iPad Pro How durable is the Space Grey finish on the iPad Pro?

[MaxGolden12]

Hey everyone!

Anyone who has the 2018 or 2020 iPP in Space Grey, how is the coating holding up? Does it chip/scratch/wear off easily? I currently have an order in place for a Silver one, which I hear tends to show less wear and tear over time, though it's not supposed to arrive until the end of the month and I'm not sure I can wait until then lol.

This will be my very first iPP and I'm looking to keep it for at least 3-4 years, so I would like it to hold up as best as possible. Would it be worth considering a Space Grey one if I can get it sooner than a Silver one, if one of my main concerns is durability over time?

 

[GerritV]

My Space Gray coating started to show wear after about 2 years.

 

[Lucas284]

My Space Gray coating started to show wear after about 2 years.

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That is not normal, at all.

 

[Seanm87]

My Space Gray coating started to show wear after about 2 years.

View attachment 939696

Why were you holding a Bunsen burner to it?

 

[708692]

My Space Gray coating started to show wear after about 2 years.

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Almost looks photoshopped.

 

[Phil A.]

I've got a 2020 Space Grey and it looks like new with no wear at all. My daughter inherited my 2017 space grey IPP and the finish on that one is perfect too

 

[Apple_Robert]

No problems thus far with my iPad Pro 11 (2020). When not being used with the Magic Keyboard, it is put into a Torro Leather case for mobile use and travel.

 

[AutomaticApple]

My Space Gray coating started to show wear after about 2 years.

View attachment 939696

Did you attempt to scrape off the paint?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Did you attempt to scrape off the paint?

I wonder if sweaty hands (over time) caused that discoloration.

 

[GerritV]

The device has always been next to me, flat on the table top, for about 10 hours a day. Of course it got shifted around quite a bit during work (sketching and notetaking), and was not protected by a case.
What I can say is that the table top often showed dark stains. So personally I blame the material of that office table top for the wear.
Note that the dark spots in the center of the white spots are in fact the bare aluminium.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The device has always been next to me, flat on the table top, for about 10 hours a day. Of course it got shifted around quite a bit during work (sketching and notetaking), and was not protected by a case.
What I can say is that the table top often showed dark stains. So personally I blame the material of that office table top for the wear.
Note that the dark spots in the center of the white spots are in fact the bare aluminium.

I hope you are now using a cloth or pad between the table and your ipad, so that more damage doesn’t occur.

 

[glenthompson]

Just replaced a 2016 space grey with a 2020 space grey. The old one looks almost brand new. No scratches or chips anywhere. Ive always use a case of some type, usually a thin bumper case to provide a better grip and offer basic protection.

 

[GerritV]

I hope you are now using a cloth or pad between the table and your ipad, so that more damage doesn’t occur.

Well, I no longer work on that particular office table.
At the same time, I don't really mind a little wear on any of my tools, it's adding character

 

[Tsepz]

Hey everyone!

Anyone who has the 2018 or 2020 iPP in Space Grey, how is the coating holding up? Does it chip/scratch/wear off easily? I currently have an order in place for a Silver one, which I hear tends to show less wear and tear over time, though it's not supposed to arrive until the end of the month and I'm not sure I can wait until then lol.

This will be my very first iPP and I'm looking to keep it for at least 3-4 years, so I would like it to hold up as best as possible. Would it be worth considering a Space Grey one if I can get it sooner than a Silver one, if one of my main concerns is durability over time?

I have had my iPad Air 2 in cases for about 5 years and it still looks brand new, I am hoping the same rings true for my 2020 iPad Pro after 5 years, no reason it shouldn’t, they all seem to be made of the same aluminum.

 

[calliex]

Intersting thought on cases in general. I have always had all my Apple stuff in cases. The phone mostly because it is to slippery otherwise. My MacBook pro had one until it fell apart. Since then no case. 9 years old and it looks fine (plain aluminum finish). I may consider no case next time.
I relate this to the nice oak dining room table we have. Beautiful wood finish. We bought a nice pad to protect it. Haven't seen that nice finish since. Should have got a plywood top and put the pad on it.