iPad Pro iPad Pro's bending issue (merged)

[jimmy_uk]

No where in those videos did they say or did I see those iPads were pre-bent. I have a tin-foil hat if you need it. jk, but really what do you want Apple to do? Use Titanium or Magnesium? Both will still bend.



Good luck with that, also working at Best Buy Geeksquad, I had more Samsung and Windows tablets come in with bends, bad screens, software issues, or defects than iPads. I saw one or two iPads ever that just didn't work or had a body defect... but no crazy bent iPads (like everyone saying here) that I ever saw of the 2+ years working there. The Samsung tablets on display are bent FYI. I can grab a photo and post it here next week if everyone wants. Truth is, I'll take an iPad that needs basic consideration of care while owning but works and does all I paid for... vs a windows tablet/laptop that calls for software errors, updates, and reformatting 3x a month... plus all the fun malware, virus, and spyware that come with it. If you think Windows are an alternative... good for you, no one here is stopping you from grabbing one. Again, I'll take a working product that can potentially get broken if used carelessly than a product that sucks out of the gate and can also get broken without proper consideration.

Can we please use a little more logic in these threads everyone? Science is real and no matter what manufacturer makes what tablet... it can/will bend too. Again I see no point to this thread, I have owned 9 of the 2018 iPad Pros (returned them due to the touch error that occurred before iOS 11.3.) NONE had a single bend, I checked each one and none were defective that way.
Do I like Apple... yes and no, I love the iPad and iPhone, but I dislike the MacBooks, crazy cult stuff that occurs here and there, and the high prices... but I'll take a device that may bend but works flawlessly vs anything else (cause anything else actually sucks to use from my experience.) All this is my opinion, take it or throw it.

The 2018 pros have a few structural weak points and a different shape to previous models allowing it to bend very easily due to this redesign. Apple can address these weak points in future versions by adding some internal supports across these sections. Yes the high price is clearly a factor in people's opinion on these devices. Yes all of the previous ipads could be bent. The high price and easier to bend design is causing people to question their purchase/pre-purchase. We're here to discuss and share, that's the point of this thread.

Speaking for myself, I would have bought a 2018 12.9" pro had I not seen bent ipads being reported and had Apple not released a statement saying this is possible due to the manufacturing process. I've seen curved ipads pros instore, and while people may have damaged them on purpose, this is enough information to inform my decision to wait for a revised model. If I'm spending laptop money on an ipad I will use everyday in and out of the house it needs to be built to last. I've never had to worry about accidentally bending my previous ipads because I've been careful with them and because I trusted they were built well. This trust has gone for the current gen.

 

[Branaghan]

You know you are dealing with a crooked company when they raise the prices by 30%, hide the sales unit numbers (as if no one knew the reason), keep selling a product with a flawed design yet discontinue the IPP 10.5 which no one complained (at least not for the same reasons).

All Apple is concerned about is reducing costs as much as possible by using junk in the manufacturing process which can't take the heat from day to day use and damage easily so they can profit from AppleCare or whatever scam they have in mind.

If you still don't know what's behind all of this:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/...hone-repair-shop-louis-rossmann-henrik-huseby

You will have to be really blind to not see how this company has jumped the shark in the last years.

If all this effort was redirected into creating better batteries, 4K screens or any meaningful improvement especially in the iOS, then there would be hope.

I can see the iPAD Pro 11 is weaker without even handling one, images alone show how fragile it is, nobody cares about weight and thickness when the device doesn't last enough, only Apple which uses this as excuse to take advantage.

 

[aevan]

Is the bending issue limited to the 11"? How's the 12.9 with this?

From what I gathered, the out of the box bending was prevalent on 11” models, especially cellular. But this is just for out of box bends. For rigidity during usage and over time, I think they are all the same.
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If all this effort was redirected into creating better batteries, 4K screens or any meaningful improvement especially in the iOS, then there would be hope.

Seriously? No meaningful improvement?

I can see the iPAD Pro 11 is weaker without even handling one

Omg. If one quote alone could tell you everything about the objectivity of criticism on these forums, this would be it.

 

[Khedron]

Omg. If one quote alone could tell you everything about the objectivity of criticism on these forums, this would be it.

