"Sticky" "gritty" iPad Air v5 screen and squeaking Apple pencil 2

I have seen a few people talking about these screen issues online and I thought I would add that I am having the same issue. I got a brand new iPad Air 5 2022 and a new Apple Pencil 2. Immediately out of the box the screen felt like it was not slippery and sometimes felt sticky or gritty. Like the pencil was made of rubber and not sliding properly. But the screen and pencil look perfect.


I tested to see if it was the new pencil by using it on my old iPad. No problem. I tested the old pencil on the new iPad. Same sticky feeling. So it is the new iPad.


I read online that it might be the coating and to try to clean it. (but keep in mind it wasn't dirty it was brand new) That is also what the Apple techs said. I tried this. Nothing. Actually that was when the horrible squeaking noise started.


Finally I read online that you should try rubbing your skin oils on it. So I tried that on one section of the screen. The apple pencil slides smoothly across the smudged greasy section and then catches and drags on the clean section. Problem "solved". This is great news for those of us who are dirty beasts! Beware that if you clean the screen then it will be sticky again.

iPad Air, iPadOS 15

Posted on May 25, 2022 10:48 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 26, 2022 2:12 AM

The cause is perhaps most likely an inconsistency in the oleophobic coating that protects the iPad screen from oils and other surface contamination. The anti-reflection surface treatment of the iPad screen is much less likely to be the cause.


If changing the tip of the Pencil doesn’t resolve the problem, you might perhaps consider using a good quality tempered glass screen protector. In addition to providing a smooth surface over which the Pencil tip will glide, the additional glass layer will protect both the original anti-reflection treatment - and the sacrificial oleophobic coating that will otherwise wear-out over time.


In addition to relieving your current problem, a screen protector will significantly reduce the likelihood of causing scratches or other surface damage to the iPad screen…


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 the single most 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. Many also prefer the smooth finish of the Screen Protector when using their finger.


It’s entirely your choice - but adding a Screen Protector should entirely eliminate noise when using your Apple Pencil.


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6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 26, 2022 2:12 AM in response to shhh1234567

The cause is perhaps most likely an inconsistency in the oleophobic coating that protects the iPad screen from oils and other surface contamination. The anti-reflection surface treatment of the iPad screen is much less likely to be the cause.


If changing the tip of the Pencil doesn’t resolve the problem, you might perhaps consider using a good quality tempered glass screen protector. In addition to providing a smooth surface over which the Pencil tip will glide, the additional glass layer will protect both the original anti-reflection treatment - and the sacrificial oleophobic coating that will otherwise wear-out over time.


In addition to relieving your current problem, a screen protector will significantly reduce the likelihood of causing scratches or other surface damage to the iPad screen…


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 the single most 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. Many also prefer the smooth finish of the Screen Protector when using their finger.


It’s entirely your choice - but adding a Screen Protector should entirely eliminate noise when using your Apple Pencil.


May 26, 2022 6:52 PM in response to LotusPilot

While this is possibly correct I don't think buying a screen protector to fix an issue with a new item is a great solution. It should work out of the box without having to buy something. I am sure you agree.

Smearing my greasy fingers over the surface works and is free. That's why I made this post. To help others so they can also try this free and filthy solution.

May 25, 2022 10:56 PM in response to shhh1234567

shhh1234567 Said:

"'Sticky' 'gritty' iPad Air v5 screen and squeaking Apple pencil 2: [...]I read online that it might be the coating and to try to clean it. (but keep in mind it wasn't dirty it was brand new) That is also what the Apple techs said. I tried this. Nothing. Actually that was when the horrible squeaking noise started. Finally I read online that you should try rubbing your skin oils on it. So I tried that[...]"

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Get this Serviced:

Sounds like all the basics were tried here. So, you may want to take this in for service. You have a one-year, out-of-the-box, limited-warranty with this. So, see if it can be fixed, and if it would be of no cost to you (if found to be faulty device)


To Set Up a Genius Bar Appointment:

Set up a Genius Bar Appointment (GBA) at your local Apple Store.

  1. Siart here: Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
  2. Scroll down to the Bottom of the page
  3. Click the Get hardware help button
  4. Proceed from there as necessary.


What to Bring:

Important: Bring some notes, your original proof of purchase, and create a backup prior to bringing it in. Though not required, bring the power adapter along, in case theirs does not work.  See More here: Get your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch Ready for Service - Apple Support

May 25, 2022 10:57 PM in response to shhh1234567

shhh1234567 Said:

"'Sticky' 'gritty' iPad Air v5 screen and squeaking Apple pencil 2"

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Troubleshooting Apple Pencils:


Use these Links:

Syncing is off, or perhaps it is no longer being seen as a trusted device. So, refer to the following...


Verify: the compatibility of your iPad and Apple Pencil


View: If your Apple Pencil won't pair with your iPad


Make Sure: that Bluetooth is enabled


Be Certain: there is power to your Apple Pencil


Successfully: Pair and charge your 2nd Generation Apple Pencil

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"Sticky" "gritty" iPad Air v5 screen and squeaking Apple pencil 2

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