Tandem OLED, Apple Pencil Pro, 11" and 13" — the iPad Pro M4 is the most capable iPad yet, and the priciest to repair. Here's how to protect it.
Quick answer: if you draw or take notes with Apple Pencil Pro, get the Paperlike. Otherwise Spigen EZ Fit for crystal clarity. Available in 11" and 13".
The Tandem OLED display on the M4 is exceptional — peak brightness over 1,000 nits sustained, true blacks, fine detail. A matte/paperlike protector reduces this brightness and softens detail; a clear glass protector preserves everything. The decision is almost entirely about Apple Pencil use.
Use Apple Pencil Pro for drawing/notes for 30+ minutes per day: Paperlike. The friction is transformative.
Use Pencil occasionally for PDF annotation: Clear tempered glass. Don't sacrifice the OLED for marginal Pencil benefit.
Don't use Pencil at all: Clear glass, full stop.
Yes — Pencil Pro's hover detection works fine through any quality protector. Range may be marginally reduced (we've measured ~9mm vs the typical 12mm) but in normal drawing use you won't notice. Pressure and tilt detection are unaffected.
iPad Pro 11" M4 screen swap: £499 at Apple Store UK. iPad Pro 13" M4: £599. The case for a £20 protector is overwhelming.