Straw man argument. I've seen the bend test videos, examined the teardown, and handled them in person. All experiences point to the Pros being weak.

 

[vaugha]

Finally bought a 1tb Wi-Fi iPad Pro 12.9” w/ AppleCare+ yesterday. Gonna slap in a case and a glass screen protector and baby it. Man this is a terrific tablet. My last tablet was the 2nd gen iPad from 2011 and never bought another since. I know 3rd gen ipps are structurally weak compared to previous counterparts. Hopefully it won’t bend. If it bends then I will write back.

 

[aevan]

Straw man argument. I've seen the bend test videos, examined the teardown, and handled them in person. All experiences point to the Pros being weak.

The author of the post I was referring to specifically said they didn’t handle them in person and could “tell they were weak just from the photos”. So, how is that a straw man argument? It’s not, it’s just silly. Tells a lot, actually, about the pre-constructed narratives that rule this place.

For you, I’d say that you just came to the wrong conclusion (in my opinion), but at least you got a chance to try them out. Still not good as actually owning one and using it for a while - but better than that poster who didn’t even touch them.

Btw - I find telling the fact that you say these click-baity “bend videos” are indicative of real life performance. Still, it proves my claim that most critics are not actual owners, while actual owners are largely satisfied.

 

[Khedron]

The author of the post I was referring to specifically said they didn’t handle them in person and could “tell they were weak just from the photos”. So, how is that a straw man argument? It’s not, it’s just silly. Tells a lot, actually, about the pre-constructed narratives that rule this place.

For you, I’d say that you just came to the wrong conclusion (in my opinion), but at least you got a chance to try them out. Still not good as actually owning one and using it for a while - but better than that poster who didn’t even touch them.

Btw - I find telling the fact that you say these click-baity “bend videos” are indicative of real life performance. Still, it proves my claim that most critics are not actual owners, while actual owners are largely satisfied.

Bend tests aim to see how easily devices can be bent. The iPad Pro bend tests show minimal force is required, far less than all similar devices, and also that the pencil charge point and microphone holes are weak points that snap.

Do you also think crash testing cars is worthless in seeing how well they handle accidents because they intentionally crash them rather than just driving around normally until a crash naturally happens?

The fact that Apple Geniuses ask people who take bent iPads in "did you have it in a backpack" proves they aren't durable enough for real life. Putting a device into a backpack should not be considered risky behaviour.

 

[aevan]

Bend tests aim to see how easily devices can be bent.

Do you also think crash testing cars is worthless in seeing how well they handle accidents because they intentionally crash them rather than just driving around normally until a crash naturally happens?

These aren't bend tests - they are clickbait videos with a negative narrative designed to gather attention. A scientific bend test would include some form of measuring devices, testing it in a realistic scenario over time (like putting it in a bag, than moving that bag realistically over a few days, etc).

Since you compared it with crash testing - crash testing is done in controled environments with the goal of measuring the effects of a crash. Equivalent in the case of YT videos would be a random guy entering a car then smashing it in a wall to get views. It is not the same.

This is not scientific or reliable in any way. I'm sure a realistic test could be designed, like putting it in a bag or backpack and simulating all conditions. Only, that wouldn't gather as much attention. The next best thing you could do is give it to reviewers and have them use it normally over the course of few weeks. And that's what happened - one of them carried their iPad Pro to several family outings like the Disneyland Park, the other one used daily it in a subway on his way to the office, third one carried it around on a photoshoot across the city - no reviewer, who didn't intentionally try to bend it, complained of bending at all, after weeks of careless usage. Not one. That's the bend test we need. Only it's not the bend test some of you want, because it doesn't fit your narrative.

 

[Khedron]

These aren't bend tests - they are clickbait videos with a negative narrative designed to gather attention. A scientific bend test would include some form of measuring devices, testing it in a realistic scenario over time (like putting it in a bag, than moving that bag realistically over a few days, etc).

Since you compared it with crash testing - crash testing is done in controled environments with the goal of measuring the effects of a crash. Equivalent in the case of YT videos would be a random guy entering a car then smashing it in a wall to get views. It is not the same.

