Apple Bans Screen Protectors From Its Stores

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Posted March 17, 2010 at 2:37pm by iClarified

Apple has reportedly banned the sale of film-based screen protectors from its online and retail stores.

"Several vendors—who wish to remain anonymous to avoid conflict with Apple—have told Macworld that Apple will no longer sell such products, or any other products that adhere to Apple devices, in either the online Apple Store or Apple retail stores."

Sources say that the difficulty of applying such films and coverings without blemishes or air bubbles has resulted in a much higher return rate than any other products. Its also possible that Apple doesn't want to give the impression that added screen protection is necessary. Newer mobile devices from the company come with an oleophobic coating.

Apparently, this policy also includes anti-glare films for laptops, protection and cushions for laptop palm areas, and any iPhone or iPod cases that include screen protection.

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Apple Bans Screen Protectors From Its Stores

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David - March 18, 2010 at 7:39am

The word "ban" is inappropriate in this context. If a store were an open marketplace but a party was excluded, that'd be a ban. But a store is not this way. It is a selection of goods for sale chosen by the store owner. Choosing not to carry something isn't a ban. If it were, I could say that my local convenience store banned a brand of ice cream simply because they chose not to stock and devote shelf space to it. Apple should thus be rumored to be ending its sale of protective films. Anything more is editorializing and fishing for attention.

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DNA - March 17, 2010 at 11:58pm

Excellent news for other resellers :)

float_world - March 17, 2010 at 8:43pm

I've never used a screen protector since day one. you lose the benefit of the oleophobic coating and you're back to slippery, greasy, blurry hell (aka 2G & 3G iphone). Plus bubbles are eventually going to appear no matter how small.

Kev - March 17, 2010 at 6:57pm

I have a screen protector and I have had the same one for over a year, I am very careful with my iphone, but I am glad of the screen protector for added insurance against scratches, I have seen an iphone woth a nice big scratch down the front and its there permanent, it wouldnt be if the owner had put a screen protector on it. I have one very small air bubble because of a very small piece of dirt, but I would rether have that than in immovable scratch.

fenrry - March 17, 2010 at 5:45pm

...letme guess...Applecare sales it's been downhill, I have a screen protector on my iphone and I'm glad I got it cause scratching the screen it's easy, also I keep an extra one on my desk just in case, if i didn't have a screen protector my screen would look like a notepad and then I would have to get the stupid phone service...wow...aren't we greedy, apple..... Well there is always PM for these needs....

Sean - March 17, 2010 at 5:29pm

As of when. Apple stores in PA & NJ still have them out. WAs at three stores today and all three had screen shields out on display and for sale!!!

samK - March 17, 2010 at 4:12pm

lol jay you should reread what you typed and think to yourself just wth you were thinking. back on topic, i don't blame apple for this move and it just shows how careless people are. either way this shouldn't be a problem because the good stuff are actually online if those people actually did their research.

Steve Anderson - March 17, 2010 at 5:12pm

there crap anyways ffs

Nathaniel - March 17, 2010 at 3:07pm

Did you take the time to read the rest of the title. Apple Bans Screen Protectors FROM ITS STORES. Not allowing any screen protectors to be sold and removing them from its stores = banning. Duh

Lebowski - March 17, 2010 at 3:20pm

Dude, relax. They did get it right. If you think the site is so inaccurate, don't read it, instad of posting rude comments full of bad language.

Vindalou72 - March 17, 2010 at 3:45pm

How eloquent & articulate you are Jay, it's interesting just how good your grasp of the English language is. Bravo;)