I baby my 3G, but never put a screen protector on until the glass was scratched on one of the edges. Never dropped it, etc., but the Genius said it wasn't a crack...so now it's screen protectors all the time.
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iPhone 3GS Oleophobic Screen Coating Wearing Off?
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"Horrible screen protectors??" = C R A Z Y !
You've obviously have never used (or witnessed) the Power Support Crystal Film Set sold at your local apple retailer or apple store. I've had one on each of my 3 generations of iPhones, and will continue to use them. They are invisible to the eye, and give the screen a fantastic anti-glare, anti-fingerprint feel. With this on my LCD, I don't need any oleophobic coating. And as far as peeling and contamination, that is because whoever applied the protector did a horrible job. My 3GS has no bubbles, peels, or contamination. Just sheer, trustworthy protection. check it out, you won't be disappointed.
You've obviously have never used (or witnessed) the Power Support Crystal Film Set sold at your local apple retailer or apple store. I've had one on each of my 3 generations of iPhones, and will continue to use them. They are invisible to the eye, and give the screen a fantastic anti-glare, anti-fingerprint feel. With this on my LCD, I don't need any oleophobic coating. And as far as peeling and contamination, that is because whoever applied the protector did a horrible job. My 3GS has no bubbles, peels, or contamination. Just sheer, trustworthy protection. check it out, you won't be disappointed.
I have had an iPhone 3GS since launch and I use it normally everyday. I don't excessively use specific gestures more than others, but my oleophobic screen wore off about 1-2 weeks ago. It now gets about the same if not more fingerprints than my old iPhone 3G. It is an issue that I will be taking up with Apple. The feature is great for the first month or so but after that there's no use. They shouldn't be advertising a feature that only works for a month.
Thanks for the advice, from what you say, I would certainly put this at the top of the list should I ever need to re-consider my stance on screen protectors.
Currently, that would however require a dramatic change in my current experience with these phones over the last few years.
I don't doubt that some people have managed to damage their screens, thus giving them an opposite opinion. Quite how is still beyond me if anyone has watched the video of the guy trying to scratch the screen intentionally!
I do however think the vast majority of people who have screen protectors and swear by them, are not doing so through a bad experience where-by they have previously scratched an iPhone screen!
I watched people in stores on launch day buying their first iPhones and picking up a bunch of accessories at the same time, including screen protectors.
They have simply purchased one as a preventative measure, and have no evidence to believe that without the screen protector that it was indeed necessary. Short of being able to time travel and re-live that time without the screen protector its impossible for them to know
All I can say is I made a conscious decision not to bother with screen protectors, which I do not currently regret. That is based on having 3 iPhones since the very first launch and no problems with any of them when it comes to scratching or damaging the screen through normal usage.
I would rather be safe than sorry
same reason I carry a gun. Better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it!
same reason I carry a gun. Better to have one and not need it than to need it and not have it!
It's just optical quality glass. That means it's clear. It's not tempered glass, or anything strong (or safe when shattered).
Like all glass, sand/silica in your pocket will scratch it. Anyone who wears glasses or real sunglasses knows that tiny scratches eventually show up, no matter how careful you are.
A nice shield takes away nothing from the experience or feel. I agree with the person who said that those who don't like protectors, must not have installed them correctly. Mine's been on for almost two years, and still looks and works great. You can't even tell it's on unless you look very carefully.
Like all glass, sand/silica in your pocket will scratch it. Anyone who wears glasses or real sunglasses knows that tiny scratches eventually show up, no matter how careful you are.
A nice shield takes away nothing from the experience or feel. I agree with the person who said that those who don't like protectors, must not have installed them correctly. Mine's been on for almost two years, and still looks and works great. You can't even tell it's on unless you look very carefully.
Who in their right mind would buy a screen cover for their iPhone when it shouldn't be necessary. I never even touched my screen with a cover on it and still it hasn't got a single scratch on it despite of heavy use for almost exactly a year.
I win?
Seriously. You. Do. Not. Need. Screen. Covers.
