iPad Pro M4 Nano screen is marked/scratched. How can I protect the screen from further damage? Which screen protection is best for the delicate Nano screen?
iPhone 13, iOS 17
Short of replacing the iPad screen assembly, damage to the iPad screen is irreversible.
Consider that the optional nano-texture screen is intended to reduce screen reflection and glare from external light sources. By contrast, the standard glass option already benefits from Apple's very effective and robust anti-reflection and hard-coat surface treatments.
Third-party testing of Apple's standard and nano-texture screen has demonstrated that the standard glass is considerably harder and more resistant to scratches and blemishes than the nano-texture finish. The nano-texture finish is much softer than regular glass - and as a consequence is more easily damaged.
Abrasive dust and dirt found in many environments can potentially damage the nano-texture finish when swiping with a finger, or using an Apple Pencil. As such, an iPad Pro with standard glass will likely better withstand the rigours of regular use over time.
Consider that the iPad screen is the single most expensive component of an iPad - whereas a good quality screen protector is a sacrificial layer that is easy and relatively cheap to replace.
Whilst the Apple Pencil has a soft tip that is intended to protect the screen from damage, basic material science tells us that a hard abrasive material (such as grit), will embed in the softer of two materials. Once embedded, the very hard material can be repeatedly dragged across the screen - and cause damage. This risk is obviously of greater concern for the already softer nano-texture finish.
A fingertip can easily “feel” grit an other abrasive contaminants - which you will instinctively not drag across the screen. When using a pencil, you cannot directly feel potentially damaging surface contamination.
As the uppermost glass/air interface is the optical surface is primarily the source of screen reflections, applying any kind of film or Screen Protector over Apple's nano-texture screen would entirely defeat the benefits of reduced screen reflectivity introduced by the nano-texture glass.
Also consider that applying any kind of adhesive product to the nano-texture screen can potentially damage the screen finish.
In summary...
The use of a screen protector is a matter of personal choice. Using a screen protector with the optional (and more expensive) nano-texture screen entirely defeats any benefit derived from nano-texture surface.
Now armed with an understanding of “how” a screen can be damaged - and the relative differences between standard and nano-texture glass and their relative benefits, you should now have sufficient knowledge to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not use of a screen protector may be worthwhile.
Zagg and OtterBox are amongst the better manufacturers of tempered glass screen protectors - with good reputation. If considering use of a screen protector, always choose a screen protector from a well known brand that is specifically designed for your iPad model.
Some users comment that a glass screen protector makes the screen very slippery when using the Apple Pencil.
Good quality tempered glass screen protectors from reputable manufacturers, that are designed for your iPad, will have absolutely no impact upon sensitivity of the screen or usability of an Apple Pencil. By contrast, cheap “generic” screen protectors of any type, whether glass or film, can cause problems. The good options often include a money back guarantee.
Of available options, Zagg arguably have the best reputation; you are very unlikely to find reported issues or complaint with their screen protector products.
Short of replacing the iPad screen assembly, damage to the iPad screen is irreversible.
Consider that the optional nano-texture screen is intended to reduce screen reflection and glare from external light sources. By contrast, the standard glass option already benefits from Apple's very effective and robust anti-reflection and hard-coat surface treatments.
Third-party testing of Apple's standard and nano-texture screen has demonstrated that the standard glass is considerably harder and more resistant to scratches and blemishes than the nano-texture finish. The nano-texture finish is much softer than regular glass - and as a consequence is more easily damaged.
Abrasive dust and dirt found in many environments can potentially damage the nano-texture finish when swiping with a finger, or using an Apple Pencil. As such, an iPad Pro with standard glass will likely better withstand the rigours of regular use over time.
Consider that the iPad screen is the single most expensive component of an iPad - whereas a good quality screen protector is a sacrificial layer that is easy and relatively cheap to replace.
Whilst the Apple Pencil has a soft tip that is intended to protect the screen from damage, basic material science tells us that a hard abrasive material (such as grit), will embed in the softer of two materials. Once embedded, the very hard material can be repeatedly dragged across the screen - and cause damage. This risk is obviously of greater concern for the already softer nano-texture finish.
A fingertip can easily “feel” grit an other abrasive contaminants - which you will instinctively not drag across the screen. When using a pencil, you cannot directly feel potentially damaging surface contamination.
As the uppermost glass/air interface is the optical surface is primarily the source of screen reflections, applying any kind of film or Screen Protector over Apple's nano-texture screen would entirely defeat the benefits of reduced screen reflectivity introduced by the nano-texture glass.
Also consider that applying any kind of adhesive product to the nano-texture screen can potentially damage the screen finish.
In summary...
The use of a screen protector is a matter of personal choice. Using a screen protector with the optional (and more expensive) nano-texture screen entirely defeats any benefit derived from nano-texture surface.
Now armed with an understanding of “how” a screen can be damaged - and the relative differences between standard and nano-texture glass and their relative benefits, you should now have sufficient knowledge to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not use of a screen protector may be worthwhile.
Zagg and OtterBox are amongst the better manufacturers of tempered glass screen protectors - with good reputation. If considering use of a screen protector, always choose a screen protector from a well known brand that is specifically designed for your iPad model.
Some users comment that a glass screen protector makes the screen very slippery when using the Apple Pencil.
Good quality tempered glass screen protectors from reputable manufacturers, that are designed for your iPad, will have absolutely no impact upon sensitivity of the screen or usability of an Apple Pencil. By contrast, cheap “generic” screen protectors of any type, whether glass or film, can cause problems. The good options often include a money back guarantee.
Of available options, Zagg arguably have the best reputation; you are very unlikely to find reported issues or complaint with their screen protector products.
iPad Pro M4 Nano screen is marked/scratched. How can I pritect the screen from further damage?
