I Pad Air pro 4 Glass Protector

What are thoughts of putting a glass protector on my screen if I want to use the Apple Pencil on my screen? Will the pencil still operate correctly with protector? Is protector necessary?

Posted on Nov 25, 2020 5:57 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 25, 2020 6:35 AM

I presume you have either an iPad Pro - or a new fourth generation iPad Air. An “iPad Air Pro 4” doesn’t exist.


A good quality screen protector, such as Zagg, should have little if any adverse effect on the sensitivity of your Apple Pencil.


iPad screens are robust, but the anti-reflection treatment and oleophobic coating can be easily damaged by tiny grit/dust particles that are unavoidable in many environments. The oleophobic coating is a chemical sacrificial layer that will wear-out over time.


A Screen Protector provides an additional defensive barrier - protecting both the original screen finish and the oleophobic coating. The downside is, perhaps, an increase in screen reflectivity and a slight reduction in contrast.


When using a finger, you can “feel” an abrasive particle - and will instinctively moderate finger pressure to avoid damage. The tip of the Pencil, by contrast, does not provide the same level of feel as does a fingertip. Contrary to what you might think, material science tells is that an abrasive particle will abrade a harder surface (the screen) before a softer surface (the pencil tip). This is because the abrasive particle will embed in the softer surface - and will be dragged across the harder surface.


Your iPad screen is an expensive component of your iPad; a screen protector is a sacrificial layer that is easy and relatively cheap to replace.


Some contributors here will suggest that a screen protector is unnecessary - whilst others may be more cautious, favouring the additional protection afforded by a screen protector. It’s entirely your choice.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 25, 2020 6:35 AM in response to Gtteacher3

I presume you have either an iPad Pro - or a new fourth generation iPad Air. An “iPad Air Pro 4” doesn’t exist.


A good quality screen protector, such as Zagg, should have little if any adverse effect on the sensitivity of your Apple Pencil.


iPad screens are robust, but the anti-reflection treatment and oleophobic coating can be easily damaged by tiny grit/dust particles that are unavoidable in many environments. The oleophobic coating is a chemical sacrificial layer that will wear-out over time.


A Screen Protector provides an additional defensive barrier - protecting both the original screen finish and the oleophobic coating. The downside is, perhaps, an increase in screen reflectivity and a slight reduction in contrast.


When using a finger, you can “feel” an abrasive particle - and will instinctively moderate finger pressure to avoid damage. The tip of the Pencil, by contrast, does not provide the same level of feel as does a fingertip. Contrary to what you might think, material science tells is that an abrasive particle will abrade a harder surface (the screen) before a softer surface (the pencil tip). This is because the abrasive particle will embed in the softer surface - and will be dragged across the harder surface.


Your iPad screen is an expensive component of your iPad; a screen protector is a sacrificial layer that is easy and relatively cheap to replace.


Some contributors here will suggest that a screen protector is unnecessary - whilst others may be more cautious, favouring the additional protection afforded by a screen protector. It’s entirely your choice.

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I Pad Air pro 4 Glass Protector

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