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Belkin Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 12 Pro Max

J

John-F

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 7, 2011
303
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In past years the Apple Stores had a device from Belkin to perfectly align the screen protector and install without getting bubbles.

To use the device required buying the protector from the store's stock. The same item buying online from Apple was packaged differently and the store reps could not use the device. Does anyone know if this is the same situation this year? Seems you have to make an appointment for in-store support. If you can only use what the store is stocking, there would be no way to guarantee they have it in stock when you have the appointment.
 
John-F said:
In past years the Apple Stores had a device from Belkin to perfectly align the screen protector and install without getting bubbles.

To use the device required buying the protector from the store's stock. The same item buying online from Apple was packaged differently and the store reps could not use the device. Does anyone know if this is the same situation this year? Seems you have to make an appointment for in-store support. If you can only use what the store is stocking, there would be no way to guarantee they have it in stock when you have the appointment.
Click to expand...
 
I did an in store pickup before. They returned the one I bought and switch it for the store packaged one, but I knew I had one.
 
I was at an Apple store today and asked an employee this exact question. He said that the Belkin Screen protectors will come with a cardboard version of the installation tool that Apple would normally use to install a screen protector.
 
bmwtech113 said:
I was at an Apple store today and asked an employee this exact question. He said that the Belkin Screen protectors will come with a cardboard version of the installation tool that Apple would normally use to install a screen protector.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by cardboard version of the installation tool that Apple would normally use to install a screen protector? The box? The one Apple uses for the self-install version usually comes in a clear plastic sealed bag. They have them in the back.

@John-F You are correct. There is a self install version and a machine install version. Different packaging for each one. And yes, the machine install version will be available starting on launch day. I don’t think you can make an in-store appointment for this one. First come first served, but they will have plenty of them.

I picked up an 12 Pro silicone case and Belkin UltraGlass screen protector (self install version) at the Apple Store yesterday. I won’t have a chance to go to the Apple Store till perhaps next week, so going with the self install version for now. I can always exchange it for the machine installed version within 14 days.
 
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Good info confirming there will still be two versions.

I get the phone shipped to avoid the crowds at the store. I went to an Apple store a few days ago to pick up a watch. I stayed outside and they brought it to me. I got the impression that in-store activities required an appointment because of the virus situation, but I might be mistaken.

If you can't make an appointment for this, but walk-ins are allowed without an appointment, I'm guessing there will be some waiting, especially near launch day. And if you wait several days after launch day, there is still the chance they might be out of stock.

I called Belkin to see if I can purchase the machine installed version directly from them so I can take it with me to the store and not be concerned about them being out of stock. But that is not possible. Belkin will only sell that to Apple.
 
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I’m just relaying the information that was given to me by an Apple Store employee that seemed very knowledgeable. He said the “cardboard” tool would help install the screen protector similar to how the installation tool used at the Apple Store has worked in the past. My specific question to the employee was “are you(Apple Store) going to install screen protectors like previous phones?” He said that they will not be installing them but the protectors will come with a cardboard tool.

I will add that my store is an “Express Pickup” store so that could be why I was told they were not installing the screen protectors.
 
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The version you buy online just comes with a tray to help you align the protector. Like many of the cheap protectors on amazon come with nowadays as well.
 
Belkin confirmed to me this morning that there are two models, a machine-installed version and a self-installed version. The new information is the self-installed version comes with a cardboard tool that facilitates installation. What is an open question is if it is as accurate as the machine version. I have my doubts.
 
John-F said:
Belkin confirmed to me this morning that there are two models, a machine-installed version and a self-installed version. The new information is the self-installed version comes with a cardboard tool that facilitates installation. What is an open question is if it is as accurate as the machine version. I have my doubts.
Click to expand...

It should be pretty accurate.
20201022_094758.jpg
20201022_094807.jpg
 
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All good information. Some people have the capability of installing the protector flawlessly with no tool. Watching the machine installation a few times in the past, I was struck by how it made it seem foolproof not depending on the skill of the installer. I would still ask if the self-installed tool is as foolproof? Maybe foolproof is not the best term because I'm sure anyone can mess up an installation with or without any tools. Maybe a better way to ask is how much skill is required for a perfect installation.
 