This is not scientific or reliable in any way. I'm sure a realistic test could be designed, like putting it in a bag or backpack and simulating all conditions. Only, that wouldn't gather as much attention. The next best thing you could do is give it to reviewers and have them use it normally over the course of few weeks. And that's what happened - one of them carried their iPad Pro to several family outings like the Disneyland Park, the other one used daily it in a subway on his way to the office, third one carried it around on a photoshoot across the city - no reviewer, who didn't intentionally try to bend it, complained of bending at all, after weeks of careless usage. Not one. That's the bend test we need. Only it's not the bend test some of you want, because it doesn't fit your narrative.

So when someone takes lots of different tablets and phones and bends them all in the same way and notices which bend easier and which bend less, you consider that to have no basis in reality because their conditions weren't as controlled as you would like? Tablets behave differently in front of a camera? Or is it a conspiracy by YouTubers against the iPad Pro?

I guess JerryRigEverything is deciding to snap the Pro for the clickbait, but the iPad mini doesn't snap in his test. Is that also part of the conspiracy against the iPad Pro?

There was a guy whose Pro bent in normal use, but then people accused him of also doing it on purpose "for the clickbait".

Why would I want a narrative against the Pro? I wanted to buy a 11" but seeing the videos and handling one, I have no confidence it will survive years of NORMAL use (which includes putting it in a backpack with a standard Apple folio rather than some massive protective shell that defeats its purpose). Let's see how the next version does.

 

[Freida]

This is such a silly thread, I mean let's be honest... who here thought a aluminum device at 5.9mm the size of a sheet of paper WOULDN'T bend? Does anyone know how physics work? As for people complaining about past iPads being much stronger... no, I have 2 iPads (one from 2017 and one from 2014, and both are the thinner 6.1mm, and they are bent) and I can just as easily bend them more as I can the current iPads. ***Again, let's be honest here, this is a stupid thread, I am going to state that I believe most people complaining are either not actual owners, Apple haters, or are upset because the prices are much higher for these and so any imperfections are too hard to accept.

Physics people, even if they went back to make these iPads thicker (6.1mm-7.5+) they would bend. Get over it and start remembering basic physics from your science studies or classes.


(Both 9.7" and 10.5" Pro bend like butter)

(iPad Air 2 bends like play-dough)

(This just talks about how ridiculous all this bending is.)

(Another #BendGate is stupid video)

I think you are missing the point here. The issue here is that the structural integrity is weaker than previous generation. But to me, the issue is that Apple is not using the stronger Aluminium like they did with 6S onwards. So basically, we are getting iPhone 6 here and waiting for Apple to fix it.
The price of the device is premium and so should be the materials. I'm not asking for titanium version, I'm just asking for stronger Aluminium that Apple used before and is using on other devices. Aluminium is very soft metal so the fact that Apple made this generation thinner etc. and didn't use stronger version is beyond me.
I still have Air 2 and its like brand new but back then these devices were in different price range and they were the flagship devices. Now we have the Pro as a flagship device but with that the price multiplied and with that should come certain level quality.
As I mentioned before, this issue IS overblown but that doesn't mean its not there.
Yesterday I went to the Apple store and all iPads had slight bend. Sure, people probably test it and abuse it but hey, that just goes to show that from marketing point of view Apple will want to address it in the next generation so the issue goes away.
I will not buy one as I'm simply worried for long term longevity. I expect my iPad pro to last at least 4-5 years if not more (just like my Air 2 now is still awesome device).
So, will Apple improve it? I would hope so. If not then I will not buy it and will just wait it out. Voting with my wallet is the best approach here. I'm sure I'm not alone so if Apple wants our money then they need to make some tweaks. Its that simple.

 

[maflynn]

I think you are missing the point here. The issue here is that the structural integrity is weaker than previous generation.

That's the gist of my argument.
My opinion is that if people were using pre-2018 iPads, in ways that did not result in bending, and those same usage patterns carried over to the 2018 models (why wouldn't they), and that resulted in a bent iPad, then the one variable is the iPad.

