You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Apple pencil (2nd generation) making scratching noise on iPad Pro screen (12.9 inch 4th generation)

Hello everyone. Last month I got an iPad Pro with an Apple pencil. I was extremely joyful to play with both since I draw and design a lot digitally. After a few days of use, I started noticing the pencil makes a scratching noise when it glides across the screen (the motion feels smooth and all strokes register). The sound itself is just like that of a sharp object on glass, albeit very low. This happens only when I hold it in very specific angles.


I read that sometimes debris can get caught beneath or even embed in the tip of the pencil and when rubbed on the screen it can scratch it. However, I have inspected the tip and see no oddities, and it feels smooth to the touch.


I have wiped both the pencil tip and the iPad screen with a dry microfiber cloth, but the sound continues. Again, this happens only when I hold it perpendicular to the screen or at a slight angle (15° or so).


I tried reproducing the issue glidding the pencil on an old iPad 2 but there IS NO sound (just for the purpose of testing it on another glass surface). However, from my understanding, both screens are made with vastly different materials and coating, so I don't it this has anything to do with the problem (a coating layer on the iPad Pro being "rubbed off"), or if the pencil is definitely the culprit (extremely tiny debris embedded in the tip, faulty unit, etc.).


I would really appreciate your input, since I wouldn't want to resort to my guarantee grace period unless it's absolutely necessary (all services are very slow due to corona over here).


Thank you so much!


Some other points I think are important to note:


  • Neither the iPad Pro nor iPad 2 have a screen protector.
  • I have a very light touch. I barely apply any pressure when using the pencil, including drawing apps.

iPad Pro, iPadOS 13

Posted on Aug 9, 2020 9:41 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 29, 2020 11:54 AM

Update:


It seems to be the screen (and not the pencil tip itself) that is causing the sound. I've recorded a video where I used the original tip that came with the pencil (min 00:28), unbox an original replacement tip pack (min 00:38 - 01:00; 01:40 - 02:00) and try a brand new one (min 02:23 - 02:32), but the exact same sound can be heard.


https://youtu.be/bBvFfdO9HwM


As you can see from the video, I wiped the screen and tip with a microfiber cloth to clean any dust or debris particle that might get lodged in the plastic tip.


I also recorded a second video where you can see the custom pressure curve I use in Procreate, to show how little pressure I apply on the screen with the pencil.


https://youtu.be/mD4UCs7TQQI


This makes me believe it's an actual coating layer on the screen that's being "rubbed off" by the pencil.


I would like to ask moderators here if this might be caused by a defective unit or is a common happening with some 4th gen 12.9 inch models. This is to know if it's worth sending my iPad for a fix/replacement or I will most likely encounter the same issue even with another unit.


As always, thank you.

Similar questions

3 replies
Sort By: 
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 29, 2020 11:54 AM in response to Camilo Díez

Update:


It seems to be the screen (and not the pencil tip itself) that is causing the sound. I've recorded a video where I used the original tip that came with the pencil (min 00:28), unbox an original replacement tip pack (min 00:38 - 01:00; 01:40 - 02:00) and try a brand new one (min 02:23 - 02:32), but the exact same sound can be heard.


https://youtu.be/bBvFfdO9HwM


As you can see from the video, I wiped the screen and tip with a microfiber cloth to clean any dust or debris particle that might get lodged in the plastic tip.


I also recorded a second video where you can see the custom pressure curve I use in Procreate, to show how little pressure I apply on the screen with the pencil.


https://youtu.be/mD4UCs7TQQI


This makes me believe it's an actual coating layer on the screen that's being "rubbed off" by the pencil.


I would like to ask moderators here if this might be caused by a defective unit or is a common happening with some 4th gen 12.9 inch models. This is to know if it's worth sending my iPad for a fix/replacement or I will most likely encounter the same issue even with another unit.


As always, thank you.

Reply

Aug 10, 2020 8:20 PM in response to MichelPM

Michel, thank you for your reply. I went and carefully dismounted the tip for further review: I saw nothing that resembled the metallic sensor sticking trough the tip (no "copper" or "grey" color on the tip or coarse sensation that could have given it away) I can only see and feel the smooth white plastic material of the tip.


I took some pictures in case they help (I apologize in advance for the state of my hands).


In the meantime, I decided to buy an original tip replacement pack from an authorized Apple reseller, so as soon as they get here I will test them to see if there's any difference, visually or otherwise, and also see if the sound persists, and will come back with the results.


Reply

Apple pencil (2nd generation) making scratching noise on iPad Pro screen (12.9 inch 4th generation)

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.