If you do, Apple has screwed up.
A lot of people, myself included, use anti-glare screen covers because they are virtually finger print resistant and glide much better than the glass.
My 3GS has some hairline scratches already.....neither my 3G or my original iPhone had ANY glass scratches after all of their use....and I never used a case, kept them in my pocket with car keys, etc.
I suspect these are scratches in the coating, rather than the glass itself.
In my opinion, people who keep complaining about scratches on the the screens of their iPhones really must learn how to look after their possessions!
As has already been said, glass is one of nature's hardest materials - pretty well next to diamond - to all intents and purposes, is pretty well impervious to scratching. How many people have scratches all over their windows or car windshields?
As far as the oleophobic coating is concerned, surely there's nothing revolutionary in this? This and other coatings have been used in optical glass applications for years (i.e. spectacles and cameras) and is not just a simple "coating" that can rub off because it is fused onto the surface of the glass and effectively becomes part of it.
As has already been said, glass is one of nature's hardest materials - pretty well next to diamond - to all intents and purposes, is pretty well impervious to scratching. How many people have scratches all over their windows or car windshields?
As far as the oleophobic coating is concerned, surely there's nothing revolutionary in this? This and other coatings have been used in optical glass applications for years (i.e. spectacles and cameras) and is not just a simple "coating" that can rub off because it is fused onto the surface of the glass and effectively becomes part of it.
I am a bit confused and perhaps those here can clarify.
Prior to the release of the 3GS...were there reports & threads regarding scratched iphone glass?
Seems to me that all of this started with the release of the 3GS, and with reports that the coating is fragile and wears off.
If this is the case, then this is a major Apple flaw and the phones affected should be replaced with non-coated units.
I loved the idea of the coating, but if it introduces more problems...then its not worth it.
Frankly I am baffled as to how Apple could engineer this solution. One would think they would put the new coated glass through rigorous testing. I mean 1ish months past the launch and the issue surfaces? That should have easily come to light if proper engineering and tested were performed.
I for one want a plain glass replacement (at apples expense).
Prior to the release of the 3GS...were there reports & threads regarding scratched iphone glass?
Seems to me that all of this started with the release of the 3GS, and with reports that the coating is fragile and wears off.
If this is the case, then this is a major Apple flaw and the phones affected should be replaced with non-coated units.
I loved the idea of the coating, but if it introduces more problems...then its not worth it.
Frankly I am baffled as to how Apple could engineer this solution. One would think they would put the new coated glass through rigorous testing. I mean 1ish months past the launch and the issue surfaces? That should have easily come to light if proper engineering and tested were performed.
I for one want a plain glass replacement (at apples expense).
Yes - there were plenty! The "moanerati" have been whittering on about scratched screens on their 3G's for ages!
Before coming to any unwarranted conclusions, remember that all items respond to the way they're treated!
I guess I just did not pay attention cause I never heard much about the glass scratching in normal use.
In any case, if the O-coating wears off, the phone will be replaced by apple.
Since this is a systemic issue (product defect), and one identified during the warranty period...I would have to believe that apple will always have to repair the issue....or replace the glass so the issue is 100% remediated.
They remain silent on the issue for legal reasons I am sure. If you also want to blame the scratching on the coating...you will have to provide some evidence that the coating is more susceptible to scratching. Since the phones seem to scratch before the coating....good luck with that.
I have seen no testing or industry information indicating that the coating wears off or is scratch prone but since it rubs off....I would guess it is scratch prone.
In any case, if the O-coating wears off, the phone will be replaced by apple.
Since this is a systemic issue (product defect), and one identified during the warranty period...I would have to believe that apple will always have to repair the issue....or replace the glass so the issue is 100% remediated.
They remain silent on the issue for legal reasons I am sure. If you also want to blame the scratching on the coating...you will have to provide some evidence that the coating is more susceptible to scratching. Since the phones seem to scratch before the coating....good luck with that.
I have seen no testing or industry information indicating that the coating wears off or is scratch prone but since it rubs off....I would guess it is scratch prone.
