Why does my Apple Pencil tip wear out so fast?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

I’ve had my fair share of experiences with the Apple Pencil and I can definitely understand your frustration with how quickly the tip wears out. The Apple Pencil is designed to provide a smooth and precise drawing experience on the iPad, but the surface texture of the Paper-like screen protector can definitely cause excessive wear on the tip.

The Paper-like screen protector is specifically designed to mimic the feel of writing on paper, hence the rougher surface texture. While this can be great for enhancing the tactile experience and providing more resistance while drawing or writing, it unfortunately comes at the cost of increased wear on the tip of the Apple Pencil.

The rough surface of the Paper-like screen protector creates friction between the tip of the Apple Pencil and the screen. This friction causes the tip to wear down faster compared to when using the Apple Pencil on a smoother glass surface. The plastic tip of the Apple Pencil is not as durable as, say, a metal tip, so it is more susceptible to wear and tear.

Additionally, the pressure sensitivity of the Apple Pencil can also contribute to the faster wear of the tip. When you apply more pressure while drawing or writing, it puts more strain on the tip and can cause it to wear down faster. This is especially true when using the Apple Pencil on a rougher surface like the Paper-like screen protector.

It’s worth noting that the wear of the Apple Pencil tip is a normal part of regular usage, regardless of the screen protector you use. However, the rougher texture of the Paper-like screen protector can certainly accelerate this process.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a perfect solution to completely prevent the wear of the Apple Pencil tip when using a Paper-like screen protector. However, there are a few things you can try to mitigate the issue:

1. Rotate the tip: Periodically rotating the tip of the Apple Pencil can help distribute the wear more evenly, prolonging its lifespan.

2. Use a screen protector with a smoother surface: If the wear on the Apple Pencil tip is a major concern, you may consider using a different screen protector with a smoother surface. While you may lose the paper-like feel, it could help reduce the wear on the tip.

3. Use a screen protector specifically designed for Apple Pencil: Some screen protectors are specifically designed to minimize the wear on the Apple Pencil tip. These screen protectors often have a special coating or texture that strikes a balance between smoothness and resistance, providing a good compromise for durability and writing experience.

Ultimately, it’s a trade-off between the desired feel of writing on paper and the longevity of the Apple Pencil tip. If you prioritize the paper-like experience, you may have to accept that the tip will wear out faster. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can still get a decent lifespan out of the Apple Pencil tip even with a Paper-like screen protector.