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New Oleophobic Screen Coating Is Highly Scratchable?

Submitted by Edward Kirk on June 24, 2009 - 5:34pm.
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You know that cool new oleophobic screen coating on the 3GS that makes it so fingerprints and smudges don't show up as much? Well, as great as that may be, it also makes it highly scratchable. Users on the MacRumors forums have already reported the mysterious appearance of tiny scratches on their screens after just having the devices for a few days despite the normal scratch culprits like keys and coins.

Most of the scratches have been fairly short and very thin, but nonetheless are a noticeable annoyance when looking at the screen, similar to those that tend to show up on the back of the device with normal use. It's unclear exactly how the scratches got there, as most of the reports describe taking care not to leave it with things like keys or coins that would be likely to scratch it.

There has been some success with getting affected devices replaced at an Apple Store.

Thanks, MICHAELSD!

Have you noticed that your iPhone 3GS screen scratches more easily? Let us know in the comments!

Good so far!

Submitted by Headblade on June 24, 2009 - 5:46pm.
I got mine on Friday, and so far so good. No scratches, and I'm a Plumber, so perhaps these people actually did get faulty screens or something.
While I'm on, I need to sing the praises of the Mophie Juice Pack Air! I ordered 2, and I'm pretty sure I'll never have to charge my iPhone again!

no prob (so far)

Submitted by johnnywoz on June 24, 2009 - 6:40pm.
Go mine on Friday also, Black 32GB. Been carefull with it and have no scratches (yet).

Submitted by macgeek112 on June 24, 2009 - 7:05pm.
I've never had the opportunity to use my iPhone without a screen protector. Used the one it ships with until my full body invisibleSHIELD arrived. The shield is really succeptable to oil and makes the screen have a lot more friction though.

The few minutes from when I took the factory screen protector off untill when I had applied the SHIELD are some of the scariest moments in my life, though.

Submitted by Stephen007 on June 24, 2009 - 7:29pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by macgeek112 View Post
The few minutes from when I took the factory screen protector off untill when I had applied the SHIELD are some of the scariest moments in my life, though.
It sounds like you're being too careful. The original & 3G screens are made of really tough glass and don't normally scratch. I throw mine around, let my 5 year old play with it (unattended!). I draw the line at having coins or keys in the same pocket (I don't). The screens have never scratched. These are not the old Palm Pilot screens made of plastic where a screen protector begins to be necessary.

That said, we'll see what happens now that there's a new coating on that screen.

Scratches

Submitted by tre flip on June 24, 2009 - 7:31pm.
Go to this website order it. Problem solved.
protechyourdevice.com

Submitted by kyarbro on June 24, 2009 - 7:35pm.
I very frequently puts keys in the same pocket as my iPhone 3G for nearly a year. Never got a single scratch on the glass.

I have done so also with my 3GS already a few times. No scratches. But maybe I was lucky. Now I am paranoid.

Submitted by JFrappuccino on June 24, 2009 - 7:36pm.
As soon as i purchased my white 16gb 3GS, i placed a screen protector on it out of pure paranoia.
Sadly the apple on the back has miniscule scratches on it already, although i handle my phone as though it were a baby.
These darn iPhones are too succeptible to scratches XD.

Submitted by kyarbro on June 24, 2009 - 7:37pm.
Using a screen protector on a 3GS is like a wearing a condom. You got to try without it to see what I mean.

Submitted by macgeek112 on June 24, 2009 - 7:52pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen007 View Post
It sounds like you're being too careful. The original & 3G screens are made of really tough glass and don't normally scratch. I throw mine around, let my 5 year old play with it (unattended!). I draw the line at having coins or keys in the same pocket (I don't). The screens have never scratched. These are not the old Palm Pilot screens made of plastic where a screen protector begins to be necessary.

That said, we'll see what happens now that there's a new coating on that screen.
You're talking to a man who put a screen protector on his calculator in high school.

Submitted by iPhown on June 24, 2009 - 10:43pm.
I never have and never will use a case on any iPhone or a screen protector on the 3GS. Why have a screen that reduces fingerprints if you're not going to use it?

I got my 3GS last Friday and I just checked. Not one scratch. My 3G never got any scratches on the screen either.

Meh

Submitted by BZATWORK on June 24, 2009 - 10:48pm.
If you get a scratch, you're a witch.

Submitted by iPhown on June 24, 2009 - 11:48pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BZATWORK View Post
If you get a scratch, you're a witch.
WTF?

Submitted by Beast on June 25, 2009 - 12:59am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BZATWORK View Post
If you get a scratch, you're a witch.
I'm not a witch! I'm your wife!

