is low-quality. Doing this denies you the beauty of the display that makes the MacBook famous.
- Challenging Application
Another major issue with installing screen protectors is that it may be problematic to place them correctly. Your hands must be steady, and the screen should be clean for the adhesive to stick perfectly without debris on the surface. Otherwise, there are chances of bubbles forming, ruining the computer’s impeccable look.
- Difficult Removal
If you install a sub-par screen protector and change your mind, preferring the screen naked, you may want to remove it. Due to the strong adhesive that sticks to the screen, trying to detach the layer can harm the actual display. It is an ironic twist because the same cover you expect to keep the screen safe may damage it instead.
Should You Put a Screen Protector on MacBook Air?
Apple laptop components are some of the best, including the high-resolution screen. Mac Air is famous for its sleek display, and as expected, a user may worry about accidents that may damage the screen. You may have considered installing a screen protector on your Air if you are cautious.
Putting a screen protector on the latest MacBook Air versions is unnecessary. The laptops come with scratch-proof surfaces that will only get damaged when you press them with a hard, sharp object.
Minor scuffs won’t leave any marks, although older models may be susceptible to abrasions when you wipe the display. However, if you are cautious and believe that leaving the screen naked makes it vulnerable, you can shop for one and install it.
If you can take care of your computer, you don’t need to put on a screen guard because the additional layer helps cushion the display against scuffs and accidental drops. Unfortunately, such incidences can still happen regardless of being extremely cautious, especially if you frequently handle the MacBook Air. Therefore, deciding to have a protector will depend on your needs and how likely your laptop is to break.
A screen guard will leave your Mac Air looking as good as new when you remove it while checking that the display is not excessively bright for your eyes to avoid issues like CVS.
Furthermore, installing the protector will assist in preventing scuffs on your display. If you often hurdle the laptop in your backpack with other items, the chances are high that the flap will press onto the keyboard, leading to marks.
Also, the keyboard can leave scuffs all over your display, forcing you to clean the screen whenever you open the iDevice. A quality screen guard may be a solution to avoid such incidents. Luckily, the MacBook Air has enough space between the display and keyboard, hence adding the protector won’t make a huge difference.
Despite the many upsides, putting a screen guard on your MacBook has some drawbacks. First, a wrong protector size may interfere with the MacBook’s attractive look and make the display lose its aesthetic value. A display guard in your Mac will likely impact your once-perfect resolution making the images appear dull.
Besides keeping the screen intact and preventing minor scratches, having a screen protector on your Mac Air is not mandatory. The iDevice will function perfectly provided you handle it carefully and avoid anything that can affect the screen, whether at your workstation or on the go. Clean the surface using a microfiber cloth to eliminate debris and avoid rubbing particles against the screen that cause marks.
Do I Need a Screen Protector for MacBook Pro?
The modern MacBook Pro models are more advanced than their predecessors, and you can tell the enhancement from the sleek design and delicate screen. Users confirm that the display is one of the most desirable aspects of the computer and would do anything to keep it safe.
You do not need a current MacBook Pro laptop screen protector since the display is robust enough to withstand minor scratches and impacts. Also, the Mac doesn’t have a touch screen; thus, you don’t press the display, limiting the chances of scuffing the screen with your fingers. Besides, if you flap down the top when you are not using it, you can avoid instances of items falling on the screen and cracking it.
MacBook Pros don’t need screen protectors unless you want one for anti-glare purposes or prefer the display to maintain its sleek look. If you are using a non-retina display Mac, your laptop must be an older model that may require a screen guard because it doesn’t have a scratch-proof layer. Still, if you don’t touch the display and are observing proper screen care, you will find the guard unnecessary.
The best way to go is to consider the pros and cons of having a screen protector to help you make an informed decision. A quality screen protector can save your pricey laptop from damage when it accidentally falls, and it helps prevent dirt, scuffs, and the appearance of fingerprint marks. Furthermore, the guard will maintain the quality of your Mac’s screen and leave it brand new.
On the flip side, the cover may become difficult to remove. Powerful adhesives can damage Mac’s display while detaching the guard, and it may fail to fit properly during the application, affecting the aesthetics of the sleek MacBook Pro. If the amazing look is one of the most important aspects of the laptop for you, it is best to avoid using a protector because of the risks involved.
A screen can fit too tightly when you flip down the computer, causing excessive pressure between the display and the keys. Also, it may interfere with Mac’s bright display, making it dull or causing issues when you improperly install it. The Pro comes in a thin glass layer that is scratch resistant, but it may not withstand major impact.
Given that it is well-constructed, Apple is confident that you don’t need an additional protective layer on the screen and doesn’t recommend using a protector on the iDevice. However, if you can find a high-quality option that doesn’t interfere with the screen’s sleek design, it will be a worthy investment.
Alternatively, if you believe installing a protector does more harm than good, it is best to use the computer intact.
Wrap Up
Getting a screen protector or not depends on you as the user while considering the pros and cons involved. If you need the MacBook to maintain the glossy look that it is widely known for and want to admire the gadget that you heavily paid for, the best decision is to leave it intact. Placing a film on display will interfere with the quality of the retina view.
On the other hand, if you are a cautious user or want to keep the screen as new as possible for reselling reasons, you have to reconsider and buy a guard. It helps protect it from scratching and cracking and keeps off debris. Since there are two sides to the matter, the ultimate choice relies on your needs.
