Apple (News - Alert) is reportedly pulling all of its screen protection products from store shelves, as well as its online store – however the company is neither confirming nor denying this, according to published reports.

The company currently carries a variety of screen protection products for its iPod, iPod touch and iPhone (News - Alert) products – basically they are clear plastic films that are mounted to the glass display screen for the purpose of protecting it from scratches.

But, according to a report today on MacWorld, several of these third party manufacturers -- who wished to remain anonymous -- have been informed by Apple that the company will no longer sell such products, or any other products that adhere to Apple devices.

As the article points out, there might be two reasons why Apple is doing this: First, the clear films very often form air bubbles which can make it hard to view the screen. As a result they are one of the most returned products to Apple stores. Second, Apple might not want to give consumers the impression that the screens on its devices are prone to scratches – perhaps it felt that this was an important message to send as it prepares to release the iPad next month.

According to the article, the new policy “also includes popular anti-glare films for Apple's recent laptops, protection and cushions for laptop palm areas, and any iPhone or iPod cases that include screen protection.”

As a result, some case vendors are reportedly repackaging their products without screen protection so that they can continue to sell those products through Apple.