Submitted by JFrappuccino on June 25, 2009 - 1:03am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kyarbro View Post
Using a screen protector on a 3GS is like a wearing a condom. You got to try without it to see what I mean.
Quote:
Originally Posted by macgeek112 View Post
You're talking to a man who put a screen protector on his calculator in high school.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BZATWORK View Post
If you get a scratch, you're a witch.
LOL

Submitted by jsamuelson on June 25, 2009 - 2:39am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beast View Post
I'm not a witch! I'm your wife!
Who are you who are so wise in the ways of science?

its called a screen protector..

Submitted by insomnia79 on June 25, 2009 - 11:35am.
Personally i really could care less about special coatings and whatnot.. I keep my baby in a case and always had a screen protector. I clean my phone several times a day, cuz hey, thats just the kinda guy i am.. keep it looking clean and sexy..

Repairing a scratch on Iphone 3GS

Submitted by yankeeman1 on June 25, 2009 - 8:13pm.
I just bought my iphone 3gs on saturday and it already has a scratch as well! Does anyone know of any good scratch repair solutions for the iphone screen? I've read about a solution called iDrops but I'm not sure if it's safe to use on the new oleophobic coating. Any good recommendations?

Submitted by thuggedout on June 26, 2009 - 9:37am.
With a new coating or not I would always put a clear screen protector on it not matter what. I wouldnt risk gettting scratches on my screen.

Submitted by iPhown on June 26, 2009 - 9:47am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by thuggedout View Post
With a new coating or not I would always put a clear screen protector on it not matter what. I wouldnt risk gettting scratches on my screen.
I've only ever had a couple super thin and tiny scratches on my screen just from everyday use. But you can't see them unless you turn the phone off and search for them in bright light. For this reason, I'll risk it.

Submitted by Zak Reiter on June 26, 2009 - 6:07pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsamuelson View Post
Who are you who are so wise in the ways of science?
Ah, but can they tell us what a duck is made of?



More related: I've had my 3G since it released, and the only scratches it has acquired are when my aunt's puppy was playing with the original Lightsaber app. The little sonumbish lacerated my poor little iDeity.

Submitted by libertyforall1776 on June 27, 2009 - 1:42pm.
Well, it IS telling that the first thing the Apple Store tries to do besides sell you MobileMe and AppleCare on the iPhone is a case and screen protector!

Submitted by Stephen007 on June 27, 2009 - 5:27pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by libertyforall1776 View Post
Well, it IS telling that the first thing the Apple Store tries to do besides sell you MobileMe and AppleCare on the iPhone is a case and screen protector!
Yes, truly shocking that they would try to sell high profit margin add ons!

Submitted by macgeek112 on June 27, 2009 - 5:35pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen007 View Post
Yes, truly shocking that they would try to sell high profit margin add ons!

Except that Apple doesn't make either of those things. They are all third-party add-ons. And the rep is probably NOT speaking for Apple as a whole, just from personal experience or something.

My NEW 3GS is Scratched!

Submitted by Valentina on July 2, 2009 - 3:54pm.
OK, I am upset. My husband and I received our new iPhone 3GS on the 19th. This morning I grabbed it on my way out the door and slipped it into my purse. Once I got in my car I placed my hand in my purse and when I took it out it had about a one inch scratch on the screen. I did not have anything in my purse that would have done this, but I am shocked it happened to begin with. It is less then 2 weeks old and to replace the screen according to the Apple store, it would cost me $199.00 which was what I had paid for the phone! I had the original iPhone for a year and 1/2 and this never happened. I take very good care of my belongings and how could this be? I am so disappointed! Does anyone have any idea how I can get the scratch out? ? I thought about bringing it to jewelers, but Apple on-line help said it might damage the touchtone screen. I LOVE this phone, would never go back, but the screens wear makes me think twice! My Apple is damaged....

Submitted by macgeek112 on July 2, 2009 - 4:14pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Valentina View Post
OK, I am upset. My husband and I received our new iPhone 3GS on the 19th. This morning I grabbed it on my way out the door and slipped it into my purse. Once I got in my car I placed my hand in my purse and when I took it out it had about a one inch scratch on the screen. I did not have anything in my purse that would have done this, but I am shocked it happened to begin with. It is less then 2 weeks old and to replace the screen according to the Apple store, it would cost me $199.00 which was what I had paid for the phone! I had the original iPhone for a year and 1/2 and this never happened. I take very good care of my belongings and how could this be? I am so disappointed! Does anyone have any idea how I can get the scratch out? ? I thought about bringing it to jewelers, but Apple on-line help said it might damage the touchtone screen. I LOVE this phone, would never go back, but the screens wear makes me think twice! My Apple is damaged....
Okay. Well it seems to me that you screwed up and didn't bother investing $5 in a screen protector for your $200 gadget. Second, you don't just drop it in your purse, you put it in a special pouch, not only to keep everything thrown about in there from scratching it, but to make it easier to find if you get a call. It's not Apple's fault, it's yours, get over it.

Incidentally, the way you worded it made it sound like your hand was scratched.

