14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is banning protective screen films from its retail and online stores, several vendors have confirmed to iLounge, which focuses on Apple’s iPhone, iPods and their respective add-ons. The site claims Apple’s move will go into effect this May, while vendors remain baffled at Apple’s decision.
Citing ongoing communications with vendors, iLounge particularly mentions that one company has been told that Apple “will remove both film-only solutions from its stores, as well as any case or other accessory that includes film protection as part of its package, such as cases that include film screen protectors.”
The report, picked up by multiple Apple-focused publications, continues to quote other sources as saying that, “The ban will impact all forms of screen film, including completely clear film, anti-glare film, and mirrored film, regardless of whether the purpose of the film is protective, decorative, or both.” Sales of films for iPods, iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers will also be halted.
One vendor in particular is said to have speculated that, “The ban is an Apple marketing attempt to suggest screen durability, despite scratches that have damaged both plastic and glass displays of its products for years.” It is also believed that manufacturers of accessories that also include protective films may actually not create separate versions of the products, in order to appease Apple, in which case customers would be the main beneficiaries.
Requesting details on the change from a leading film developer, iLounge did not get a comment. Several other case makers were also mum, even though they had been aware of the new policy. Only one manufacturer, XGear (Mirage Mirror Screen Protector vendor), reportedly suggested that, “Despite the Apple Store ban, its ‘marketing positioning will not change. This will open many new doors for us as we move forward in my opinion.’”