An image forming apparatus is provided with an image bearing member for bearing a toner image while rotating, a developing device including a developing roller for supplying toner to a surface of the image bearing member and a pair of gap rollers held in contact with opposite end portions of the image bearing member to define a specified gap between the developing roller and the surface of the image bearing member, and a lubricant applicator for applying a lubricant to parts of the opposite end portions of the image bearing member where the gap rollers are in contact.