As an Apple Watch owner, I was frustrated when I started experiencing scratches on my watch face. After some research, I decided to look into buying a screen protector. But was it really necessary? In this blog post, I’ll share my experience and the results of my research to help you decide if you need to invest in a screen protector for your Apple Watch.
Generally, you don’t need a screen protector on your Apple Watch because the glass making up the screen is already very resistant to scratching. Apple doesn’t recommend or advise users to install a screen protector, but if you want to add an extra layer of protection, you’re free to do so and it won’t hurt your watch in any way.
Today, we’re discussing whether or not a screen protector on an Apple Watch is a good idea, what materials could threaten the condition of your watch’s screen, and which type of screen protector is best suited for the job.
| Factors to Consider | Description |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch Screen Material | Apple Watch screens are made of either sapphire crystal glass (titanium and stainless steel models) or ion-X glass (aluminum models). Both materials are durable and scratch-resistant, with sapphire crystal glass being the more heavy-duty option. |
| Screen Protection Need | Apple does not advise or recommend using a screen protector on your Apple Watch, as the glass is already scratch-resistant. The decision to add a screen protector is a personal preference. |
| Potential Damage Sources | Keep your Apple Watch away from abrasive materials, such as sand or toothpaste, as these particles can scratch the screen’s coating or the display itself. |
| Screen Protector Types | Plastic screen protectors are cheap and easy to replace but are prone to scratches and cracks. Tempered glass screen protectors are thicker, more durable, and provide better protection against scratches. They are more expensive but require less frequent replacement. |
Table of Contents
Does Your Apple Watch Need a Screen Protector?
According to Apple, your Apple Watch doesn’t need a protector to prevent its screen from getting scratched or cracked. The company claims that the glass making up the screens on Apple Watches is already scratch-resistant enough to keep it looking sleek for a very long time.
As such, Apple “does not advise or recommend” that you should or need to place a screen protector onto your watch. They say that the decision totally depends on personal preference.
This holds a great deal of truth since Apple Watch screens are either made out of sapphire crystal glass or ion-X glass, depending on the model you get.
In any case, both materials are highly durable and will ensure that your Apple Watch’s screen doesn’t break if you accidentally drop it onto the ground.
That being said, you may still feel uneasy leaving your screen “naked”. After all, your Apple watch could cost as much as some new phones, so it makes sense that you want to make sure it’s protected. It’s not like you’re made of money, right?
This is why wanting to provide your Apple Watch’s screen with additional reinforcement against everyday wear is a valid option that you’re free to do. Oh and don’t worry, a screen protector won’t hurt your watch or hinder its functions.
Read more: Can I charge Apple Watch using a Qi charger?
Do Apple Watch Screens Scratch?
We already mentioned that Apple Watch screens are extremely scratch-resistant, which means they don’t get scratched or scraped easily. This is thanks to the screen’s materials.
Depending on the watch model you choose, your screen can be either sapphire crystal glass or ion-X glass as follows:
- Aluminum Apple Watches (the least expensive versions) are equipped with ion-X glass displays.
- Titanium and stainless steel (the most expensive versions) are equipped with sapphire crystal glass displays.
Both materials are durable and scratch-resistant. However, the company markets sapphire crystal glass screens as more heavy-duty and scratch-resistant because it’s harder.
Still, Apple Watches can get scratched. But these scratches are very unlikely to damage the screen itself.
You see, the screen on your Apple Watch has an oil-repellent, fingerprint-resistant, oil coating. This coating is expected to wear away over time.
The scratches you may see on the screen could be through the coating only and didn’t reach the screen below.
Read more: Can you put Apple Watch on prepaid?
What Materials Can Damage an Unprotected Apple Watch Screen?
The most important thing to remember when dealing with an unprotected Apple Watch screen is to keep it away from abrasive materials. For example, sand or toothpaste.
The fine particles of abrasives can scratch through the coating of the watch’s screen and scratch the display itself.
What Type of Screen Protector Should You Choose?
If you’ve decided that you want to fit a screen protector onto your Apple Watch, you’re probably wondering which type of screen protector you should use.
Plastic screen protectors are a common choice. They’re cheap, easy to replace, and don’t look too bad.
However, plastic is still plastic. It’s prone to scratches and cracks.
A better option would be tempered glass screen protectors. This material is thicker and more durable than standard plastic used in screen protectors.
As such, tempered glass screen protectors can do a better job protecting your Apple Watch’s screen from scratches. Yes, it’s more expensive, but you won’t need to replace it as frequently.
Wrap Up
So, do you need a screen protector for your Apple Watch? The answer is no.
Generally, a screen protector isn’t necessary for an Apple Watch because the glass making up the screen is already highly scratch-resistant.
In fact, Apple doesn’t recommend or advise users to fit a screen protector. Adding an extra layer of protection to your watch’s screen is totally up to you.