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I asked about this days ago and was told by an Apple specialist that they would be doing the installations at the store. This is the only reason I'd pick up my phone in-person, otherwise I'd get it shipped so I am hoping they are.

If not, I got a Spigen glass for now and will install it myself.

havenyoung said:
This looks a lot like Spigen's installation toolkit:
www.amazon.com

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [GlasTR EZ FIT] designed for iPhone 12 Pro Max (2020) [6.7 inch] [Case Friendly] - 2 Pack

Case friendly; precise cut-out provides perfect compatibility with Spigen cases
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...

How is the Spigen glass case? I am not very good at putting screen protectors but it seems good quality and easy to install. I got this in case Apple isn't doing the Belkin screen protector installations on launch day and the days following... How does it compare to the Belkin offered at the Apple Store?
 
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I have tried the Belkin Self Installed kit and having Apple do it with their machine is much better. I ended up throwing the Self Install Kit and Protector away and had Belkin send me the Apple Installed Protector.

Surprised Apple does not have these in stock yet. They are usually available on day 1 for the Apple Installed ones.
 
Interesting that Belkin would send you the machine-installed version. They told me I could not buy that from them and I could only buy it from Apple.

Maybe the difference is if you originally purchased the self-installed version from them, that gave them the out and they could replace what you purchased with the machine-installed version.
 
GDF said:
I have tried the Belkin Self Installed kit and having Apple do it with their machine is much better. I ended up throwing the Self Install Kit and Protector away and had Belkin send me the Apple Installed Protector.

Surprised Apple does not have these in stock yet. They are usually available on day 1 for the Apple Installed ones.
Click to expand...

I am thinking about doing the same thing. Did you contact Belkin for a warranty replacement?

Do the Apple Stores have the machines for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro screen protectors in store?
 
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walds11 said:
I am thinking about doing the same thing. Did you contact Belkin for a warranty replacement?

Do the Apple Stores have the machines for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro screen protectors in store?
Click to expand...

I did and they were quick to send one. They make it sound like putting it on is easy, but I thought it was difficult.

Not sure on the Apple Stores, as I don’t think they have the Belkin’s in stock yet, but could be wrong.
 
GDF said:
I did and they were quick to send one. They make it sound like putting it on is easy, but I thought it was difficult.

Not sure on the Apple Stores, as I don’t think they have the Belkin’s in stock yet, but could be wrong.
Click to expand...

I called Belkin and they are sold out of the UltraGlass screen protectors for 12/12 Pro. I was thinking they would have the machine installed ones for warranty claims. The rep wasn’t sure if the Apple Stores have the machines yet.
 
I remember with the iPhone X the durability of Belkin's glass protectors was pretty bad - does anyone care to comment on how they are now? If they've improved, I'll probably pick one up with my Pro Max.
 
John-F said:
Good info confirming there will still be two versions.

I get the phone shipped to avoid the crowds at the store. I went to an Apple store a few days ago to pick up a watch. I stayed outside and they brought it to me. I got the impression that in-store activities required an appointment because of the virus situation, but I might be mistaken.

If you can't make an appointment for this, but walk-ins are allowed without an appointment, I'm guessing there will be some waiting, especially near launch day. And if you wait several days after launch day, there is still the chance they might be out of stock.

I called Belkin to see if I can purchase the machine installed version directly from them so I can take it with me to the store and not be concerned about them being out of stock. But that is not possible. Belkin will only sell that to Apple.
Click to expand...
You aren't mistaken. Some Apple store won't even let you inside the store if you don't have an appointment.
 
This morning I called the Apple Store at Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, VA and the sales associate told me they are not installing the screen protectors for the iPhone 12 Pro Max since the packaging comes with a self installer.

Update: Went to another Apple Store and they can install the Belkin on a 12 Pro Max!
 
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