Do you really need a screen protector on the new Ipads??

You don't need one, it's down to personal choice. Personally I have one on my iPad as it gives the screen a bit of extra protection against scratches, and I prefer the touch of it as opposed to the glass - but other people prefer the glass.

No, it's not necessary.

I see all these comments as to the need not being necessary. My wonder is who's Apple authority is being quoted. I have gone to the trouble of talking to an Apple support person and have not gotten any confirmation that in fact there is no need for a screen protector. Why can't we get a definitive response directly from Apple as to the quality of the screen material and or the need for a protector.

If Apple required a screen protector, they would sell one. Definitively, Apple does not manufacture such an accessory.

I realize this and I keep seeing these comments to that effect however no one at Apple will testify to the quality of the screen and why they do or do not suggest a screen protector. What I see with these comments is an independent opinion not connected with Apple. Why can't we get Apple to respond to this question?

We here are all users like your self. No one here is a representative or employee of Apple. Contact Apple support if you want to talk directly to Apple or visit an Apple Store.

Personally I would not both with a screen protector. But I do not use my iPad in a dirty environment. That might impact my decision.

Also, after almost two years of daily use I do notice that there are some permanent marks on the screen. I'm assuming this is a thinning of the olio phobic coating as the marks are exactly where my fingers do most of the tapping on the keyboard. The marks do not bother me but they might bother you. And I'm expecting to replace my older iPad with the most recent version sometime in the next 6 months anyway.

Apple does not suggest one because screen protectors suck... they look stupid, they make the screen harder to see, and they prevent some touch response. An iPad is not made to throw across the room. It is not made to eat food off of. Use it normally, and it will do what it was designed to do. If you do not intend to take care of your product and don't mind reducing its quality and aesthetic appeal, then, by all means, buy an aftermarket plastic screen protector.

The retina display is not supposed to need one. I have an iPad 2 and bought one to reduce glare, which is significant.

I appreciate always individual opinions. As I mentioned I have contacted Apple and have not gotten a useful answer as to the need simply based on the quality of the materail used for the screen. Yes, they do not include a screen protector in their list of aftermarket products. But again why can't they make a definitive statement as to what will happen if you don't use the speak screen protector.

Nothing last forever. Any computer product you buy today will be obsolete in 5 years. Apple did not design the touch-sensitive iPad screen to be used with a plastic-like film placed over it. Possibly, such a film will preserve your iPad, but what are you preserving it for? It was made to be used now, in the current times, and then, when technology has advanced and become cheaper, replaced with a newer one that better fits the new needs of users.

As has been repeatedly implied: if you needed a screen protector, Apple would have included one. By the way, this is the eleventh answer posted, and you have not responded to any?

Au contraire I responded to everyone.

Simply stated every observation is an individual opinion. All of my attempts to contact Apple for a comment have been gone on fulfilled. It would be my guess that they are monitoring these conversations and again I see no interaction on their part to either agree or not agree with all of these individual opinions that are being voiced.

Beg pardon Ray. My post was mis-aimed.

Not a problem, tonefox. As to your comment that Apple would have included one if it necessary I fully agree. My wonder is why are they not interacting with anyone even to the extent of commenting to this discussion. Also, all of the aftermarket experts have chosen not to chime in as well.