iPad iPad Air 3 Screen Curve Issue

[orangecountydrms]

I just got my iPad Air (3rd Gen) - Apple Certified Refurbished - last week and noticed a slight curvature at the center of the screen. I wasn't looking for flaws, but the feeling of looking at a CRT bothered me enough so I decided to check if the screen is flat. I placed an Apple Pencil at the center of the screen and observed from all vertical and horizontal sides and found out that the screen is indeed curved from left to right (horizontally) when held at portrait orientation.

I then brought my iPad to Apple's Genius Bar. Two staffs said they noticed the curve as well, and if I am not happy with it I can return the unit and purchase another one. Due to admission restriction at the retail floor I did not have the chance to inspect all demo units to see if they exhibit the same issue.

Subsequently the 2nd unit arrived and exhibited the exact same bulge / curvature issue. I returned it again, and bought a 3rd one but the issue persisted. (I had all 3 units before I returned the other 2 so they are different units)

I consulted Apple again, this time on the phone and asked if this is an issue found only on refurbished units, since they were dismantled once for a new body and could possibly have a different manufacturing process - and the staff said 'maybe' and couldn't give me a definite answer.

I am tired of this purchase - return cycle and don't feel like testing my luck with a 4th unit.

Is this 'normal' and should I just live with it? Should I consider buying Brand New from the retail store instead of Refurbished?

 

[erichui84]

I got a new iPad Air 3 recently that I have never taken out to anywhere since I was waiting for my screen protector (so it might be a little different to yours)

When you mean you notice a slight curvature, do you mean there is a slight gap on the left and right of the pencil when you put the pencil in the center? I just tried it on mine and it seems to look similar to yours.

 

[orangecountydrms]

Yes, there is a slight gap on the left and right of the pencil. There is no gap when I place the Pencil against the iPad in portrait mode, so I assume the Pencil is not warped and the screen is fairly flat on the Y axis. Prior to doing this test, out of the box the iPad felt like it was bloating at the center of the screen. There is no gap around the edges so I don't think the body is bent. Anyone else experiencing this issue?

 

[AutomaticApple]

I just got my iPad Air (3rd Gen) - Apple Certified Refurbished - last week and noticed a slight curvature at the center of the screen. I wasn't looking for flaws, but the feeling of looking at a CRT bothered me enough so I decided to check if the screen is flat. I placed an Apple Pencil at the center of the screen and observed from all vertical and horizontal sides and found out that the screen is indeed curved from left to right (horizontally) when held at portrait orientation.

I then brought my iPad to Apple's Genius Bar. Two staffs said they noticed the curve as well, and if I am not happy with it I can return the unit and purchase another one. Due to admission restriction at the retail floor I did not have the chance to inspect all demo units to see if they exhibit the same issue.

Subsequently the 2nd unit arrived and exhibited the exact same bulge / curvature issue. I returned it again, and bought a 3rd one but the issue persisted. (I had all 3 units before I returned the other 2 so they are different units)

I consulted Apple again, this time on the phone and asked if this is an issue found only on refurbished units, since they were dismantled once for a new body and could possibly have a different manufacturing process - and the staff said 'maybe' and couldn't give me a definite answer.

I am tired of this purchase - return cycle and don't feel like testing my luck with a 4th unit.

Is this 'normal' and should I just live with it? Should I consider buying Brand New from the retail store instead of Refurbished?

It looks more like the pencil is curved than the iPad Air 3.

 

[orangecountydrms]

I am positive the Pencil is straight because it rolls perfectly on another flat surface, like on the table.

 

[erichui84]

you should just go to an apple store and check out their demo and see if it does the same thing, if it does then it looks like they are all built like that. as you have said when I put the apple pencil on mine on the Y Axis it doesn't move, but on the X axis it will kind of "slide around"

I certainly do not notice anything that stands out for me to notice, even when trying to look for it.

 

[orangecountydrms]

Sorry for the late reply... I went to an Apple store and did the pencil test and turned out that some units are curved too. Guess I will just live with it