iPad Air issues with battery drain, screen shadows, Apple pencil damage

The reason to visit the Genius Bar is to provide opportunity for a hands-on assessment of your iPad and Pencils. Remote testing cannot hope to identify physical defects in the iPad's screen construction or materials.

If a warranty issue is identified, it should be addressed without cost to you. If any non-warranty issues are identified, you will be in the best possible place to explore your available options. Test and assessment by a qualified technician will cost you nothing but your time.

As a footnote, remember that the tip of an Apple Pencil is a replaceable part - and should be changed whenever wear is visible or suspected. Consider that while the Pencil has a soft tip that is intended to protect the screen from damage, basic material science tells us that any hard abrasive material (such as microscopic grit found in everyday dust and other contaminants), will embed in the softer of two materials. Once embedded, the very hard material can be repeatedly dragged across the screen - and cause damage.

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.

Using a screen protector can significantly reduce the possibility of surface damage to the expensive iPad screen. A good quality screen protector explicitly designedly for your iPad will have no impact upon the iPad or Apple Pencil - and unlike the iPad screen, is relatively cheap to replace if any scratches or other damage were to occur.

marco-_- wrote:

si hai ragione sicuramente prenderò appuntamento a un genius bar e farò controllare dal vivo i gravi problemi che sto affrontando, in ogni caso per lo screen protector ho paura che modifichi la sensazione con cui la penna scorre sullo schermo ma dopo questa brutta esperienza sicuramente penserò di metterlo, grazie ancora per la risposta.

Yes, you're right, I'll definitely make an appointment at a genius bar and have the serious problems I'm facing checked live, in any case for the screen protector I'm afraid it will change the sensation with which the pen scrolls on the screen but after this bad experience I'll definitely think about putting it on, thanks again for the answer.

You're welcome.

The use of a screen protector is a matter of personal choice. Armed with an understanding of “how” a screen can be damaged will help you to make an informed decision. Obviously, it's now too late for damage already caused to the existing screen - but adding a screen protector now will prevent further damage.

Zagg and OtterBox are amongst the better manufacturers of tempered glass screen protectors - with good reputation. Always choose a screen protector from a well known brand - choosing a screen protector 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. The alternative is a matt/textured film screen protector - but these have two principal disadvantages.

1) The textured film reduces clarity and contrast

2) Accelerated wear of the Pencil tip, necessitating frequent tip replacement.

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 (NB, available directly from the manufacturer in the UK) arguably have the best reputation; you are very unlikely to find reported issues or complaint with their screen protector products.

You would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page.

Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to offer assistance:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

You describe multiple issues that may each be an indication of a defective iPad - none of which you will be able to resolve yourself.