Oleophobic coating is uneven on my iPad's display

If you have an Apple Store near you, make an appointment with the Genius Bar and take the iPad to them and show them the problem. If they agree that it's a defect, they will replace the iPad (there's no way for anyone to re-coat the screen, and Apple doesn't do field repairs on the iPad in any case).

If you don't have a local Apple Store, you can call Apple tech support and try and describe the problem. The same solution will apply if they agree that it's a defect; the iPad will be replaced.

Regards.

I've got the same problem - or should I say 'had'...
Mine was a 32Gb wifi as well, maybe a bad batch. Your pics are very good - much worse than mine; I think it's a coating under the glass that's uneven; my 'creases' are getting longer. If you feel along the edge, you can sense the undulations. I thought I could live with it; the iPad works great in every other way. Then I saw the TV ad... 'iPad is beautiful..' and I thought those marks are not that beautiful, and I don't want to be cleaning it every 5 seconds, only for the marks to return. I took it back to the Apple store; they had no replacement stock, (ran out yesterday) so I got a refund and am on a reservation list. I may get used to the idea of no iPad and live without it. Maybe try a 3G model if the batch is 32Gb wifi specific. I checked the models in store... at least a dozen, and none had the problem. The staff were good about it; got the refund imediately - then the Genius guys got involved to hurry along the replacement - they were trying to polish out the marks, but were happy it was a dud, having been refunded. 'Marks on screen' was written on the docket for Apple HQ - I would say 'under' was a fairer description. Missing my iPad, but happy I'm free of those marks. Hopefully the replacement wont have any functional issues! Though buying new again, I'll be happy to show my face at the store if it's not 100% pucker. If it had been £200, I might have kept it.

I've posted on the linked post too...

I really dougt they can replace a coating on the glass at an Apple store. Coatings are applied to glass in a vacuum chamber. This is not something that can be brushed or spayed onto the glass. It would be easier to just replace the glass and less costly.

Message was edited by: David M Brewer

A few of us having been having this same problem - we've been discussing it over at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2444318&tstart=0

If you breathe on mine (like you're going to clean it), it goes like this http://www.deedeebee.com/personal/images/ipad1.jpg
If there are just fingerprint marks on it, it looks like this http://www.deedeebee.com/personal/images/ipad2.jpg

A couple of us have sent our iPads back to Apple to be replaced (after being promise by the Apple call centre people) but they've been returned to us, with the technicians stating they don't see a problem. It seems like there's quite a few of us though! I'm calling them for a third time tomorrow.

I think the person you talked to was completely wrong. From what I've read (from supposedly authoritative sources) it's a polymer that's bonded to the glass of the screen, something which could not be done in any store. But you can ask.

Why not just make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar and discuss your concern?

What sort of consumer rights do you have in the US? (I take it that's where you are?)
In the EU we'd just take it back and get a new one at least in the first 28 days then after that we have the warranty period which Apple tend to just swap out for here.

Just how good is it supposed to work?
My iPhone never gets a prints on it unless I have actual residue on my fingers but my iPad is often too dirty to read. From the iPad, should we expect the same experience? If so maybe I should take mine back too.

Timothy Z. wrote:
What should I do? Should I ask for a replacement and have to wait or just get a refund and wait for the supply to be more available?

Your call. Sometimes, they have replacements available. I think they sandbag a few so replacement requirements can be met. I would if I ran the store.

Looking at your photo i have the same issue. It almost looks like water stains or runs on the edge of the iPad around the home button and also at the other end. If you wipe the screen clean the marks are not visible. But as you use the device more the marks reappear. Also if you breathe on the screen the condensation shows up these flaws. I'm glad to hear they have taken your iPad back. Im in new Zealand and as of now there is no support here, hopefully coming in July so i will just have to wear this flaw until such time as they start selling them here! Is this a fairly common complaint?

So are you sAying that your replacement iPad has the same issue at the edges? I got mine in Orlando when i was on holiday so it's rather tricky to take it back there! I'm not totally convinced a film cover is required. My iPhone for example has had no cover now for almost 6 months and rolls around in my pocket and my bag and the screen still looks glossy as and no scratches. I find the cover i did have on it altered the colour and brightness a little. Not a lot but it was noticeable. What protector have u got?