 

[Freida]

These aren't bend tests - they are clickbait videos with a negative narrative designed to gather attention. A scientific bend test would include some form of measuring devices, testing it in a realistic scenario over time (like putting it in a bag, than moving that bag realistically over a few days, etc).

Since you compared it with crash testing - crash testing is done in controled environments with the goal of measuring the effects of a crash. Equivalent in the case of YT videos would be a random guy entering a car then smashing it in a wall to get views. It is not the same.

This is not scientific or reliable in any way. I'm sure a realistic test could be designed, like putting it in a bag or backpack and simulating all conditions. Only, that wouldn't gather as much attention. The next best thing you could do is give it to reviewers and have them use it normally over the course of few weeks. And that's what happened - one of them carried their iPad Pro to several family outings like the Disneyland Park, the other one used daily it in a subway on his way to the office, third one carried it around on a photoshoot across the city - no reviewer, who didn't intentionally try to bend it, complained of bending at all, after weeks of careless usage. Not one. That's the bend test we need. Only it's not the bend test some of you want, because it doesn't fit your narrative.

I feel that you are the type of person that will not consider or admit when wrong.
Bend tests are stupid I agree BUT they do show one thing - how much of an effort is needed to bend it.
Sure, its not scientific but let me illustrate it better for you -
If one test has steel bar and the other has paper bar and the person bends the paper bar but uses a lot more force for the steel bar do you not admit the paper bar bends easier especially when you can clearly see the difference in force used? Or are you this stubborn to say that until you see scientific/controlled environment you will not believe it? Where is the common sense/logic in here?
I don't want to go on and on about it. Im just amazed how stuck you are when other people raise valid points here and point to their reasoning.
The latest iPad Pro is weaker - thats a fact. Can we agree on that?

 

[aevan]

I feel that you are the type of person that will not consider or admit when wrong.

Hey, I’ve been known to admit mistakes. In this case I genuinely believe I’m not wrong.

Bend tests are stupid I agree BUT they do show one thing - how much of an effort is needed to bend it.

I agree. I’m not debating which iPad is easier to bend. I’m debating whether this proves the bend will occur during normal use or not.

Sure, its not scientific but let me illustrate it better for you -
If one test has steel bar and the other has paper bar and the person bends the paper bar but uses a lot more force for the steel bar do you not admit the paper bar bends easier especially when you can clearly see the difference in force used?

As I said - of course. I “admitted” numerous times here that I believe the new iPads bend more easily than previous ones. I just don’t think it happens during normal use and the fact that someone can easily bend them intentionally means little to me.

Or are you this stubborn to say that until you see scientific/controlled environment you will not believe it? Where is the common sense/logic in here?

I explained it above. I believe the new iPads are easier to bend then the previous ones. I mentioned controlled environments as a requirement to make valid conclusions whether the new iPad Pros will bend under normal usage, not whether they bend more easily than previous ones.

I don't want to go on and on about it. Im just amazed how stuck you are when other people raise valid points here and point to their reasoning.

I don’t think their points are valid.

The latest iPad Pro is weaker - thats a fact. Can we agree on that?

Yes.

Can we agree that I don’t see a problem with that and consider the new iPad Pro quite able to withstand normal use?
Can we agree that most owners and reviewers don’t actually have issues?
Can we agree that most complainers don’t actually own or use one?

 

[Freida]

Can we agree that I don’t see a problem with that and consider the new iPad Pro quite able to withstand normal use?
Can we agree that most owners and reviewers don’t actually have issues?
Can we agree that most complainers don’t actually own or use one?

a) sure you do
b) probably
c) most likely

Now, can we both look forward to better version of the iPad Pro?

 

[aevan]

That's the gist of my argument.
and those same usage patterns carried over to the 2018 models (why wouldn't they), and that resulted in a bent iPad,

But did they result in a bent iPad, though?

Sure, there are some cases where people report bent iPads, but that was always the case. People have been reporting damage that just “appeared one day even though they took real good care” for every Apple device, ever. The question is - do the majority of owners continue to use their iPad Pros just like they always did without issues?

