By Star Chang, posted May 17, 2012 at 10:29 PM, 818 views,

Screen Protector Sales Thrive in China Thanks to iPhone

In Shenzhen, an unauthorized screen protection film for Apple’s iPhone sells for 10 yuan (US$1.60), more than 10 times its cost. The costs for each iPhone protection film just needs 0.8 yuan (US$0.12). According to industry insiders, the market of screen protection films for Apple devices and other related accessories are valued at more than 100 million yuan (US$14.64 million) in China. It has already become a huge industry chain consisting of over 1,000 Chinese manufacturers all located in Shenzhen …

The unauthorized brandless protection films for iPhone are sold by individuals and small electronic stores in Shenzhen and they enjoy good business. Using simple tools the sellers help the new Apple users to put the screen protector on. The film is just a thin plastic sheet but it can sell at a good price because it’s for the iPhone. In other big electronic shops, the authorized and branded protection film for iPhone costs around 80 yuan to 100 yuan (US$12.70 to $15.80). The costs for these better quality protection film needs only 15 yuan (US$2.40). Chinese consumer owning iPhones won’t care too much on the price of the screen protector and other accessories. An iPhone protection cover can be sold for 300 yuan (US$47.50) but its cost is about 50 yuan (US$7.90).

Protection film is one of the most popular accessories in the entire iPad/iPhone ecosystem, its actual value is particularly for anti-glare purposes. In 2010, Apple has banned protective screen film from its retail and online stores. The ban is speculated an Apple marketing attempt to suggest screen durability. Most of the Apple user in China are very concerned about their iPhone screen. They feel it will get scratches after heavy uesd. They will usually get a screen protector after their purchase of the iPhone. Some cheap quality protection films will reduce the sensitivity of the retina screen. But Chinese consumer think that since they are spending so much money on an apple products, sticking a thin plastic sheet on the screen will make them feel more secure while using the iPhone.

SOURCE: Guangzhou Daily (1) (2) (Chinese translated)