Paperlike 3 Launches With a True Paper Feel & Foolproof, Bubble-Free Installation

Paperlike has just launched Paperlike 3, the latest version of its popular “paper feel” screen protector, and this time the upgrade goes beyond the surface.

The main highlight here is the Butterfly™ Application System, a clever new installation system designed to finally solve the usual frustrations caused by dust bubbles, misalignment, and confusing instructions.

Since its debut in 2017, Paperlike has gone from a small crowdfunded idea to an everyday tool for digital artists, students, and professionals. Over the years, the company has fine-tuned its patented Nanodots™ surface, a micro-texture that mimics the resistance of paper while keeping the screen clear and protecting Apple Pencil tips from wear. Paperlike 3 builds on that foundation, keeping the familiar writing and drawing feel while introducing a much easier way to install.

The End of Bubble Trouble

The star of the show with this new release is the Butterfly Application System, a four-layer “clean room” design that keeps your iPad surface protected until the exact moment of application.

Guided by an interactive on-screen installation tutorial, the process is designed to ensure a perfect fit on the first try. Dust particles are captured and removed during application, leaving you with a smooth, bubble-free screen every time.

For creators and note-takers who’ve struggled with failed installs in the past, this feature alone makes Paperlike 3 a game-changer.

Built for Creatives

As with previous generations, Paperlike 3 is built on the company’s Nanodots™ surface, which adds just the right amount of friction for tactile feedback and precision control. It’s ultra-thin too (below Apple’s screen protector thickness limit of 0.095 mm), allowing your Apple Pencil feels as responsive as it would on glass, without the slippery glide.

Availability

Paperlike 3 ships with two screen protectors, a Multi-Purpose Helper Tool, and wet wipes for cleaning. It’s available now for all current iPad models at $49.99 / €44.00, both at paperlike.com and on Amazon.

Our Take

We’ve tested a number of Paperlike products over the years, from the screen protector itself to their iPad cases and Apple Pencil tip replacements, and they’ve always impressed us with their quality and creator-focused design. With Paperlike 3, the company is tackling not just the on-screen experience but also the installation anxiety that has frustrated so many of us for years.

It’s a welcome evolution for one of our favorite iPad accessories, and we can’t wait to go hands-on with it.

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