A possible reason why Apple Stores no longer sell screen protectors - they're rubbish
Word is on "teh internetz" that Apple Stores will no longer offer for sale screen protectors or items containing screen protectors at either the online Apple Store or Apple retail stores. I have an idea why Apple might have done this - because they're rubbish.
Over the years I've had countless electronic devices that have had screens, and there have been times when I thought it would be a good idea to protect those screens from the daily rough and tumble that my devices experience.
Which means I've bought more that my fair share of screen protectors.
And what have I learned from this ... that they are all overpriced rubbish.
First, there's the price. Consistently, you're paying upwards of $10 for a screen protector pack. And for your money you usually get just one sheet (and sometimes a plastic "applicator" and a small spray bottle of stuff that looks and smells an awful lot like water ... which I think might be water), so if you mess up the application, game over.
Then there's the quality. If you're lucky, the sheet will be cut so it will fit onto your screen properly, but don't count on this. Then, manufacturer's definition of "transparent" or "crystal clear" might not be in alignment with your definitions. Finally, don't be surprised if the sheet of film isn't already scuffed up or creased before you get around to peeling off the backing.
Application is always hit and miss. Mostly miss. Air bubbles and trapped dust under the film are almost inevitable.
End results usually suck. Sometimes the screen protector looks like a layer of Vaseline smeared on the screen. Sometimes worse.
Then, inevitably, the corners peel up, collect a ton of lint and pet hair, and look awful. At this point you rip off the screen protector film only to find that the claim that it would come off cleanly was an exaggeration.
Screen protectors are also increasingly unnecessary as most modern devices have tough glass-fronted screens as opposed to the plastic or acrylic screens found on older devices. Most events that might scratch a glass screen will probably end up breaking it, screen protector or no screen protector. I remember when after a day of careful stylus usage, the screen on an HP iPAQ would be scratched badly, I've had my iPod touch now for years and the screen in still like new, even with no protector on it.
Save your money ... don't bother with screen protectors.