To MACGEEK112

Submitted by Valentina on July 2, 2009 - 4:58pm.
First of all I didn't screw up. If you noticed I have had one of the other iphones for 1 1/2years with not an issue. 1.) I didn't invest in a $5.00 screen protector, but a $300.00 cover! Most covers do not protect the screen. 2.) If you have read other reviews from customers, some screens are getting scratched from the protective covers. 3.) If you noticed to what I was replying to was the question "If anyones NEW 3GS screens are getting scratched" 4.) I carry a Louis Vuitton Purse, cosmetic purse, and business card holder which total about $3,000.00. 5.) I do not keep my keys in my purse. 6.) If you spend money on the 3GS phone, the screen should hold up very well. 7.) I am a women, we carry purses! 8.) You seem more upset in your reply then how I feel. Have a good day! I am a Apply Fan! Again, I was just replying to a post -Question. You need to chill!

Submitted by macgeek112 on July 2, 2009 - 8:07pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Valentina View Post
First of all I didn't screw up. If you noticed I have had one of the other iphones for 1 1/2years with not an issue. 1.) I didn't invest in a $5.00 screen protector, but a $300.00 cover! Most covers do not protect the screen. 2.) If you have read other reviews from customers, some screens are getting scratched from the protective covers. 3.) If you noticed to what I was replying to was the question "If anyones NEW 3GS screens are getting scratched" 4.) I carry a Louis Vuitton Purse, cosmetic purse, and business card holder which total about $3,000.00. 5.) I do not keep my keys in my purse. 6.) If you spend money on the 3GS phone, the screen should hold up very well. 7.) I am a women, we carry purses! 8.) You seem more upset in your reply then how I feel. Have a good day! I am a Apply Fan! Again, I was just replying to a post -Question. You need to chill!
Okay... First of all, please, please learn some basic grammar. More related, I don't care how much you spend on a cover, I told you to get a screen protector. You actually said that "Most covers do not protect the screen." Protecting the screen is the whole cause of this problem. Also, I don't know what you mean when you say that some screens are getting scratched by the protective covers. I also don't care how many purses that you carry, or who made them or especially how ridiculously overpriced they were. I never mentioned keys. You are using faulty logic, and I never said you shouldn't or don't carry a purse. Last but not least, you started your post out with "I am upset," and your infidelity aggravates me. If you haven't noticed by now, my repsonses are going in the same order your nonsensical rant is.

Also, if you are willing to spend that much money on a purse, $200 to fix the screen should be like pocket change to you. Enjoy your asininely overpriced things

MacGeek112

Submitted by Valentina on July 2, 2009 - 8:27pm.
Listen, I only wrote here to find out if there is something that can help hide the scratch. Who are you to tell me I am using the wrong lingo? I am a Apple customer and I am a stock holder in the company. I work hard to enjoying the things that make me happy, and having another iPhone did just that! However, the screen should not scratch. If you read some of the postings below, I am not the only person this has happened too. And, some have even used the protective covers on this new screen and it got scratched. It's like buying a new car and it gets it's first ding, it is upseting. Enough said, but thank you.

Submitted by macgeek112 on July 2, 2009 - 9:03pm.
As much as I appreciate that, my point still remains. If everyone just bought a $5 screen protector, this issue wouldn't even exist. If the screen gets scratched through a screen protector, you have more to worry about than a faulty oliophobic coating.

where is this forum

Submitted by johndoey on July 5, 2009 - 5:39pm.
Can anyone link the forum page this article was sourced from?
I'm interested in finding out how these people actually got Apple to replace their iPhones.

I bought my iPhone 2 weeks ago this coming Monday and after a week, I found a tiny scratch on the screen. It's about half an inch long, shallow and it's at the bottom part of the screen frame and just touches the screen a slight bit. You can't feel it with your finger or finger nail. It's really hard to see, like it's not actually the glass that's scratched (just the oleophobic coating, I suspect), but it's still annoying because I know it's there.

I haven't dropped it, or scratched it. I keep it in my pocket when I'm out on it's own (no keys or coins or anything else) and when I found the scratch, I was using the iSkin Solo FX case.

I was really disappointed when I found the scratch coz it's my first iPhone and I love it to bits. I didn't put a screen protector on it because my iPod touch that I've had for 2 years now never had a screen protector on it and the screen is still perfect. The iPod touch itself has a few scuffs on it from when I dropped it as I was climbing out of my car but the screen is perfect. Anyway, due to my past experience with the scratch resistant screen I didn't think I'd need a screen protector.

I know that some replies I get (if any) would mention that I should've used a applied a screen protector as soon as got it out of the box but that's not what I wanna hear right now. What would be helpful is if someone could link that forum page for me and maybe suggest some ways to fix the tiny scratch. There's no use crying over spilled milk, but hopefully someone here can tell me how to clean up the mess I made.

Hope I get some good advice from this forum. =)