iPhone, iPod and Mac screen protectors are the kind of thing obsessive Apple owners tend to buy in an attempt to keep their kit pristine. But it seems Apple has had enough of iPhone, iPod and Macbook screen protectors and is set to ditch them from the Apple Store.
Apple is ditching iPhone screen films from the Apple Stores and online. Screen film manufacturers have revealed that the ban is real and that it will take effect in May.
Apple has banned not only iPhone, iPod and Macbook screen films but also cases and other accessories that come with film screen protectors.
While the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G were relatively scratch resistant, Apple introduced an oleophobic screen coating to ward off oily fingers when it released the iPhone 3GS.
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the reason for removing screen protectors for iPhone, iPod and Mac. There’s speculation that Apple believes selling film screen protectors implies that its products screens scratch easily.
Removing screen protectors from the Apple Store will also come as a big blow to companies planning to capitalise on the release of the iPad and compete with Apple’s own iPad accessories. Both Philips and Griffin showed iPad screen protectors.
An original iPhone and iPod Touch here at Electricpig HQ which went without screen protection or a case have certainly picked up their fair share of scratches but that did take some time. Plus applying a film screen protector is often a nightmare to do.
Do you think Apple is right to ditch film screen protectors? How’s your iPhone holding up? Don’t forget to check out our long-term iPhone 3GS review: iPhone 3GS nine months on.
Out now | £free | Apple (via iLounge)