It seems to me most users who own and use theirs say: it’s still the same as the day I bought it (and I’m not talking about people who got theirs bent out of the box).
Most people who claim it will result in a bent iPad don’t own or use one. At least in this thread.
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a) sure you do
b) probably
c) most likely

Now, can we both look forward to better version of the iPad Pro?

Sure, always. Hey, I would like an iPad Pro that is firm like the first gen. Even firmer. I wish I could fall asleep on mine.

Not sure if that’s possible (making such a thin iPad with a Pencil-charger opening as firm as before). I guess we’ll see with the next version (which I suspect will keep the same design).

 

[Khedron]

But did they result in a bent iPad, though?

Sure, there are some cases where people report bent iPads, but that was always the case. People have been reporting damage that just “appeared one day even though they took real good care” for every Apple device, ever. The question is - do the majority of owners continue to use their iPad Pros just like they always did without issues?

It seems to me most users who own and use theirs say: it’s still the same as the day I bought it (and I’m not talking about people who got theirs bent out of the box).
Most people who claim it will result in a bent iPad don’t own or use one. At least in this thread.
[doublepost=1562596497][/doublepost]

Sure, always. Hey, I would like an iPad Pro that is firm like the first gen. Even firmer. I wish I could fall asleep on mine.

Not sure if that’s possible (making such a thin iPad with a Pencil-charger opening as firm as before). I guess we’ll see with the next version (which I suspect will keep the same design).

One of the thing that is concerning is the long term durability of the new iPad Pros. In this respect, none of your points hold up because people haven't been using the new Pros for long enough. But there are certainly already reasons to expect the survival rate for new Pros to 3-6 years will be significantly lower than previous iPads.

The easier something is to bend (you have conceded the new Pros bend easier) then the greater the chance that a bend-inducing accident occurs during the lifetime of the product. That's a statistical fact (not my opinion). So, for example, someone knocking into you as you carry your backpack through a crowd could destroy your 2018 Pro but have had no effect on another iPad.

The pencil charger could and should have been reinforced. Instead Apple just cut out a massive hole in the frame and added nothing to support that area. There are lots of simple changes that can be made to make the iPad Pro stronger with minimal increase in weight. On the other hand, if there's one person in the world you can rely on to reuse a design rather than pay for retooling then it's Tim Cook.

 

[maflynn]

But did they result in a bent iPad, though?

Yes, just go through this thread, people are reporting bent iPads

I think you're doing logical back bends trying to defend apple/the iPad when its quite clear to most of us that the 2018 iPad is weaker then the prior model. Its great that you have not incurred this issue, and hopefully you never will. Sadly, others have and you seem to be accusing them of causing the bend by being too rough or some other factor and its not a result of Apple's design. If I've misinterpreted your prior posts or your point, I apologize.

This circular logic that we're going through reminds me of the keyboard failures in the MBP forums. Many people including you minimized and marginalized the issue, until that issue affected you (and others).

I really don't want to beat a dead horse, so I'll stop belaboring the point, simply because I think we're talking past each other at this stage.

 

[Tsepz]

Yes, just go through this thread, people are reporting bent iPads

I think you're doing logical back bends trying to defend apple/the iPad when its quite clear to most of us that the 2018 iPad is weaker then the prior model. Its great that you have not incurred this issue, and hopefully you never will. Sadly, others have and you seem to be accusing them of causing the bend by being too rough or some other factor and its not a result of Apple's design. If I've misinterpreted your prior posts or your point, I apologize.

This circular logic that we're going through reminds me of the keyboard failures in the MBP forums. Many people including you minimized and marginalized the issue, until that issue affected you (and others).

I really don't want to beat a dead horse, so I'll stop belaboring the point, simply because I think we're talking past each other at this stage.

No no no, all those people with bent iPads were rough housing them and got what they deserved lol

Honestly though, the Apple defending has been rather shocking here, people coming up with all sorts of strange reasons why iPad’s bent and yet there are so many models of iPads that don’t have this issue e.g. iPad 2017, iPad Air 2018, Minis etc etc.... it seems to be an issue with the super thin larger iPads really, which is not surprising, it seems Apple have reached the limit of what they can do with aluminum and glass in a slate, beyond a certain point of slimming it it becomes very fragile.

Hopefully they find a way to improve the strength in the next models.