I don't think anyone has ever seen a 3G phone scratch the same way that the 3GS is scratched in the photo in the first post of this thread. It's one thing to see some random scratches on the screen (which there are plenty of examples), but to see a whole area become worn and "dull" is something that hasn't been seen prior to this.
In my opinion, people who keep complaining about scratches on the the screens of their iPhones really must learn how to look after their possessions!
As has already been said, glass is one of nature's hardest materials - pretty well next to diamond - to all intents and purposes, is pretty well impervious to scratching. How many people have scratches all over their windows or car windshields?
As far as the oleophobic coating is concerned, surely there's nothing revolutionary in this? This and other coatings have been used in optical glass applications for years (i.e. spectacles and cameras) and is not just a simple "coating" that can rub off because it is fused onto the surface of the glass and effectively becomes part of it.
It just take a little sand and some pressure to scratch glass. Not very hard to do if you're not very careful.
In actual fact, Apple say:
"Please note that the ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and that rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and may scratch your screen."
Not quite the same thing as "wearing off"!
In actual fact, Apple say:
"Please note that the ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and that rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and may scratch your screen."
Not quite the same thing as "wearing off"!
true
but it does seem to show that this "coating" really is just a coating that wears down/off or diminishes with normal use. Seems like it would just turn into the regular glass once it does though, and not really be a problem.The photo on the 1st post is not scratching...so lets me clear about that.
Apple does not say wear off....it says the ability to repel will diminish.
Apple will just claim that your finger was not clean but had some abrasive on it. So who knows if they will make good on replacements should the damage happen.
I for one would like a replacement unit without a coated screen, or acknowledgement from apple of the problem and a guarantee it will be fixed for free should the coating wear off as shown in slide one.
Gee....I thought apple was suppose to be this engineering powerhouse...why else would anyone pay their inflated prices....seems they aint such good engineers afterall:
Overheating
Screen Wearing
Bad battery life
Buggy OS
Apple does not say wear off....it says the ability to repel will diminish.
Apple will just claim that your finger was not clean but had some abrasive on it. So who knows if they will make good on replacements should the damage happen.
I for one would like a replacement unit without a coated screen, or acknowledgement from apple of the problem and a guarantee it will be fixed for free should the coating wear off as shown in slide one.
Gee....I thought apple was suppose to be this engineering powerhouse...why else would anyone pay their inflated prices....seems they aint such good engineers afterall:
Overheating
Screen Wearing
Bad battery life
Buggy OS
? My original iPhone has had two screen protectors and a clear hard plastic case on it since day two when I dropped it on accident and realized i was going to probably drop it again at some point. It looks wonderful even in the clear case. My iPhone has remained perfect since; no peeling, no dents, no scratches no problems -- screen immaculate.
I've had 3 iPhones since the original launch, all 3 have had no screen protection and have been fine (including my current phone which is over 12 months old).
I now know why I haven't had any issues, I don't walk round with a pocket full of sand, I wear clean clothes and I don't work in the sand blasting industry, phew!
.............only kidding
Whilst true I don't believe glass protectors are necessary, seeing how vast and opinionated this thread has become, I think people should simply make their own mind up, perhaps based on their job and type of usage (e.g. will you be doing a lot of commuting with the phone in your pocket etc.).
Just don't blindly buy a screen protector because you think you have to treat your iPhone with cotton wool, they are pretty tough and resilient with no protection!
screen protector anyone???
there are screen protectors for a reason. now instead of protect your iphone screen from scratches it's...protect your iphone screen from scratches and prevent the oleophobic coating to wear off...only $14.99 for 2 screen protectors..comes in glossy as well as matte.
but seriously dont spend your time on here go to apple and see what they tell you and report back here on the details!!!!
there are screen protectors for a reason. now instead of protect your iphone screen from scratches it's...protect your iphone screen from scratches and prevent the oleophobic coating to wear off...only $14.99 for 2 screen protectors..comes in glossy as well as matte.
but seriously dont spend your time on here go to apple and see what they tell you and report back here on the details!!!!