Apple Store bans all forms of iPhone screen protection
Yikes. I’m just now reviewing a case from SwitchEasy that comes with two screen protectors, and I thought it made a huge difference to get some extra goodies with the purchase of a case. Unfortunately, this seems like just the kind of “extra” that would get the case booted out of the Apple Store, starting May.
The story, which was broken by iLounge this morning, states that all forms of film screen protection for all Apple products will no longer be on sale at the Apple Store, and this includes products that contains extra screen protectors, as well. I really have no idea why they’ve decided to bring this change about, and I’m hoping we can get some answers soon. iLounge claims to have asked various accessory makers, as well as Apple themselves, but they’re still awaiting useful feedback.
While this certainly isn’t the end of the world for companies like Power Support and InvisibleShield, it certainly will affect the visibility of these normally-invisible products. The Apple Store was one of the best go-to places for seeing relevant iAccessories for a lot of customers, because, sadly, not everybody reads JAiB (we’re working on this last bit).
[thanks to @lgreenberg for the heads-up]
Ok, this is just retarded. Why on earth would they stop selling something so integral in protecting their expensive electronic investments. For most, a screen protector is the most basic and first piece of protection that is bought for an iphone…even before a case. I'm really having a hard time figuring out why they would ban such an item. Are they going to be manufacturing their own apple brand of screen protectors?? Hmmm
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I wonder what the logic is about this? Is this a lawsuit avoiding move? By stocking screen protectors Apple are concerned that they are leaving themselves open to "Your screens are shoddy! You acknowledge this by stockng screen protectors, pls gief me $100,000,000,000,000,000 dollars?" style class actions?
If so that's just stupid. A screen protector is an essential bit of kit and has saved my iphones screen for scratches on many occassions
I think this only applies to screen protectors — not film backs. A couple reasons I can think of:
There have been recent reports from developers that some of the screen films interfere with the touch screen display. Incorrect touch responses, etc.
And of course there’s the fact that screen protectors are rip-offs. The screen is GLASS. A a thin piece of plastic isn’t going to protect a glass screen.
Oh – damn, very curious as to what brought this on. I hate this also because it was great to be able to buy a $15 anti-glare screen protector and have an Apple staff member apply it quickly and effectively for you.
I definitely agree with you Thomas. I use a screen protector for 2 things: scratch protection and anti-glare. I hate trying to show someone something on my iPhone outside and bc of the sun you can't see the screen. My screen would also be covered in scratches if it was not for the plastic. Finally, even though they are expensive, I bought 3 almost a year ago and I am still using the first one. If they are applied correctly, I think screen protectors work every well. Like Shobizz said it's one of the very first accessories I buy.
Here is my experience. Last 13 months: purchased iPod Touch, 3GS, Film, Airport Extreme, Macbook, Film. Last 10 months: 1 complaint over Anti-Glare Film (couldn't return, tried to reconcile with powersupportUSA and they treated me terribly. 1 separate return Crystal Film (required manager approval). Manager told me that he gets these daily, and he hates dealing with them, they waste time, they are an inventory nightmare, and piss off the kind of customers who tend to be the most lucrative to Apple. You can draw your own conclusions.
we have 2 iPhones, a 3G and a 3GS. my at least the 3G requires de film but the 3GS really doesn't need it, the oleophobic really helps