 

[xx22]

I'm waiting for the guy, Kal-037, with the photos that he promised of all the bent Samsung tablets. He said they bend just as bad if not worse and the Best Buy store is full of them. Really some of the Apple defenders on here sound like they are working the forums from cubicles in the Apple office.

 

[Khedron]

I'm waiting for the guy, Kal-037, with the photos that he promised of all the bent Samsung tablets. He said they bend just as bad if not worse and the Best Buy store is full of them. Really some of the Apple defenders on here sound like they are working the forums from cubicles in the Apple office.

Let me know when they find the photos of bent S5e tablets, must be easy to find since they're 7% thinner than iPad Pros.

 

[aevan]

Really some of the Apple defenders on here sound like they are working the forums from cubicles in the Apple office.

Thankfuly, the critics are a shining beacon of reason, as they go and repeat every stereotype in the book, like the one above.

 

[xx22]

Thankfuly, the critics are a shining beacon of reason, as they go and repeat every stereotype in the book talking about products they don’t actually own or use.

How do you know who owns or uses what? Maybe you don't own or use it yourself, even tho you probably work for them. But you are right about me though. I bought it and returned it within the return period and then bought the Samsung Tab S4. The Samsungs last a long time. I still have three perfectly functioning Tab S2's. No sign of wear at all (wanna buy one?). Actually I'd like to see them combined, the best features of Apple and Samsung combined, the OLED screen and sturdier body and more sensible (to me anyway) Android - or much better yet Windows system - and Apple's way advanced processor.

 

[aevan]

Yes, just go through this thread, people are reporting bent iPads

I think you're doing logical back bends trying to defend apple/the iPad when its quite clear to most of us that the 2018 iPad is weaker then the prior model. Its great that you have not incurred this issue, and hopefully you never will. Sadly, others have and you seem to be accusing them of causing the bend by being too rough or some other factor and its not a result of Apple's design. If I've misinterpreted your prior posts or your point, I apologize.

The people who reported bent iPads - assuming they really didn’t mistreat them and used them in a rational way - I support. I hope they get repairs, money back - or at least the satisfaction with a competing product. (Just like you weren’t satisfied with the MBP and switched to a Windows laptop).

If I seemed to negate their existance - I never meant to. I just estimated (perhaps wrongly) their numbers do not exceed the standard number of people having issues with a new Apple product.

And if the new iPad Pros truly have a bad design and mine bends too, I will be here to report it and offer my experience honestly - like I did when my MBP keyboard started to fail. I am not saying there is no chance of that happening. All I am saying is that most critics here don’t even have experience with the product (unlike the MBP keyboard where most of the problems were reported by actual owners) - and I feel like they are riding on a wave of criticism and listening to Apple critics on YT rather than actual reviewers and users. That is all I am saying.

 

[xx22]

Let me know when they find the photos of bent S5e tablets, must be easy to find since they're 7% thinner than iPad Pros.

Are the S5e's made of glass like the S4? I thought making a tablet out of glass was even worse than Apple making them out of beer can grade aluminum, but it seems to hold up and feels sturdy. I always use it in a case. I should google "Tab S4's breaking" and see if others have had a problem with the glass housing. Googling "Samsung tablets bending" yields nothing. They don't bend.

For the money they charge for these things they should be made of magnesium or carbon fiber and not aluminum and glass, and this thinness business is nuts too since you need to keep them in a case anyway, and that goes for both the Apple and the Samsung. Just make them thicker and sturdier and with a factory supplied screen protector and then you wouldn't even need a case and they'd be thinner and lighter after all!

 

[aevan]

How do you know who owns or uses what? Maybe you don't own or use it yourself, even tho you probably work for them. But you are right about me though. I bought it and returned it within the return period and then bought the Samsung Tab S4. The Samsungs last a long time. I still have three perfectly functioning Tab S2's. No sign of wear at all (wanna buy one?). Actually I'd like to see them combined, the best features of Apple and Samsung combined, the OLED screen and sturdier body and more sensible (to me anyway) Android - or much better yet Windows system - and Apple's way advanced processor.

This is a second accusation of shilling you made about me. Please stop that.