How much screen wear is normal?

[Nem]

Hi

Had my iPhone 16 Pro since launch day last September, and I'm now getting worried about the wear on the screen itself from my thumb and scrolling on the phone. I had a iPhone 12 before this for 4 years which did end up the same, but after 3 years or more of use, and this now is in 10 months.

Anyone got the same, any thoughts on if this is usual? I'm not a heavy user, 2 hours screen time a day average, battery still at 100% with 218 cycles so just think this is bit much to be considered normal wear?

It will 'polish' up by rubbing it, but the second you touch it it shows up again.

Thanks

 

[chrfr]

I’ve never had anything like this on any of my iPhones. My current phone is a 15 Pro that’s coming up on 2 years old and it has no wear that’s noticeable.
So either your particular skin is particularly abrasive or corrosive, or the screen just needs a good cleaning.

 

[Nem]

I’ve never had anything like this on any of my iPhones. My current phone is a 15 Pro that’s coming up on 2 years old and it has no wear that’s noticeable.
So either your particular skin is particularly abrasive or corrosive, or the screen just needs a good cleaning.

I've tried a few very gentle polishes on it, but don't want to do any more damage at all. Like I say I can get it looking brand new but then as soon as you touch it you can see the shadowing of that area again in the light.

I spoke to Apple support chat yesterday who started off with the 'cosmetic damage' and not covered / interested. But when I pressed they said book an appointment at apple store to have it looked at. So thats my next step, but just wanted to know if this was a 'thing' before going.

Thanks

 

[dwrufus53]

Has never been a problem for me. On some phones, I've use a screen protector, and on others I haven't. If it's a concern for you, slap a tempered glass screen protector on it and call it a day.

 

[MacCheetah3]

Ten months does seem a little soon. In the past, user reports put the average at one to two years before the oleophobic coating wear down would be blatantly, disappointingly noticeable.

I did a quick and simple test on my iPhone X and iPhone 15: a quick display/screen clean, then three swipes down and five swipes horizontal.



In the past few years, I’ve deviated somewhat from Apple’s instructions.

How to clean your Apple products - Apple Support

Get recommendations and guidelines for cleaning your Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple Vision Pro, display, or peripheral device.

support.apple.com

I’ve been using about 15% concentration of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.

The less you can clean the screen, the better. Because, no matter which method, it’s going to wear off the coating (or possibly cause damage). As such, I’ve also moved to primarily using a basic stylus with my iPad.

Ultimately, it’s like the battery (degradation) mentality. Be reasonable but not obsessive.

 

[Nem]

Just to update on this issue, went along to Meadowhall Apple last night for a support appointment. After 20 minutes of being told it's a cosmetic issue and I could pay for a new screen if I wanted, I argued the case that it's not normal for the oleophobic coating to wear out after only 9-10 months.

I was then put onto the repair manager who was brilliant to be fair, discussed with him and he did agree to replace the screen under warranty and they would send the info back to Apple for them to investigate as it wasn't something they had seen on that age unit with such little / normal use. So, waited an hour as they had the screens in stock and picked it up looking like new.

 

[goldmac2006]

Hi

Had my iPhone 16 Pro since launch day last September, and I'm now getting worried about the wear on the screen itself from my thumb and scrolling on the phone. I had a iPhone 12 before this for 4 years which did end up the same, but after 3 years or more of use, and this now is in 10 months.

Anyone got the same, any thoughts on if this is usual? I'm not a heavy user, 2 hours screen time a day average, battery still at 100% with 218 cycles so just think this is bit much to be considered normal wear?

It will 'polish' up by rubbing it, but the second you touch it it shows up again.

Thanks

View attachment 2534522

Only my iPhone 7 had it as I don’t frequently use screen protectors on it, which is already coming up a little dirtier than expected when I clean it.

My Apple Watch Series 1 also had that issue since I wore the watch a lot and it gets exposed to many different things a lot.

Btw these are two of my former Apple products long ago. My 15 pro doesn’t have it I used a screen protector all the time since the first week I bought it