about iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Braille keyboard problems

By Yasemin, 4 December, 2024

Forum
Braille on Apple Products

Hello friends, I’m planning to buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but I’m unsure whether to use a screen protector because I’ve heard that it can make typing with the Braille keyboard difficult, potentially affecting the Braille Screen Input feature. On the other hand, not using a screen protector comes with risks. Do you use a screen protector? For those who do and don’t, do you experience any issues with Braille input? Initially, I was considering the 16 Pro, but I’ve heard that the Braille keyboard works better on the Pro Max. If I decide to use a screen protector, which brands and models would you recommend? Also, which case brands and models do you suggest? I live in Turkey and am Turkish. Since my English isn’t very strong, I’m using ChatGPT for translation, so there might be some mistakes. I just wanted to explain that. Thank you.

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Comments

By Brooke on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I've never used a screen protector in all the years I've owned iPhones. I do use a protective case, which has a raised edge so that if it were to fall, that should help protect the screen from a direct hit.

By Ines on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I’ve had so many phones and never had a screen protector. I’ve also heard various things about such protection. Sometimes the touch sensitivity works worse, and a poorly applied protective film or screen cover can impair the functionality of features like Face ID. I think a case that protects the sides and back of the iPhone should be enough.

By Michael Hansen on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Hi Yasemin,
I am not a fan of screen protectors. I haven't used one in years, and my experience assisting clients with screen protectors on their devices is that the screen protector makes performance of VoiceOver touch gestures more difficult (sometimes much more so). Whether or not to use a screen protector is a personal decision, but if asked, it is not anything I would routinely recommend. A good case, one that will protect the phone from drops, is much more important in my opinion.

By Brian on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

Hi there,

I have been an iPhone user since 2012, starting with an iPhone 4S. I've had several iPhones over the years, some with, and some without, a screen protector. While they sound good, on paper, they can do more harm than good. The following are some of my experiences. These are while using a tempered glass screen protector, and the one time I had a full body case, for lack of a better description, where the screen protector was built in.

1. As mentioned above, a poorly placed protector can mess with the device screen's sensitivity.
2. If your device experiences blunt force trauma, whether from a drop, a heavy object smashing into it, etc, your device screen is still vulnerable to scratches and/or breaks. This one in particular happened to my ex's son with his iPhone 4S back in 2013. He was a young teen at the time.
3. If any dirt, grit, etc, gets into the space between the protector and device screen, it can and likely will scratch the screen. I realize the newer devices have the ceramic coating, but still ...
4. Poorly ventilated cases can actually promote overheating. This refers to cases with built-in screen protectors.

Bottom line, don't use one. ever. The devices of today are far more durable than people realize, and full body, "Life proof", cases are much like iPads with M-series chipsets. In other words, complete overkill.

Thanks for reading. 🙂

By Holger Fiallo on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

Always used one and no issues with typing or sending text or email or search so it would not affect what you want to do. You are going to spend over $700 for a phone so why would you do not want to protect the scream against scratches. The old saying is true. Better save than sorry. Just because someone does not use one does not mean is OK, they just lucky so far.

By Justin Harris on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I use an iPhone 16, not the pro, but I have a screen protector on it, and notice no difference in Voiceover performance. It still works the same for me.

By Dennis Long on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I would always recommend them I would not do one that is built in to the case though. Your asking for a few problems.
1 is the screen protector built in to the case may not work properly.
2 those cases tend to muffle sound. I personally use the
Otterbox commuter
cases. I like them. They provide enough protection and don't appear to muffle sound. I purchase a glass screen protector.

By Holger Fiallo on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

Agree with him about always using protection!!! You never know!!

By Yasemin on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I decided not to use a screen protector, but I need a good case that doesn’t interfere with the Braille keyboard, maintains touch sensitivity, and protects the phone from drops. I’d appreciate it if you could recommend specific brands and models. Thank you.

By Holger Fiallo on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I always check Flossy Carter. He did recently several cases for the iPhone, check them out and you decide what is best for you. Just do a search on youtube iPhone cases flossy carter and it will show you. He does a great job with showing the cases and scream protectors.

By Travis Roth on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I prefer to use one directly on the phone. I've not before and ended up with a hairline fracture from who knows what. The screen protector helps protect my trade in value.
Remember, it isn't permanent, they're easy enough to remove. So I'd encourage trying one and if for whatever reason it isn't working for you, take it off. And if it happens to bump against some keys in your pocket and scratch up the screen protector instead of the expensive screen you'll be oh so grateful.

By TamagotchiTune on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

So I use a 15 pro and when it first came out people kept saying how brakeable they are. So I went and got a screen protector. Over this summer my phone slipped out of my hands and fell face first on the tile. Screen protector had a sharp crack but phone was ok and screen was ok. But here is my mixed feelings. I took the cracked one off and ordered a new screen protector and in those few days waiting for the new one I noticed Braille screen input was way easier to use. Once I put the new one on it was a difference with BSI. I hate that but I would hate to have to buy or replace a new phone if I didn't have a screen protector. I am sure the screen itsself would have been broken if I didnt have it over the summer.

By Holy Diver on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

We all know it feels better without protection … sorry. Especially for braille screen input users they really do interfere with responsiveness, I'm willing to bet those of you suggesting them are mostly bluetooth keyboard and siri typers which, no shade at all but that's a very different game. You can do it with a protector, if it's not your main way of typing and just a casual thing you'll probably be ok. But if it's your bread and butter I'd heartily recommend no, just get a case with raised edges … if you drop the dang thing there's a very good chance it breaks anyhow, screen protector or not.

By sechaba on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I have always used a screen protector on my iphones, starting with the iphone 4. I am currently on iphone 15ProMax, and I don't experience any lagging in as far as the usage of BSI.

By Justin Harris on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I have used phones both with and without a screen protector, and don't notice any difference with Voiceover. Not doubting your experience, because everyone perceives things slightly differently, but I have used many phones both with and without and to me, there isn't a difference. I keep one on just to play it safe. And, regarding your other comment about those who use protectors probably using bluetooth keyboards or dictation, I use neither. I will occasionally use a Braille display, but 99% of the time, it is BSI for me.

By TamagotchiTune on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

I only use BSI to type.

By Brian on Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 06:42

Just want to chime in here, and say that I agree 100% with Holger, regarding flossy Carter. His videos are the best when it comes to demonstrating technology and accessories. Check him out on YouTube! 🙂✌️

By jim pickens on Friday, December 6, 2024 - 06:42

I’m really, really clumsy. My phone flies out of my hands at least once a month. So a life-proof case? It’s basically a must-have. My phone costs, what, $1,100? I’m not letting a drop ruin the whole thing. I bought a pretty cheap case, around $40, and my phone has been going just fine for about a year. It’s been dropped probably 14 times already.

By Holger Fiallo on Friday, December 6, 2024 - 06:42

Check my suggestion.